In camera light meter or histogram
Apr 30, 2018 07:45:00 #
Apr 30, 2018 07:48:39 #
FWIW, the light meter provides information before you snap the shutter, the histogram does so after. No reason not to use both.
Apr 30, 2018 07:51:12 #
The light meter, preferably in spot meter mode, but it requires one to know their camera's capabilities thoroughly. It also requires one to know how to meter a scene. My histograms look crammed to the right, and I rarely chimp, as a result. I know what my equipment can do.
Considering that the histogram is the result of the exposure you, or the camera, set. The meter is the primary source of exposure information.
--Bob
Considering that the histogram is the result of the exposure you, or the camera, set. The meter is the primary source of exposure information.
--Bob
shenee wrote:
Hi I was wondering what is better to use for correct exposure .
Thanks Jim
Thanks Jim
Apr 30, 2018 07:52:43 #
jackpinoh
Loc: Kettering, OH 45419
ATCurry wrote:
FWIW, the light meter provides information before you snap the shutter, the histogram does so after. No reason not to use both.
Mirrorless cameras can display the histogram before you snap the shutter, which facilitates a higher percentage of properly exposed shots.
Apr 30, 2018 08:02:37 #
I would say the in camera meter is more useful and can do good in many situations in today's bodies. But it can also be fooled. So, as Bob said it is important to understand how the meter works and the differences in the various metering modes. A handheld meter can be very useful especially in difficult situations or in studio situations. Most people don't seem to want to invest in them though. The histogram is based off the jpeg created by the camera and of course comes after the exposure is made. It can be used but it is a graph of the distribution of the tones in the image. It can also be misleading. I rarely use it in camera but use it in post processing for evaluating the image. There are good YouTube videos on the Histogram and metering. Some of the Joe Brady videos about Sekonic meters and the ColorChecker Passport are very educational.
Best,
Todd Ferguson
Best,
Todd Ferguson
Apr 30, 2018 08:12:36 #
Agree:
ATCurry wrote:
FWIW, the light meter provides information before you snap the shutter, the histogram does so after. No reason not to use both.
Apr 30, 2018 08:23:11 #
IzzyMan
Loc: NY
jackpinoh wrote:
Mirrorless cameras can display the histogram before you snap the shutter, which facilitates a higher percentage of properly exposed shots.
Agreed - There is a histogram in my EVF before taking any shot.
Apr 30, 2018 08:23:26 #
James Slick
Loc: Pittsburgh,PA
jackpinoh wrote:
Mirrorless cameras can display the histogram before you snap the shutter, which facilitates a higher percentage of properly exposed shots.
True.
Apr 30, 2018 08:23:28 #
shenee wrote:
Hi I was wondering what is better to use for correct exposure .
Thanks Jim
Thanks Jim
Calibrated eyeball and the wetware behind it.
Apr 30, 2018 08:26:13 #
shenee wrote:
Hi I was wondering what is better to use for correct exposure .
Thanks Jim
Thanks Jim
Meter, in camera or handheld. Histograms are for pixel peepers.
Apr 30, 2018 09:27:29 #
shenee wrote:
Hi I was wondering what is better to use for correct exposure .
Thanks Jim
Thanks Jim
The histogram cannot determine proper exposure. Period.
I know that I'm going to get the villagers busting out their torches for saying that but it's true. It can only tell you one thing; the distribution of tones within the field of view at the time the shutter was snapped.
Use your camera's light meter and get used to second guessing it.
Or better yet..use a hand held incident meter, shoot manually and enjoy proper, consistently exposed images.
Apr 30, 2018 10:03:27 #
The light meter is only as good as the area it is reading and it will try to average whatever it is reading to 18% grey which is fine if that is what you want. The histogram lets you see if any of that area has blown out highlights or blocked out shadows. You can adjust the exposure in PP but you can't really fix blown highlights or blocked shadows.
As others have mentioned, mirrorless allows you to read the histogram in the viewfinder before you shoot. DSLR chimping is like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted.
As others have mentioned, mirrorless allows you to read the histogram in the viewfinder before you shoot. DSLR chimping is like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted.
Apr 30, 2018 10:48:51 #
For me, primarily the exposure meter. In some situations I will use the histogram to get some idea how much exposure leeway I have in the shadows and highlights; something that is difficult to determine by exposure meter readings alone.
Apr 30, 2018 11:38:31 #
James Slick
Loc: Pittsburgh,PA
rook2c4 wrote:
For me, primarily the exposure meter. In some situations I will use the histogram to get some idea how much exposure leeway I have in the shadows and highlights; something that is difficult to determine by exposure meter readings alone.
Yep!
Apr 30, 2018 11:53:59 #
bpulv
Loc: Buena Park, CA
shenee wrote:
Hi I was wondering what is better to use for correct exposure .
Thanks Jim
Thanks Jim
Hi Jim,
The histogram is the best method for overall exposure determination in a digital camera, however a series of incident light meter readings can be the best way to balance the SBR (seen brightness ratio) when supplemental outdoor lighting or studio lighting is used.
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