dougbev3 wrote:
I am looking to purchase a light meter. I see the price range goes from $20 - $600. Looking for help as to what , if any, that you use and why you choose what you did. Thank you
What kind? Light meters can be used for different purposes, so a lot of
different kinds are available:
I. Reflected light
A. Continuous
1. Averaging
2. Center-weighted
3. Spotmeter
B. Flash -- flash meters
II. Incident light
A. Wide angle of incidence (dome)
B. Narrower angle of incidence (disk)
Some light meters offer most or all of the above modes of operation.
Virtually all offer some kind of exposure calculation, to turn an EV measurement
into a Shutter Speed/Aperture pair, based on your the ISO speed:
1. Mechanical dial calculator (older type, but good for visualization)
2. Digital calculator with LCD display (newer)
In both cases, the calculator needs to support the ISO speeds (sensor of film)
that you will be using.
With the electronic ones, there are there are several modes that may be supported:
1. Still photo mode
2.. HD Cine mode
3.. Cine mode
4, Spot meter two-reading "split the difference"
Finally, if you will be using it in low light, then it will need to be sensitive.
Older light meters (without batteries) were not sensitive -- but work fine in
brighter light.
1. Selinium cell (not sensitive, does not require battery)
2. Silicon photocell (slightly more senstiive, does not require battery)
3. Cadmium sulfied photoresistor (sensitive, but requires battery)
Or if you prefer: what kind of phtography are you doing?