Not gonna lie but this is one of THE BEST explanations of zebra usage on RUclips! Super happy to see your AWESOME content and I'd wish you'd be able to upload 7 days a week bro 👊 keep them goodies coming 🤟
@@seandewispelaere and you're a huge inspiration for myself and everyone else on this channel I'm sure. Always happy to see you here and I'll enjoy a day when we'll bring cameras out together and enjoy a good work & talk 👊
"just eye ball it" is actually the best advice. You can follow all the rules, calculate all the numbers you want, but if it doesn't look good - why would anybody want to see it? I work in music and audio and nothing beats a good mix like trusting you're ears, granted with time our senses fail us and that's when the references come to play, but at the end of the day that's all they ever should be " -References-" trust your senses and capture beautiful art 👌👌⚡⚡📸
Dear Sean, this is one of the best explainations and to the point help that you provided. Thanks to you for all the hard work in helping newbees like me. JUST AWESOME!
This video is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for! I’ve been big into photography for several years, but am new to shooting video. With most tutorials being aimed at lighter skin tones or grey scales, I’ve felt lost in how to approach darker skin tones. This was a perfect starting point for me!
Super useful information. This channel has become my go-to source for all info on how to get better quality video from my Sony camera. Looking forward to seeing more of this type of content in the future!
Your videos are SO helpful to me in learning exposure and filmmaking - I've watched a lot of different videos on zebras and settings, and yours are the best. Really appreciate all your hard work and the content you make!
awesome man, very clear explanation. would love to see a more advanced version shot with more challenging environments, landscapes, etc. Thanks a lot for this one! looking forward to more content to help me get better too.
Awesome video. I would also like to add that, don't forget to check your camera's dynamic range capability. I am using A7IV and on dynamic range tests, A7IV clips after zebra %88. Anything above wouldn't work for me. "Pose +2 on exposure for SLOG3 was already lacking" but "set your zebras to %100 or, for any case (e.g. you wanna go 8 on the range chart so +15, set %95" is also lacking. You need to make sure how well your camera is handling the highlights first and set it accordingly. It's also dependent on the picture profile.
i've been shooting for a few years now & have always struggled with exposure. I use zebras but had it set to 100+. I watched this video & it has helped so much!! thanks for sharing. 🤙🏼
Thanks for this video. I am new to photography and really videography ... I'm a pout and shoot kinda girl. But I want to take great photos of my son for his formal/prom and wanted to make sure I set my Sony ZVe10 at best possible setting. Thank you for all the wonderful tips.
Wow! Anxious for part two. Still very new with zebras and sorry I have been eyeballing it with 109+. At least I'm learning. :) Thank you for providing this level of detailed information.
That seriously made my day. I hope the videos are landing well for everyone. Please feel free to let me know if there are certain videos that y'all would like to see. Also, I am currently working on an in-depth guide to exposure which will expand upon this video as well as give it an updated look. Should have that 2-part series available on the channel this weekend. All the best!
@@seandewispelaere Recently purchased a Sony A7 IV and was interested in zebras. Your channel came up in the search. Honestly, your video stood out because it got right to the point and stayed on topic throughout. Your video answered my question and I believe you may answer others in the future.
@@seandewispelaere I actually bought the zv-e1 2 weeks ago! I was using the zv-e10 before and its a huge upgrade. Your videos helping me to get started :)
Your videos are definitely helpful. Thought photography would be a great hobby. But no clue what I’m doing. lol. All the information helps. I got the ZV E10. I’m binge watching your videos lol.
Sean thanks for this video on Zebra Usage, as I had mine set at 100 all the time. Also the link to the "Exposing with Zebras - (OG) Ansel Adams Zone System, thanks for that!
@@pmadbro8893 love to hear that - feel free to send me and specific questions that might make for good videos that would help you. If you’ve downloaded any of my free guides, just reply to one of those emails with questions if interested and I’ll hit you up from there
I never really even considered zebras until now! This was great. Not sure if it’s really ideal for run and gun stuff but definitely if you have a shoot or short film you’re working on!
been professionally shooting stills for 40 years learned adams zone method with film with logarithm calculation for proper exposure in the 1970's this one really spoke my language trying to transission to more video as everyone is a photographer with a cell phone now and fewer and fewer want prints more digital dilivery which I have less control over how they look when viewed depending on what device and platform they are viewing image on
glad YT suggested this video, great info and really enjoy the fact that you actually show us hands on what it is that your explaining!!!! Question: for us Mocka skin Latinos are we then to stick around the 50 + 15 = 65 Range IRE (Plus/ Negative 1) and or use the 2nd That being Lower Limit and just punch it at 65%?
this has been so helpful thank you so much, when is Level 2 coming out? would you recommend to expose with false color with external monitor to also have an extra confirmation on your exposure?
Thanks and I’ve put a lot of updates to this method in recent videos. My recent a7iv Low Light video in particular. I’ll have a second version (full-on) of this video posted this year though 🤙
Great info thank you... I noticed you kept mentioning "your custom picture profile". Can I use these same principles for S-Cinetone or any other profile?
What’s up, Bryan?! Thanks for checking out the channel. Same principles for Cinetone, yes, but I’d expose to the values in the chart as opposed to going above by 15% which is what I’d suggest for my custom profile. Other profiles…it depends.
Thank you for this super good tutorial on Zebras, I had learned a ton! I'm just curious what picture profile are you using, as I use Slog2 and was wondering if these same zebra values apply for skin tones in this format?
Good video Sean. I’ve never used LUTS. I don’t even understand where they are (in FCPX) or how to apply them. What part of the editing process should they be used? I’ve read color correction comes before color grading. Where do LUTS fall in that order?
Good tempo and very detailed explanation, thank you. I started to film with the gamma Movie on my Sony because I thought it gives me some play room than none profile. In davinci i think the results went fine. Does my tactic sound OK?
Thanks for checking it out. I haven’t tried that but if you’re liking the result, keep running it. If I go without a profile I think that Movie/Still is the default?
@@seandewispelaere no problem. If you choose No picture profile I don't know what the settings is. Might test that and compare it with picture profile that has gamma Movie.
Hello, thanks for the very helpful video and just to be clear, this is when exposing for skin tones right? Exposing for general scenes like landscapes and architectures are different right?
Bought Luts and have learned a ton. Been using Premier Pro for some time but need instruction on the Luts. Do you have a vide that explains which luts for input and which for Creative? Thanks!!!
Super helpful video!! Really appreciate it, just looking for some clarification on the ending for Sony users... The Paul Lemming gentleman was saying to only use the C2 set 1.) why and 2.) because that specific option allows you to see ______ (fill in the blank) But dope video
The C2 essentially just works like other cameras zebras where it shows all values above it as opposed to cutting off after 5 stops like Sony defaults. Thank you for checking out the video
Great video series, I am learning a ton through your videos. Maybe I missed it, but how does this exposure technique apply to unstructured environments (i.e. street photography, etc)? Looking forward to practicing for an upcoming vacation. Cheers!
Hey William, thanks for the note and happy to hear it. It all applies the same. I'm working on a video to help with this though. My next video will be something along the lines of "Understanding Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO Once and For All" and in that video I'll link to a Part 2 which will deep dive into zebras and all of my updated methods and info
Great video, man! I saw yours pop up when I posted my recent video on Zebras. your setup for actually filming the Zebras was much more elegant than mine 🤣🤣 But since you're a Sony Alpha shooter, a quick tip for photography, too: Sony's Zebras can be used to monitor highlight overexposure in RAW too! Just use the same lower limit you showed and set your Zebras to 109+!
I think what I am struggling is with the color grading part of bring it back from slog 3 to rec 709. I find using the conversion lut from sony's website doesnt give me the look that I am looking for. Is there a quick way of getting back to rec 709? *Im using premiere pro not resolve
What's up - Tough one there. I'm a fan of the Sony SLOG3 conversion LUTs. The footage does still require some work after applying that LUT, but I see it as a solid starting point. Here are a few videos on my channel that MIGHT help: ruclips.net/user/shortsya-JnyG7mXM?feature=share ruclips.net/user/shorts4piNtbey9HQ?feature=share ruclips.net/video/cK-6_D1y370/видео.html More SLOG3 videos coming very soon Premiere people like us need to stick together in these dark days of the software 😂
I’m a newb so help me here lol.. so I shoot a lot in 60 FPS, PP8, SLOG 3, Shutter 125, and ISO 640 I Shoot ISO 640 or 12800 because I read these are the native settings or best setting to record with for the Sony a7siii. From here I adjust aperture for lighting, with this being my baseline how would I properly use zebras ?
Hey Paul, love your LUTs. How would you recommend adjusting Zebras for exposing skin tones like Sean does in this video for working with the Leeming LUTs? I usually work with your recommended zebra settings but sometimes in challenging lighting situations I like to make sure my subject's skin is really dialed in. Would you stick to 70% on light skin tones or aim a bit higher as he did? (also if Sean has pale skin mine would have to be exposed at 105...lol)
@@mcfinney apologies for any confusion. My suggestions in this video are not for Leeming LUTs. This is a general “how to expose using zebras” video. Paul was helpful won’t the C2 Lower Limit stuff which is why I included him on the video. That said, my Slog3 video goes deep with Leeming LUTs specifically. The white paper that comes along with the Leeming LUTs has the exposure/zebra values for each of the different profiles and should be used for those LUTs. Thanks for checking out the channel
@@seandewispelaere oh I’m fully aware of that, that’s why I was asking Paul what he would do specifically for his LUTs if exposing for skin as you did.
for sony HLG3 leeming luts guide is suggesting ETTR Lower limit 99+ . is that for everything? skin tones too ? im confused since everyone suggests about 70.
Great video, thankyou. I got a bit confused by the Sony specific part. Are you saying you use C2 and if you want to hit 85 you set the lower limit to 85? Or are are you saying you use the standard 85 Zebra as your selection? Thankyou so much Sean.
Hi, thanks for the video, that is really helpful. I have one more question, if there are no white or light object in the scene, how I set the zebra for better exposure? There are only a yellow lamp, phone, and a bedside table. If I still want see the zebra, then that will be noise, I shoot in slog3 with a7siii. Thank you for the time.
I'd find something that is middle gray and set it to 50 or 60. Essentially, you'll need to find something that matches the chart and expose that. Preferably that thing is also the subject.
@@seandewispelaere I want to send you the picture, then you will got my point, the main subject is the phone, and the brightest thing is that wood bedside table with a little yellow light from a lamp not in the scene. So should I set zebra at 50-60 and see table show the zebra or something else, because my phone color is near black. Thank you for the suggestions.😁
I was watching Sony Ambassador Mark Galer explain how he does zebras, and he sets his to lower limit +109. Million ways to do everything I guess. You’re not wrong, exposure was perfect.
what zebra setting would be perfect for HLG2 ? I have almost the same skin tone as Sean. would appreciate any help since I'm a bit new to videography.. it's so much harder than photography imo xD
I don't shoot in HLG often (I might be on the only one on the planet who doesn't like the result that I get), but I'd test out a few different options (60,70,80) and see what you like in post and use that. Thanks for checking out the video, Sian.
So, Sean, just be clear, you use the +15%, then pull back to zebras disappear OR have you changed to what you said at the end of the video with the C2 comment?
So these instructions only work if I'm using your custom picture profile? Don't apply the 15% over for slog2/3 or my own picture profile - only yours?? please clarify.
Correct +15% is what works for my profile No pic profile = expose to the chart Slog gets deep depending on your workflows in post. I did an Slog3 video that shows my process which might be of interest if you're working with log.
Oh man!! I have a small channel for tech in Spanish ( not this account) and now I’ve just realized that I’ve been using the zebras wrong!! 😨 well better late than ever XD
Hello Sean, thank you for your vídeo! I have one question if you don't mind... If you are outside on a normal sunny day, on a personal photoshoot (photography), imagine that you are in a park, there is a lot of green, the sky is blue and you to expose for the entire scene, the landscape and person... In this case, how would you use zebra values? I ask because the vídeos I see, in this case, the camera is on Multi and the value for a Sony a7iii or riii are more or less 106+, which means we are exposing to the entire scene! Should I expose for the skin(70%) or for the whole scene?(106+) If I use, for instance, a value of 70% exposing for the skin, what happens to the rest of the landscape (sky and greenery)?? Thank you so much in advance!
Hey Anna, I'd still prioritize the skin here. Maybe even bring it to 60-65% to try and save some of the highlights in the sky. If you see that the sky is blown out while exposing for the skin tone, this is usually where additional lights can be helpful. If it's more of a creative or silhouette shot, I'd expose the highlights in the sky to around 100, but if the person is the main priority then you'll be a lot happier with your result if you prioritize their exposure.
great video and explaining communicates clearly, though I'm just thinking that not knowing the set up of your picture profile, your method doesn't help to contextualize why you'd use 15% added value on your over exposure. Since all picture profiles reads zebra values differently with skin tones there's a lil disconnect. because i dont know your picture profile choice i find it a lil difficult to understand your 15% added value
The 15% is what has worked for me and I think I mentioned that I was using my custom profile which can be found on my video that gets into exactly what that profile is. I'd suggest doing some test shots and identifying what values you prefer. The point here on my end was generally to show how to expose using zebras. Thanks for checking out the channel!
I just remembered, when shoot photos of a wide scene, it’s best to expose for the highlights instead of skin tones. I’ve blown out so many pics that way in the past. I eye ball it if it’s a wide shot
That's interesting - I still prioritize the exposure of the skin tone even if it means that I blow out the rest of the scene. I found that underexposed skin does some funky stuff in post when trying to recover it. Glad it is working for to you though
Hey Angie, not a dumb question at all. You can typically get lower than 70 using custom zebra levels. I’ve just had success at 70 for my skin tone. Darker skin tones would need to be lower. Thanks for checking out the video, all the best.
Hey Chris, welcome 🤙 There’s definitely some efficacy to overexposure SLOG (which is likely what he is doing) but yea what I mention in the video is the method that has been working well for me.
@@chrisnigul Technically speaking, over-saturating the sensor with light in LOG will achieve the most optimal dynamic range. So, 94 on zebras for a skin tone is about 2 stops over exposed (if that is what he is doing). When I used to use that method I was always unhappy with the footage. Way overexposed and the highlight recovery wasn't idea. This is just my experience. Here are a few videos on my channel that will show you my most up-to-date info: ruclips.net/video/4TxZYkQcZOs/видео.html (a section about zebras in there with a few updates) ruclips.net/user/shorts4piNtbey9HQ?feature=share (slog3 conversion)
I have to say, I'm a bit confused by the light scale. Every video Ive seen on this subject is saying to base zebras on this scale. However, on every single camera I've ever used, I get proper exposure by setting zebras to 100 and then using the pull-back method demonstrated in this video. Setting to 70 would give me massively under-exposed video. I wonder what I'm doing that's different.
@@seandewispelaere 100 for skin tone. That's where I set the zebras, and then I either allow just a hint on cheekbones/forehead, or I back off one step until I just can't see them.
@@artoo36 Interesting. I guess there are a lot of factors to consider. If you pull back by a few stops after they are appearing slightly, that could be an exposure on the skin tone of 80ish. Also, what picture profile are you shooting in? Ultimately, if you like your result, then keep doing what you're doing. I'd think that a skin tone exposed to 100 IRE would look over-exposed, but yea, definitely a lot of factors here.
@@seandewispelaere I'm going to bite the bullet and say that I don't know for sure what a picture profile is... Please pardon my ignorance. If you have a video on that, maybe I'll look it up and then come back to answer your question.
So shouldn’t you start the video with your custom profile information? Im looking for how to expose slog3. I have no idea what your profile is, unless you mention it after the 8 minute mark.
Hmmm I think I'd have a different opinion as I think that the exposure of a subject is dynamic and zebra setting should follow suit, but I'm happy to hear that you're getting good results
Not gonna lie but this is one of THE BEST explanations of zebra usage on RUclips! Super happy to see your AWESOME content and I'd wish you'd be able to upload 7 days a week bro 👊 keep them goodies coming 🤟
What's up, Thomas?! 7-days a week would be incredible but my computer would hate me. Pumped that you liked this one, means a lot.
@@seandewispelaere always happy when I get notified of your great videos and I stand by that. Keep up the good work
@@thomashorvat9730 you’re a huge part of this channel
@@seandewispelaere and you're a huge inspiration for myself and everyone else on this channel I'm sure. Always happy to see you here and I'll enjoy a day when we'll bring cameras out together and enjoy a good work & talk 👊
Good job, man! Explained well!
"just eye ball it" is actually the best advice. You can follow all the rules, calculate all the numbers you want, but if it doesn't look good - why would anybody want to see it? I work in music and audio and nothing beats a good mix like trusting you're ears, granted with time our senses fail us and that's when the references come to play, but at the end of the day that's all they ever should be " -References-" trust your senses and capture beautiful art 👌👌⚡⚡📸
Dear Sean, this is one of the best explainations and to the point help that you provided. Thanks to you for all the hard work in helping newbees like me. JUST AWESOME!
Sean deserves more, I like how he explains everything in layman's language without making us feel how ignorant people like me are about cameras. Peace
Means more to me than you know thank you 💯
Can’t tell you how valuable this information is! Thanks for all the hard work you put in to bring this video to us!
You're welcome and I'm happy to help
This video is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for! I’ve been big into photography for several years, but am new to shooting video. With most tutorials being aimed at lighter skin tones or grey scales, I’ve felt lost in how to approach darker skin tones. This was a perfect starting point for me!
Super useful information. This channel has become my go-to source for all info on how to get better quality video from my Sony camera. Looking forward to seeing more of this type of content in the future!
Aryan, that's fantastic, man - happy that this has helped you
SUPER helpful, Sean - thank you!
Glad it helped, Pete
Just found your channel, your live walk throughs are a game changer, keep doing them! Thank you man !
Means a lot, thank you
Great video and very interesting. Thank you for the great value. Something I was confused about for a while.
Awesome - glad it helped!
Your videos are SO helpful to me in learning exposure and filmmaking - I've watched a lot of different videos on zebras and settings, and yours are the best. Really appreciate all your hard work and the content you make!
Thank you and I'm happy to hear that it helped you
awesome man, very clear explanation. would love to see a more advanced version shot with more challenging environments, landscapes, etc. Thanks a lot for this one! looking forward to more content to help me get better too.
Appreciate it, Eric, and that is a great suggestion
great work. Shots look solid. Good explanations
Incredible as always sir. Thank you again!
Nice, Jon, appreciate that
First video i watch on this channel! It's awesome. I subscribed!
Good because this is one of my favorites, the other ones are trash 😉 - thanks and happy to have you, Ibra
Subscription added !! Dope video clear and to the point !!
Made my night, Harv - thank you
precise and exact explanation, thank you ! you deserve my subscription :) im using sony ZVE10 :)
Veryyyy helpful .. Thank you !
subscribed
Made my day and happy to have you
... great video! 👍🏻 Helps me a lot in my work ...
Love to hear that!
new camera user and this was THE BEST explanations of zebra usage
Means a lot, glad you liked it. Check out this 2 part series for an even deeper dive on the topic: ruclips.net/video/afu3WS3yjgc/видео.html
Súper informative!! Great content
Thanks, Jack
Loving the light set up.
Thanks!
Holy crap, mind blown, and THANK YOU!
Boom, John, boom
Great video, short and sweet to understand zebra
Thanks, it’s been a very helpful method for me.
best video about this topic!! thx alot!
Whoa...heck yea - very nice of you to say that
Thanks, that is so helping
Fantastic content! Great explanation of zebras!
Happy it helped
Awesome video. I would also like to add that, don't forget to check your camera's dynamic range capability. I am using A7IV and on dynamic range tests, A7IV clips after zebra %88. Anything above wouldn't work for me.
"Pose +2 on exposure for SLOG3 was already lacking" but "set your zebras to %100 or, for any case (e.g. you wanna go 8 on the range chart so +15, set %95" is also lacking. You need to make sure how well your camera is handling the highlights first and set it accordingly. It's also dependent on the picture profile.
i've been shooting for a few years now & have always struggled with exposure. I use zebras but had it set to 100+. I watched this video & it has helped so much!! thanks for sharing. 🤙🏼
Love to hear that!
Thanks for this video. I am new to photography and really videography ... I'm a pout and shoot kinda girl. But I want to take great photos of my son for his formal/prom and wanted to make sure I set my Sony ZVe10 at best possible setting. Thank you for all the wonderful tips.
No problem. Enjoy the ZV E10, it’s great
Fantastic information thank you.
Glad it landed well for you, Samuel - thank you
Great video! Appreciate it!
Glad you liked it - thanks for stopping by
Good shit!!!
thank you for these videos!
No doubt, glad you liked it
This video was a godsend. You just got a new subscriber bro 👊
Hell yea, glad it helped!
Just a brilliant video!
Much appreciated - thanks
Wow! Anxious for part two. Still very new with zebras and sorry I have been eyeballing it with 109+. At least I'm learning. :) Thank you for providing this level of detailed information.
Let me know if this produces a better result for you. I used to do that same thing...
You do a helluva job your channel is gonna be big
That'd be incredible if it grew - thanks for this
Thank you this helped me a lot to understand zebras on my Sony camera 👍
Excellent!!!
keep rocking it dude
Appreciate you
Thank you for this great video. We are using your videos to teach our multimedia students how to use our Sony cameras (ZV E10 & A7 IV).
That seriously made my day. I hope the videos are landing well for everyone. Please feel free to let me know if there are certain videos that y'all would like to see. Also, I am currently working on an in-depth guide to exposure which will expand upon this video as well as give it an updated look. Should have that 2-part series available on the channel this weekend. All the best!
I’m a new shooter so thank you so much!!!! I learned a lot!
Love to hear that
Did it help ? For sure, immensely ! Bravo, et merci. 😊🤚
Happy to hear that, Giles - thanks for checking it out
Nice video Sean! Very helpful - which title/vfx pack do you use??
Great video, I was searching for the best way to adopt zebras with my R5 and here I've the answers I was looking for :D
Nice! How's the R5?
@@seandewispelaere very awesome 😎 great camera still learning new things about it every day .
Stumbled across your channel. Great info. Subscribed.
Happy to have you, Steve, if you don't mind me asking, how did you come across the channel?
@@seandewispelaere Recently purchased a Sony A7 IV and was interested in zebras. Your channel came up in the search. Honestly, your video stood out because it got right to the point and stayed on topic throughout. Your video answered my question and I believe you may answer others in the future.
Nice tips my friend
Thank you, seems like not enough people are talking about this method?
New Sub here. Keep up the good work Sean!
Means a lot and welcome to the channel
@@seandewispelaere I actually bought the zv-e1 2 weeks ago!
I was using the zv-e10 before and its a huge upgrade. Your videos helping me to get started :)
Your videos are definitely helpful. Thought photography would be a great hobby. But no clue what I’m doing. lol. All the information helps. I got the ZV E10. I’m binge watching your videos lol.
Glad to hear that they are helping - enjoy the new (great) hobby
Sean thanks for this video on Zebra Usage, as I had mine set at 100 all the time. Also the link to the "Exposing with Zebras - (OG) Ansel Adams Zone System, thanks for that!
Hey Bill, I'm glad that this helped you - thanks for checking out the video
High quality content - thank you!
I appreciate that 🤙
@@seandewispelaere Sure thing! I just bought an ZV-E10 and have been getting a lot value out of your work. Keep it up!
@@pmadbro8893 love to hear that - feel free to send me and specific questions that might make for good videos that would help you. If you’ve downloaded any of my free guides, just reply to one of those emails with questions if interested and I’ll hit you up from there
I never really even considered zebras until now! This was great. Not sure if it’s really ideal for run and gun stuff but definitely if you have a shoot or short film you’re working on!
Made my day, Cole
Awesome video! This helped me so much. Thank you! Did you end up making the zebra video for landscapes? I would absolutely love to see that!
Very happy to hear that and, yes, I need to make that. In short, zebras set to 100 and expose for the highlights. Boom.
Bro you are so so dope thanks
Appreciate it, man
been professionally shooting stills for 40 years learned adams zone method with film with logarithm calculation for proper exposure in the 1970's this one really spoke my language trying to transission to more video as everyone is a photographer with a cell phone now and fewer and fewer want prints more digital dilivery which I have less control over how they look when viewed depending on what device and platform they are viewing image on
You're an OG, love that
glad YT suggested this video, great info and really enjoy the fact that you actually show us hands on what it is that your explaining!!!! Question: for us Mocka skin Latinos are we then to stick around the 50 + 15 = 65 Range IRE (Plus/ Negative 1) and or use the 2nd That being Lower Limit and just punch it at 65%?
Glad you liked the video and you're absolutely on the right track. I'd just use the standard setting of 60 and you'll be very close to ideal exposure
this has been so helpful thank you so much, when is Level 2 coming out? would you recommend to expose with false color with external monitor to also have an extra confirmation on your exposure?
Thanks and I’ve put a lot of updates to this method in recent videos. My recent a7iv Low Light video in particular. I’ll have a second version (full-on) of this video posted this year though 🤙
Great info thank you... I noticed you kept mentioning "your custom picture profile". Can I use these same principles for S-Cinetone or any other profile?
What’s up, Bryan?! Thanks for checking out the channel. Same principles for Cinetone, yes, but I’d expose to the values in the chart as opposed to going above by 15% which is what I’d suggest for my custom profile. Other profiles…it depends.
Subscribed!
Happy to have you
Thank you for this super good tutorial on Zebras, I had learned a ton! I'm just curious what picture profile are you using, as I use Slog2 and was wondering if these same zebra values apply for skin tones in this format?
Happy to hear that this helped. I typically shoot in Slog 3, but used to shoot Slog 2 on the a7iii and, yes, same values worked well for me.
Good video Sean. I’ve never used LUTS. I don’t even understand where they are (in FCPX) or how to apply them. What part of the editing process should they be used? I’ve read color correction comes before color grading. Where do LUTS fall in that order?
Hey Derrick, check out my recent “Make Your Footage POP Using LUTs” I think it’ll help ya 🤙
Good tempo and very detailed explanation, thank you. I started to film with the gamma Movie on my Sony because I thought it gives me some play room than none profile. In davinci i think the results went fine. Does my tactic sound OK?
Thanks for checking it out. I haven’t tried that but if you’re liking the result, keep running it. If I go without a profile I think that Movie/Still is the default?
@@seandewispelaere no problem. If you choose No picture profile I don't know what the settings is. Might test that and compare it with picture profile that has gamma Movie.
Awesome video. Can you tell us what your light set up was for this video? It looks amazing please thank you
Thanks! Check out my Studio Tour video - gets into all of the lighting details 🤙
Thanks man, please make playlists in your channel, so it will be all category and easy for us to go directly to our goal, many thanks again :)
Will do 🤙
Hello, thanks for the very helpful video and just to be clear, this is when exposing for skin tones right? Exposing for general scenes like landscapes and architectures are different right?
Yes, exactly
Bought Luts and have learned a ton. Been using Premier Pro for some time but need instruction on the Luts. Do you have a vide that explains which luts for input and which for Creative? Thanks!!!
Hey Ken, this should help and thanks for picking up the LUTs
ruclips.net/video/uPlX7mt4t68/видео.html
Super helpful video!! Really appreciate it, just looking for some clarification on the ending for Sony users... The Paul Lemming gentleman was saying to only use the C2 set 1.) why and 2.) because that specific option allows you to see ______ (fill in the blank) But dope video
The C2 essentially just works like other cameras zebras where it shows all values above it as opposed to cutting off after 5 stops like Sony defaults.
Thank you for checking out the video
Great video series, I am learning a ton through your videos. Maybe I missed it, but how does this exposure technique apply to unstructured environments (i.e. street photography, etc)? Looking forward to practicing for an upcoming vacation. Cheers!
Hey William, thanks for the note and happy to hear it. It all applies the same. I'm working on a video to help with this though. My next video will be something along the lines of "Understanding Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO Once and For All" and in that video I'll link to a Part 2 which will deep dive into zebras and all of my updated methods and info
Great video, man! I saw yours pop up when I posted my recent video on Zebras. your setup for actually filming the Zebras was much more elegant than mine 🤣🤣
But since you're a Sony Alpha shooter, a quick tip for photography, too: Sony's Zebras can be used to monitor highlight overexposure in RAW too! Just use the same lower limit you showed and set your Zebras to 109+!
Thanks for the note and for checking out the channel, Dan. Good tip, thanks again.
@@seandewispelaere sure thing, man. Enjoying your stuff 👊
I think what I am struggling is with the color grading part of bring it back from slog 3 to rec 709. I find using the conversion lut from sony's website doesnt give me the look that I am looking for. Is there a quick way of getting back to rec 709? *Im using premiere pro not resolve
What's up -
Tough one there. I'm a fan of the Sony SLOG3 conversion LUTs. The footage does still require some work after applying that LUT, but I see it as a solid starting point.
Here are a few videos on my channel that MIGHT help:
ruclips.net/user/shortsya-JnyG7mXM?feature=share
ruclips.net/user/shorts4piNtbey9HQ?feature=share
ruclips.net/video/cK-6_D1y370/видео.html
More SLOG3 videos coming very soon
Premiere people like us need to stick together in these dark days of the software 😂
@@seandewispelaere Totally agree my man. Keep the videos coming 👍🏻
I’m a newb so help me here lol.. so I shoot a lot in 60 FPS, PP8, SLOG 3, Shutter 125, and ISO 640
I Shoot ISO 640 or 12800 because I read these are the native settings or best setting to record with for the Sony a7siii. From here I adjust aperture for lighting, with this being my baseline how would I properly use zebras ?
Excellent video :) Thanks for the shoutout! Much appreciated :)
You’re the man, Paul
Thank you
@@seandewispelaere You're welcome 😊 👍
Hey Paul, love your LUTs. How would you recommend adjusting Zebras for exposing skin tones like Sean does in this video for working with the Leeming LUTs? I usually work with your recommended zebra settings but sometimes in challenging lighting situations I like to make sure my subject's skin is really dialed in. Would you stick to 70% on light skin tones or aim a bit higher as he did? (also if Sean has pale skin mine would have to be exposed at 105...lol)
@@mcfinney apologies for any confusion. My suggestions in this video are not for Leeming LUTs. This is a general “how to expose using zebras” video. Paul was helpful won’t the C2 Lower Limit stuff which is why I included him on the video.
That said, my Slog3 video goes deep with Leeming LUTs specifically.
The white paper that comes along with the Leeming LUTs has the exposure/zebra values for each of the different profiles and should be used for those LUTs.
Thanks for checking out the channel
@@seandewispelaere oh I’m fully aware of that, that’s why I was asking Paul what he would do specifically for his LUTs if exposing for skin as you did.
for sony HLG3 leeming luts guide is suggesting ETTR Lower limit 99+ . is that for everything? skin tones too ? im confused since everyone suggests about 70.
Great video, thankyou. I got a bit confused by the Sony specific part. Are you saying you use C2 and if you want to hit 85 you set the lower limit to 85? Or are are you saying you use the standard 85 Zebra as your selection? Thankyou so much Sean.
I believe he said set 85 with the lower limit, not the standard limit.
Hey Dale, I expose my skin tone to 70 and use the custom IRE settings to select that
How do i use zebra for bright colors like red blue yellow?
Hi, thanks for the video, that is really helpful.
I have one more question, if there are no white or light object in the scene, how I set the zebra for better exposure?
There are only a yellow lamp, phone, and a bedside table.
If I still want see the zebra, then that will be noise, I shoot in slog3 with a7siii.
Thank you for the time.
I'd find something that is middle gray and set it to 50 or 60. Essentially, you'll need to find something that matches the chart and expose that. Preferably that thing is also the subject.
Keep me posted on your progress please, Austin
@@seandewispelaere I want to send you the picture, then you will got my point, the main subject is the phone, and the brightest thing is that wood bedside table with a little yellow light from a lamp not in the scene.
So should I set zebra at 50-60 and see table show the zebra or something else, because my phone color is near black.
Thank you for the suggestions.😁
Does the Ninja V and Sony match zebras at the same point, ie. is 85% on a Ninja the same zebra pattern on the Sony back screen?
Hey Steve, yes, very similar. I have noticed that the Ninja is slightly more sensitive, but I use them both and don't see much of a difference.
I was watching Sony Ambassador Mark Galer explain how he does zebras, and he sets his to lower limit +109. Million ways to do everything I guess. You’re not wrong, exposure was perfect.
Hey Jason, definitely agree here. I guess it depends on what’s being exposed? Did he set that for a skin tone?!
what zebra setting would be perfect for HLG2 ? I have almost the same skin tone as Sean. would appreciate any help since I'm a bit new to videography.. it's so much harder than photography imo xD
I don't shoot in HLG often (I might be on the only one on the planet who doesn't like the result that I get), but I'd test out a few different options (60,70,80) and see what you like in post and use that. Thanks for checking out the video, Sian.
@@seandewispelaere Thanks for the response!
This to me looks like and sounds like taking a PHD course in photography. Got to be taking notes .
Deep stuff, but CLUTCH when you can nail it
So, Sean, just be clear, you use the +15%, then pull back to zebras disappear OR have you changed to what you said at the end of the video with the C2 comment?
For Leeming lut, what do you set up your zebra? the guide is confusing?
Hey Adrian, I go with the suggestions in the guide that come along with the LUTs. Paul makes updates/tweaks to those, too, so you’re always up-to-date
@@seandewispelaere Alright, I will follow the guide and post my findings.
So these instructions only work if I'm using your custom picture profile? Don't apply the 15% over for slog2/3 or my own picture profile - only yours?? please clarify.
Correct
+15% is what works for my profile
No pic profile = expose to the chart
Slog gets deep depending on your workflows in post. I did an Slog3 video that shows my process which might be of interest if you're working with log.
@@seandewispelaere Would love to see a video on using Auto ISO when moving quickly from outdoor scenes to indoor for run and gun work
I wish zebras worked on my Ninja V/A7SIII above 80 IRE. Won't work on that but does work on my Shinobi. Just going to have to use false color instead.
Seems odd? Same set up on my end works well all the way up to 100+...?
@@seandewispelaere Weird and thank you for the reply. I'm likely going to return it if Atomoa doesn't respond to me today.
Oh man!! I have a small channel for tech in Spanish ( not this account) and now I’ve just realized that I’ve been using the zebras wrong!! 😨 well better late than ever XD
I don't know if I use them correctly, but this works well for me. Let me know how you get on with this.
Hello Sean, thank you for your vídeo! I have one question if you don't mind... If you are outside on a normal sunny day, on a personal photoshoot (photography), imagine that you are in a park, there is a lot of green, the sky is blue and you to expose for the entire scene, the landscape and person... In this case, how would you use zebra values? I ask because the vídeos I see, in this case, the camera is on Multi and the value for a Sony a7iii or riii are more or less 106+, which means we are exposing to the entire scene! Should I expose for the skin(70%) or for the whole scene?(106+) If I use, for instance, a value of 70% exposing for the skin, what happens to the rest of the landscape (sky and greenery)?? Thank you so much in advance!
Hey Anna, I'd still prioritize the skin here. Maybe even bring it to 60-65% to try and save some of the highlights in the sky. If you see that the sky is blown out while exposing for the skin tone, this is usually where additional lights can be helpful. If it's more of a creative or silhouette shot, I'd expose the highlights in the sky to around 100, but if the person is the main priority then you'll be a lot happier with your result if you prioritize their exposure.
@@seandewispelaere thank you so much for your answer, very kind of you!
great video and explaining communicates clearly, though I'm just thinking that not knowing the set up of your picture profile, your method doesn't help to contextualize why you'd use 15% added value on your over exposure. Since all picture profiles reads zebra values differently with skin tones there's a lil disconnect. because i dont know your picture profile choice i find it a lil difficult to understand your 15% added value
The 15% is what has worked for me and I think I mentioned that I was using my custom profile which can be found on my video that gets into exactly what that profile is. I'd suggest doing some test shots and identifying what values you prefer. The point here on my end was generally to show how to expose using zebras. Thanks for checking out the channel!
I just remembered, when shoot photos of a wide scene, it’s best to expose for the highlights instead of skin tones. I’ve blown out so many pics that way in the past. I eye ball it if it’s a wide shot
That's interesting - I still prioritize the exposure of the skin tone even if it means that I blow out the rest of the scene. I found that underexposed skin does some funky stuff in post when trying to recover it.
Glad it is working for to you though
@@seandewispelaere when you say blow up the rest of the scene, do you really mean blow up, losing details in the highlights? TIA
Hi Sean. Sorry, dumb question. At 1:51 it shows that 70 is the smallest zebra level. Does this mean that you cannot set the zebra level t below 70 ?
Hey Angie, not a dumb question at all. You can typically get lower than 70 using custom zebra levels. I’ve just had success at 70 for my skin tone. Darker skin tones would need to be lower. Thanks for checking out the video, all the best.
@@seandewispelaere Thank you Sean!
👏👏👏
Everything makes sense!
Im just confused why some videographers, not gonna mention any names - WHO IS MATT😂😂 - use zebras at 94??
Subbed, cheers!
Hey Chris, welcome 🤙
There’s definitely some efficacy to overexposure SLOG (which is likely what he is doing) but yea what I mention in the video is the method that has been working well for me.
@@seandewispelaere
Im just wondering what’s the logic behind it, why use one metric over the other.
@@chrisnigul Technically speaking, over-saturating the sensor with light in LOG will achieve the most optimal dynamic range. So, 94 on zebras for a skin tone is about 2 stops over exposed (if that is what he is doing). When I used to use that method I was always unhappy with the footage. Way overexposed and the highlight recovery wasn't idea. This is just my experience.
Here are a few videos on my channel that will show you my most up-to-date info:
ruclips.net/video/4TxZYkQcZOs/видео.html (a section about zebras in there with a few updates)
ruclips.net/user/shorts4piNtbey9HQ?feature=share (slog3 conversion)
Noob question but what means ETTR?
Not a noob question at all
Expose To The Right
I have to say, I'm a bit confused by the light scale. Every video Ive seen on this subject is saying to base zebras on this scale. However, on every single camera I've ever used, I get proper exposure by setting zebras to 100 and then using the pull-back method demonstrated in this video. Setting to 70 would give me massively under-exposed video. I wonder what I'm doing that's different.
100 for the skin tone?
@@seandewispelaere 100 for skin tone. That's where I set the zebras, and then I either allow just a hint on cheekbones/forehead, or I back off one step until I just can't see them.
@@artoo36 Interesting. I guess there are a lot of factors to consider. If you pull back by a few stops after they are appearing slightly, that could be an exposure on the skin tone of 80ish. Also, what picture profile are you shooting in? Ultimately, if you like your result, then keep doing what you're doing. I'd think that a skin tone exposed to 100 IRE would look over-exposed, but yea, definitely a lot of factors here.
@@seandewispelaere I'm going to bite the bullet and say that I don't know for sure what a picture profile is... Please pardon my ignorance. If you have a video on that, maybe I'll look it up and then come back to answer your question.
@@artoo36 all good - video can be really complex. What camera are you shooting on?
So shouldn’t you start the video with your custom profile information? Im looking for how to expose slog3. I have no idea what your profile is, unless you mention it after the 8 minute mark.
I can see your point but was trying to keep this specific to zebras in general
02:30 You get told landscape is not part of the discussion.
Are you using an 8 bit camera? Try 10 bit. Your camera can handle it.
I typically shoot in 10-bit, but do have 8-bit use here and there. Thanks for checking out the video
15% higher of 50 is 57.5 and 70 is 80.5. just saying
You're right. In my mind 15% of a 100 scale or IRE is where I was at, but I see your point.
SLOG 3
ZEBRA DISPLAY - ON
ZEBRA LEVEL - CUSTOM 2 - LOWER LIMIT = 94+
you're welcome.
94+ for what? Everything?
@@seandewispelaere yesssir. WhosMatt and others suggested this too. And yes it works so well for both video and photo. 💯
Hmmm I think I'd have a different opinion as I think that the exposure of a subject is dynamic and zebra setting should follow suit, but I'm happy to hear that you're getting good results