Izzy Video 102 - Zebra Stripes
When you walk into an electronics store and ask for a video camera with zebra stripes, you won’t get strange looks if the employees know their stuff. The zebra stripe feature of a video camera is one of the most useful tools in determining proper exposure. In this installment of Izzy Video, I explain how zebra stripes work, and how and when to use them. This episode is in response to the many emails I’ve received from viewers asking about zebra stripes. Hopefully this episode successfully answers your questions.
* This installment of Izzy Video is in the archives and is available to premium subscribers only. If you’d like to watch it, please visit the membership information page to see how you can become a member and gain access to all of the past Izzy Video archives.
* This episode is available in iPod/iPhone format and in a Higher Quality format.
Of course you can also watch several of the free sample episodes to see if a premium subscription might be for you.
September 29th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Great tip about exposing for the face, I must remember that one.
October 2nd, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Izzy,
Please do the coupon special again, or at least until I register.
December 16th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Good tip! I use the zebras all the time but did not know that 80% was good for caucasians. I wish camera makers would build in levels to this. e.g. 80% = green zebra and 100% = gray zebra etc. that way you could tell the difference between blown out and proper exposure. That would be cool.
December 16th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Mark,
One thing that I didn’t clarify very well is that 80% should be the specular highlights, the VERY brightest areas of the face. If a lot of the face is 80% exposed, that would be too bright.
My experience is that normal Caucasian skin looks best at abou 65% exposed or a little lower.
In the video, I showed too much of Trinity’s face at 80%. It would be better if it was small amounts.
Sorry about the confusion, but I’m glad this helps.
And great idea on the two colors of zebra stripes. My camera does 80% in one direction in light lines, and 100% in the other direction with dark bold lines. Still, the difference is a little too subtle.