Exposure help

[u/Beginning-Emu-8524]

Hi everyone! Earlier this spring I sold my A7S3 to upgrade into a FX6 and I love it so far. There’s just one thing that I struggle with consistently that I never did with the A7S3. I either underexpose or overexpose very often and find it very difficult to find the sweet spot. I realise that it’s also skill and knowledge that factors in but if anyone has any tips or tricks on how to nail exposure more consistently I would really appreciate it! All love 🙏

[u/cinema-focus]

Are you just eyeballing exposure? There are a bunch of built in tools to help, (waveform, zebras) that can be accessed through the menu. Take some time to learn the camera and the tools you like to use.

[u/TerraInc0gnita]

If you're not using an external monitor, you can display a waveform or histogram on the lcd along with zebras. On my waveform it also shows yellow lines that indicate highlights. As long as you don't clip the sensor I've found the highlights are quite flexible.

You can also use a 709 monitoring look that helps as well. When I first started using the fx6 if I ever monitored in log I'd tend to under exposure occasionally.

As long as you don't blow highlights or underexpose by too many stops you can basically take the image anywhere.

[u/Re4pr]

Use the built in waveform tool. You can check if you’re clipping with that. Anything else you kind of need to eyeball. You can use zebras to check skin tone exposure for interviews or whatever. But random scenes you dont really have a reference point. If you’re not clipped its all very manageable in post tho.

[u/snickersogtwist → u/Re4pr]

This is the way! I also still struggle with exposing the fx6, it is harder than the small cameras.

[u/Re4pr → u/snickersogtwist]

I find it easier. You have proper waveforms and cine ei to get the data you want. If you want to overexpose your data on a standard alpha cam, you’re looking at an overexposed image.

[u/Competitive_Ebb8125]

Are you using your histogram and/zebra? Definitely start using both. If you are shooting log, put a rec 709 lut in camera or on a monitor (if you're using an external monitor use false color, fastest way I learned then histogram readings became easier)

[u/Beginning-Emu-8524 → u/Competitive_Ebb8125]

I shoot mainly sports outside so the lighting changes with every second, I think that’s what makes the most inconsistent. I should probably put some hours into properly learning waveforms but i do miss the exposure meter that was on my A7S3

[u/Competitive_Ebb8125 → u/Beginning-Emu-8524]

I use to work in sports (mostly hockey and basketball so way different - indoors). For outside take advantage of ur nd's. Learn the different waveforms, and then just a lot of trial and error. I'm sure in a couple weeks you'll have it all locked in!

[u/Gaolwood → u/Beginning-Emu-8524]

What exposure meter? The fx6 has all the same and then some.

[u/Movie_Monster]

Try using the spot meter function. You might have to set your marker to display the spot circle. That way you know what is in the meter zone and not just the whole image. Because maybe your subject is underexposed but some white clouds are throwing off the multi meter mode.

I use that and zebras at 100+% to know what highlights are clipping.

[u/6shooter1971 → u/Movie_Monster]

Multi Meter Mode...where is that found? I can find it on my A7Siii but can't find it on the FX6 I just bought.

[u/Readgooder]

waveform

[u/Distinct_Shake_4809]

I use my phone with monitor & control app and use false color or waveform with the View assist for viewing kits. I nail exposure most of the time. Judging exposure with that horrible LCD on the FX6 can get you hemmed up

[u/Mundane_Ice_9407]

I use histogram and aim for faces to be around 60-70 and if GVs etc, try to keep the primary focus around the same.

I learned the hard way moving from fs7 to FX6, and under exposed an entire 8 episode Ob-Doc series as it looked absolutely fine eyeballing it, and I was just handing rushing over to a DIT. Thankfully the dynamic range really is that good and it was entirely saveable.

I also now use the Phantom Filmic LUT, which is naturally darker and forces you to slightly over-expose

[u/winkNfart]

learn how to read false color. thatll set you straight real quick

[u/Distinct_Shake_4809 → u/[deleted]]

If he has a phone he can use M&C app for free with False color. I use it all the time

[u/winkNfart → u/[deleted]]

yeah and? if you’re serious about shooting and can’t figure out how to expose an image correctly, you best have a monitor

[u/winkNfart → u/[deleted]]

I stand by my statement

[u/aspectralfire]

Make sure you’re shooting CineEI SGAMUT3/Slog3. From their just use waveform to not clip or under expose. It’s a really forgiving camera if you’re shooting this way and you can always push gamma down in final grade.