Learning to control exposure: tools

 Hi and welcome back to MediaFix! In my last blog post, I discussed a technical issue I faced when filming my last production using the Blackmagic app. Not only did I learn how to solve that problem, but my struggle with overexposure as well.

When filming my most recent work, I struggled to fix overexposure. Simply adjusting the exposure pull did not help, which could have had multiple potential reasons. However, upon reflection and re-watching parts of the film, along with further research, I learned that I did not understand how to utilize tools related to exposure.

Once I re-watched the video provided to us, I discovered a tool that can help me solve the problem of overexposure. This would be using zebras under overlay on the main menu. When on, they show what in the camera is overexposed. This will be useful when filming because it makes finding the source of overexposure easier, allowing me to adjust my settings more effectively. With help targeting this, each shot can be consistent throughout scenes. Below is a screenshot from the video, circled in blue, on the right is the zebra controls, and on the left, an example of them being used.   

Black Magic Cam app- tutorial & Review for filmmaking on your iPhone, YouTube

During production, I can use another tool to avoid overexposure. This is the histogram. The histogram graphs tones in a scene, if there is a skew to the right then there is possible overexposure. I find this helpful because it can alert me when there is overexposure, and as I adjust the camera settings, the tool updates the status. This will make targeting and eliminating overexposure much easier. The histogram can be seen in the screenshot above in the bottom, far left corner. 
                                                                             
   
 
The video above from YouTube is called: How to EASILY Avoid OVEREXPOSURE: In-Camera-Sony a7III a 7RIII a6300 a6000 RX100. This video gave me more insight into the tools I can use to avoid overexposure. By explaining the histogram, zebras, and metering mode, the video helped me understand how to use these tools to my advantage so I can enhance my film.

Lastly, I learned that if I lock my shutter speed setting, the exposure will no longer change every time I tap the screen. Only the focus will remain on auto with each click. Separating them will allow me to have more control of the exposure in my shot. 

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