Using Scopes in OL
by Eric Naylor
on
Jul 22, 2009 at 2:39:53 pm
I'm having trouble calibrating my Dell monitor in OL. I understand that these computer monitors are not necessarily used for shooting and calibrating it may be a problem. But I've read using the scopes are accurate way of measuring your lighting levels. Could anyone give me some advice to read these scopes accurately and/or any advice in capturing a balanced video. I'm using a Canon HV20 with firewire. the lcd on that camera is too bright. Thanks for the help.
Re: Using Scopes in OL by Mike Richards on Jul 29, 2009 at 9:37:28 am
Eric,
I will tell you what I can, though I will state up front that I am wildly out of date. I studied Film & TV Production in the 80's but have been working in the CBT/eLearning field since the early 90s. I am only starting to get back into it now.
Of all the monitors I use the only one I really keep an eye on is the waveform monitor. The way I see a wave form monitor is that I am looking at the picture laid flat on the ground (no 3D perspective - just flat) I am looking across the picture and the waveform is showing every line of the picture at once, but only in terms of luminance. At the bottom of the scope are the blacks - low luminance - at the top of the scope are the whites - high luminance.
In days of CRT displays - and there are a few around you want to ensure that no white is too white. If the majority of the scope shows bright lines at the top then the picture is over exposed and a CRT set will begin to "tear".
Generally you don't want any parts of the waveform reaching the top of the scope in great amounts. I can't remember the voltage exactly but you don't want to have anything within 5% of topping out.
Likewise a waveform that is skulking at the bottom of the scope will generally be dingy and underexposed.
Be aware though that this depend entirely on what you are shooting! I have seen arguements where Technical Directors (i.e. guys in charge of the scopes) change the exposure (remotely) to get a good waveform, only to find that the shot itself is meant to be dim.
All - as I said, wildly out of date and doing this from memory. If I have misrepresented something please correct me.
Hope this helps,
Mike Richards
Video Producer/Instructional Designer/Project Manager
Catalyst Interactive
