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Home: Video University Forums: Wedding & Event Videography:
Auto exposure vs. manual for dancing at weddings

X-James
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Mar 24, 2002, 5:42 PM

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Auto exposure vs. manual for dancing at weddings	Can't Post

Just curious what ya'll use for exposure on dancing during a dark wedding reception where you're using a light? I use the Vx2000 and I think it's better to use auto exposure, but I'm not quite sure yet. Any thoughts?
James

X-Scott_Brooks
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Mar 24, 2002, 5:51 PM

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Re: Auto exposure vs. manual for dancing at weddings	Can't Post

Hi James,
I shoot with the PD150 and always use the auto exposure at receptions. The only time that might change is if for some reason it's during the day and there are a lot of windows with backlighting problems. But if we're talking about a dark room with on-camera lighting then your auto exposure should work out just fine.
Scott Brooks
CVP

X-chris
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Mar 25, 2002, 12:36 AM

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Re: Auto exposure vs. manual for dancing at weddings [In reply to]	Can't Post

It is my belief to never let the camera control the art you create. I think if your intention is to do the best possible job
than you should really control the exposure manually. Middle
gray just does not work for me!
Just my belief, now back to the Oscar's,
Chris
: Hi James,
: I shoot with the PD150 and always use the auto exposure at receptions. The only time that might change is if for some reason it's during the day and there are a lot of windows with backlighting problems. But if we're talking about a dark room with on-camera lighting then your auto exposure should work out just fine.
: Scott Brooks
: CVP

X-Scott_Brooks
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Mar 25, 2002, 2:53 AM

Post #4 of 6 (1184 views)
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Re: Auto exposure vs. manual for dancing at weddings [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think that's an excellent attitude Chris, but my feeling is that I'm constantly monitoring what I'm seeing in either the viewfinder or the monitor. If I see a need for a change it can easily be made.
All shoots like dance recitals where lighting changes are constant, I shoot on manual. However, if I'm shooting at a dark reception ... and that's very common around here ... my on-camera light is pretty much it along with the strobing DJ lights. The camera does just fine.

X-Steven_Hacker
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Mar 25, 2002, 9:47 AM

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Re: Auto exposure vs. manual for dancing at weddings [In reply to]	Can't Post

I utilize the zebra on my GL1 and XL1 at all times. I also put the cameras in their "semi-auto" mode called "TV" that allows me to over/under for the best exposures on fleshtones.

X-Joel_Peregrine
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Mar 25, 2002, 8:29 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1185 views)
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Or set the gain limit.... [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi James,
I've found with the VX2000s that learning to use the gain limits is just about as good as using manual exposure. To my eyes the auto gain on this camera tends to over-expose when shooting a lot of blacks, ie dark backgrounds and tuxes, so setting the gain limit to 6db when using a 20 watt light for dance shots of 10 feet and under works well for me. It can also work to set the gain at 6db manually and use the camera low, using the LCD while looking down, and hand holding the light high. This allows you to get closer without blinding your subject since the light is above eye level. A wide angle lens and some practice and you've got good psuedo steadicam shots....
Joel Peregrine
Peregrine Video Production
Whitefish Bay, WI
www.RememberTheFeeling.com

: Just curious what ya'll use for exposure on dancing during a dark wedding reception where you're using a light? I use the Vx2000 and I think it's better to use auto exposure, but I'm not quite sure yet. Any thoughts?
: James