How do you measure and monitor aperture and shutter speed for video using tools like histograms and zebras?

3 How to use zebras for video

Zebras can help you identify and avoid blown-out highlights that can ruin your video. Zebras are usually displayed as a percentage of brightness, and you can set the threshold at which they appear. For example, if you set the zebra level at 100%, it will show you the areas that are completely white and have no detail. If you set it at 70%, it will show you the areas that are close to white and may lose detail. You can use zebras to check the exposure of your subject's skin, the sky, or any reflective surfaces. To reduce the zebras, you can lower the exposure by changing the aperture, shutter speed, or ISO of your camera.

4 How to adjust aperture and shutter speed for video

Aperture and shutter speed are two of the main settings that affect the exposure and the look of your video. Aperture is the opening of the lens that controls how much light enters the camera, and it also affects the depth of field. Shutter speed is the duration of each frame that controls how much motion blur you get in your video. Generally, you want to keep a consistent aperture and shutter speed throughout your video, unless you want to create a specific effect. If you want a shallow depth of field, use a wide aperture (low f-number) to blur the background and isolate your subject. To achieve a deep depth of field, select a narrow aperture (high f-number). For smoother motion, use a shutter speed that is twice the frame rate of your video; for choppier motion, use a faster shutter speed than twice the frame rate. Additionally, use a histogram to check exposure and a zebra to avoid overexposing any bright areas or underexposing any dark areas.

5 How to use ND filters for video

ND filters are neutral density filters that reduce the amount of light that enters the camera, allowing you to use a wide aperture or slow shutter speed in bright conditions without overexposing your video. The strength of ND filters is measured in stops, with a 3-stop ND filter reducing the light by 8 times and a 6-stop ND filter reducing the light by 64 times. With an ND filter, you can achieve creative effects such as bokeh, motion blur, and time-lapse videos. For example, you can create a shallow depth of field and blur the background with a wide aperture and ND filter, or use a slow shutter speed and ND filter to create a smooth motion and blur moving objects like water, clouds, or people. Additionally, you can use an ND filter to capture long exposures and create time-lapse videos of changing scenes.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?