XL1s ASA equivalent

[Thomas Burns]

Anyone know the ASA equivalent of the XL1s? Seems notably less sensitive to light that cameras like the DVX-100.

 

Thomas Burns

[Guest Daniel J. Ashley-Smith]

Hi,

 

Beware direct comparisons between video and film camera speeds, which is what you're doing when trying to characterise a video camera to an ISO. Practical experience has shown that the received wisdom of video cameras being between 320 and 640ASA is - well - wrong, with video cameras perfectly happy in situations where film's struggling at similar stop and exposure. This undoubtedly has a lot to do with the way video records better shadow detail.

 

Why are you trying to do this? Be aware that if you attempt to characterise your camera using the usual grey-card method then meter it like a film camera, you won't get very optimal results.

 

Phil

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[Tim Carroll]

For the record, after a number of tests, I determined that my XL1S, with the Canon 14x manual focus zoom lens, had an equivalent ASA of 250. But I totally agree with folks who say that is not a good way to work with a video camera. I come from a long film background and did not feel comfortable working without knowing the equivalent ASA. But now I use the Zebras and a good calibrated production monitor, and have not touched my light meter on a video shoot with that camera in a couple of years.

 

-Tim Carroll