 Joost Meulenbroek |
Flashmeter Recently I found out that there are lightmeters and flashmeters. Can somebody please explain the difference between them, or are they the same? Thanks, Joost
|
|
|
|
||
|
Alan N. Marcus |
Hi JM A light meter is an instrument used outdoor and indoor to measure the intensity of continuous light. That is light produced by natural sources such as the sun or fire and the like additionally this meter measures artificial light from lighting fixtures (continuous light sources). A flash meter is a specialized light meter designed mainly for studio work. Most studios use electronic flash (strobe). An ordinarily light meter is incapable to read the short duration of the flash light produced by electronic flash. For flash work we need a flash meter. In both cases the ultimate goal is to measure the exposing light so we can set our camera. The photographer must take into account the amount of light energy used to expose the subject, the sensitivity of the chip/film (ISO), the intensity of tones present in the subject and use this data to adjust the two main camera setting which are shutter speed and aperture (f/number). A skilled photographer can pre-visualize to some extent the outcome (final image). The modern meter uses chip logic which can advise the photographer as to camera settings. Two different schools of thinking surround the mode a photographer will use when measuring light for exposure determination. Reflection mode has the photographer point the meter at the subject to obtain the reading. Incident mode has the meter placed near the principle subject and pointed backwards back at the camera. Both methods have benefit and disadvantage. For electronic flash a specialized meter is needed. The meter sees the flash and registers a reading. Most flash meters allow an electric wire from the flash to plug into the meter. Thus the meter is able to trigger the flash. This is a great advantage. Like the light meter the flash meter can be used in the reflected mode and the incident mode. In my opinion it is unwise to spend lots of money the first time out on a flash meter. However I think the first one should be highly accurate and serviceable. Sticking my neck out (I frown when this sight is used to plug a product) however I think I am on solid ground to suggest that you look at the Sekonic L-308S. This is a light meter – a flash meter – it operates both in reflection and incident mode. Sekonic has never faltered as to quality and reliability. You can procure one for under $200 US dollars. Alan Marcus (questionable photo techno gobbledygook)
|
|
|
|
||
|
John H. Siskin |
Hi Joostmeulenbroek, Most cameras have a built in light meter that can give a good exposure for a digital or film camera. In addition digital cameras have devices which meter color and set the camera appropriately for the light source. Neither of these in camera systems can meter strobes, except for strobes from the camera manufacturer or strobes set to work like the manufacturers equipment. This would include the SB800 for Nikon cameras and 580EX for Canon cameras. In order to meter other strobes, including studio strobes, monolights and battery powered units, which are used for lighting all kinds of applications you have two choices, get a meter or use the histogram on your digital camera. Sekonic makes many fine meters, many of which would be a good choice. BUT YOU DO NOT NEED A METER, if you have a digital camera. The reason is that the LCD on the camera and the histogram will allow you to make a good exposure by giving you instant feedback about your picture. When I shot film I used a meter to make a first guess and then perfected my lighting by shooting Polaroid materials in my cameras. I could have ignored the meter and used just Polaroids; but since Polaroid cost around $3 per shot this would have increased costs. I do not use a meter with my digital camera. I do shoot with a laptop much of the time so that I can see a larger image from my camera. This allows me to set lights and arrange the shot.
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||