Exposure Metering with Digilux 2

[john_r_smith]

I've been a bit puzzled by this recently -

Admittedly, I’m not altogether used to cameras with built-in metering, but I have been pleasantly surprised by the accuracy of the metering in the Digilux 2 / LC1. Most of the time, I just rely on it and the results are great, probably better than I could manage using a hand-held meter (I tend to use the centre-weighted setting in fully manual mode). But I have noticed a tendency for the camera to slightly under-expose in conditions of very bright sunlight. It is more of a compression, really, where the top end of the histogram is shifted to the left – when I check the levels in post, Corel often auto corrects about a half to one stop for the highlights only. Has anyone else noticed this?

John

[steve_l]

It does seem to be careful not to blow the highlights a bit more than film camera meters used to do....but consistent with digital, and much less so than my R-D1

[george]

Yes John, it may do so at times. But under exposing is much better than over exposing.

At any rate, that is what the histogram is for. You can check it and adjust your exposures accordingly.

We must all remember that automation is no substitute for the real thing.

[john_r_smith]

Er, yes George. Well, to my shame I have to admit I have never looked at the in-camera histogram while I was shooting - I just can't stand any "clutter" in my viewfinder so I switch it all off. What I am working on is the exposure indicator which comes on when you half depress the shutter button.

John

[george]

John, this is not a matter of shame. There are way too many buttons and displays on this thing for anyone to feel comfortable about.

The histogram is an intrusion in the finder and I am looking forward to the digital M that will have none of this.

But, intrusion as it may be, it is a useful thing. If you find your images consistently under exposed then you may wish to use the EV button on the back of your camera to adjust your exposures in advance and see how things will work out that way.

And, you may wish to experiment with RAW. A completely new world with plenty of post shoot adjustment opportunities.

Good luck!

[stuny]

George -

The contrast between your green tag line and the gray backgound is too small, making your tag line most difficult to read. I recommend changing it to lighter or darker.

Stuart

[george]

Stuart, Thanks for the suggestion. Is this better?

As an asides, it seems to work retroactively. Interesting. Very interesting.

[flatfour]

John - I have found exactly the same but that is also true of my hand held meter. I have found the trick is to use spot metering slightly way from the higlight.