Shooting at ISO 1600 for Better Results in the Highights?

[Drew Dawson]

Hey Guys,

I am new to Red User. Hopefully you guys don't bash me right away with the question I am about to pose.

I was working with a DP this past week who shot everything at ISO 1600 to maintain more detail in the highlights. He stated that when you shoot at 800 (on the Mysterium X Sensor) your latitude is split between say 7 stops under medium gray and only three above, which allows for your highlights to clip faster than say an even split.

He shot everything at 1600 because at this ISO there were five stops above and below 50% gray allowing for a more even dynamic range.

He also noted that there was more grain, but it was bearable and that there are noise reduction filters to bring it back in post.

Any thoughts guys?

 

[Graeme Nattress]

At ISO800 there's about 5 stops over mid grey, which is usually enough. Going to 1600 is probably a bit over-cautious in protecting highlights and you'd need more ND. I've shot at 1000 to get a bit more highlight protection than 800, but I'd start at 800 and only move from there if you need to.

Graeme

 

[Drew Dawson]

So at ISO 800 it is five stops over mid gray and 5 stops under?

 

[Anson Fogel]

Drew,

Yes - by my calculation I'm getting 1.5 stops of highlight protection at 800. FWIW in a practical vein, I just spent 6 days shooting landscape broll for a TV network, and ended up rating at 800 for almost every shot (day exterior) with wonderful results. For various reasons, I would not have rated higher, or lower.

 

[Graeme Nattress]

Under is > 5+ depending on your noise tolerance.

Graeme

 

[Costelloe Michael]

Graeme,

Has anyone ever commented on your likeness to Gil Grissom?

 

[Pietro Impagliazzo]

Graeme,

Has anyone ever commented on your likeness to Gil Grissom?

But... Graeme is for real!