How to expose using Zebras (Highlight Display)

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Summary

Zebras are written in code values, here’s a quick chart that will help you convert between 8-bit, 10-bit and IRE levels:

8-bit10-bitIRE
00
32128
64256
96384
128512
160640
18072075
19176480
20280885
21385290
22489695
235940100
248992105
2551023109

These values hold true for all Picture Controls, even N-log.

The three important values are:

  1. 255 or 109 IRE – to check for clipping highlights
  2. 180 or 75 IRE – for skin tones in all picture controls and N-Log. Reduce exposure until this zebra vanishes.
  3. 202 or 85 IRE – upper threshold value for skin tones. Reduce exposure until this zebra vanishes for specular highlights.

Author Bio
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Sareesh Sudhakaran is a film director and award-winning cinematographer with over 24 years of experience. His second film, "Gin Ke Dus", was released in theaters in India in March 2024. As an educator, Sareesh walks the talk. His online courses help aspiring filmmakers realize their filmmaking dreams. Sareesh is also available for hire on your film!

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