Navigating the world of digital cameras can be overwhelming, especially with terms like C-Log 2, C-Log 3, S-Log, etc.. Staying updated is essential but can be challenging. One reason I prefer Canon's system is its flexibility and precise exposure control, especially with the Canon Waveform Monitor (WFM). Digging into the Menu, you’ll see that Canon cameras have an option called “Line+Spot Waveform Monitor”. The line+spot option is an incredible tool that allows you to check your exposure on set, giving you a good and convenient tool to use together to your lightmeter.
Understanding the Waveform Monitor
Before diving into Canon's specific features, let's clarify what a waveform monitor is and how to use it.
Waveform monitors help us see the actual values of our images, especially when you can’t trust your monitors. The waveform shows the "amplitude" of the video signal or luma, which is the brightness of the frame regardless of color.
The waveform on the camera monitor helps us control the Exposure when we are on set, as an alternative to the lightmeter. In post-production, the waveform helps us analyze the frame and is extremely useful in color correction. The scale of the waveform is 0 to 100 IRE (IRE= International Radio Engineers). Anything at 0 is completely black, no detail, and anything above 100 will be “clipped” and white, with no detail. The 50% on the IRE scale, is your “sweet spot”, usually the main character, subject of your frame/shot should be around this value, to be considered correctly exposed, unless your strategy is to under or overexpose the subject. The concept of 0%, 50% and 100% as a refences for your exposure need to be adjusted when we talk about “Log”, the values change up or down based on the different design of the “Log”, but they are still valid when we talk about Rec709.
How to Read a Waveform Monitor:
X-axis: Represents the horizontal position of the image.
Y-axis: Represents the brightness scale, from 0 (black, no detail) to 100 IRE (white, no detail).
HDR can exceed 100 IRE without clipping highlights, but that's a topic for another time.
The waveform monitor is more useful than other scopes because it provides the value for brightness at the same time as the information on the position of the subject which is at that brightness. It is a tool that I suggest using on set and in post-production as well, because it helps from a technical point of view but also to build the esthetic that you're looking for. It gives you a solid understanding of how the light is affecting your picture and the elements in your frame.
Waveform - Practical Example
In the image above, you can see the luminance values for each color dot.
The green dot's peak on the waveform corresponds to the highlights in the window, while the yellow dot at 50% indicates the actress's face is correctly exposed.
For more info watch this video from Aputure on Waveform Monitors
Canon’s Line+Spot Waveform Monitor
Now that we understand waveform monitors, let’s focus on the Line+Spot option on Canon C-series cameras.
Setting Up Line+Spot on Canon C-Series:
· C300 Mark II:
Menu: Assistance Functions > WFM > Waveform Monitor > Line + Spot
For more info: Check the menu simulator
· C300 Mark III:
Menu: Assistance Functions > Waveform Settings > Line + Spot
Using the Waveform Monitor Shortcut
Once set up, you can quickly turn the waveform monitor on and off using the WFM shortcut button on the camera body. If you have the Edge Monitor on the C300 Mark II (see picture below), there's an additional shortcut button next to the playback controls under the monitor - The shortcut buttons on the camera body are one of the other great things about the Canon C series cameras, giving you great flexibility during filming sessions.
Edge monitor on a C300 ii
Line+Spot in Action
With Line+Spot enabled; you will see a red square in the center of your monitor. This square acts as a spot meter, highlighting a red pixel on the waveform. On the waveform monitor, in red, you’ll have the value of the lights hitting the element inside the red square.
By following these steps, you can have better control of your exposure using Canon's waveform monitor, ensuring your footage is perfectly exposed. The Line+Spot WFM in combination with your 18% middle grey card, see the picture above, will give you an extremely accurate reading of your exposure, as accurate as your lightmeter when you are on set.
In the fast-paced world of digital filmmaking, taking a step back in time with a 16mm analog camera can be a transformative experience. Despite the prevailing focus on cutting-edge technologies, delving into the fundamentals through analog processes offers a unique perspective on the art of filmmaking.
This past Fall semester, I had the pleasure of hosting two workshops at Syracuse University's VPA Film program, where Freshmen and Juniors immersed themselves in the captivating world of 16mm Bolex cameras. Each group had the opportunity to load the camera, film a short exercise, and engage in on-camera editing using just one roll of film. The results were nothing short of amazing, showcasing the students' creativity and adaptability within the constraints of analog production.
In an era dominated by pixels and instant gratification, these workshops served as a reminder of the timeless importance of focus, exposure, and the art of storytelling.
The images below capture moments from these hands-on sessions, providing a glimpse into the magic that happens when technology meets tradition.
The brand-new CODL Studios are officially open for business! I'm thrilled to give you a sneak peek into our fresh and innovative space.
Over the past couple of years, I've poured my heart and soul into crafting the Studios and Post-Production area for the Center for Online and Digital Learning at Syracuse University.
With the fantastic support of my incredible production and post-production team, as well as the skilled construction crew, we've brought to life a dynamic environment featuring two top-notch recording studios, spacious storage, and cutting-edge post-production rooms.
The studios are fully sound-proofed, equipped with a full 4x4 ceiling grid, adaptable set-panels, and motorized background rolls.
Welcome to the future of digital learning!
