Film and Sensor
Summary
This post explores the intricacies of film and sensor in photography, focusing on key elements such as film speed and ISO sensitivity, exposure techniques including light metering, and the concept of dynamic range. It also provides practical settings for moon photography, highlighting the importance of understanding light intensity and its impact on capturing images.
Overview
mindmap
root((Film & Sensor))
Film Speed
ISO Sensitivity
Exposure
Light Metering
Reflected
Incident
18% Gray
Dynamic Range
Highlight
Shadow
Moon Settings
Film Speed
Film speed determines how sensitive the film or sensor is to light.
- ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Sensitivity
- Lower ISO (25-100): Less sensitive, finer grain, better for bright conditions
- Higher ISO (400+): More sensitive, more grain/noise, better for low light
Exposure
Proper exposure is achieved by measuring and controlling the amount of light reaching the film or sensor.
Light Metering
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Reflected Light Meter | Measures light bouncing off the subject |
| Incident Light Meter | Measures light falling on the subject |
18% Gray Tone
Average scene lighting typically results in approximately 18% gray tone. This is the standard reference for exposure metering.
- Gray Scale: A range of neutral tones from black to white
- 18% Gray Card: A reference tool with 18% light reflectance
Dynamic Range
The range of light intensities that can be captured from darkest to brightest.
| Reference | Dynamic Range |
|---|---|
| Human Eye | ~50,000:1 |
| Digital Sensor | ~10,000:1 |
| Film | ~5,000:1 |
- Highlight Areas: The brightest parts of the scene
- Shadow Areas: The darkest parts of the scene
Moon Photography Settings
Use these settings as a starting point for full moon photography:
| ISO | Aperture | Shutter Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | f/5.6 | 1/250 |
| 50 | f/8 | 1/250 |
| 100 | f/11 | 1/250 |
| 200 | f/16 | 1/250 |
| 400 | f/22 | 1/250 |