Is metering with a standalone obsolete?

[dark_fusion]

Hello!

I've been pondering and asking around to see if getting a light meter would be good, though the responses I've gotten seem pretty varied.

1. Some people say its useful for film cameras as with dslrs, we just need a test shot, look at the histogram and adjust.
2. Some people say yep, its a indispensable piece of equipment as most dslrs cant get the precision of a light meter.
3. Others say that true its useful but it breeds bad habits. One should not have the habit bringing out a meter for everyshot you take and you should learn to judge yourself what settings the shot calls for.
4. If have money will buy loh...
5. Some say mainly for indoors fashion or product shoots, then it would be useful.

Just wondering what everyone thinks?

 

[tribal.snake]

useful for studio work or "planned" shoots
indispensable... i dunno.
this is personal since some ppl rely on it to get the "perfect" shot but to others it can be a hassle.

but for day to day shoot, dun really need it.
since the dslr works good and the option of ps is always there.

 

[Clown]

only used lightmeter for recopy works.

 

[Deadpoet]

Hello!

I've been pondering and asking around to see if getting a light meter would be good, though the responses I've gotten seem pretty varied.

1. Some people say its useful for film cameras as with dslrs, we just need a test shot, look at the histogram and adjust.
2. Some people say yep, its a indispensable piece of equipment as most dslrs cant get the precision of a light meter.
3. Others say that true its useful but it breeds bad habits. One should not have the habit bringing out a meter for everyshot you take and you should learn to judge yourself what settings the shot calls for.
4. If have money will buy loh...
5. Some say mainly for indoors fashion or product shoots, then it would be useful.

Just wondering what everyone thinks?

If you are asking all the above questions, you probably won't need one. Why? Becasue if and when you feel a lightmeter will be helpful, 1) you would know, 2) you will get one.

 

[dark_fusion]

If you are asking all the above questions, you probably won't need one. Why? Becasue if and when you feel a lightmeter will be helpful, 1) you would know, 2) you will get one.

Well true but then again it boils down to a weighing of costs-benefits, its like an argument of whether a white balance cap would really be needed, given nowadays what ps can do.

Just that those were some of the responses I've gathered while asking ard so thought maybe I could see what people here say about light meters?

 

[Deadpoet]

I stick with my original comments, don't get it. Just one more thing to confuse the situation. At some point, if you found the on camera meter lacking, then rethink if you need one.

 

[michhy]

well if your camera has poor metering, it would be useful
otherwise, dont feel a need with digital cameras.

 

[catchlights]

Well true but then again it boils down to a weighing of costs-benefits, its like an argument of whether a white balance cap would really be needed, given nowadays what ps can do.

Just that those were some of the responses I've gathered while asking ard so thought maybe I could see what people here say about light meters?

what kind of light meter are you referring?
spot meter?
flash meter?

btw,
white balance cap is pre
photoshop is post

can you tell the different?

 

[Ally]

There're generally 2 types of light meters..

One's an incident light meter, that is it reads the light falling/illuminating the subject..
The other's reads the light that's reflected off the subject, kinda the ones you have in a SLR/dSLR (which is most probably a Through-the-Lens [TTL] meter)

just my say..

ps: Voigtlander has a small light meter that can be worn round your neck on a lanyard..

 

[dark_fusion]

ps: Voigtlander has a small light meter that can be worn round your neck on a lanyard..

Ooh juz googled that up...seems more like a toy then a light meter :bsmilie:

 

[tribal.snake]

is a very useful toy if u are playing with antiques.