Do You Need A Light Meter If You Have A Dslr Camera

Today we're taking a look at the in one case ubiquitous light meter, and how it tin still help you in today's world of cameras attempting to practise information technology all for yous. We'll walk through what a light meter is, and advise a few potential uses for your photography!

What Is a Light Meter?

A light meter just measures the amount of lite in a scene. This is a very handy value to know in photography, as nosotros tin can then set the exposure time perfectly. When using a moving picture photographic camera, a light meter becomes far more of import due to expensive film and processing costs.

Light meters come up in two kinds, cogitating and incident. In-camera light meters are almost always reflective, every bit they reflect light from the whole scene. Handheld reflected light-meters besides crave a lensman to stand next to the camera to tape the whole scene.

Handheld incident meters, on the other mitt, require a photographer to go every bit close to the subject as possible in lodge to get a reading.

Mike turner has written an incredible in-depth tutorial on the subject, which I would happily recommend anyone for further reading for a complete explanation.

Do You Actually Demand Ane?

There is a lot of debate between professional person photographers, only in my opinion the answer is yes. They offer considerably more detail than the in-congenital meter inside your Digital SLR, and tin can often improve your pictures in sure scenarios.

An example of a good use of a incident meter would exist when taking a photo of a model. Using a light meter, yous can record the light on their face, clothes and shoes. You lot then simply add the figures given together and then dissever to get an average - this should suggest a very accurate exposure value.

If you are still using a film camera without an in-photographic camera light meter, and so this production is a must - it removes all the guess piece of work involved.

should you buy a lightmeter

Disadvantages of Light Meters

Although I think everyone should have a light meter if within their upkeep, they are another piece of equipment to get familiar with, carry round, and set up every time you want to accept a photo. After the outset few shots it tin can become tiring.

Modern day SLR cameras are amazingly accurate at metering, and bug generally only occur when y'all are either in extremely sunny or dark areas. It is during these times the light meter can come in most useful.

With whatever modernistic twenty-four hour period digital cameras - even from under $100 - you lot tin can have a photo in seconds and instantly see the result. If anything needs irresolute, you can suit settings or add a flash. It's a lazy approach to photography, but information technology's perfectly fine for many people.

should you buy a lightmeter

Image courtesy of Alex Dram

How Much Do They Cost?

The average cost for a make new lite meter ranges from around $150-$300. These often include both a reflected light and incident meter built-in.

I will admit that it'south quite an expensive gadget to have in your photographic camera bag, but if yous are non happy with your camera'south in built meter - or also wish to shoot on film regularly - it makes sense to purchase.

If you are amateur lensman and cannot afford the kit, why not inquire family members every bit often the older generation might take one stored away along with all their onetime film gear.

If you own an iPhone or iPod touch, an app for measuring exposure has been released and it costs the small cost of $iii. You tin can bank check it out here. I have no thought how good it is, but might it might be fun to try out!