Hi Guys,

I put together a video on why using auto exposure (AE) to capture video footage with your Spark is not such a great idea when you are trying to achive the best possible results.

Just to make it interesting, I shot most of it with the Spark in auto exposure, just to drive home the point.

Hope it's helpful!

Thumbs up SCoutts.

Great demonstration, it's very obvious when you can actually see it happening, while someone is talking about it.

Very well thought out video. This time I'm gonna give it an 11/10. The demonstration was also supporting your point which I liked. Your channel is one of the best sources that support the Spark and give tips and tricks. Thank you!

Thanks for the insight. Enjoy your videos, sir.

thank you for the info!!!

As you noticed the battery limits how much time you have to experiment. AutoX is quick so you don't need 100 batteries but you are correct, manualX gives the best result with enough time.

I love this demonstration and so as the pointers I will ensure to keep it in mind.

So, do you try to figure the manual exposure settings before takeoff or do you launch and set them airborne eating up battery power?  And does looking at a small mobile phone screen in sunlight really allow you to see what adjustments need to be made?  I'm just trying to figure out the feasibility of setting manual adjustments.  Or do you have favorite manual settings you always use (or start with) for certain lighting conditions that are tried and true that you know will work?

Nice one!!

Very clear presentation. Superb. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us.

Great vid!     

Nice Explanation!

I saw this video on my recommended list yesterday and skipped it, and I'm glad you posted it here.  Very helpful information that will be useful in the future, and makes me wish we had the second wheel on the remote to adjust shutter or iso on the fly.  

one subscriber closer to monetization for you as well.  

Great demo vid, thank you for sharing

Thumbs up for sharing the knowledge!

BeastMaster_101 Posted at 2018-2-6 19:17
Very well thought out video. This time I'm gonna give it an 11/10. The demonstration was also supporting your point which I liked. Your channel is one of the best sources that support the Spark and give tips and tricks. Thank you!

Thanks very much! I appreciate the kind words.

Rustic17 Posted at 2018-2-6 22:55
So, do you try to figure the manual exposure settings before takeoff or do you launch and set them airborne eating up battery power?  And does looking at a small mobile phone screen in sunlight really allow you to see what adjustments need to be made?  I'm just trying to figure out the feasibility of setting manual adjustments.  Or do you have favorite manual settings you always use (or start with) for certain lighting conditions that are tried and true that you know will work?

Yes, I typically set manual exposure before takeoff. It doesn't take long. I use the camera's meter (Camera Settings -> Exposure Settings -> meter is at the bottom) as a guide along with the histogram and what I'm seeing on my phone screen. The smartphone's screen can be deceiving, that's why turning on the histogram is important. Once you're in the air you can adjust as necessary. Setting a camera settings shortcut button helps get you there faster.

No real "tried and true" exposure settings. The camera's meter will give you a good starting point, the rest is up to you. Exposure can be used creatively too.

I think it is really about avoiding the constant fluctuations when relying on AE, which degrades the look of the footage. Experiment and have fun! :-)

Interesting informations!!

Good instructional video.  Thank you.

Thanks SCoutts.

A perfect video indeed.  

Thanks for the video. now using manual mode.  Anyone check how high ISO can be set before it effects image quality?   

Very nice video. Simple & clear. Nice information you have there.

Thank you!

Great work and thanks for sharing everything...
Thumbs up bro...

Nicely done. Thanks

Thanks, Well explained. easy to follow and understand.

Nice video!! very informative

Very nice and informative video thank you

nice material - way better when You see changes while some1 talks+shows then just talks

Nice Video. Thanks for sharing it here.

Nice Video. Thanks for sharing it here.

Nicely done.   Appreciate you sharing.

very helpful thank you so much for the efforts

Great tutorial! Subscribed

Shade220 Posted at 2018-2-7 10:22
Thanks for the video. now using manual mode.  Anyone check how high ISO can be set before it effects image quality?

ISO 800 seemed to me to start having noticeable noise in it.

Well done.. do you change your wb when you add nd polarizing filters in manual mode?

sitka_rn Posted at 2018-2-13 05:08
Well done.. do you change your wb when you add nd polarizing filters in manual mode?

Good question! I currently do not have ND filters but they are on the list. Most ND filters do add a bit of colour bias, so it's best to set your WB with them installed. I always use manual white balance just to avoid any fluctuations in colour.

forbsie Posted at 2018-2-12 15:08
Great tutorial! Subscribed

Thanks! There will be more. :-)

ArnoSpark Posted at 2018-2-12 14:03
very helpful thank you so much for the efforts

You're very welcome!