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About Scott Valentine
Expertise
Most anything about digital post processing (Photoshop, etc), effects, and image restoration, some technical information about digital imaging systems, light and electron microscopy, optical physics and image analysis. I can help with shooting basics, lighting setups, and getting the most out of your digital camera. I am also an 'expert' here for Photoshop (Computers/Technology > Software > Graphics Software > Photoshop).
I am currently writing a book for Adobe Press on composite artwork using Photoshop CS4.
Experience
I've been an image analyst and advanced amateur photographer for over 6 years. I run an Adobe user group, focusing on digital media, and have lectured on digital image capture systems. Currently, I am an administrator for a rather large instructional Photoshop forum
Organizations
Adobe User Groups, National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Advanced Imaging Specialists
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Physics, University of California, San Diego
Awards and Honors
Winner: Best in Show and several category first place awards - Imaging Professionals of the Southwest Print Competition (multiple years)
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You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Visual Arts > Digital Photography > Quick Question
Expert: Scott Valentine
Date: 7/6/2008
Subject: Quick Question
Question
Hello,
I am trying to learn photography in general. Being the "Digital" age I was wondering if digital photograpers still use the old hand held light meters, like the ones thay used with the older 35mm cameras. Any insight would be appreciated. -Regards-Mr. Stroud
Answer
Thanks for your great question!
The major difference between digital and film photography is how the original image is captured. Everything else is a matter of convenience and work flow. How does this relate to your question? Well, many dSLR bodies have much better light meters than their film predecessors, but that's not due to anything other than technological advances (that is, the advances have nothing to do with the fact of digital capture). The same goes for autofocus and other elements of automation in photography.
New light meters, however, have some amazing capabilities, including being able to program banks of strobes or flashes. Modern meters are doing more than figuring out incident light values, and are moving into being able to help you with a complete lighting solution. Older meters are still valuable to get incidental and reflected readings, so if used properly can still help a good photographer get the most out of a scene.
To expand on my original statement about the difference being in how the image is captured, one major advantage to digital is being able to select your white balance after the image is shot. This is only true if shooting in RAW format, where the sensor is only capturing actual light and color values, leaving things like color balance and sharpening to the post-production application. This was not previously possible with film without potential loss of quality due to filtering in the dark room. So for lighting considerations, you can make an older light meter more flexible by not worrying as much about color balance unless you are using mixed lights or have serious cast issues.
I hope this answers your question - if you'd like more discussion or clarification, please ask!
-Scott
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