topic Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

CaRa2 — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 12:22:00 GMT

Is there or will there be a real time highlight warning or zebra stripe type function in the Canon EOS R line, specifically, the R6? I do have a real time histogram set up (for the same purpose) but have not yet mastered the ability to look at it in addition to the other settings when taking a photo quickly. I think the function exists for video.

Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

Tronhard — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 17:04:16 GMT

There is a feature in your manual on P536 that discusses displaying a highlight alter when reviewing an image. It does not apply when actually taking the photo because, as this is a mirrorless camera, the sensor displays what it will get in real time, so you should be able to see when you meter if something is blown out. That was not the case with a DSLR unless one pressed the preview button.

Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

rlando001 — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 19:46:32 GMT

I not understand how the camera being mirrorless precludes it from showing zebra stripes live in still mode while showing them in movie mode. Also, my prior mirrorless, an Olympus, showed live zebra stripes in still mode. If they can do it why can't Canon?

Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

Tronhard — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 19:59:59 GMT

P831 of the manual indicates that Zebras cannot be assigned as a function available for stills. That is an issue you need to take up with Canon directly. I am just trying to help you as part of the Canon user community.

I am curious to know what kind of photography you are doing that requires such a feature - are you shooting in manual mode? I shoot landscapes, people, animals, and even some macro stuff with the R5 & R6, using single-point metering and it hasn't failed me yet.

Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

CaRa2 — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 01:45:06 GMT

Thanks, Trevor. I admit, I'm a newbie. This (R6) is my first "real" camera; I never owned a DSLR. The other day, I took photos of a hawk flying above me against a bright blue sky, and the hawk was mostly white. Unfortunately, immediately prior to this, I had taken a photo of another, dark bird against the sky that had been backlit. I had increased the exposure compensation to lighten it up (shooting in manual mode with auto-ISO). So I over-exposed the white hawk. Had I noticed the histogram, I could have avoided doing this, but I was concentrating on getting the white hawk into my view and into focus. I could have reduced or underexposed the white bird by adjusting the exposure compensation accordingly. My thinking afterward was, if I had seen zebra stripes on the white hawk at that moment, I could have been reminded to adjust the exposure compensation. It's no big deal - just a lesson learned. I do have the histogram set up in my viewfinder, so I should use it... But I'm not sure how to see whether something is blown out in the viewfinder in real time when I meter it, as you say above. (I have my camera set to back-button focus, so I focus using the AF-start button and then press the shutter button.) Please let me know if I'm missing or misunderstanding something.

Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

Tronhard — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 05:02:20 GMT

From Cara2's comments, it is a simple case of learning on the job I have been shooting for a long time before DSLRs, MILCs and most of the other feature available in most cameras today. My message is to you both to build your skill and not depend on technology to replace that. Getting an over-exposure is part of the learning process and after a while one deals with those things automatically. Certainly the nature of Mirrorless cameras to show you exposure in real time is an improvement and that should negate the need for zebras. The R5 &6 (and similar models from other brands) are more prosumer models and many things that might appear in the lower end DSLRs (for example for Canon, the Rebels) like shooting modes: landscape, portraits, macros and zebras, are not present because the assumption is that users have the skills to manage the settings themselves. I sympathize that it can be a steep learning curve if you are new to this kind of photography, but each time you shoot it's a learning experience and you gain from it. At least you aren't paying for it for each shot like I did when I learnt in the days of film...

Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

Waddizzle — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 09:12:12 GMT

If you are looking to shoot video, then that is a feature commonly found in cinema camera bodies, not consumer hybrid cameras. There are other brands out there that do try include these types of bells and whistles in their consumer cameras. Just keep in mind that those other brands do not sell nearly as many cameras as the top brands that usually do not offer that feature.

Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

CaRa2 — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 12:37:56 GMT

Thanks, all! Yes, I can't imagine shooting like I am now with film! I wouldn't be doing this -- and I am truly enjoying it. I do know that I have a lot to learn! I've only had my camera for a year. It's a feature I had noticed, but not given much thought to, more than a year ago, when I was shopping for my camera.

Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

rlando001 — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 04:56:51 GMT

Hello Trevor. I wasn't trying to be hard on you--my apologies. I like to expose to the right when I can; I find blinkies or zebra stripes much more useful than a histogram. I usually shoot in manual mode with auto ISO. I often photograph wildlife where I can't afford to review. I guess I do have a minor beef with Canon. Thanks for your response.

Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

Tronhard — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 05:04:35 GMT

No problem 🙂

I shoot mostly in Av mode - I have done most of my career, but can happily use manual when the occasion requires it. I personally, find the R5 and R6 great because what I see in my EV indicates the degree of exposure, essentially WYSIWYG. So, for me, that accurately tells me the degree of over/under exposure. I have always thought of zebras as a feature of DSLRs where you don't see the result as you look though the viewfinder, so they are valid there. Certainly, zebras are important for videographers and Canon have kept them for that application.

That said, if you think they are valuable, then I suggest you make the suggestion to Canon.

Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

rlando001 — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 05:32:38 GMT

I too love the mirrorless. That's why I defected from Canon to go to Olympus years ago. I'm glad to be back!

Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

Tronhard — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 05:38:44 GMT

I still love my DSLRs - if you look at my profile, I list my current gear and it's pretty massive as I never bothered to sell my stuff: I found a body lost its value too quickly (lenses much less so). I love shooting with relatively primate stuff: I shoot with the Canon EOS D30, circa 2000 and love the experience for itself and the pictures are still good IMHO. There are many genres where it will make no difference whether one uses DSLRs, MILCS or compact cameras. Right now I shoot with (predominantly) Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji and Olympus...

However, for certain applications, especially wildlife as we do, Canon's 2nd generation MILCs are a huge step forward - IBIS, eye tracking, dynamic range, WYSWIG all increase the number of keepers and that is great!

Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

FurCPhoto — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 23:09:29 GMT

This is a weird answer. Using this logic, we could still be focusing and guessing exposure manually, why depend on technology when we can just build a skill for it.

With a camera that provides live exposition preview, it makes sense to be able to see overexposition before taking the shot rather than taking the shot and then checking if there's overexposition (and eventually retaking, assuming we haven't missed the chance already). The feature is available for video, it's available in cameras of other brands. If R6 doesn't have it, fair enough. But trying to pretend it shouldn't have it, because the same result can be achieved in more complicated manner, isn't constructive.

Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

FurCPhoto — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 23:14:36 GMT

In other words, wait till canon eventually implements the feature, or buy a camera from a brand that already has it. There's no point pretending decision not to include it is somehow better just because canon sells a lot of cameras. Perhaps the reason why other brands' sales are growing is, they include features users actually look for.

Speaking as a canon user myself.

Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

Waddizzle — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 23:29:43 GMT

It is not a feature in Canon R Series cameras when shooting stills. Other brands include those features because they are inferior camera bodies. AF systems are not as good and the lens selection is even worse.

Personally, I would not to see any zebra stripes and blinking things when I am trying to compose shots and shoot stills. I would prefer to see CPU power devoted to the AF system.

[EDIT] Have a nice day.

Re: Highlight warning or zebra function for still photos

FurCPhoto — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 09:35:25 GMT

Personally I'd really appreciate this function. It's not a brand killer (and besides, I'm pretty sure Canon will eventually add it), but talking about e.g. Sony as inferior camera bodies currently takes a lot of fanboyism 🙂 Canon is lagging behind. I hope it will catch up on features eventually.

Also have a nice day 🙂