Zebra patterning

This article is about the usage of zebra stripes videography. For other uses, see Zebra stripes (disambiguation).

Zebra patterning, or zebra stripes, is a feature found on some prosumer and most professional video cameras to aid in correct exposure. When enabled, areas of the image over a certain threshold are filled with a striped or cross-hatch pattern to dramatically highlight areas where too much light is falling on the image sensor.^[1][2]

Picture of Mendelssohn bust with zebra patterning

Often, a threshold level can be set, e.g. 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% (with 100% meaning pure white, or over-exposed, AKA 100 IRE).^[3] A lower threshold like 70 to 80% can help correctly expose many skin tones, while higher numbers help ensure correct overall scene exposure.^[4]

See also

• Clipping (photography)

References

1. "What is Zebra Pattern and what does it do?". Sony. March 30, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
2. Friedman, Gary L. (2014). The Complete Guide to Sony's A6000 Camera (B&W ed.). Lulu.com. pp. 30–31. ISBN 9781312318793. Retrieved May 25, 2016 – via Google Books.
3. Ortega, Vicente Rodríguez; Delgado, Francisco Utray. "Fundamentals of shooting with digital video cameras" (PDF). Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. p. 3.
4. Ward, Peter (2013). Basic Betacam Camerawork. Taylor & Francis. pp. 76–77. ISBN 9781136049545. Retrieved May 25, 2016 – via Google Books.