First Outdoor Video + Lighting Problems

Question

Morning
History: Camera Used: Canon H10
Media: SD card + onboard memory
Location: Outdoors (6AM-9AM) Weather: clear and sunny
Okay, shooting a workout video at 6AM in the morning, on top of Garret Mountain in NJ with the NYC skyline on the horizon, makes for some amazing footage, both through the eyes -> brain (live) and through the eyes -> off of PPro and Photoshop. The issue is when I EN to CD and watch on television - YIPES!! So much whiteness...the footage is viewable, but not CD/distribution quality material.
As you can see above, there is a lot of darkness going on in that photo. However, when played on the television the top portion of the "GO Figure" merges/washes in with the sky line.
I've been playing around with various effects, but it either swings me from one side of the bell curve to the other (washed out or too dark). Is there a way to tweak my video settings to emulate true television results or tweak PPro to emulate how it will look on a tv, so as I add effects I can see the results without having to burn to disc and be disappointed?
This is my first "offical video" so I am not ill opposed at reshooting indoors, however if this footage can be easily salavaged then I will continue playing with it. Of interesting note - there is a stark difference between video captured to memstick and that capture in onboard H10 memory, I will chalk this up to a learning experience and go buy another memstick so my video is at least consistent.
If anyone would like to see the footage, you can download it from:
(Mpeg: 5mb and Avi: 29mb) www.angela-mraz.net/Videos/helpvideo.php
What I did with the above videos is put together (2) 4 sec video clips - sunny tapped to memstick and sunny2 stored directly to onboard cam memory.
Any help would be appreicated.
Thanks
Joe

Answer 1

First comment is on the shooting:
Get some fill panels. I've got quite a few of these in various sizes, with many different clothes/inserts to attach, from silvered to gold, from translucent white to opaque bright white, and even black. My system came from Calumet Photo, and the kit was put together from individual pieces. The panels range from about 2' x 2', up to 8' x 8', with clothes to match. I have "feet" that snap onto the panels to hold them upright. I also carry a bunch of "ankle weights" to hold the units in a light breeze. For more than that, an assistant will be required, as these can become hang gliders in a hurry.
Now, for your footage. I'd look at adding the Highlight & Shadow Effect. Do NOT leave it on Auto! Adjust this to bring up the Shadow areas a bit. Experiment with your footage. I'd look at a setting around 25 to start. Next (well maybe not "next" as you'll see), explore the Levels Effect, and not Auto Levels. Click on the little "settings" icon. and work with this. The preview monitor is not the ultimate, so you will probably want to apply, look at your Program Monitor, then go back to make adjustments. I wish that that little preview was better. Now, the reason that I said this might not be "next," is because the stacking of these two Effects can yield totally different results. If you drag Levels up the hierarchy, it will have a different effect than if it's placed below Highlight & Shadow. Again, try either order, and judge the results.
Another Effect that can really help here is the Luminance Curves. Again, you will need to judge the results.
I'd say that you can probably address your issues in post, but only you can be the judge of that.
Good luck,
Hunt
PS I'd expect B&H Photo to have similar. Mine are PVC tubing. The material varies from cloth to metalized cloth.