What is Zebra Pattern and what does it do?

NOTE: Not all cameras have the Zebra Pattern function. Also, the setting or the operating procedure for the Zebra function differs depending on the model. For details, refer to the manual supplied with the product.

Zebra Pattern is a camera feature that overlays some stripes onto the image that indicate exposure levels. It is a function that aids exposure by showing a striped pattern over the areas that are close to overexposure. If the maximum brightness that can be expressed in shooting is defined as 100, use the Zebra function to check the amount of brightness to which the subject has been exposed.

IMPORTANT: The Zebra Pattern is a highlight warning indicator that is common in video cameras, it does not control exposure it just warns you that highlights are blown out. It is not recorded onto the resulting image.

How to set the Zebra Pattern function

• To take a photo with less flare
  Set the Zebra setting to 100+ and then adjust the exposure so that the zebra pattern does not appear anywhere in the photo composition.
  The following steps are a sample setting method:
  
  
• 1. To prevent flare when shooting an image like the one below
     
       
     
     
  2. Launch the Zebra function.
     
     Sample operating procedure for the ILCE-6000
     1. From the MENU screen, select (Custom Settings).
     2. Select Zebra.
        
        
  3. Set the Zebra setting to 100+.
     Adjust the exposure so that the Zebra pattern does not appear anywhere in the photo composition.
     

     
     

  4. Confirm that no Zebra pattern appears on the screen and the flare is reduced, then shoot an image.
     
     
     
     
  5. You can now shoot an image with less flare.
     
       
     
     
• To avoid a white object become dark (underexposed)
  Set a Zebra setting between 90 and 95, and adjust the exposure so that the Zebra pattern appears on the white subject you want to shoot.
  
  
• To take a photo of people with optimized brightness
  Set a Zebra setting between 70 and 80, and adjust the exposure so that the Zebra pattern appears on the face of the subject.  
  
  NOTE: It is recommended that you adjust the setting according to the photo subject, or to the brightness you want to capture.