Histogram vs. Hand Held Meter

[jr_senator]

I have a friend who tells me that there is no reason to use an incident meter or bracket exposure, if one gets all the pixels in the histogram because one can make it any exposure one wants. He shots only RAW and is a very accomplished user of Photo Shop.Thoughts?

[number six]

I'd say there's no reason generally to use a reflected light meter - the camera sees reflected light and the histogram is a much more sophisticated readout than a needle.

There are still cases where an incident meter is useful...

-js

[Mark_Cohran]

What if you're using studio strobes? Sure, you can chimp until you get it right, but if you want specific ratios (key to fill to b/g) then an incident flash meter sure helps you set things up quickly.

[PhotosGuy]

...if one gets all the pixels in the histogram because one can make it any exposure one wants. I've rescued some bad exposures, but that's no reason to throw the meter out the window & rely on PP. You may have noise issues...
For a good starting point, this is what I use:
Need an exposure crutch? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=89123)

[jr_senator]

I read your posting. Yes, it's a lot of words, but one doesn't have to take it all in at once. I have been a shutter bug for over 50 years now. Maybe that's why it's sometimes difficult for me to understand digital. BTW, I use an incident meter (analog, of course).

[PhotosGuy]

Well, there is a learning curve, but it's worth the trip. My Nikons have gathered dust since I went digital, so hang in there.