CineLight Pro — Support

CineLight Pro uses your iPhone camera to analyze real-world lighting conditions and help you determine recommended ND filtration and white balance settings for your shot.

This page explains how the app works, how to use it correctly, and what to do when results look off.

Overview

CineLight Pro is a practical on-set exposure assistant. It does two main things:

  • Estimates required ND (Neutral Density) strength
  • Suggests white balance (Kelvin range) based on scene lighting

It is designed for filmmakers, DPs, and camera operators working in changing natural or mixed lighting conditions.

How it works

The app uses your iPhone camera to measure:

  • Scene brightness (luminance estimation)
  • Color temperature tendencies (warm/cool balance)
  • Dynamic range distribution in highlights and shadows

From this data, it calculates:

  • How much light reduction you need (ND value)
  • A suggested white balance starting point for consistent grading

Important: This is a guidance tool, not a replacement for a calibrated light meter or professional color pipeline.

How to use CineLight Pro

1. Point your camera at the scene

Frame the area where your subject will be lit. Avoid pointing directly into extreme highlights unless that is the actual exposure reference.

2. Lock exposure (recommended)

If your iPhone allows it, lock exposure and focus for more stable readings.

3. Read results

The app will display:

  • Suggested ND value (e.g. ND 0.9, ND 1.8, ND 2.1)
  • Suggested white balance (e.g. 5600K, 4300K)

4. Apply adjustments on camera

Use the ND suggestion as a starting point for:

  • Built-in camera ND (if available)
  • External ND filters (variable or fixed)

Set white balance manually on your camera for consistent color reproduction.

Understanding ND recommendations

ND values are shown as optical density:

  • ND 0.3 → 1 stop of light reduction
  • ND 0.6 → 2 stops
  • ND 0.9 → 3 stops
  • ND 1.2 → 4 stops
  • ND 1.8 → 6 stops

CineLight Pro estimates ND based on a target exposure suitable for cinematic highlight retention.

White balance guidance

White balance is shown in Kelvin (K):

  • 3200K → Tungsten / indoor warm light
  • 4300K–4500K → Mixed lighting
  • 5600K–6500K → Daylight

The app suggests a neutral starting point. You should still adjust creatively based on mood and camera profile.

Limitations

CineLight Pro has constraints:

  • iPhone sensors are not calibrated light meters
  • Strong mixed lighting can reduce accuracy
  • Highly reflective or colored environments may bias readings
  • Results are predictive, not absolute

Use it as a decision aid, not a final exposure authority.

Best practices

For more accurate results:

  • Avoid pointing at direct sun or specular highlights
  • Measure mid-tones in the scene when possible
  • Take multiple readings and compare
  • Use consistent framing when re-checking lighting

Troubleshooting

ND values seem too high or too low

  • Reframe to include more mid-tone areas
  • Avoid extreme highlights or shadows dominating the frame

White balance looks incorrect

  • Check for mixed lighting (tungsten + daylight)
  • Re-scan from a neutral surface in the scene

App feels unstable

  • Close other camera apps
  • Restart CineLight Pro
  • Ensure iOS camera permissions are enabled

Privacy

CineLight Pro does not store or upload your camera feed. All analysis is performed locally on device unless explicitly stated in future updates.

Contact

For bug reports, feature requests, or technical support, contact:

support@yourappdomain.com