Clipping

What is Clipping in Video Editing?

Clipping is a term used in video editing that refers to the process where the brightness levels in an image are either too high or too low, causing a loss of detail in those areas. This usually happens in two ways:

• Highlights Clipping: This occurs when the bright parts of an image are too bright, making them appear completely white without any visible details.
• Shadows Clipping: This happens when the dark parts of the video are too dark, resulting in pure black areas where no details can be seen.

Why Does Clipping Occur?

Clipping often occurs during the recording phase if the camera's settings are not adjusted correctly for the lighting conditions. It can also happen during post-production if the brightness levels are pushed too far in either direction. Understanding how to monitor and adjust these levels is crucial for maintaining detail in your video.

How Can Clipping be Prevented?

To prevent clipping, you can use a few techniques:

• Check Exposure: Use your camera’s histogram feature while filming to ensure that the exposure is balanced, not leaning too far towards bright or dark.
• Adjust Lighting: Properly set up your lighting to avoid overly bright or dark spots in the scene.
• Post-Production: Carefully manage brightness levels during the editing process, and use tools like waveforms to monitor the video's luminance.

By keeping an eye on these aspects, you can maintain the quality of your video by preventing both highlight and shadow clipping.