|
DVworkshops.com |
 |
|
|
Using Filters and Matte Boxes with
DV Cameras
DVworkshops.com
|
March 2005 |
|
|
Today, most software programs can add
tint or color, but fixing high contrast
lighting situations is best taken care of
while shooting. Using filters in front of
your lens can help correct exposure & keep
detail in all parts of your shot.
Our DV Camera Bootcamp covers filters,
professional lighting, camera menus and
more.
Visit our website link at the bottom of
this page
If you have any questions about
DVworkshops classes or projects, please feel
free to contact me at any time. Our phone
number is (415) 820-9622. Look forward to
seeing you at one of our workshops.
Aron Ranen DVworkshops San Francisco
|
|
Matte Boxes
What are Matte Boxes?
Matte Boxes are like large sun shades
that snap or screw into your Lens or camera
body. The matte box is used to hold filters
that can assist you in getting the best
image possible. If you are shooting a
dramatic scene or commercial, and have some
sort of control, these can really create
great looking digital video.
The Matte Box filters are hard edged and
rectangle/square in shape. They slide into
the Matte Box and some, such as the
Polarizer Filter, rotate until the desired
effect is achieved. A polarizer can make
your sky richer in blue and detail. You turn
it with two handles and spin it into the
correct position.
Can you still use filters if you do not
have a Matte Box? The answer is YES! Most
filters are available in flat edged and
round screw-on filters. These round filters
screw right on your lens, just like the UV
filter you may have on it right now. A clear
UV Filter protects your lens against
scratching. I suggest always using some sort
of protection in front of your lens.
In summary, Matte Boxes are attachments
to your camera that allow multiple filters
to be placed in front of the lens.
Link to DVworkshops.com Website
|
|
Using a ND gradation (Grad) Filter
Not high school graduation...
The photo to the right has a split
screen, one half is using a ND "Grad"
Filter, and the other is not. ND "Grad"
filters are helpful when shooting with a
bright sky at the top of your shot and a
dark subject area on the lower part. Think
of a farm on a sunny day, you are shooting
someone driving a tractor, the sky can "wash
out" in order to get the corrrect exposure
on the tractor. Or even a barn standing in
the middle of an empty field. These are high
contrast situations, and these "ND Grad"
filters cut down on the light coming from
the top 1/3 of your shot, reducing the sky
to it's correct exposure. Correct exposure
in Digital Video means detail and rich
colors These ND filters can help you nail
the right exposure in high contrast
situations.
These gradation "Grad" filters also come
in colors, which can make the sky look much
richer, and give it a film look. All these
filters also can be purchased as round
"screw-on" and used without a Matte box. |
|
Pro-Mist Filters make you believe in Heaven.
well, at least a heavenly glow...
Want to blow out your high lights and
make it look like some one is in heaven, you
know, walking on clouds...or walking thru
bright lights and a smog machine? Then the
pro-mist filter is for you.
If used in it's full strength,the
pro-mist filter does produce a fuzzy white
effect in areas of bright light, but if use
in small amounts, it can produce dramatic
results. If you shooting a person coming
back fropm spirit life, or a dream
sequence...check out Pro Mist filters. |
|
Neutral Density (ND) filters
Get depth of field in Sunny Places...
These ND filters allow you to create an
out-of-focus background, even in bright sun
light. Like in the image to the right. Click
on the picture of the sandwich to see what
ND filters look like. |
|
You can get filters in all different
strengths
Get just the amount of filter effect you
want
Filters come in "Full", "Half", "1/4",
"1/8". densities. These different types of
filters provide a range of "effect" for each
type. For instance a full ND Filter would be
very dark, and 1/8 ND filter would be
lighter. You would use the "Full" ND filters
outdoors, and the 1/4 or 1/8 indoors to
create "Less" depth of field. Less Depth of
field means the background is often "soft"
or out of focus. |
|
Link to Tiffen Home page with examples of
Most DV /Film Camera Filters
You gotta click on the link below to get
there.
In Summary there are a lot of filters out
there that can help you achieve the correct
exposure, and in turn produce high quality
DV. Click on the Link to Tiffen to order any
of these filters, and to check out more
examples of these filters in action.
Link to examples of filters and prices
|
|
About Us