Lumix GH6 and V-Log: advice on ND filters for video and how to use them on the beach?

[FoxAdriano]

Hi,
I would like some advice from someone who has experience and has been making documentaries for a long time. I use the Lumix GH6 with a NiSi ND-Vario True Color 1-5 Stop (VND) filter and shoot in 4K and V-log.I have always shot at 50ftp and 1/100.Soon I will be going to Madagascar to make a documentary on fishermen who live by the sea and in huts on the beach. So I'll be at the beach a lot, from dawn to dusk. I would like to create a story that produces pathos and emotion. So I would like to shoot at 25fps. In recent days I have done various road tests at 25fps with lots of sunlight and I realized that I almost always have to close the NiSi VND to maximum, with the problems that this entails: degradation of the video image.I don't know what to do.I don't know whether to continue shooting at 50ftp and not care about 25fps or buy a new fixed ND filter with more stops, namely the NiSi ND64 (6 Stop) PRO Nano HUC IR SLIM. I have little experience with filters because I have always only used the Nisi VND. One thing is certain: I don't want and can't change the filter several times in a day in the sand. If I use the Nisi VND with the lens hood, I don't know where to put it when I want to replace it. It's bulky and I risk scratching it with sand.
I would like to ask you this:In your opinion it's better
1) always leave the Nisi VND filter mounted and always shoot at 50fps,
or
2) run at 25pfs but almost always with the Nisi VND filter at maximum closure,
or
3) buy a fixed Nisi NiSi Filter ND64 (6 Stop) PRO Nano HUC IR SLIM filter and always leave it mounted and remove it only in the early morning and afternoon and shoot at 25fps.
I would like to know what you would do with this equipment. I don't have anyone's help, so I have to have little weight and few accessories.
Thank you

 

[DustinSchmidt]

Hi,
I would like some advice from someone who has experience and has been making documentaries for a long time. I use the Lumix GH6 with a NiSi ND-Vario True Color 1-5 Stop (VND) filter and shoot in 4K and V-log.I have always shot at 50ftp and 1/100.Soon I will be going to Madagascar to make a documentary on fishermen who live by the sea and in huts on the beach. So I'll be at the beach a lot, from dawn to dusk. I would like to create a story that produces pathos and emotion. So I would like to shoot at 25fps. In recent days I have done various road tests at 25fps with lots of sunlight and I realized that I almost always have to close the NiSi VND to maximum, with the problems that this entails: degradation of the video image.I don't know what to do.I don't know whether to continue shooting at 50ftp and not care about 25fps or buy a new fixed ND filter with more stops, namely the NiSi ND64 (6 Stop) PRO Nano HUC IR SLIM. I have little experience with filters because I have always only used the Nisi VND. One thing is certain: I don't want and can't change the filter several times in a day in the sand. If I use the Nisi VND with the lens hood, I don't know where to put it when I want to replace it. It's bulky and I risk scratching it with sand.
I would like to ask you this:In your opinion it's better
1) always leave the Nisi VND filter mounted and always shoot at 50fps,
or
2) run at 25pfs but almost always with the Nisi VND filter at maximum closure,
or
3) buy a fixed Nisi NiSi Filter ND64 (6 Stop) PRO Nano HUC IR SLIM filter and always leave it mounted and remove it only in the early morning and afternoon and shoot at 25fps.
I would like to know what you would do with this equipment. I don't have anyone's help, so I have to have little weight and few accessories.
Thank you

Are you using the Nisi True Color ND system that has the add-on filter option? As listed below?

NiSi Swift VND Kit​

• True Color 1-5 stops VND Variable Filter
• Swift ND16 (1.2) 4-stop ND Filter

It would allow you to just press on the 4 stop ND when you need the extra ND stops. It's an extra piece to buy, but it takes literally seconds to press it on the front of the filter and then you can shoot at your preferred f-stop instead of changing frame rates. I've often just kept a small filter pouch attached to my belt if I need to do those types of swaps and you wouldn't have to put anything down in the sand, as you said. I know a lens hood certainly helps with negating stray light, but are you completely against shooting without one, if it helps with filter swaps?

If you don't want to buy an additional filter, have you considered just closing down your aperture a bit when you're already at your maximum of 5 stops on your ND? Shooting at a deeper stop (f/4 or f/5.6) would help with cutting light, and probably additionally with capturing doc footage that is in focus.

 

[FoxAdriano]

Are you using the Nisi True Color ND system that has the add-on filter option? As listed below?

NiSi Swift VND Kit​

• True Color 1-5 stops VND Variable Filter
• Swift ND16 (1.2) 4-stop ND Filter

First of all, thank you for your reply, I'm really pleased to discuss this topic because I have little experience about this topic.
As for the Swift ND16 (1.2) 4-stop ND Filter, I didn't even know this option existed. Do you use a Lumix camera? Have you already tried it and had experience with Swift ND16 (1.2) 4-stop ND Filter? If there will only be a very slight degradation in video quality, it would be a great option.
A question:
do you think that with three filters you get better video quality than if you only use the VND Nisi at full closure?

If you don't want to buy an additional filter, have you considered just closing down your aperture a bit when you're already at your maximum of 5 stops on your ND? Shooting at a deeper stop (f/4 or f/5.6) would help with cutting light, and probably additionally with capturing doc footage that is in focus.

Yes, if I use 25fps at midday on a day with lots of sun, I have to close the VND almost completely even with f8.
Shooting without hood???? I've never done it, but I might try. Just the thought of doing it when I'm bathed in midday light makes me worry. But I'll try.

 

[DustinSchmidt]

First of all, thank you for your reply, I'm really pleased to discuss this topic because I have little experience about this topic.
As for the Swift ND16 (1.2) 4-stop ND Filter, I didn't even know this option existed. Do you use a Lumix camera? Have you already tried it and had experience with Swift ND16 (1.2) 4-stop ND Filter? If there will only be a very slight degradation in video quality, it would be a great option.
A question:
do you think that with three filters you get better video quality than if you only use the VND Nisi at full closure?

Yes, I own the Nisi Swift Vari ND filter system. It has the 1-5 stop vari-ND and then the 4 stop ND that you press on the front when you want to add additional stops and go to 6-9 stops.

It's easy to swap on and off. Regarding the 3rd filter, there are many additional options they offer. And yes, you can stack those on top and not worry about it, IMO.

There's a whole page on their website talking about it that I'd recommend you review for more info:

Category: Swift VND System

The NiSi Swift System works seamlessly with the NiSi True Color 1-5 stop VND Variable ND filter allowing the capability to be expanded by adding extra filters.

nisiopticsusa.com

There's been no issues for me using, it even at the full 9 stops if needed. It's a non-issue.

Yes, I've shot with many Lumix cameras over the years. I don't currently own one, but if I were you I wouldn't worry one bit about using the Nisi Swift system with your camera, even at the max ND.

Yes, if I use 25fps at midday on a day with lots of sun, I have to close the VND almost completely even with f8.
Shooting without hood???? I've never done it, but I might try. Just the thought of doing it when I'm bathed in midday light makes me worry. But I'll try.

Can I ask what stop you are trying to shoot at, and with what lens? That may offer some key info on helping achieve what you're trying to do.

Regarding a lens hood, I know it offers various benefits that you may want to utilize it for. A lens hood can serve as protection against damaging the front element, it can prevent unwanted stray light from entering the lens, it can help protect against drops, etc.

I don't know what specifics you're depending on it for, but if it's helpful, I almost never shoot with a lens hood and things still work out for me personally.

 

[FoxAdriano]

Can I ask what stop you are trying to shoot at, and with what lens? That may offer some key info on helping achieve what you're trying to do.

I have to tell you that unfortunately in recent years I have always had to shoot between midday and 1 pm with a sun that cracked the stones. For this reason I have some doubts about shooting with 25fps.
If I add that filter to the head of the NiSi ND-Vario True Color 1-5 Stop, I understand that I don't need any additional ring. Right?
But I still have time before my trip, so I'll do a lot of testing.
PS:
out of curiosity: do you not see any difference in video quality when this additional filter is mounted?