filters to lessen contrast

Patryk_Rebisz

Patryk_Rebisz

Veteran
what kind of filters would you folks advise for shooting outside to lessen the contrast between areas in sun and in shadow???
 
Digicon. They are nice filters, but they do not really increase latitude as much as you would hope.
Jarred and Barry here (i think) have both used the Ultracon's with okay results as well...

They'll make a noticeable difference, but just don't be holding out for a miracle by using them.
Hope this helps.
 
You'll be way better off with a reflector than with a filter. Bounce some sun into the shady area. A low-contrast filter is basically just a controlled flare that washes out the blacks. Useful to some degree in some circumstances, but as Brian said, don't expect a lot.

Now, a graduated ND or a blue grad, that's a whole 'nother story... but I presume you're not talking about circumstances where a grad would be appropriate, right?
 
Barry's right but it's not always easy to cart a reflector around (with someone to mount it on).

I have been using a Tiffen Ultra Contrast 3 to deal with contrast. It has a very noticeable effect on footage - I would say dramatic. As Tiffen claims, it takes care of contrast, but there are unwanted side effects. It has allowed me to shoot in circumstances where I would have struggled otherwise, but images appear desaturated, washed out. I'd like to get it in a lower grade (1, or even 1/2), but as a 72mm screw on I haven't been able to track it down in anything but grade 3.

If you have a matt box (and can therefore pick up a lower grade and more subtle results), I'd recommend it.
 
yes.. if you use digicons or ultacons, they flaten your image alot, as would be expected. However, I would of named the Ultracons Lowcons and vice versa.
 
Yeah we are not talking about "reflector kind of shots"... I'm shooting a project with f900 (i know i know, not Panasonic don't blame me) and i know some of the outside shots will be shot in worst light possible (around 2pm) so i'm trying to find solutions... HMIs and reflectors are partial solution but only for certain shots so other then that some kind of contrast lowering filter is needed.
 
Contrast control as Barry and others above said is best with fill light (reflectors etc).

It is normal practice to fill the subject more, the closer the camera is to the subject and as the shot widens you can let the contrast range increase. It is very easy to add contrast in the closer situation.

Also good exposure technique will aid contrast control . Expose up for to get control in the blacks. (Gamma and ped will help if you can adjust them on that camera)
 
Interesting. They say that, "Low Contrast is the filter of choice for people who shoot video but want to achieve more of f film look", but personally I like the soft contrast filter better.

Matt
 
By the way, you may want to be careful, the XL2 does this by it's nature to give increased detail (you can take it away if you want) but that look is not one that is liked very much for a film look here. You probably want to control contrast on set.
 
IMO, those contrast filters are more useful to achieve different looks than for solving problems. Watch "Personal Velocity". The DP used an Ultracon, just don´t know exactly wich one. The result was noticeable: lowlights were kind of blueish.
 
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