Filters

[alexredfern]

i've recently aquired some filters for use with my DVX100a.

85B & C, 81A & D, 82A & C, 80A, and a grad 0.6 ND.

i'm aware of what they can be used for, but im interested in ways of using them creatively, eg outdoors, indoors, under average household lights, fleshtones etc. just to really enhance the quality of my footage.

i use the camera for a lot of promo work for companies, so mainly shot under average lighting (no room/time for proper rig), but also for shooting bands in extremely low light situations. how can i employ these filters to good use?

tips would be much appreciated. thanks.

alexredfern

(btw, the ND grad i'm all good with thanks!)

 

[500lb Productions]

Using filters in low light will only make the light even lower. But you can still try.

The grad ND is useful for darkening skies.

The color corrections are less useful for video because the dvx can do some degree of color balance w/o significant light loss.

Now a diffusion filter (soft1, soft2) would be useful, as would more ND's (for shooting outside when you still want the aperture open).

 

[jonnyh1968]

It's all in the direction in which you think. But, yes you do need to understand the basic tools and how they work. Then ask yourself "What filter do I need to achieve this specific look I'm thinking of?" You will get the enhanced quality you desire when you first start visualizing, calculating and defining exactly what you mean by "enhance."

Maybe that is what defines a "Cinematographer". One who makes an idea a reality.

BTW there is a filter called "enhancer" also - Ha!