GH2 GH2 + Vari ND filter Users - Input Wanted

B

Bassman2003

Veteran
Hello,

I have been trying some variable ND filters with my GH2 and have found a strange issue when filming outdoors. When there is sky in the frame I see horrible banding. This happens at all angles related to the sun and is not really present when shooting stills. I can't really see the effect anywhere but when sky is present.

So I wanted to ask: Have you seen this? Or could you test with your filters to see if this happens?

I want to go with the variable because it is so flexible, but it looks like a topographical map wherever there is sky.

Thanks for your help!
 

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I use a cheap $9 ND Fader that works great until you go right up to the nd400 value, where you start to see banding and that odd purple color cast that you have as well. What ND value are you seeing banding at, all ? Have you directly compared sky footage with the ND Filter on / off? The faders, even the pricier ones seem to fall apart at the higher stops...
 
Thanks for your reply. This effect seemed to be there throughout the range of the filter. I am trying to decide which way to go, variable or single filter. I purchased two GH2s to give me a SDOF alternative while shooting outdoors, but shooting outdoors is quite unpredictable. I guess I could go with a 7 or 8 stop filter and adjust ISO & shutter small amounts for exposure. The variable is so easy but the banding is not good.
 
I would like to see two photos side by side from the same position, one with and one without the ND filter you are using. I can't judge if there is a problem with your ND filter or not by looking at one photo only.
 
Just to clraify, this is not a photo but a frame grab from my NLE. Trust me, the banding is there the entire time and moves position as I rotate the ND. In still photos the effect is not very visible. I have already gone through this with the company... I am just wanting to see if anybody else has seen this while shooting outside with the sky in the frame.

Thanks
 
You either spend a lot on a vari ND (tiffen, singh-ray, heliopan) or buy ND4 and ND8 filters. Neither will add to the banding already present in the codec
 
Mr. Bill, is your reply based upon personal experience? The vari ND filter I am using is one of the expensive choices. If you have one that works outside pointed at the sky in video mode (f 2.8) I would be happy to know which one so I can get it.

Thanks
 
The brand you are using is likely the cause of your problem. It is of no help to anyone to leave out a crucial detail like that.
 
With respect, I am not posting to diagnose the problem. I am posting to ask if any users have vari ND filters that do not show banding outside with sky in the frame using video mode. Thanks
 
I'm shooting with a GH13 and a GH17 using a tiffen variND and so far haven't run into any banding problems - maybe I've just been lucky (lpowell's 75Mbps peak performance patch). I've had the well-documented problems using the lightcraft workshop ones (both mk1 and mk2) with wide-angle and telephoto lenses.

HTH
 
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Thanks Mr. Bill. If you have a chance, could you shoot some video of the daytime sky at a wide aperature and rotate the vari ND? Is this free of any banding?
 
Thanks for your test. I wonder if the GH2 sensor is the reason? I am looking at some Cokin "P" series filters for solid filters with some flexibility.

Skylak, could I ask if you see banding if sky is in your frame? If you have a second, could you do a little test?

Thanks
 
I really don't think it's your specific ND. What you are seeing is the result of the ND filter doing its work properly. Basically, by using the ND filter you are increasing dynamic range in the sky (more gradations in the sky.) At specific times of the day, depending on the position of the sun, and in absence of clouds, this will cause banding due to the 8 bit color reproduction of the GH2. It's a well known issue.
 
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