CelfistJett
Active member
I understand the general concept of what a Matte box is.. but could someone explain more in depth?
Matte Box?
- Thread starter CelfistJett
- Start date
joeloud
Active member
I read your other thread about you getting a DVX, and that camera actually has a rudimentary matte box on the front. But the truth is, if you don't know much about matte boxes, you probably don't need one just yet. That's not an insult; I'm just trying to save you the cash. I've owned an HVX for a while now, and I know about matte boxes and I don't even own one yet (besides that basic one that comes with it). There are other things you can spend your money on before you get a matte box, like a decent tripod or a UV filter to protect your lens, but that's not what you asked about. Best advice is to just shoot with your new camera, and you'll figure out in the field what a matte box will do for you. However, I will give you some basics...
A matte box helps shield your lens from light sources, and prevents lens flare and fogging. Fogging causes you to lose contrast in your image, because the dark areas are getting exposed to light that's getting reflected around inside the lens. A matte box helps block this light from getting in the lens from lights around in front of the camera.
A matte box also holds filters, like color temperature filters, ND's, polarizers, etc. These filters are essentially the same as the ones you can screw right on the front of the lens, but they're usually square, and slide into slots between the hood and the lens. This makes them far easier to swap in and out, rather than screw on the front. The average matte box will have maybe 2-4 of these slots, but 2 should be fine.
Many matte boxes will also have a face that will swing away from the lens, so you can change lenses out without removing the whole contraption. On a DVX, this isn't really necessary, because the lens isn't interchangeable. But if you maybe get a 35mm adapter at some point, it's something to look for.
That's about all I can think of off the top of my head. What else would you like to know?
A matte box helps shield your lens from light sources, and prevents lens flare and fogging. Fogging causes you to lose contrast in your image, because the dark areas are getting exposed to light that's getting reflected around inside the lens. A matte box helps block this light from getting in the lens from lights around in front of the camera.
A matte box also holds filters, like color temperature filters, ND's, polarizers, etc. These filters are essentially the same as the ones you can screw right on the front of the lens, but they're usually square, and slide into slots between the hood and the lens. This makes them far easier to swap in and out, rather than screw on the front. The average matte box will have maybe 2-4 of these slots, but 2 should be fine.
Many matte boxes will also have a face that will swing away from the lens, so you can change lenses out without removing the whole contraption. On a DVX, this isn't really necessary, because the lens isn't interchangeable. But if you maybe get a 35mm adapter at some point, it's something to look for.
That's about all I can think of off the top of my head. What else would you like to know?
CelfistJett
Active member
There's not even a consideration of being offended, I appreciate it. I didn't plan on buying one, but I just wanted to know more about it incase if I wanted to spend money on it in the future. You're completely right, I should just mess around with the camera to get a feel around with it. I will spend my cash on a few filters. I was definitely considering spending money on a UV filter, a polarizer filter, a protective filter, and a some kind of grad blue filter. One other thing that I'm lacking knowledge of would be audio equiptment. I asked my friend about making an investment into a boom microphone, but he suggested buying a few wireless microphones.. Maybe both? Lighting isn't a big issue yet, I've found Do-it-yourself ways to influence the lighting. I do appreciate your input. If I have any other questions, and you happen to be on AIM would you mind if I troubled you for some answers? If not it is perfectly fine.
kenackr
Well-known member
You should really read about microphones in the Audio Section of the home page of this forum. Most people know very little about them and have picked up many misconceptions. The type and quality of mic(s) you use depends on the type of shots you use and the end use of your product(s).
Wired mics always produce better sound (crisper, cleaner, fuller) than wireless mics if used in the same application and the same money class. For example, if you are doing interviews a wired lapel mic like a Country man B6 will be much better than a wireless mic system you spend the same money on. The same is also true of a wired shotgun mic on a boom pole held out of the frame as oppossed to a wireless mic you spend the same money on.
In addition to sound quality, radio interference can also be a problem with wireless. If you are seeking "professional" sound quality for work that is to make you money, wired mics are the way to go if possible. Use wireless for work that is not being sold, or home videos, or action shots where the action takes higher precedence than the sound quality, unless, of course, you intend to spend the money on premium wireless like 'Lectro's.
All of that being said, please also realize that mic quality is extremely variable and in most cases price is a good indicator of quality. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A "GOOD" CHEAP MIC.
Ken
Wired mics always produce better sound (crisper, cleaner, fuller) than wireless mics if used in the same application and the same money class. For example, if you are doing interviews a wired lapel mic like a Country man B6 will be much better than a wireless mic system you spend the same money on. The same is also true of a wired shotgun mic on a boom pole held out of the frame as oppossed to a wireless mic you spend the same money on.
In addition to sound quality, radio interference can also be a problem with wireless. If you are seeking "professional" sound quality for work that is to make you money, wired mics are the way to go if possible. Use wireless for work that is not being sold, or home videos, or action shots where the action takes higher precedence than the sound quality, unless, of course, you intend to spend the money on premium wireless like 'Lectro's.
All of that being said, please also realize that mic quality is extremely variable and in most cases price is a good indicator of quality. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A "GOOD" CHEAP MIC.
Ken
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joeloud
Active member
Looks like Ken answered your sound questions. I'm not a sound guy, so I couldn't help you there anyway.
And before, I was just making sure I didn't sound like I was talking down to you. I'm always interested in teaching someone something new. I wouldn't mind answering a question if I'm on AIM, unfortunately, I'm rarely on there anymore since most of my friends no longer use it, so I have no real need to be on.
And before, I was just making sure I didn't sound like I was talking down to you. I'm always interested in teaching someone something new. I wouldn't mind answering a question if I'm on AIM, unfortunately, I'm rarely on there anymore since most of my friends no longer use it, so I have no real need to be on.
gco
Veteran
From one beginner to another, buy a quality clear 72mm filter for protection and stop. Do not spend any more money. Spend lots of time in these forums. I cannot emphasize this enough. Read the forums. Read the stickies. Use the search function. You will learn a lot. You will definitely save money and heartache avoiding costly mistakes. This place is a freaking gold mine. Dig In! :thumbup:
CelfistJett
Active member
I appreciate the input guys!