Logan LeBlanc
Well-known member
On a scale of 1-10, 1 being unnecessary and 10 be completely necessary, where would a matte box fit in?
POLL: How Essential Is A Matte Box???
- Thread starter Logan LeBlanc
- Start date
Michael_Bott
Well-known member
If you're serious about controlling light and image, 10.
If not, 0.
If not, 0.
On the DVX a Matte Box performs only three functions, it's up to you whether those functions are essential or can be done without a Matte Box.
1) Filter Holder -- Matte boxes allow you to mount rectangular glass or resin filters for modifying the image. Depending on what you shoot and your style, you may find a Matte Box very useful for holding popular filters like a polarizer, ND grad, or diffusion. An alternative is using 72mm screw in filters, although this won't work for ND grads (no up/down adjustment). Another alternative is to use a Cokin or Lee P-Mount filter holders which are less expensive and use smaller resin filters.
2) Lens Shade - Ambient light or light spill that falls on the lens can degrade and wash out your image. An alternative is to use a flag(s) to shield the lens, but this can be time consuming.
3) Professional look - Some filmmakers buy a Matte Box in order to present a professional apprearance to clients, talent, or crew. The DVX is a small form camcorder, so a Matte Box can enhance your image as a professional.
1) Filter Holder -- Matte boxes allow you to mount rectangular glass or resin filters for modifying the image. Depending on what you shoot and your style, you may find a Matte Box very useful for holding popular filters like a polarizer, ND grad, or diffusion. An alternative is using 72mm screw in filters, although this won't work for ND grads (no up/down adjustment). Another alternative is to use a Cokin or Lee P-Mount filter holders which are less expensive and use smaller resin filters.
2) Lens Shade - Ambient light or light spill that falls on the lens can degrade and wash out your image. An alternative is to use a flag(s) to shield the lens, but this can be time consuming.
3) Professional look - Some filmmakers buy a Matte Box in order to present a professional apprearance to clients, talent, or crew. The DVX is a small form camcorder, so a Matte Box can enhance your image as a professional.
In addition, as Keifer Sutherland said during the 1/3" HD camera shootout on the set of 24 (http://www.showreel.org/memberarea/article.php?172), it was hard for him giving his most intense performance to a small 1/3" camera, instead of the usual Panavision film cameras.
So, a large, professional mattebox, may psychologically enhance your talent's performance, as well.
So, a large, professional mattebox, may psychologically enhance your talent's performance, as well.