Why use a Matte Box when shooting digital?

M

mrbrycel

Well-known member
Don't get me wrong, I love the look of a fully loaded up digital camera with a matte box. It reminds me of a film camera. But I don't understand the reason for using filters when shooting digital in most cases. I use a lot of filters for film photography to compensate color temp, but digital camera's have white balance. Why would I want to give up 1 1/2 stops of light by using a blue filter to correct for tungsten if I can just switch the white balance to 3200k?

ND and polarizer filters are still necessary, but there are screw on filters that don't require a $1,000+ matte box to hold them. And for effect filters, most of them can be achieved in post right?

I'm not putting down matte boxes, I'm just wondering, is its only purpose to act as a lens shade, and hold filters?
 
I'm not putting down matte boxes, I'm just wondering, is its only purpose to act as a lens shade, and hold filters?
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Pretty much.

The only other would to protect the lens or using masks, but primary uses is to block light and mount filters.
 
As crazy as it sounds, actors get much more serious when a camera has a matte box.

Without it almost all these cameras look like toys to the untrained eye.

I know it seems silly but trust me it true. I first read it on this forum then tested it first hand.

It's true!!!!!!
 
It's about light control. Yes, digital cameras have white balance, but there's no grad ND built-in. And circular polarizers can be screw-on, but having a 4x4 in the matte box is handy. Plus, it's quicker to swap out and to layer filters in the trays. And the lens shades that come with the cameras don't generally block out as much as a good matte box.

I will second the sentiment that people take the camera more seriously as well... especially commercial clients. Local spots are the worst. Many of them are used to some one from the local cable server or the local news station showing up with a big camera... not that these shooters know how to set these cameras up properly (I know one shop here who still uses 3/4"). The clients settle for poor image quality because these folks have big cameras, and that makes them pros. The person with the small camera may seem questionable, and adding the rails and matte box can be very eye-catching and can give a bit more comfort to the client.
 
JJ is right, its the mattebox and clapperboard that make you look professional. If you have an actor with abit of an ego, it helps them out to see a big fancy camera and see someone with a clapperboard.

Also its easier to blag permission to use someones land, and you dont get as much trouble from the public if your camera looks impressive.

Ive told irritating kids that we are filming around london for harry potter before and they belived us. :-D
 
Hahaha, when I was in Savannah Georgia during film school, we used to tell over curious people who kept bothering us we were shooting Forrest Gump II.
 
Captain Pierce said:
Ouch.

Just... ouch.
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I know. It pains me.

Local spots here are terrible. Some places are still on BetaSP, and the local news stations that do commercials are now on DVCAM. But it seems that no one here knows how to set up for proper exposure, level a tripod, gain stage wireless mic systems...
 
Our standard reply, whenever we are asked on the street what we are shooting is that this will be a mayonnaise commercial. Seems to impress everyone. I especially like to say it when we are doing stunts or special effects, that's the best.

Dan
 
The best one I've experienced... we were shooting in a neighborhood. The grip truck was in the driveway and our grip was unloading a couple of Arris. This little, old couple (had to be in their 70s or 80s) were out for a walk and stopped and kept staring as Nick pulled gear out of the truck. The PA had run some stuff to the trash cans at the end of the driveway and the couple asked her what was going on here. "Oh, we're shooting a TV show for ____ Network."

"Ah," said the couple. "We were wondering if you were shooting an adult film."

"No ma'am... it's a home improvement show."

"Are you sure?" They pointed at Nick. "We could swear we've seen that man on some of our DVDs."
 
C2V said:
I know. It pains me.

Local spots here are terrible. Some places are still on BetaSP, and the local news stations that do commercials are now on DVCAM. But it seems that no one here knows how to set up for proper exposure, level a tripod, gain stage wireless mic systems...
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Back when I started my current job in '97, I had one local station still doing 3/4" and one doing MII, if you can believe that. :D (They went DVC-PRO in '99, and got a sexy little Panasonic "laptop editing deck.") But AFAIK, the other two stations are still on BetaSP for nes, and if I had to guess, half of the local commercials I see are shot on mini-DV...
 
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