I need help figuring out what type of Pro Mist filter to get for my 72mm Canon XH-A1 digital camera. ??? I was reading that digital tends to be too in focus, so it is best to use a Tiffen Pro Mist filter over the lens. OK, so I go to B&H and look at the Tiffen 72mm Mist filters, but the choices are daunting ?B)? : "F/X 1", "F/X 3", "Pro Mist 3", "Pro Mist 1/2", etc. What type of Pro Mist filter am I supposed to pick from such choices? Or should I just NOT use a filter during shooting, and instead do the softening in post-production? (requiring additional rendering, and would that degrade aspects of the footage that I do not want degraded?)
?Randall
quote:
Originally posted by Beowulf
I need help figuring out what type of Pro Mist filter to get for my 72mm Canon XH-A1 digital camera. ??? I was reading that digital tends to be too in focus, so it is best to use a Tiffen Pro Mist filter over the lens. OK, so I go to B&H and look at the Tiffen 72mm Mist filters, but the choices are daunting ?B)? : "F/X 1", "F/X 3", "Pro Mist 3", "Pro Mist 1/2", etc. What type of Pro Mist filter am I supposed to pick from such choices? Or should I just NOT use a filter during shooting, and instead do the softening in post-production? (requiring additional rendering, and would that degrade aspects of the footage that I do not want degraded?)
?Randall
OK, replying to my own post after doing some online research / googling. I see the need for a filter, either Pro Mist or Soft F/x, because from what I read filters can do things (sometimes desired, sometimes unwanted) that can not be done in post production. I was thinking Pro Mist based on a book I read (From Reel to Deal), but some reviews on websites pointed out (at least for the Canon XL1 digital camcorder) that there are cautionary measures that need to be taken if using the Pro Mist filter (like problems if using a wrong f-stop with the lens wide open, etc), so the Soft F/x filter might be a better way to go? I am thinking something like a Tiffen 72mm Soft F/x grade 1 or even 2? If digital is harsher on outlines than film, perhaps the grade 2 soft f/x is needed, especially I plan to do mostly fictional filmmaking with people/characters; I want the subtle dreamy quality of film, not the harsh look of HD digital. Thoughts?
?Randall (Beowulf)
A filter isn't going to get you that "dreamy" quality you're after. That takes a much better lens than the stock lens on the XH and great lighting.
I always use a 1/2 black Pro Mist. I don't like the look of the Soft/FX filters - they are primarily made for still photography so any movement within the frame gets a little distorted. Of course the look of your specific project is subjective - what looks great to me, might not be the look you're after.
The great thing about shooting digital is you can test. Under the same lighting conditions try out the different filters you're thinking about using. Then watch it. You will be able to see exactly which filter gets as close to the look you're after.
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
quote:
Originally posted by certified instigator
A filter isn't going to get you that "dreamy" quality you're after. That takes a much better lens than the stock lens on the XH and great lighting.I always use a 1/2 black Pro Mist. I don't like the look of the Soft/FX filters - they are primarily made for still photography so any movement within the frame gets a little distorted. Of course the look of your specific project is subjective - what looks great to me, might not be the look you're after.
The great thing about shooting digital is you can test. Under the same lighting conditions try out the different filters you're thinking about using. Then watch it. You will be able to see exactly which filter gets as close to the look you're after.
OK I am going to order a 1 Black Pro Mist today, if it is too strong i can get a 1/2. I got my arse out of bed this Sunday morning and did some practice cinemetography at the beach / sand dunes with grass, caught the magic hour, no filter. So I can go repeat that once I get the filter, compare it with no filter, and also with no filter + post software filtering, see differences.
