Now... without using post-production effects, how would I go about achieving a soft focus with a Canon XM2? Is there a filter that I'd use? Or am I going to have to put stockings over the lense or something ....
cinematography Achieving soft focus
- Thread starter oysterCAKE
- Start date
When it comes to digital, you're going to be better off (in most cases) just shooting the cleanest video you can and then getting the look you want in post. It's a little more work, but lets you tweak your image until you have exactly what you want. If you shoot with a soft-focus lens, you're stuck with what you get.
well, he said without post production..
try the old techniques, vasaline on a UV filter, stocking etc. See what works best for you
try the old techniques, vasaline on a UV filter, stocking etc. See what works best for you
Depending on if camera is threaded, they make filters as well.
Lots of filters. If you can afford to rent a matte box and some filters you might want to try: diffusion, fog, double fog (adds low contrast), pro-mist, black pro-mist (retains the most 'punch' usually), etc. All of these can be had in 4x4 size from a rental house. Many of the filters will come in 'strengths' - 1/4 fog, 1/2, 1, 2, 3 etc. You'll typically want several strengths of whatever filter type you choose, because the apparent effect differs with focal length, light conditions, tidal influence of the moon, etc.
Or you can get many of the same filters and a gizmo that will fit to DSLR lenses from still camera suppliers - Cokin is the typical brand of square, will-fit-on-any-lens filter systems. The filters are resin rather than glass, so won't last forever. Info here: http://www.cokin.co.uk/
The vaseline trick can work for some cool looks, but it's streaky (because of how it's applied). Don't put it on the camera lens - put it on a clear or UV filter; getting it off could possibly damage the lens.
Or you can get many of the same filters and a gizmo that will fit to DSLR lenses from still camera suppliers - Cokin is the typical brand of square, will-fit-on-any-lens filter systems. The filters are resin rather than glass, so won't last forever. Info here: http://www.cokin.co.uk/
The vaseline trick can work for some cool looks, but it's streaky (because of how it's applied). Don't put it on the camera lens - put it on a clear or UV filter; getting it off could possibly damage the lens.
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Typically the stockings go behind the lens. Either with a little rubber band keeper, or glued on with nail polish. How steady is your hand. Use black stockings for best contrast, but white and other colors give good effects, too. I suspect that most people now use the post route, but there will still be people doing this for a while.