Do ND Filters Matter? No filter vs ND vs NDPL Filter

Summary

This video script explores the use of ND and polarizing filters for cinematic video in bright environments. It explains how ND filters reduce light to maintain exposure and shutter speed without altering camera settings, essential for natural motion blur. The script compares different ND filter strengths for various lighting conditions and highlights the benefits of polarization in reducing glare from reflective surfaces. It also provides practical advice on filter alignment and choosing the right ND strength for optimal video quality.

Takeaways

• 📹 ND filters are essential for shooting cinematic video in bright environments as they reduce the amount of light reaching the camera sensor without changing camera settings.
• ⚙️ Polarizing filters are used to remove glare and reflections from objects in the shot, enhancing detail and potentially lowering exposure.
• 🌞 The need for ND filters in photography depends on the situation; they are particularly useful for slow shutter speed shots during the day to manage exposure.
• 📸 Using the correct ND filter strength is crucial for maintaining the desired shutter speed and achieving natural-looking motion blur in video.
• 🔄 Polarizing filters require proper alignment to effectively remove glare and reflected light; an alignment marker can assist with this.
• 🎥 The script tests different ND and polarized ND filters, including the ND16 from DJI and the polarized ND16PL from PolarPro's Vivid line.
• 🎨 The use of corrective LUTs in DaVinci Resolve is mentioned for easier color correction when using different filters.
• 📊 The script provides a guideline for ND filter strength selection based on lighting conditions and shooting frame rates.
• 🌆 For 24 frames per second shooting, ND4 is recommended for overcast golden hours, ND8 for clear golden hours, ND16 for semi-cloudy midday, and ND32 for extremely bright days.
• 🌞 In very bright conditions, using an ND32 and increasing the frame rate can help manage exposure while maintaining motion blur.
• 🛠️ Choosing the right ND filter strength is simplified by understanding the environmental lighting and the desired aesthetic effect on the footage.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of using ND filters in video shooting?

The primary purpose of using ND filters is to reduce the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor, allowing for proper exposure in bright environments without adjusting camera settings.

Why is maintaining a 180-degree shutter angle important for cinematic video?

Maintaining a 180-degree shutter angle is important because it synchronizes the shutter speed with double the frame rate, which helps to achieve natural-looking motion blur and aesthetically pleasing visuals.

What happens if you shoot during the day with a fixed aperture of 2.8, ISO at 100, and without an ND filter?

If you shoot during the day with a fixed aperture of 2.8, ISO at 100, and without an ND filter, the shot may appear overexposed, lacking the desired motion blur and potentially looking too digital or blurry.

Can ND filters be used for photography as well? If so, in what scenarios?

Yes, ND filters can be used for photography, particularly when shooting with a slow shutter speed during the day to allow for motion blur in moving subjects, which helps in controlling exposure.

How do polarizing filters differ from ND filters in terms of their effect on a shot?

Polarizing filters are designed to remove glare and reflections from objects in the shot, adding more detail where glare was present and reducing the overall exposure. They are especially useful when filming reflective surfaces like cars, glass buildings, or water.

What is the significance of the polarization indicator on PolarPro's Vivid line of filters?

The polarization indicator on PolarPro's Vivid line of filters helps users to easily judge and adjust the polarization, ensuring the filter is properly aligned to remove glare and reflected light, which is particularly handy when using a drone.

How does the alignment of a polarizing filter affect the image quality?

If a polarizing filter is not properly aligned, it may not effectively remove glare and reflections, resulting in a brighter image due to the lack of polarization. Improper alignment can also cause cross patterns or dark spots in the image.

What are the recommended ND filter strengths for different lighting conditions when shooting at 24 frames per second?

For overcast golden hour, an ND4 is recommended; for clear golden hour, an ND8 is used; for semi-cloudy midday conditions, an ND16 is suitable; for blazing hot, bright days with no clouds, an ND32 is appropriate; and for super bright conditions closer to the equator, an ND64 may be necessary.

If you could only choose three ND filters, which ones would you recommend and why?

The recommended three ND filters would be an ND8, ND16, and ND32, as these are the most commonly used filters for shooting cinematic video at 24 frames per second in various lighting conditions.

What is a helpful tip for managing exposure when using an ND32 and still facing overexposure?

If using an ND32 and still experiencing overexposure, increasing the frame rate to 60 frames per second and adjusting the shutter speed accordingly can help. This maintains natural-looking motion blur while allowing for a darker exposure when the footage is slowed down.