Filter Out the Guesswork with Your DVX100 ND (Neutral Density)
Filters and Iris Settings
by Tim Hutchinson
page 2 (...continued
from
previous page)
NOTE: When
you get into the proper f-stop range, lock it in by switching on the
MANUAL iris feature and manually adjust the iris to your desired
setting.
4. BUT…there
are some lighting instances where the built-in light meter on your
DVX will teeter on the edge of suggesting ND 1/8 and ND 1/64. You
can tell because you turn the ND 1/8 filter on and then it’ll
suggest you switch to ND 1/64. Then when you turn the ND 1/64 filter
on, the display will tell you to switch back to ND 1/8.
It’s almost a
no-win situation, because if you leave it on ND 1/8, the iris of
your camera is trying to close at an f-stop past 11 (ie. f14 thru
f16) and the CCD chips will be pushed to its limits struggling to
keep the light out. This causes a loss in picture clarity and focus.
At the same
time, however, if you leave it set on ND 1/64, the iris is trying to
open at a low f-stop setting (ie. OPEN thru f3) the CCD chips will
still be pushing its limits by struggling to bring in as much
light as possible. This also causes a loss in picture clarity and
focus.
So, when the
DVX100 displays put you between a rock and a hard place such as the
teetering ND readings, from there you’ll just have to take it into
your own hands. At this point, you’ll have to use your best judgment
as to what looks best for the look of your independent film. Trust
in your abilities and eyeball it if you have to. Another point to
keep in mind is that that in post production, it’s easier to
brighten dark footage than it is to darken bright footage.
Caution:
A word of
caution when using the DVX ND filters. Although they are necessary
for regulating the proper amount of light through the iris, they
also affect the image to a certain extent. You’ll find that when
using the ND filters, especially the ND 1/64 filter, your images
will have a higher contrast level. This means that the black levels
become darker and deeper and the colors become more saturated.
Although these results can be manipulated in post, keep a mental
note while making your decisions.
With that said;
trust in the capabilities of the DVX100 as you would your own and
you’ll be off to a great start with your production workflow.
EZ NOTE: Get your iris to read at the ideal f-stop range between
f5.6 thru f11 using your on-screen displays, AUTO iris settings and
ND filters.
Do
YOU have a cheap, low budget, do-it-yourself DVX100 tip or trick that
you'd like to contribute?
If so, just email it to
us and we'll post it up!
Thanks
for helping the grass roots grow!
