Hi all,
My new year’s resolution to myself is to use my camcorder to make some decent films rather than covering the odd day trip to the beach, birthdays and the like.
I've plans to cover things like air shows, steam engine rally's etc and want to use filters to improve the quality of the footage. I've noticed that often when filming air shows the contrast of the sky is not as vivid compared to the naked eye. What filters would be the ideal filter for use in these situations.
My camera is nothing fancy, it’s a JVC GR-DVL 157E purchased from Dixon’s almost 4 years ago, and apart from not having an external mic input, I am very pleased with it. The lens has the following info around it "f=3.6mm F1.8" and a diameter of 37, so I assume I need 37mm threaded filters, or would a lens hood with slot in filters be a better option (do they still do Cokin filters ??)
Any suggestions and URL's to a few online stores would be welcome
Yes you can get Cokin filters from photographic suppliers such as Jessops. From what you have said I would suggest that the first thing you should look at is a polarizing filter, as this should help you to get deeper blue in the skys. However you might be better off with a good quality Hoya screw in one, as this will be less prone to flare and unwanted reflections than using the Cokin system, especially when you are tracking a moving subject such as an airplane at an air show (and less fiddly as you can leave it on most of the time). A polarizer will also help when shooting water or through glass to remove unwanted reflections... a slight rotation of the polarizer often works wonders and can improve your video no end, in a way no post-production effect can.
The Cokin system is great for things like graduated filters to add a powerful sky effect on an otherwise boring landscape shot. However these are pretty useless unless the camera is going to be static on a tripod.
HTH
Thanks for the reply,
That sounds just what I'm looking for, nice deep blue skys and better contrast, I'll do a search for a Hoya 37mm filter and seee what turns up. We have a Jessops in the town, but I'm not a fan of them and often found things cheaper else where.
Cheers
Chrome,
The results for Hoya filters average £23 each.. however e-bay list non-branded them form £9.00 up. Is it worth paying the extra for the brand or would an el-cheapo filter work just as well considering the kit I'm using it with ?
Malcolm, pay the money as el-cheapo will end up becoming Costa-Packet
Cary
It's worth paying the extra for filters. I'd regard £23 as cheap.
LOL - Cary, I take your point
Alan, I see what you mean... I've seen some more filters that cost a load more !
Yep I can't fault the othe two. Better brand every time when it comes to filters. Hoya & Tiffen and a couple of other 'known' brands are always the ones to go with. :)
Do remember the words: filters add nothing, they only take away.
Also remember that any filter you place in front of your expensive zoom lens becomes the new front element, and as such it needs to have the very best multi-coating you can buy.
Your JVC most probably has a 1/6" chip Malcolm, and the depth of field even at fairly wide apertures will bring flaws (dust, marks etc) on the filter into view, especially when shooting into the light. If you do use filters, make sure you shield the front of your camera from non image forming light. A lens hood is good, but sitting in the shadow and filming out into the sunshine is better, much better.
tom.
Tom,
Thanks for the tip. The manual states 1/4" CCD, but this too will probably pick up any dust on the filter so I'll keep it in its pouch until required for use.
Guys (and gals)
E-bay carry Hama range of filters, which seem quite reasonable.. anyone have any comments, good or bad ??
I'm sure Hama make a range of filters, and it would be worth looking on their web site to find the super multi-coated designation. Generally the difference between an uncoated and fully coated filter is a doubling of the price.
tom.
Hama generally tend to be 'low-budget' solutions when it comes to video or photographic equipment. Can't really comment on their filters though as I have not tried them. I would err on the side of caution myself - I'd rather spend £23 on something I know is good than £10 on a chance. In this field quality costs, bargains tend to be poor quality. :)
Just an opinion.