Filter This: The Indispensable ND Filter

One of the early lessons I learned in my photographic journey was to pay attention to the “small stuff.” It is a piece of advice that I often share in response to the increasingly popular question: “What accessories should I consider getting for my H(d)SLR?” In the quest to get the perfect tripod, shoulder stabilizer or viewfinder accessory, an accessory which is often overlooked is a filter, and more specifically, a neutral density or ND filter. These gray, filters are all about exposure control: A neutral density filter effectively reduces the amount of light which hits the camera sensor. In still photography, that light reduction translates into longer exposures(shutter speed adjustment,) and the ability to blur motion such as waterfalls, currents and waves. For still photography as well as motion capture, the reduction in light can translate into the ability to shoot with larger apertures in order to obtain a shallower depth of field, a reduction in scene contrast, and/or the ability to reduce the risk of overexposure. If you are planning on shooting motion outdoors in bright light or shooting scenes with highly reflective materials in them such as sand and snow, or steel and glass structures, consider ND filters, H(d)SLR essential accessories.

The amount of light reduction that a ND filter facilitates depends on the strength of the filter you use. Different manufactures utilize different designation for filter strength. They are commonly expressed in "density value," "filter factor," or f-stops.

- A density value of .3 equals a filter factor of 2 which equals one stop.
- A density value of .6 equals a filter factor of 4 which equals two stops.
- A density value of .9 equals a filter factor of 8 which equals three stops.

Using a one stop ND filter will result in 50% of the original light intensity being transmitted to the camera sensor; a two stop ND filter results in 25% of the original light intensity being transmitted to the sensor; and a three stop ND filter results in 12.75% of the original light intensity being picked up by the camera sensor. A true ND filter will not alter color balance, as it is color indifferent or neutral. The the filter strenghts listed above should be more thatn adequate to handle the typical photographers needs, there are stronger ND filter available for more specialized usages.

Neutral density filters are commonly used in video capture. There are several brands of camcorders that have ND filters built into the camera. With professional cameras, you will often see them seated in the matte box (lens hood equivalent) apparatus filter holder if a scene calls for them.

If you are going to use neutral density filters, on your H(d)SLR, you may want to disable auto ISO, in order to have the greatest control of the exposure as well as the results. You should consider buying the best filters you can afford. At the very least, consider multi-coated filters, as the coatings reduce reflections and make it less likely that your captures will experience ghosting and flare. Several manufacturers offer filters for high definition capture as well. Tiffen, Schneider, Hoya, Singh Ray and Cokin are among the most popular filter manufacturers and these companies make ND filters in various strengths and sizes. While I carry a one stop and a two stop filter in my camera bag, if came down to having to carry only one ND filter, the two stop filter would be my choice.

ND filters are a small item, that can make a big difference!

To view the current issue of "Outfitting Your H(d)SLR" click on the embedded magazine below.

"Outfitting Your H(d)SLR " a new resource for those shooting motion and stills

I am pleased to bring you our inaugural resource for H(d)SLR users, "Outfitting Your
H(d)SLR". The guide which will be published quarterly, is intended to provide information to those seeking to add accessories to their cameras to enhance the motion capture experience. I hope you find it informative and useful!
Byron

Click on the embedded magazine to view the publication full screen.

Welcome: H(d)SLRs in Motion goes to Photo Plus Expo 2009

As I was walking around the floor at PDN’s Photo Expo Plus surveying products that would be useful for motion capture while using a Video enabled DSLR, I was struck by the number of different names that are being used to describe these cameras: VSLR, VDSLR, DSLR with video, HSLR and HDSLR. The one name that I absolutely refuse to support is VDSLR. Imagines you are sitting in a restaurant and the person at the next table tells their lunch companion that their husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend/significant other gave them a "V-D-S-L-R last week!" I really wish we could agree to call them by one name, and the one that makes the most since to me is HDSLR. The “HD” can either stand for High Definition or Hybrid Digital - you can decide, but let’s adopt a standard shorthand/moniker!

Speaking of Photo Plus Expo, I wanted to kick off the entries on this site with the a few of the items being exhibited that can be used for still and motion capture that made me stop and want to know more. I call these items, “Floor Stoppers”

The first Floor Stopper of day two of the expo is courtesy of Canon. It is the wickedly “tricked out” 7d sitting atop a Redrock Micro shoulder mount rig, and outfitted with matte box, monitor, Litepanels Pro, and audio equipment at the Canon display counter. It is one thing to see a picture; it is quite another thing to see it up close and personal. Wow!

(Yes, there really is a 7D under all those accessories.)


The next “Floor Stopper” is a new continuous light from Lowell Lighting that can be used for still or motion, the Lowel Blender. The Blender, which is 4”x3”x3”, is a LED product that offers something unique: the ability to mix daylight and tungsten balanced LEDs in one fixture. The result is a degree of customization that is not offered on any other comparably sized LED light. The Blender can be run off of AC or can be powered by Panasonic, Canon or Sony camcorder batteries mated to the appropriate battery sled. The battery sled is either clipped to a belt or hung from a light stand. The Blender which is scheduled to hit retailers shortly has an MSRP of $750; however expect a lower street price.


Interfit‘s Monstar3 is also a Floor Stopper. The Monstar consists of three 150 watt daylight balanced fluorescents bulbs, which puts out the equivalent of approximately 600 watts of tungsten lighting per bulb. Since each bulb has a switch you have the equivalent of 600 to 1800 watts of hot lights at your finger tips. This is a nice range for still and motion work. The Monstar, which has a MSRP of under $450, comes with a 39” octobox, speed ring, light stand and carrying case.




So those were a few of the motion related items that grabbed my attention today. If you want to check out my Floor Stoppers from the first day of the Expo, visit my other blog:
http://hdhd.wordpress.com