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Diffusion For HD
Published : 14th October 2003
(Information Updated - 18th Sept.
2004 - Editorial)
Can anyone recommend a diffusion filter for 24p? I'm shooting
for television, not film. I'm looking for a light touch, working
with a male subject.
Thanks.
Douglas Cheney
I've used Regular ProMists, Black ProMists, and Soft-FX in
the past, all without problems, but then, I don't shoot stopped
down when using diffusion anyway. I've heard that Classic
Soft has too large a "lenslet" pattern which tends
to be in-focus too often on wider shots. Other people like
the Tiffen Diffusion-FX (Black or Gold) for HD.
There's no right or wrong answer. And it depends on the look
you want - some diffusion filters produce a visible effect
that creates a distinct look, while others are more invisible
and meant really just for softening close-ups without creating
any "diffusion filtered" look. The ProMists, Fogs,
LowCons, which are all light-scattering designs, tend to create
a slightly rougher, "noisier" texture that some
people like (it makes the image feel more film-like to them
because it is reminiscent of a grain structure) while others
don't because it creates a noisier look.
Just make sure that if this for downconversion to standard
def, there isn't too much edge enhancement being added in
the downconversion process.
David Mullen
Cinematographer / L.A.
As I understand it, the technical definitions (and in Australia-legal
requirements) refer only to digital sampling rates and structures.
16mm Negative is measured by Kodak at 5 line pairs per millimetre
and therefore well above the horizontal and vertical sample
structure required for 1080p HD.
None of the standards I have seen refer to anything which
occurs in front of the image capture device (strangely this
also includes lenses) or the sample cancelling effects of
HD cross conversions (eg. 1080 24p to 480 60p)
I hope this helps.
Ben Allan ACS
Director of Photography
Editorial Addition :
The following information has been added to this page on the basis that it significantly relates to the thread of the topic...
Jim Iacona is a San Francisco based DP. He has developed the 'i Ring' which helps cinematographers attach nets to the rear element of lenses. The 'i Ring' product is compatible with HD cameras and lenses.
Please find listed a link to the 'i Ring'...
http://lightbreak.com/iring_article.php
The standard 'i Ring' is compatible with most B4 mount, two-thirds inch chip HD (and SD)cameras & lenses. The Zeiss DigiPrime 'i Ring' is a variation on the standard 'i Ring' and is compatible with DigiPrimes. All 'i Rings' made for B4 mounts are compatible with Vipers, F900's, Varicams, etc. fitted with B4 mounts.
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