Gear Guide: Filters for Video (Part I)

On this video (part of a longer series), photographer and videographer Caleb Pike from DSLR Video Shooter takes a look at filters and filtration systems.

Pike starts up with the basic nagging question – round filters vs. square ones and his view is that square one (although maybe a bit more expensive are complex to use (you will need a matte box) are at the end of the day better for real production. As for sizes, the most common ones are the 4×4 inch and 4x.5.6 inch ones (which are the more common for larger-scale productions).

Pike also talks about ND filters – for shallower depth of field when you have lots of light. ND graduated filters also have their uses for landscapes (sunrises and sunsets but also other situations). Pike also demonstrates some differences between cheap and more expensive filters – the differences are quite remarkable – we have to say.

Here is a list of the filters mentioned on this video:

  • Genus Fader ND
  • Tiffen Fader ND
  • Tiffen Pro Indie HV ND Filter Kit (4 x 5.6″)
  • Tiffen ND Grad Filters
  • Cavision 4 x 4 ND filters
  • Tiffen 4 x 4 ND Filters

This is far from the first time that we have looked at filters for video work. Earlier this year we published Canon’s video on the subject entitled: “Canon Talks Filters for Shooting Video” which also provides a very decent background for beginners. We have also covered different types of filters including HD Variable Neutral Density Filter by Fader,using filters for shooting waterfallsFotodiox WonderPana FreeArc filters for Wide-Angle LensesHow to Use ND Grads: a Step by Step Guide and more.

You can watch more HDSLR and video techniques on our dedicated HDSLR channel here on LensVid. Also be sure to check out our guides on photography gear guides – here on LensVid.

Iddo Genuth
Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.

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