Softer film look at DVinfo.net

Brian Patterson · October 12th, 2003, 10:37 AM

I want to get a "softer film look" while shooting some scenes. I'm shooting mostly in auto but for this look could I just lower the shutter speed from 60 to 30? Is that how it would be done?

Also, is 60 the best shutter speed to use for "norma" filming? I noticed it goes up to 100 which doesn't seem to get a clearer picture. The picture looks like it gets a little darker so I have to up the exposure. Can someone help me with a bit of infor on shutter speed...

Thanks!

Boyd Ostroff · October 12th, 2003, 11:27 AM

Everyone has their own ideas on this, but here's what I do. First, I only shoot in manual mode because that lets me have the exposure control I want. When in doubt, err towards underexposing because once you burn in the highlights you can't correct it in post. Use the zebra patterns as a guide when shooting.

I also use a custom preset with the sharpness either at the minimum or one click above. Generally I turn the color level down anywhere from one click to the minimum, depending on what I'm trying to accomplish.

I almost always shoot at 1/60. 1/30 will give you a more "filmic" motion but you will sacrifice resolution in doing so. Do a search on "deinterlacing" here and you'll find extensive discussion. If I want that "film motion" effect then I do it in post using a little program call DVfilm Maker. This will give you a similar look to shooting at 1/30 sec but will preserve your resolution.

But it's really up to you. I think you should just experiment and see what you like. There are also a number of things you can do in post. In Final Cut Pro I make heavy use of the 3-way color corrector and also several of Joe's Filters. I especially like the diffuser which comes in this set.

Brian Patterson · October 12th, 2003, 12:53 PM

I have joe's filters. Which one works best for the film look? What are some of the settings that you have found useful?

Frank Granovski · October 12th, 2003, 02:01 PM

A very nice softening filter to consider is the Zeiss Softar 1 or 2. You can buy them through Heliopan or B+W. They are very expensive so perhaps take your cam down to a shop that carries these and try them. I have these 2 in the 52mm thread size for my still cam. For my video cam (43mm size) I have a few Cokin softening filters which I also like. My favourites are Cokin's Sunsoft, 81A and 81B.

October 12th, 2003, 10:37 AM	#1
Brian Patterson Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 51	Softer film look I want to get a "softer film look" while shooting some scenes. I'm shooting mostly in auto but for this look could I just lower the shutter speed from 60 to 30? Is that how it would be done? Also, is 60 the best shutter speed to use for "norma" filming? I noticed it goes up to 100 which doesn't seem to get a clearer picture. The picture looks like it gets a little darker so I have to up the exposure. Can someone help me with a bit of infor on shutter speed... Thanks!

October 12th, 2003, 11:27 AM	#2
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,801	Everyone has their own ideas on this, but here's what I do. First, I only shoot in manual mode because that lets me have the exposure control I want. When in doubt, err towards underexposing because once you burn in the highlights you can't correct it in post. Use the zebra patterns as a guide when shooting. I also use a custom preset with the sharpness either at the minimum or one click above. Generally I turn the color level down anywhere from one click to the minimum, depending on what I'm trying to accomplish. I almost always shoot at 1/60. 1/30 will give you a more "filmic" motion but you will sacrifice resolution in doing so. Do a search on "deinterlacing" here and you'll find extensive discussion. If I want that "film motion" effect then I do it in post using a little program call DVfilm Maker. This will give you a similar look to shooting at 1/30 sec but will preserve your resolution. But it's really up to you. I think you should just experiment and see what you like. There are also a number of things you can do in post. In Final Cut Pro I make heavy use of the 3-way color corrector and also several of Joe's Filters. I especially like the diffuser which comes in this set.

October 12th, 2003, 12:53 PM	#3
Brian Patterson Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 51	I have joe's filters. Which one works best for the film look? What are some of the settings that you have found useful?

October 12th, 2003, 02:01 PM	#4
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	A very nice softening filter to consider is the Zeiss Softar 1 or 2. You can buy them through Heliopan or B+W. They are very expensive so perhaps take your cam down to a shop that carries these and try them. I have these 2 in the 52mm thread size for my still cam. For my video cam (43mm size) I have a few Cokin softening filters which I also like. My favourites are Cokin's Sunsoft, 81A and 81B.