DOF plug in?
 

Is there a plug in, or some kind of software that will give you DOF?

DOF?
What are you asking?
You do realize that depth of field is the range of distance within the subject that is acceptably sharp?

Yes, there is a software that creates a fake depth of field. I can not think of the name right now, but I will look for it and post a link when I find it.

I knew I had seen it.



NewBlue Video Essentials II | Video effects plugins for Avid Liquid, Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects, Apple Final Cut Pro, Apple Motion, Corel VideoStudio, Pinnacle Studio, Sony Vegas, Canopus Edius and other video editors.

Thanks Ron but that seems like standard effects. I didn't see a specific plug in for DOF. Perhaps I just didn't see it, while looking though all of the effects.

It is there look at all the effects in the Essentials II package. I will be getting it also for that very effect.

So then are you trying to emulate a "shallow" depth of field then?
Is that what you are asking?

Oh Ok! Thanks Ron.

Yes, I want to get a DOF adopter for my XH-A1 in the near future, but the thought occurred to me perhaps I can use something like this plug-in, in the mean time. I've also considered getting a DOF adopter for my HV30 but I think I hold out and get one for the A1.

For the cost of a DOF adapter you can get a Cannon 7d to use for the shots where you want shallow DOF.

I agree with Ron.

It's possible to approximate shalow depth of field in post-production. The key word here is approximate.

If the shot is relatively static, you can use graduated blur effects. You can use AE, or use the tilt and shift tool in Magic Bullet Looks. This can be very effective in short scenes.

If you want to simulate shallow dof in a rack-focus effect or a moving camera, I suggest looking at this Andrew Kramer tutorial - VIDEO COPILOT | After Effects Tutorials & Post Production Tools

Of course the real thing is better, but as filmmakers we are dealing with illusions, and careful and judicious use of tricks is part of the art.

there's a vignette effect in final cut -you can turn down the darkness leaving you with the blur to play with.
I would mask a simple shape around the object in After Effects, and on a duplicated layer below add plenty of blur. Then just feather the mask edge.

Untrue... You can get DOF adapters for 200.00 dollars nowadays! Although the 200.00 ones do not have vibrating lenses so you can see the glass grain. Jump up to around 400 bucks and you get a vibrating disc.
Jag35 Adapters

The jags unfortunately do not flip the image on the sensor so you end up either switching in post, or shooting upside down.

However...

The Letus35 Mini is around 800 dollars (still half the cost of the 7D) The letus has superior quality edge to edge, and does not suffer from the vignetting that the other cheaper ones get.
Letus35 Mini

There are others much more expensive... but you are talking about budgets here.

I personally just purchased the Mini based on the images I have seen on Vimeo of people using it. Gorgeous video. I have seen people try to imitate DOF and it NEVER works. Grab one of these bad boys, shoot in 24p... and you will find your true love!

B

Sorry Brad, the Letus 35mini will not work with the XH-A1 that Michael owns.
Which puts him back into 7D territory as far as cost goes.
For what it's worth, I have used many of the DOF adapters out there, and own a couple, but I have not used them in some time since there are so many other viable options out there now.

All the Best!