Digital Video - August 2008 - (Page 16)

IN REVIEW TIFFEN DFX SOFTWARE software would shine, such as Tiffen’s Pro-Mist and Soft FX diffusion filters. When merely applying the Dfx filters to images, the results are exactly what I’d expect from Tiffen filters. The digital version of the Pro-Mist gave me pluming highlights and softened contrast. However, when I compared the digital results side-by-side with the traditional glass results, I was a little surprised. The effects are close, but there are some significant differences. With the glass Pro-Mist filter, the highlights plume nicely and the contrast is softened, but the color of the image is unaffected. The digital version plumes the highlights nicely, but it also desaturates the colors. To that same end, I tested the Tiffen Ultra Contrast filter in some very harsh lighting conditions. The glass filter nicely cuts down the contrast to give me a softer look. I actually wasn’t able to replicate this look with the Dfx version, although I got close. The Dfx Ultra Contrast filter started to affect the skin tones more than it in no way replaces the traditional I would have liked. Trying to minimize the method, as I plainly discovered. area of the image that was affected by Tiffen’s Dfx software is available for a the Dfx Ultra Contrast yielded a slightly number of platforms, including plug-ins different result than what I was going for. for Final Cut Pro, Aperture, After Effects, Additionally, possibly Photoshop and Avid AVX and a because the results are not standalone version. I worked AWARD OF exactly the same, the systemic with Dfx for After Effects CS3 naming of the Dfx filters doesn’t on a Mac and Photoshop CS3 on a PC, and each platform EXCELLENCE match their real-world counterparts. I found this frustrating, at integrates the software differfirst, as I wanted to compare a 1⁄2 Proently, but with identical results. My initial thought when asked to Mist real glass filter with the Dfx 1⁄2 Proreview the Tiffen Dfx software was to ask Mist results, but the Pro-Mist filters in the how well would the digital versions comsoftware are numbered 1 through 10, as pare with the traditional glass filters. To opposed to 1⁄8, 1⁄4, 1⁄2, 1, 2 and 3 in the put this to the test, during two recent real-world system. shoots, I shot DVCPRO HD video with a This was disappointing, at first, as I Panasonic AG-HPX500 and digital stills wanted the digital versions to behave with a Canon Rebel XT 350D, both withexactly like the real-world versions, but out filtration and with Tiffen glass filters. upon further contemplation I realized I then took the unfiltered images and that this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. applied the Dfx software and compared Where the Dfx software really shines is in those to the glass filter counterparts. doing things that glass filters can’t do, I deliberately selected some filters that starting, namely, with dynamic effects. I knew would be difficult, if not impossiOne of the problems with using cerble, to replicate the effects: Polarizer, tain glass filters is that you’re locked into streak filters and basic color correction, in either not moving the camera, or moving addition to those where I thought the it in a very limited range of motion to not FIX IT IN POST? COMPARING TIFFEN’S DFX AND THEIR TRADITIONAL GLASS FILTER COUNTERPARTS. BY JAY HOLBEN L ittle else is capable of sending violent shivers up a cinematographer’s spine faster than the overused decree of “Fix it in Post!” When I first heard that Tiffen was developing digital filtration software some 10 years ago, I was skeptical to say the least. What use would that serve? Why would anyone want to filter their image after it had been shot? Doesn’t that just open the door to all kinds of problems later on? The reality, however, is that post filtration has some phenomenal benefits over the classic glass-on-the-lens technique and, in some cases, offers infinitely more control over the desired effect, although DV SCORE TIFFEN DFX SOFTWARE PROS: Wide variety of filter looks, considerable control, automatic traveling mattes CONS: Not exactly the same results as glass filters. BOTTOM LINE: An excellect image-control setup. MSRP: Priced from $199.95 for the standalone version to $599.95 for plug-ins for After Effects, Final Cut Pro and Avid AVX. CONTACT: www.tiffen.com 16 dv august 2008 www.dv.com http://www.tiffen.com http://www.dv.com

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Digital Video - August 2008 Contents DV Update My Studio Close-Up Wristshot HV30 Camcorder Tiffen DFX Bench Test PCM-D50 & R-09HR Recorders Camera Cradle Instant Expert My Passport Elite High School Confidential The Ultimate DIY Raid DV101 Click to Play Production Diary

Digital Video - August 2008

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