Using Diffusion Filters For The Blackmagic Cinema Camera To Craft That Specific Look

There’s no question about it, Blackmagic’s line of cameras deliver some of the sharpest footage around. But sharpness isn’t always the desired result. Brian Hallett tests out 10 diffusion options to try to craft that perfect look.

SHARPNESS
Blackmagic has three cameras: two are out in the wild and the 4K Production Camera will soon be in many operator’s hands. If the 4K BMPC is similar to the Cinema Camera then it will not have an Optical Low Pass Filter. And, lets talk about the Cinema Camera. When I shoot on certain lenses with this camera I feel like I can see each and every pore of those in front of the camera. Sometimes I like the sharpness, but there are times when it can be a bit unforgiving.

Then there are times when one wants to create a “look.” I am talking about creating a scene where you want the highlights to blow out, but not just blow out… but bloom too. Of course, there will be those who say “why not create this look in post?” As a cameraman, I like to keep as much control over the image as possible, and there is that subtlety of using lens diffusion that is difficult to replicate in post.

THE FILTERS:
These are listed in the order they were shot for each scene.

1. Ultra Contrast 1/4
2. Pro Mist 1/2
3. Pro Mist 1
4. Black Pro Mist 1/2
5. Black Pro Mist 1
6. Double Fog 1/2
7. Double Fog 1
8. Double Fog 2
9. Warm Black Pro Mist 1/2
10. Warm Black Pro Mist 1

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