Video Camera Filters for
Removing Compression Artifacts
and Simulating A Film Look

    

Updated: 07/15/2004

  

Digital video can look harsh, overly sharp, and brassy compared to film. A number of filters are designed to counteract these perceived aberrations—especially the compression artifacts associated with consumer and prosumer cameras.

If your video has the characteristics in the left side of the chart below, you have two choices. The first (center column) are filter options that can be considered for basic correction. The third column adds to that and offers suggestions for a more obvious dramatic effect (overcompensation). Be sure to read the information directly below the table.

Unfiltered, Original Effect

Basic "Correction"

Clear   "Overcompensation"

Slightly harsh video

1/2 Soft/FX, or Warm Soft/FX are good choices for exteriors, or
1/4-1/2 Black Diffusion/FX

#2 Black Diffusion/FX
#2 Warm Soft/FX

Hard video, cool color

1/2 Black Diffusion/FX, or 1/4 Black Pro-Mist are good choice for interiors, also 1/4-1/2 Warm Pro-Mist

#1 Black Diffusion/FX
#2 Warm Soft/FX

Overly sharp, cool color

1/8 Warm Pro-Mist
1/4 Black Diffusion/FX, plus 812* filter

#1 Black Diffusion/FX +812*
#1 Warm Soft/FX
#1 Softnet
1/8 Double Fog (exterior scenes)


*812 is a color warming filter. The Warm Pro-Mist filters incorporate this. To keep from negating the effect of these filters, white balance your camera with the filter off.

Note: Be careful with any filter that incorporates an etched or embedded pattern. At wide-angle lens settings, or when a lens is stopped down, these patterns can become visible. If this is an issue, try a Soft/FX filter as an alternative.

Any filter should be checked through testing, or with a good color monitor before use. Most effects can't be undone in postproduction.

Depending on the effect you want to create, and depending on the video equipment you are using, you can use these suggestions to do research on the manufacturer web sites (listed below) and see what gives you the effect you want to create.

If you find all this too time-consuming
to research and test, two good choices to try
are the 1/2 Black Diffusion/FX filter for interior work,
and a 1/2 Soft/FX for footage shot outside.

Although bordering on a special effect filter, Tiffen's Gold Diffusion/FX 1/2 is the favorite of some videographers, because it adds a three-dimensional look to both interior and exterior scenes. The filter also enhances skin tones, and makes video from prosumer digital cameras resemble high-end video cameras.

Most of the filters listed above are available from Tiffen. Other filters, some with similar characteristics, are available from the following four manufacturers. You will often find recommendations for specific makes and models of video cameras.