I REGRET NOT Buying This Sooner...
TLDRThe video transcript discusses the transformative impact of a Circular Polarizing (CPL) filter on the quality of photos and videos. The speaker expresses regret for not using one sooner and shares how it has become a permanent fixture in their camera bag. The CPL filter is praised for its ability to reduce glare and reflections, enhancing the saturation and vibrance of images, particularly in outdoor settings. It's also highlighted as essential for car photography and shooting through glass. However, the speaker cautions that while the filter can improve images, it can also cause issues like vignetting and color shifts if not used correctly. They advise on adjusting the filter's strength and setting the white balance after applying it. The video also touches on the use of CPL filters with other filters and their application in drone photography. The speaker recommends purchasing a CPL filter that fits the largest lens and fits within one's budget, emphasizing the significant improvement it can bring to image quality.
Takeaways
- 📸 **Circular Polarizing Filter (CPL)**: A must-have for photographers and videographers to enhance the quality of images and videos.
- 🌟 **Professional Look**: CPL can make photos and videos look more professional by reducing glare and reflections.
- 🎨 **Enhanced Colors**: It can add saturation and vibrance back into images that may appear washed out due to sunlight.
- 🚗 **Car Photography Essential**: CPL filters are almost a necessity for car photography to reduce reflections on the paintwork.
- 🔍 **Clear Through Glass**: Useful for shooting through windows or other reflective surfaces by minimizing reflections.
- 😀 **Natural Look in Portraits**: CPL filters can reduce unwanted shine on faces, especially in bright sunlight, for a more natural appearance.
- 📷 **Double Shooting Technique**: Taking two photos from the same location with different CPL filter angles and selecting the best parts in post-production.
- 🔧 **Adjustable Filter**: The effect of a CPL filter changes with camera angle, requiring adjustments for optimal results.
- 🚫 **Avoid Overuse**: Overusing a CPL filter can lead to unnatural looking images; it's important to adjust or not use it at all in some situations.
- 📐 **Vignetting Issue**: Using a CPL with wide-angle lenses (24mm or wider) can sometimes cause vignetting in the image.
- 💰 **Budget Consideration**: It's recommended to buy a CPL filter that fits the largest lens and fits within budget for experimentation.
Q & A
What is the main purpose of a Circular Polarizing (CPL) filter?
-The main purpose of a CPL filter is to reduce glare and reflections in your images, enhance color saturation and vibrance, and improve the overall professional look of photos and videos.
Why is a CPL filter particularly useful in car photography?
-A CPL filter is particularly useful in car photography because it helps reduce reflections in the car's paintwork, allowing for a clearer image of the car's details.
How can a CPL filter affect the appearance of water in an image?
-A CPL filter can reduce reflections on the water's surface, often caused by the sky, resulting in a better-looking image with less overexposed, bright white areas on the water.
What is one potential issue that can arise when using a CPL filter?
-One potential issue is that a CPL filter can sometimes introduce a vignette effect, particularly in the sky, making certain parts appear darker than the rest of the image.
Why is it recommended to use a tripod when taking multiple photos with a CPL filter?
-Using a tripod is recommended because it allows for consistent framing and composition when taking multiple photos with the CPL filter adjusted at different angles, making the post-production process easier.
What is the impact of a CPL filter on the amount of light entering the lens?
-A CPL filter reduces the amount of light that can enter the lens, which may require an increase in exposure settings to compensate for the reduced light.
How does the CPL filter affect the color balance of an image?
-CPL filters can slightly warm up the image, causing a minor color shift. It is advised to set the white balance after applying the filter to account for any color shifts in the camera settings.
Can CPL filters be used with other types of filters?
-Yes, CPL filters can be used with other filters, but caution is needed when combining them with a variable ND filter, as it may affect the polarization and result in different outcomes.
What is the advice for someone who is considering buying a CPL filter?
-The advice is to buy a CPL filter that fits your largest lens and is well within your budget. Experiment with it to see how it enhances your images and then decide if it's a tool you want to use more frequently.
Why might a photographer choose not to use a CPL filter at full strength all the time?
-A photographer might choose not to use a CPL filter at full strength all the time because eliminating reflections entirely can make the image look flat and unnatural. It's important to adjust the filter's strength or not use it at all in certain situations for the best results.
What is the role of a CPL filter when filming through a window or any transparent barrier?
-A CPL filter helps reduce reflections in the glass, allowing the camera to see the subject through the transparent barrier more clearly.
How does the quality of a CPL filter affect the results in terms of color shift?
-The quality of a CPL filter can vary, with some brands potentially causing a larger amount of polarization, which might make the image look less natural. However, setting the white balance after applying the filter can help mitigate color shift issues.
Outlines
📸 The Impact of CPL Filters on Photography and Videography
The first paragraph introduces the Circular Polarizing (CPL) filter as a game-changer for enhancing the professional look of photos and videos. It emphasizes the regret of not using one sooner and the wide range of subjects it can benefit, including portraiture, landscapes, and automotive work. The speaker discusses the premium price for higher quality CPL filters and the potential for both improved and ruined images, depending on its use. The CPL filter's ability to reduce glare and reflections, enhance color saturation and vibrance, and improve clarity through glass is highlighted. The paragraph also cautions about potential issues, such as creating unwanted reflections or a vignetted look, and the need for adjustment and experimentation with the filter.
🔍 Considerations and Tips for Using CPL Filters
The second paragraph delves into the specifics of using CPL filters, including the potential for color shifts and the importance of setting white balance after applying the filter. It mentions the possibility of using CPL filters with other types of filters, such as variable ND filters, and the need for caution when doing so. The paragraph also addresses the use of CPL filters with action cameras and drones, noting their effectiveness in improving landscape photography. It discusses the impact of CPL filters on light entering the lens and the subsequent need for increased exposure. The speaker shares personal experiences with different brands of CPL filters, emphasizing that the cost does not necessarily correlate with better results. The advice given is to purchase a CPL filter that fits the largest lens and is within budget, and to experiment with it to see its effects on image quality.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Circular Polarizing Filter (CPL)
💡Glare
💡Reflections
💡Saturation
💡Vibrance
💡Overexposed
💡Vignetting
💡Focal Length
💡White Balance
💡Variable ND Filter
💡Action Cameras
Highlights
The next few minutes could change the way your photos and videos look, making them more professional.
The speaker regrets not having a circular polarizing filter (CPL) sooner for improving old photos.
A CPL filter is a permanent addition to the speaker's camera bag due to its versatility.
CPL filters are suitable for a variety of subjects including portraiture, landscapes, and automotive work.
Paying a premium price for a better quality CPL filter may not always guarantee more premium results.
CPL filters can reduce glare and reflections, enhancing the color saturation and vibrance in images.
Using a CPL filter can improve the appearance of water reflections in landscape photography.
CPL filters are essential for car photography to reduce reflections in the paintwork.
Shooting through glass, such as car windows, benefits from CPL filters by reducing reflections.
CPL filters can help manage overexposure and shine on faces when photographing people in sunlight.
Adjusting a CPL filter can control the amount of glare and reflection in an image.
Taking multiple photos with slight adjustments to the CPL filter can help select the best parts in post-production.
Using a CPL filter can sometimes introduce vignetting or darkened areas in the sky.
Wider focal lengths can cause issues with CPL filters, so using a narrower focal length is recommended.
Filters should be used judiciously as overuse can lead to flat and unnatural images.
CPL filters can cause a slight color shift, so it's important to set the white balance after applying the filter.
CPL filters can be used with other filters, but caution is needed when combining with variable ND filters.
The cost of a CPL filter does not necessarily correlate with the quality of the results.
The speaker advises buying a CPL filter that fits the largest lens and is within budget for experimentation.
CPL filters can significantly increase image quality by adding saturation and reducing reflections.