Jumat, 28 September 2012

The Matte Box: An Indispensable Tool for Filmmakers

Those who are in the profession of still photography must know what a DSLR matte box is. It's a tool generally used to block sun rays or any other source from which light can enter inside the camera. This tool also can carry out the same function as a lens hood. They are also used to hold plastic filters or glass intact. These days, they are often part and parcel of HD cameras. A few of them are even supported by rods that run the entire length of camera.

If you want to become a videographer, then these are essential tools to have. The matte box is an essential accessory which is generally attached to the end of the lens and checks any glare of light striking on the surface of the lens. A matte box is more or less similar to lens hood and hinders the path of any light source reaching to the lens. With the help of matte boxes, artificial glares can be prevented and therefore the final image produce is absolutely seamless.

The box is basically used to protect the camera from the direct glare of light. It serves dual purposes. It helps in keeping the lens of camera in shade so as to ensure that you do not get lens flares and it also enhances the ability of the lens to tackle contrast. If you are a film maker then you need to move your camera through a number of light trajectories and matte boxes are helpful in doing away with the consequences of moving camera.

Prices of these items can be high to the average consumer but the prices vary and depend on the brand of the box and its size.

The ones with low prices either do not have slots or have only one slot whereas costly matte boxes have two slots for holding filters. Therefore any assortment of filters can be used here such as color filters, ND filters, polarizing filters etc.

Also, sizes of these lens hood replacements differ greatly. Sizes of matte boxes vary and the fixtures of these boxes depend on their size. Some of them are fixed to the end of lens while others on the rod support system.

Apart from this, matte box is also used to maintain consistency in scenes in case of outdoor shooting when the camera has to be rotated in all the directions.

In all, this simple little (sometimes not so little) device can be termed a luxury, but if you need one, then it becomes a necessity. And not just for professional film makers. The enthusiastic amateur, or those who want to capture their memories properly, will really need to think hard about how far they want to go to attain perfection.

Build up your DSLR rig with other components too, such as an intervalometer for time lapse photography.

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