I REGRET NOT Buying This Sooner...

Danny Bligh
6 Mar 202408:01

TLDRIn this video, the speaker expresses regret for not purchasing a circular polarizing filter (CPL) sooner, as it has significantly enhanced the quality of their photos and videos. The CPL filter is praised for its ability to reduce glare and reflections, increase color saturation and vibrancy, and improve the clarity of images, particularly in landscape, portraiture, and automotive photography. The video also discusses the importance of adjusting the filter to suit different subjects and lighting conditions, and the potential issues that can arise, such as unwanted reflections or color shifts. The speaker advises viewers to choose a CPL filter that fits their largest lens and is within their budget, emphasizing that while a CPL filter can greatly improve image quality, it should be used judiciously and in conjunction with proper camera settings.

Takeaways

  • πŸ“Έ **Circular Polarizing Filter (CPL)**: A must-have for photographers and videographers to enhance the look of photos and videos.
  • 🌟 **Professional Look**: CPL filters can make images look more professional by reducing glare and reflections.
  • 🏞️ **Versatile Use**: Suitable for a wide range of subjects including portraits, landscapes, and automotive photography.
  • πŸ’° **Quality vs. Affordability**: The video discusses whether investing in a premium-priced CPL filter yields better results compared to a more affordable option.
  • πŸ”„ **Adjustable Effect**: CPL filters have an adjustable effect, requiring the user to turn the filter to achieve the desired result.
  • πŸ“‰ **Reduced Light Intake**: CPL filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens, necessitating a slight increase in exposure.
  • 🚫 **Potential Issues**: Overuse or improper use can lead to problems like unwanted reflections or a vignetted look in the image.
  • πŸ“· **When Not to Use**: Sometimes it's better not to use the CPL filter at full strength, as it can make the image look flat or unnatural.
  • πŸ” **Attention to Detail**: Users should be aware of color shifts and vignetting when using a CPL filter, especially with wider focal lengths.
  • ⏺️ **Video and Photo Applications**: CPL filters are not just for still photography but also beneficial in video work and can be used with action cameras and drones.
  • πŸ’‘ **White Balance**: It's important to set the white balance after applying the CPL filter to account for any color shifts it may introduce.

Q & A

  • What is the main purpose of a circular polarizing filter (CPL)?

    -A circular polarizing filter (CPL) is primarily used to reduce glare and reflections in images. It can enhance the saturation and vibrance of colors, particularly in outdoor photography or videography where sunlight can cause unwanted reflections and glare.

  • How does a CPL filter affect the appearance of the sky in photos or videos?

    -A CPL filter can help reduce the blown-out look of the sky on a sunny day, which can make the sky appear washed out and lacking in color. By using a CPL filter, the sky can regain its natural color and the image can look more balanced and professional.

  • Why is a CPL filter considered essential for car photography?

    -In car photography, reflections on the clean paintwork of a car can obscure the details. A CPL filter helps to reduce these reflections, allowing for a clearer and more detailed image of the car's surface.

  • What is one potential issue that might arise when using a CPL filter?

    -A potential issue with using a CPL filter is that it can introduce unwanted reflections in areas of an image where there were none before. This can be mitigated by taking multiple photos at different filter orientations and selecting the best one in post-production.

  • How can a CPL filter help when filming through glass or windows?

    -A CPL filter can reduce reflections on glass surfaces, which is particularly useful when filming through windows. This allows the camera to capture the subject behind the glass more clearly without the distraction of reflections.

  • What is the effect of a CPL filter on a person's face when filming in direct sunlight?

    -A CPL filter can help reduce the glare and shine on a person's face when filming in direct sunlight, leading to a more natural and less overexposed appearance.

  • What are some precautions to take when using a CPL filter?

    -When using a CPL filter, one should be aware of potential vignetting, which can darken certain parts of the image. It's also important to adjust the filter according to the camera's angle relative to the subject and to set the white balance after applying the filter to account for any color shifts.

  • 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 variable ND filters, as this can affect the polarization and potentially alter the image in unexpected ways.

  • What is the impact of using 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 price of a CPL filter correlate with its performance?

    -While more expensive CPL filters may offer a greater degree of polarization, the price does not necessarily correlate with better performance in terms of color shift or light reduction. It's important to choose a filter that fits within one's budget and to experiment with it to see how it affects image quality.

  • Why does the speaker express regret for not having a CPL filter sooner?

    -The speaker regrets not having a CPL filter sooner because it can significantly enhance image quality by adding saturation, reducing reflections, and improving the overall professional look of photos and videos across various subjects.

  • What advice does the speaker give regarding the purchase of a CPL filter?

    -The speaker advises buying a CPL filter that fits the largest lens in terms of filter size and emphasizes the importance of staying within one's budget. They suggest experimenting with the filter to see its effects on image quality before making a decision.

Outlines

00:00

πŸ“Έ The Impact of CPL Filters on Photography and Videography

This paragraph introduces the Circular Polarizing (CPL) filter as an essential tool for enhancing the quality of photos and videos. The speaker expresses regret for not using a CPL filter sooner, as it can significantly improve the professional look of various subjects, including portraits, landscapes, and automotive photography. The filter's ability to reduce glare and reflections, increase color saturation and vibrancy, and improve clarity through glass is highlighted. The paragraph also warns about potential issues, such as creating unwanted reflections or a vignette effect, and emphasizes the importance of adjusting the filter to achieve the desired results. It concludes with a teaser about tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes when using a CPL filter.

05:01

πŸ’‘ Understanding CPL Filters: Benefits, Limitations, and Practical Use

The second paragraph delves deeper into the practical use of CPL filters, discussing the potential color shift they may cause and the need to adjust white balance after applying the filter. It mentions that CPL filters can be used alongside other filters, such as variable ND filters, with caution due to the complexity of polarization effects. The paragraph also addresses the question of whether investing in a more expensive CPL filter guarantees better results, with the speaker's experience indicating that the quality of the results is not directly correlated with the price of the filter. The speaker shares personal experiences with different brands and recommends purchasing a CPL filter that fits the largest lens and is within one's budget. The importance of experimentation and finding the right balance when using a CPL filter is emphasized, and the paragraph ends with a teaser for a related video discussing regrettable photography purchases.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘Circular Polarizing Filter (CPL)

A Circular Polarizing Filter (CPL) is a type of filter used in photography and videography to reduce reflections and glare from non-metallic surfaces, thereby enhancing the saturation and vibrance of colors in an image. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the significant impact a CPL filter can have on improving the professional look of photos and videos across various subjects like portraits, landscapes, and automotive photography.

πŸ’‘Glare and Reflections

Glare and reflections are unwanted light that can diminish the quality of an image by causing overexposed areas or distracting reflections on surfaces. The video discusses how a CPL filter can help reduce these issues, particularly when photographing on a sunny day or when water or glass is involved in the scene.

πŸ’‘Saturation and Vibrance

Saturation refers to the intensity of colors in an image, while vibrance is the overall brightness and 'liveliness' of those colors. The video script mentions that using a CPL filter can increase the saturation and vibrance of an image, making colors appear more vivid and natural.

πŸ’‘Automotive Photography

Automotive photography is the specialized field of photography that involves capturing images of vehicles, often with an emphasis on aesthetics and the reflection of the surroundings in the car's paintwork. The video highlights the necessity of a CPL filter in this context to reduce reflections and capture clearer images of the car's surface.

πŸ’‘Premium Quality Product

A premium quality product refers to an item that is of higher grade or superior quality, often commanding a higher price. The speaker in the video discusses whether investing in a more expensive CPL filter results in better image quality, suggesting that while price can be a factor, it's not the only determinant of a filter's effectiveness.

πŸ’‘Vignetting

Vignetting is a photography term that describes the gradual fading of an image's periphery into darkness. The video script warns that a CPL filter can sometimes cause vignetting, particularly in wide-angle shots, which can affect the overall look of the image.

πŸ’‘Focal Length

Focal length is the distance between the camera lens and the image sensor, which affects the angle of view and magnification of the image. The video advises using a narrower focal length (35mm upwards) when using a CPL filter to avoid issues like vignetting that can occur with wider angles (24mm or wider).

πŸ’‘White Balance

White balance is the process of adjusting the colors in an image so that they appear natural under different lighting conditions. The video emphasizes the importance of setting the white balance after applying a CPL filter to account for any color shifts that the filter may introduce.

πŸ’‘Neutral Density (ND) Filter

A Neutral Density (ND) filter is used to reduce the amount of light entering the lens without affecting the color balance of the image, which is particularly useful in controlling exposure in bright conditions. The video mentions the use of an ND filter alongside a CPL filter for additional control over the image's exposure.

πŸ’‘Color Shift

Color shift refers to an unintended change in the color cast of an image, often caused by the use of filters. The video script discusses how CPL filters can cause a slight warming effect on the image, and the importance of adjusting the white balance to correct for this after the filter is applied.

πŸ’‘Action Cameras and Drones

Action cameras and drones are types of cameras used for capturing dynamic and aerial footage, respectively. The video mentions the use of CPL filters with these devices, particularly drones, to enhance the quality of landscape images by reducing reflections and increasing color saturation.

Highlights

The next few minutes could change the way your photos and videos look, making them more professional.

The speaker regrets not having a particular item sooner for improving old photos.

The item has become a permanent fixture in the speaker's camera bag due to its versatility.

Circular polarizing filter (CPL) is introduced as a must-have for various photography subjects.

CPL filters reduce glare and reflections, enhancing image saturation and vibrance.

CPL filters are essential for car photography to avoid reflections in the paintwork.

Using a CPL filter through glass reduces reflections, allowing for clearer subject visibility.

CPL filters can help manage overexposure and shine when photographing people in sunlight.

Adjusting a CPL filter can control the amount of glare and reflections in an image.

Taking multiple photos with slight CPL filter adjustments can yield the best results.

CPL filters can cause vignetting in certain parts of the image, requiring careful use.

Using a narrower focal length with a CPL filter can prevent unwanted effects.

CPL filters should be used judiciously to avoid making images look flat or unnatural.

Color shift may occur when using a CPL filter, which can be corrected with proper white balance settings.

CPL filters can be combined with other filters like variable ND filters, but with caution due to polarization effects.

The choice of CPL filter brand can impact the amount of polarization and natural look of the image.

CPL filters reduce light entering the lens, requiring slight exposure adjustments.

The speaker recommends purchasing a CPL filter that fits the largest lens and is within budget for experimentation.

CPL filters can significantly enhance image quality by increasing saturation and reducing reflections.

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