GEAR MINI TESTS
Formatt-Hitech’s diffuser filter kit is put to the test, as well as a Sirui 24mm anamorphic lens, the Hollyland Larkmicrophone and Samsung’s new SSD
WORDS ADAM DUCKWORTH
FORMATT-HITECH BLACK SUPERMIST CIRCLE FILTER KIT £218/$250 ($TBC) formatt-hitech.com
Filmmakers tend to spend a fortune on high-resolution cameras and super-sharp lenses, but often the best way to get a more dreamy and cinematic look is to diffuse the image. Of course, this can be done pretty effectively in post, but it’s also time-consuming. And there’s nothing like capturing it in-camera at the time of shooting. Lots of firms offer diffusion filters, but many are expensive and only come in the traditional 4x5.65in size for use with full-size matte boxes. UK company Formatt-Hitech makes filters just like that, but it also has a range of screw-in filters that are more affordable and suitable for smaller cameras, such as mirrorless. A set of four Black Supermist screw-in filters costs just £218/$TBC in 82mm size (also available in 77mm, for £171). It includes four versions, from full-strength to half-, quarter- and eighth-strength – so you can mix and match for the look
you want. It’s also ideal for using different lenses that have different natural characteristics. Supermist filters knock back fine details and give a pleasing film- like bloom to point light sources; there’s a lower contrast that gives a vintage feel, yet preserves dynamic range. The Black Supermist is more subtle than the company’s standard Clear Supermist. It also lightens areas of shadow less dramatically, though Black filters do reduce light by around a third of a stop, so it might be worth opening up or increasing ISO to compensate. Using them is a cinch. Just screw them on and you can see the effect immediately. The filters are relatively thin, so there was no vignetting on even very wide lenses. To use them on lenses with other filter thread sizes, you do need some stepping rings, though. The filters are inexpensive, compact, give an instant classic filmic look and are easy to use. PROMOVIEMAKERRATING: 9/10 A great and very affordable filter kit that can give your footage a softer and more cinematic look in an instant.
BEFORE
AFTER
ABOVE The before shot has no filter and is sharp, while the full- strength one is softer LEFT The four-filter kit gives plenty of options and each filter comes in a slip case
SPECIFICATIONS Sizes: 77mmand 82mm
Fitment: Screw-in Levels of diffusion: 1,½,¼,1/8
Glass: Lapped and polished Schott B270i Optical with resinmatrix finish Weight: 0.1kg/0.25lb
Pros: Easy to use, great value Cons: Only comes in two sizes
“The filters are inexpensive, give an instant classic filmic look and are easy to use”
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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