I don't know if this belongs here...but lets talk about grainy video

1. NChaparro
   Member

   

   Recently, I posted about achieving dramatic lighting and some problems I was running into.  I have been watching many videos with dramatic lighting (part of the face lit up, and the other part in shadow)  What I have noticed is that in these videos.  The shadow part is BLACK, very smooth and crisp.  When I take video, the lit up part of my subjects face is good, but the dark side, is very grainy.  How do I achieve this "crisp" distinction between light and dark, this absolute contrast?  Do I do it in post, and if so how do I do it? 

   Posted 4 weeks ago # Login to Send PM

2. robgrauert
   Member

   

   What kind of camera are you shooting with?

   You want to use a camera that allows you to adjust the image manually so you can keep the Gain at 0dB. Boosting gain is what causes the image to get grainy, and a lot of consumer cameras do not let you control this function. So it will automatically boost the gain without your consent 

   Cameras with larger image sensors record less grain too. 

   Robert J. Grauert, Jr
   http://www.robgrauert.com

   Posted 4 weeks ago # Login to Send PM

3. NChaparro
   Member

   

   I'm using a Canon GL2, can I manually adjust the gain on it?

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4. robgrauert
   Member

   

   Yea. I used to use that camera, so I know it allows for manual adjustments. And I know you can achieve dramatic lighting with it because I light dramatic lighting too. Here is an example:

   Get the Video Plugin

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5. NChaparro
   Member

   

   Hmmm thats good to hear!  Do you remember how to do it?  I'm messing around with it, and I can't quite figure it out.

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6. NChaparro
   Member

   

   Wait I figured it out...I will get back to you, hopefully this makes the blacks crisp!

   Posted 4 weeks ago # Login to Send PM

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