Reading Time: 5 minutesWhat is a Fisheye Lens? Definition & Meaning A fisheye lens is an ultra-wide-angle lens that creates a distinct, curved distortion, resulting in a spherical or hemispherical image. These lenses typically have a focal length between 4 mm and 16 mm, allowing them to capture a 180-degree (or more) field of view. The curvature effect… Continue reading What Is a Fisheye Lens? Definition, Look & Film Uses
Cinematography
Camera Work, Lighting, Lenses
What Is a Tilt-Shift Lens? Definition, Effects & Uses
Reading Time: 6 minutesWhat is a tilt-shift lens? Definition & how it works A tilt-shift lens is a specialized camera lens that allows you to change the angle (tilt) and position (shift) of the lens relative to the image sensor. This changes the plane of focus or the captured perspective, allowing for selective focus effects or distortion-free architectural… Continue reading What Is a Tilt-Shift Lens? Definition, Effects & Uses
A Beginner’s Guide to Anamorphic Lenses.
Reading Time: 8 minutesWhat is an anamorphic lens? Definition & Meaning Anamorphic lenses capture a wider field of view than standard lenses. They compress the image horizontally, allowing for a broader aspect ratio on the film or sensor. When projected or displayed, the image is stretched back to its original width, giving a distinctive widescreen look with unique… Continue reading A Beginner’s Guide to Anamorphic Lenses.
What is 360 Video? Now A Mature Filmmaking Tool (with Examples)
Reading Time: 3 minutesWhat is 360-degree video? Definition & Meaning 360-degree video, also known as immersive video or spherical video, is a video recording in which a view in every direction is recorded simultaneously and shot using an omnidirectional camera. When playing a 360-degree video, you can control the viewing direction, providing a panoramic view of the scene.… Continue reading What is 360 Video? Now A Mature Filmmaking Tool (with Examples)
What is an ND filter? Quick Guide to Neutral Density Filters
Reading Time: 7 minutesWhat is an nd filter? Definition & Meaning An ND (Neutral Density) filter reduces the amount of light entering the lens without altering the image’s color. This allows photographers and videographers to use wider apertures or slower shutter speeds for creative effects, such as motion blur or shallow depth-of-field in bright conditions. This guide teaches… Continue reading What is an ND filter? Quick Guide to Neutral Density Filters
What is a Variable ND Filter? Filmmakers Guide
Reading Time: 9 minutesWhat is Variable ND filter? Definition & Meaning A variable ND (Neutral Density) filter reduces the amount of light entering the lens without altering the color of the light. It works by using two polarizing layers that, when rotated, can increase or decrease the optical density and thus control the amount of light passing through.… Continue reading What is a Variable ND Filter? Filmmakers Guide
What is Chromatic Aberration? Definition & Examples
Reading Time: 3 minutesWhat is Chromatic aberration? Definition & Meaning Chromatic aberration happens because different wavelengths of light refract at slightly different angles when passing through a lens. Lenses have varying refractive indexes for each wavelength, which causes them to converge at different points. Basically, the lens struggles to align all colors to a single focal plane, leading… Continue reading What is Chromatic Aberration? Definition & Examples
What are Cooke Lenses? Warm Glass & Natural Colors
Reading Time: 2 minutesCooke Cinema Lenses are known for their signature look, i.e., sharp yet smooth, with warm, natural tones. Whether you’re shooting a period drama or a modern blockbuster, Cooke lenses add a unique character to your images that cinematographers have loved for decades. A Legacy of Innovation Cooke Optics started in 1893 when H. Dennis Taylor… Continue reading What are Cooke Lenses? Warm Glass & Natural Colors
What Is Tenebrism? Definition & Examples from Art and Film
Reading Time: 6 minutesWhat is Tenebrism? Definition & Meaning Tenebrism is a dramatic approach to lighting built on extreme contrast. A subject is hit by a strong, directional light while large parts of the image remain in deep shadow. The effect is immediate and forceful; the viewer’s attention is guided exactly where the light falls, while the darkness… Continue reading What Is Tenebrism? Definition & Examples from Art and Film
Hands-On Review: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K
Reading Time: 8 minutesThe Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K (aka BMPCC4K) was initially released in 2018 by Blackmagic Design. I was very excited to get my hands on one of these, so I purchased one in June of 2019. I’ve owned this camera for about three years now, so here is my honest opinion of the features. Body As… Continue reading Hands-On Review: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K