The Tiffen Filter Wheel 1 Ultra Contrast 1 Filter works by using the ambient light surrounding the image area as well as the light in the actual image area itself. It lowers contrast uniformly, with little or no loss of sharpness throughout the scene, even when there are varying degrees of brightness within the image.

Shadow areas are opened up, revealing more detail, but without any flare or halation from direct light sources or bright reflections. Works similar to a Tiffen Low Contrast filter but reduces contrast throughout the entire image whereas a Low Contrast filter will only open the shadows.

Tiffen - making hard-to-shoot images possible!

Lowers Contrast    Image Remains Sharp    No Flare    Opens Shadows

Bright lights or sunlight create problems when the ratio between the highlight and shadow areas is beyond the latitude of the film; If you expose for the highlights, the shadows appear without detail; If you expose for the shadows, the result is washed-out, overly bright highlights

Contrast reduction is achieved by lightening shadows without overexposing highlights or by darkening highlights without darkening shadows further

Even direct shooting into the sun produces no flare or halation

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Does this camcorder provide HDMI out while recording and if so, is it a Clean HDMI out? There are conflicting answers listed

A: Yes, the Panasonic HC-VX870K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder will provide a clean HDMI out.

Q: 2. What country made Sony FDR-AX53?

A: China.

Q: 3. If we are trying to record in-store footage of our products and interview people like a mini infomercial, then use it so people can view on our website and Facebook page, is this 4K camcorder overkill or not? If so, what other brand/model would you suggest? If you feel the 4K is the way to go, do you feel the Sony or upcoming Panasonic is better?

A: It's an excellent camera. It helps in lower light settings, such as in various areas of the store where lighting may not be so bright, but still, it would look more professional if you added a light on top, so everything would shine nice and bright, as you walked around videoing products. It also has excellent optical image stabilizer - much better than a few hundred dollar camera, which can hep if you'r walking around. Also focuses very well - smoothly - not suddenly. Using a monopod will help keep it straight (but may get into the way if you want to go up and down shelves). When doing interviews, you must use a lavalier mic, such as Deity Microphones V.Lav Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone with Microprocessor BH #DEVLA - gets the sound much better as it is closer.

Q: 4. Does it come with a battery charger

A: No, You have to buy it separately.

Q: 5. Can a high speed shutter be used when video is shot in 120pps mode? What is the highest shutter speed available in this mode?

A: The precise answer is unavailable from Panasonic at this time. Hopefully soon. My opinion is that the shutter speed for 120 FPS should set on the camera at 200-250th. Longer will cause the image to smear and higher will cause stuttering in the image.

Q: 6. When you plug this camera into a computer, is the camera automatically recognized?

A: You will need to install Panasonic software.http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/soft/download/f_ae52.htmlOnce that is done and you the connect the camera to a PC with the supplied USB cable, it is recognized as an external drive.

Q: 7. Can the Sony FDR-AX53 be mounted onto a tripod? Also, can a Rode shotgun mic be mounted?

A: It has a tripod screw, and has a standard shoe size for attaching peripherals on top (mic, flash etc.). So if your foot is that size it will fit! :) (In older models, it was a mini size shoe; a bit inconvenient.) Sony has certain proprietary mics that make use of extra wires in the shoe, and so do not need to be plugged into the mic line in. (Such as the XLR-K3M Dual-Channel Digital XLR Audio Adapter Kit with Shotgun Microphone - BH #SOXLRK3M)

Q: 8. Does the Sony FDR-AX53 Q&Ahave wireless remote control?

A: No, it does not come with a wrireless remote. But, I successfully use the remote for other Sony camcorders I have including HDR-760V, HDR-PJ810. The Remote is model RMT-835, and can be purchased separately at several websites including eBay. The RMT-835 remote works perfectly, though it may need to mated to the camcorder (not sure about this, best to phony Sony) & controls everything including Start/Stop record, zoom, photo, playback of video/photos, pause, FF, Rewind, Display, Data Code. It's a beautiful thing! Great camcorder . . .

Q: 9. What is the maximum continuous recording time on a 64gb card in 4k?

A: Hello! The approximate recording time on a 64GB card in 4k would be 1 hour and 50 minutes. However, the actual recordable time refers to the recordable time when repeatedly starting/stopping recording, turning the unit on/off, moving the zoom lever, etc. We encourage you to check this page on the operating manual for information regarding the recording modes/approximate recordable time: https://eng-ca.faq.panasonic.com/euf/assets/PDFs/Camcorders/HCV770_VX870_WX970_SQW0239_ENG.pdf#page=234 . Hope this helps! -C

Q: 10. Why is there no extended warranty being offered for this camcorder? Not being able to buy an extended warranty is a deal-buster for me.

A: Your CC likely adds a year to the manufacturer's warrantee. B&H now has Allstate option (above).