GL-1 and skin tone at DVinfo.net

Carolyn McGrath · June 22nd, 2006, 08:24 AM

I've noticed that when I look back at tape I've taken of people using my GL1, their skin always looks a lot worse than it is in "real life." People's skin looks splotchy and spotted--every lump, bump, mole, crease, etc. seems more pronounced than it actually looks.

Any thoughts on why this happens and how I can correct it?

Thanks.

Tim Johnson · June 22nd, 2006, 10:28 AM

firstly, try adjusting contrast and sharpness in the menu (turn it down).

secondly, i find that the GLs are prone to airing on the side of overexposure, bleaching peoples skin (no mj jokes please lol). on a gl2 i know a quick way to fix this in auto etc is just to press down the EXP. wheel and use exposure compensation.

sorry if this is old news to you

Jarrod Whaley · June 22nd, 2006, 12:49 PM

Turning down the sharpness will help somewhat. But I don't think there's a lot else you can do about this on the GL1, short of softening your focus.. The XL2 has a skin detail feature, but the GL series cams do not.

You might want to try going with a slightly wider shot when you encounter this. DV is very detailed in close-ups, but the sharpness drops off dramatically the wider you get.

A blurring or diffusion filter (like a pro-mist) might help, but you'll get a soft look that comes off as a bit like "glamour" shots to some people's eyes.

Another option (probably the most old-school) is to apply some light powder to your subjects' faces. Of course that only works for narrative work, not docs or events...

Tim Johnson · June 22nd, 2006, 03:36 PM

you can always apply a diffuse or soft focus filter in post process anyway or if your really hardcore clean it up frame by frame in photoshop lol

June 22nd, 2006, 08:24 AM	#1
Carolyn McGrath Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 29	GL-1 and skin tone I've noticed that when I look back at tape I've taken of people using my GL1, their skin always looks a lot worse than it is in "real life." People's skin looks splotchy and spotted--every lump, bump, mole, crease, etc. seems more pronounced than it actually looks. Any thoughts on why this happens and how I can correct it? Thanks.

June 22nd, 2006, 10:28 AM	#2
Tim Johnson Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: London, England Posts: 101	firstly, try adjusting contrast and sharpness in the menu (turn it down). secondly, i find that the GLs are prone to airing on the side of overexposure, bleaching peoples skin (no mj jokes please lol). on a gl2 i know a quick way to fix this in auto etc is just to press down the EXP. wheel and use exposure compensation. sorry if this is old news to you __________________ (Wishes to be more informative and helpful than a nuisance)

June 22nd, 2006, 12:49 PM	#3
Jarrod Whaley Major Player Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: chattanooga, tn Posts: 721	Turning down the sharpness will help somewhat. But I don't think there's a lot else you can do about this on the GL1, short of softening your focus.. The XL2 has a skin detail feature, but the GL series cams do not. You might want to try going with a slightly wider shot when you encounter this. DV is very detailed in close-ups, but the sharpness drops off dramatically the wider you get. A blurring or diffusion filter (like a pro-mist) might help, but you'll get a soft look that comes off as a bit like "glamour" shots to some people's eyes. Another option (probably the most old-school) is to apply some light powder to your subjects' faces. Of course that only works for narrative work, not docs or events... __________________ -->jarrod whaley. www.oakstreetfilms.com

June 22nd, 2006, 03:36 PM	#4
Tim Johnson Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: London, England Posts: 101	you can always apply a diffuse or soft focus filter in post process anyway or if your really hardcore clean it up frame by frame in photoshop lol __________________ (Wishes to be more informative and helpful than a nuisance)