The beauty of clipped highlights

[@cleverghostchili]

Scene Breakdown of Hunter's Dream: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmWoc3RppsR4hJo

[@SuchetB]

Thank you for this - we live in an age where people forget about simply getting a great image whether it’s 8bit, or more - this video was awesome 🤩

[@cleverghostchili]

Even some films back in the day with poor lighting low dynamic range and resolution will still look good if it was shot well, I’ve always tried to make something look good regardless any post editing

[@BlaineWestropp1]

Great work! Love the section of hunters dream when you are in front of the window. 👌

[@cleverghostchili]

cross dissolve in 2024 lol

[@runestone1337]

7:31 and 7:38 were standouts. Natural (practical) lighting always gets me. Very emotional. Thanks for sharing.

[@cleverghostchili]

A man after my heart. I also like those frames, unfortunately KZbin compression really detracts from what would be a satisfying conclusion

[@avx111]

I just found your channel a couple videos ago and I've never agreed so much on the current trends in filmmaking. if the shadows are too dark that's fine, if the highlights are too hot then let them be, that's how it looks in real life. keeping everything within the boundaries of "correct exposure" makes pictures look lifeless most of the time, it's stripping away the beauty of natural light just to fit in the fake nostalgia instagram film aesthetic.

[@cleverghostchili]

I think consistency plays a part too. You can create any reality you want as long as it follows some rhyme or reason. Agree with you on overdone nostalgia

[@shueibdahir]

The sigma fp does actually have incredibly good amount of dynamic range. Although the maximum amount it can see is limited by the data, the sensor is actually capable of more. There is this thing called photographic dynamic range which is the dynamic range that is actually usable to photographers and the sigma fp consistently hits 11.02 stops of usable dr which is incredible. A7sIII hits 11.20, Nikon Z9 does 11.28, S5II does 11.23. These are dynamic range tests using linear raw photos just like the sigma fp does when shooting linear raw video at native ISOs. So yeah the Sigma FP does actually have a crazy good dynamic range.

[@cleverghostchili]

i agree, its hard to test the numbers as you have to get the DR back in post, i dont consider myself a technical camera person i go based on feel. It feels higher than the blackmagic cameras actually, I wouldn't be suprised if it ended up somewhere near 13-14 stops. That being said, when using 8bit, the dynamic range dropped, i can only speak on behalf of feel, which if i had to guess was at least 1 stop less as i clipped significantly earlier than i would have when filming in similar situations. Thank you for the technical knowledge as always

[@shueibdahir]

Blackmagic cameras do see a stop more in total but lose more than a stop to noise. That can be improved by good noise reduction but it doesn't get them over 12 stops easily. The bmpcc 6k imo has exactly the same amount of DR as the sigma fp. The only difference being where the middle grey is placed in each iso. My 700D places the middle grey 3 stops below clipping in all iso stages so I know a lot about accidentally clipping highlights since it places most of its image in the shadows. No problem bro it's my pleasure

[@EdProsser]

The shot by the window is simply stunning - always inspiring watching what you make in your videos. You have an awesome apartment too!

[@cleverghostchili]

Love ya, Ed

[@qodaeus]

You've inspired me! Thank you for making quality presence online. I hope your journey proves fruitful!

[@cleverghostchili]

This is all that I could have hoped for 🖤

[@cityabsurdia6680]

That's so funny, I just did this in post on a short film I made. I wanted the day to feel hot and bright, and blowing out the skies worked so well, as well as giving it more of a "film" feel. I think you're right, as long as you can see the subject of the shot it can look very nice

[@cleverghostchili]

I can picture it now. I think this would also work in the desert or walking on a long road

[@greentokyo]

Interesting experiment! I agree if one were to really adopt the pure white background approach it needs to feel intentional. I also think good production design would also make it even better. Choosing more deliberate locations, maybe monochromatic, or a really controlled color palette would be the way to go. Otherwise, blowing out highlights on their own still has an unprofessional icky feeling that needs extra effort to overcome.

[@cleverghostchili]

right, clipped highlights really feel super subjective, it was really difficult to gauge for me, but i ultimately felt it was still very interesting to share

[@candyk1mchi]

Dang.. feels like watching WongFu vids from back in the day.. Love this.

[@cleverghostchili]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@hugomalpeyre]

as always, top notch footage & music & colorgrading ; congrats

[@cleverghostchili]

Merci

[@invisibleadversary]

You’re lowkey one of the best shooters on KZbin. Was also blown away by your Sigma FP video.

[@cleverghostchili]

Appreciate it, too generous with your praise

[@deansherwood]

Really good dude. Don’t push the assistant too far, good reminder to us all.

[@cleverghostchili]

Make sure to use prop knives….

[@evayap_]

sooo beautifully shot and narrated, as always!

[@cleverghostchili]

Up up up

[@RJBaculo]

This video was sublime! Unlike anything i've seen on KZbin. Hauntingly beautiful yet immensely educational.

[@cleverghostchili]

food for thought!

[@juliustubbsDP]

This was very refreshing to watch.

[@cleverghostchili]

Always trying something new

[@ShapedStudios]

Beautiful work as usual! One thing I’ve noticed is that your handheld footage with the Sigma FP is smooth and with natural camera shakes. How are you able to get rid of the fp jittery camera shakes? Are you using davinci resolve stabilizer?

[@cleverghostchili]

Jitters are a serious consideration with the tiny FP. I use a heavy lens 1.2kg 2 lbs and a top handle, though for some of these shots I didn’t have that luxury. I’ve developed a pretty good technique for handheld, but it can always improve, i tend to tuck my elbows and support mostly with my left hand upwards. I did use davinci stabilizer for some of the static handheld shots, but I usually dont for walking shots

[@cinobro6393]

Man the sigma FP has some absolutely beautiful photos.

[@cleverghostchili]

Indeed, and each frame of cdng video is a photo!

[@marlon_fm]

Superb content. It's great how you mixed a filmmaking class with examples from both a cinematic vlog and a short. +1 sub

[@cleverghostchili]

Never thought of this as a class, more like a live experiment, happy to be educational nonetheless. Hope to bring more compelling content

[@wolfingitdown2047]

I love these videos man. Thank you for the thoughts and inspiration. Cheers!

[@cleverghostchili]

Cheers, hope to keep it up

[@seasideshutterworx]

Stunning!

[@XingxianYAN-dc2lc]

Thanks for your hard work!

[@deonvnzl]

enjoy watching your exploration of the medium.

[@cleverghostchili]

And I enjoy your enjoying. Looking forward to your next project, Deon

[@dajikeyboards]

This is awesome and so different! It definitely tells the story a bit differently.

[@cleverghostchili]

I think so too, always trying to find new things

[@studiojamescao]

That was a good watching moment. Thanks for this.

[@cleverghostchili]

No, thank you for watching

[@foggymossstudio]

Great work!

[@TylerEdwards]

great video! love the shot at 3:05

[@cleverghostchili]

Framing enjoyer I see 👌👌

[@ash.walton]

Really great video, Ghost! You've Inspired me to be bold and try and using this a bit more. I think you're so right that the intentionality is what sells the look

[@cleverghostchili]

Like most creative projects, anything can be realized with enough confidence

[@ash.walton]

I can hear your voice saying this. Sage advice, my friend. @@cleverghostchili

[@shadowcultur]

Very good. I think you said it… if it’s intentional and/or doesn’t distract from the subject then it looks fine and often people don’t notice. I initially found the fp to struggle with highlights until I shot more and understood the best iso ranges to shoot with. Sometimes I cheat it too, I give the blown out highlights a slight tint of cream and bloom and it looks smooth. Your footage looks amazing. Keep it up! 💪🏼

[@cleverghostchili]

Bloom and halation are definitely the tried and traditional method, I’ve also found good success with lowering mid detail to about -20 for a similar effect, but for this video I wanted to try a more modern approach

[@aumon]

Amazing🙌🏽

[@samuelguce]

Maaann so glad I watched - great inspiration and yeah just has a special feel - Thankyou

[@cleverghostchili]

Sugar spice and everything nice

[@chelo111]

beautiful work broddy....

[@cleverghostchili]

appreciate the comment

[@richieduque]

This is one of the best displays of cinematography I've seen on youtube in a very, very long time. Incredibly beautiful.

[@cleverghostchili]

You’re too kind

[@XingxianYAN-dc2lc]

very inspired by your work！

[@ak-gi3eu]

bro living his life like a movie

[@cleverghostchili]

Life can be whatever you make of it

[@huh736]

a masterclass!!!! as always

[@cleverghostchili]

Glad you found it informative

[@luispaniagua23]

insane content! very inspired by your work

[@cleverghostchili]

I’m always inspired by comments like these!

[@giulas]

Great work man!!! I believe there are no rules. You said the keyword: intention. When images are used to convey ideas there are no "wrongs"...I believe clipping is a problem when it shows "low effort" or clumsiness. That is technical and it's easily spotted. By the way. What did you shoot with the fp and what did you shoot with the bm? I love my fp and i'm trying to guess how long i still have with it until I'm forced to change for a better-performing option.

[@cleverghostchili]

The only rule is to film with purpose and stick with your vision. Everything on this video was shot on the Sigma FP, I will usually state it at the end of the video or in the description, the previous video was completely shot on blackmagic and the one before the sigma fp. The next video i might go back to the blackmagic. I just enjoy the different rendering of cameras, each has their own strength. The FP is quite unique compared to Arri copycat cameras. Yes the highlight roll off isnt the best but it has unique shadow rolloff and contrast not to mention a fantastic color science. Image quality wise i don't believe there are many better options, but the other cameras have vastly more efficient workflows.

[@giulas]

Thank you for your answer @@cleverghostchili !!! :) I really don't mind the workflow. It's laborious but straightforward and I already have it figured out. I would only change it for a better image. The fact I can't have at least 4k 60p is an issue but I'm managing so far. Cheers bro!!!

[@cleverghostchili]

me too, though when high fps is needed i just go 1080p@@giulas

[@giulas]

Same here @@cleverghostchili

[@anirudhtd7193]

Phenomenal my man

[@cleverghostchili]

Always trying to do better

[@romainszuwalski]

great work-- smart approach

[@thechangjean-lk5lu]

so nice~!

[@nov.a_film]

Very atmospheric videos! Can you tell me what font you will use? I really liked it!

[@cleverghostchili]

you are the 4th person to ask this haha. Send me a DM

[@XingxianYAN-dc2lc]

great

[@suyogmarlecha4466]

Great video dude. Loved the shot with the full white window backdrop. As you were intentional with the highlights, did you use Iso 800 like usual or iso 100?

[@cleverghostchili]

I used 800 iso f8 for that scene I believe. The highlights weren’t actually completely blown out here, they were enhanced in post

[@suyogmarlecha4466]

@@cleverghostchili ohh.. understood. So, did you do anything for a smooth highlight rolloff in post...the FP tends to be harsher towards the edges

[@cleverghostchili]

For that scene, nothing in particular. Though if I wanted to I could just lower the highlights to make the roll off softer and you would be able to see outside the window perfectly clearly

[@jackfralick268]

This is absolutely incredible, what font is that?

[@cleverghostchili]

A font enjoyer 👍 send me a DM

[@flybus6700]

excellent work bro. may I ask how you film such a clean night shot, I tried to use log with basic iso, but its still a lot of grain

[@cleverghostchili]

some cameras are better at low light than others. Sigma FP is one of the best low light cameras you can buy, but I can also recommend lowering your blackpoint and not raising your shadows. most importantly is exposing properly, it's fine to clip blacks for shadows if it means having a cleaner image overall

[@seanrusso318]

Gained a subscriber today‼️

[@cleverghostchili]

Love

[@felixantal1027]

What type of fonts did you use in the first scene? thank you!

[@cleverghostchili]

more font enjoyers! send me a DM

[@gaarax0x]

You need to make a short film with story bro

[@cleverghostchili]

Yeah getting there. There is actually some lore to this video but I made it far too subtle

[@StereoChimps]

the use of natural light is just a painting

[@cleverghostchili]

some ambient light for this one as well!