Unleashing the Power of Photography Filters: Elevate Your iPhone Photography with Snap Filter Adapter
January 2, 2024
Our Filter Adapter is now Compatible with iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max
October 10, 2024Enhance your Videography with Snap Filter Adapter and ND Filters for iPhone Filmmaking
The iPhone is already a beast on the videography front, as you can record cinematic videos in HD or high-res up to 4K. However, the smartphone can struggle with images in constant motion (think waterfalls, rain, and a beehive of activity) or when you wish to achieve a shallow depth of field in bright outdoor scenes.
Filmic Pro, Blackmagic Camera, and other iOS camera apps put advanced controls like shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and more at your fingertips. But to truly maximize your iPhone's video prowess, you need neutral density (ND) filters to blur movement and reduce light entering the lens for more prolonged exposure without the risk of overexposure. That's where the ingenious Snap Filter Adapter comes in.
First Up —What Are ND Filters and Why Do You Need Them?
In bright lighting, your iPhone camera sensor can easily become overexposed, resulting in blown-out highlights and loss of detail. ND filters cut down the amount of light entering the lens. They are installed in front of your iPhone camera and come in different densities to allow more or less light depending on your exposure needs.
You can think of ND filters as sunglasses or shades for your iPhone camera. They are especially handy when you want to retain detail and color effects. They regulate exposure so you can capture sharper, more vivid videos in a wider aperture for longer in bright light conditions. The backdrops blur while the images become more focused.
Mastering Control of Shutter Speed: ND Filters vs Variable ND Filters
Filmic Pro, Blackmagic Camera, and similar video apps grant independent control over shutter speed, allowing you to achieve cinematic motion blur effects. However, you'll hit the limit of how fast your shutter can go in bright light. This is where ND filters save the day by allowing you to reduce incoming light, enabling slower shutter speeds to get artistic motion blur.
Each fixed ND filter has a specific stop value, such as ND4 or ND8. You'll have to swap out filters for various stop values physically. That makes them ideal for consistent results in predictable lighting conditions.
Variable ND filters (VND) offer the ultimate convenience. Just dial in your desired density based on the lighting conditions. Whether you're going for a dreamy, abstract blur or a crisp, vivid look, they empower you to dial in the exact video style you envision. For iPhone videography, VNDs are ideal when shooting outdoor scenes with rapidly changing light.
Get the Most from Your iPhone with the Snap Filter Adapter
The versatile Snap Filter Adapter securely mounts 58mm photography filters onto your iPhone for photos and videos. Screw on your variable ND or fixed density ND filter to the Snap adapter and connect it magnetically via Apple's MagSafe technology to unlock a world of creative possibilities.
Note: You can use a Step-Up Adapter Ring to fit ND filters larger than 58mm.
Using a VND with the Snap Filter Adapter
Pro Tips for Using ND Filters on Your iPhone
- Start with low ND filters: Gradually increase strength as needed to avoid excessive light reduction.
- Experiment in different lighting: ND filters excel in bright outdoor scenes but can also add subtle effects indoors.
- Practice with fixed and variable ND filters: Discover which workflow suits your shooting style.
- Calibrate your exposure: Ensure accurate metering with your chosen ND filter attached.
Blackmagic Camera iOS App Interface
Wrap-Up: Elevate your iPhone Videography with Essential Gear
Imagine capturing smooth, cinematic motion blur in broad daylight or achieving dreamy bokeh effects without overexposure. That's the magic of ND filters, which reduce the light reaching your iPhone's sensor. The Snap Filter Adapter's compatibility with 58mm ND filters helps you shoot more correctly for bright light and get more image info for better video editing.
To learn more about ND filters and videography, head over to the following resources:
Snap Filter Adapter
The Snap Filter Adapter lets you use any photography filter with your iPhone using it’s 58mm mount. Quickly link it to your iPhone via Magsafe or most Magsafe compatible phone cases.
