X factor stage haze

Watching X factor and wondering how they get the light beams to cut through the haze whilst also getting a crystal clear video image?

Artist and lights aren't a million miles apart so it can't just be left to chance that the haze doesn't drift across the camera view so how's it done?, is there now some form of haze filter or software on the camera????

Remember, if you don't want to hear the answer, don't ask the question!

Hmmmm, I'd not thought about control over the DoF on the camera, I guess technology has moved on a tad at this £level

I just remember (painfully) the challenges of shooting any wedding in anything other than an overcast sky presented - let alone through stage haze!!

Remember, if you don't want to hear the answer, don't ask the question!

its all about particle size. cheap hazers have particles of around 10 micron and produce a less reflective haze that requires higher concentrations to show up light beams, but also give more attenuation as the particles themselves are opaque ( essentially a very fine ash)

the better systems produce a particle size or around 0.2 micron which are translucent in nature, far more reflective and therefore require far lower concentrations to work well. Another advantage of the smaller particle is that it is lighter and will hang in the air much more evenly.

Oil systems are preferred, but these days dry systems like MDG atmospheres are the norm as DF50's and other crackers can get messy over time. Oil systems also have the advantage of a much higher condensation temperature compared with glycol systems, and this factor will allow the oil haze to resist layering that is common with glycol systems.

the even hang and lack of layering will produce an effect that is much less invasive and noticeable to the eye and cameras.

“The fact is this is about identifying what we do best and finding more ways of doing less of it better”

hey

far as I know the (expensive) leader at the moment that is regarded as having the finest, highest quality haze is the Pea Soup Phantom Hazer.

never used it myself but reviews and people who use it are generally blown away.

k

Edited by kevinmcdonough - 15 December 2013 at 10:24pm

csg wrote:

i own one for that very reason - it is the best. It has proven particularly popular in HD filming enviroments.

some reviews on Blue Room....

http://www.blue-room.org.uk/index.php?showtopic=37922

http://www.blue-room.org.uk/index.php?showtopic=33664

k