Removing Night Filter From Camera Clips: A Step-By-Step Guide

Removing night vision effects from a video clip can be challenging, and the results may vary. The night vision effect is created by removing an infrared filter and illuminating the scene with an IR source, which can overwhelm the visible part of the image. While it may not be possible to completely remove the effect and restore the original colours, there are some techniques that can help improve the appearance of the video. One suggestion is to use a program like VirtualDub along with the ColorMill filter to adjust the gamma and red levels, resulting in a sepia tint that may be more aesthetically pleasing than black and white. Another option is to use a circular polarizing filter (CPL) during filming to reduce reflections and glare from non-metallic surfaces, though this may not be effective for night footage as it reduces exposure by about 2 stops.

Using a CPL filter to remove sun glare from video

A CPL, or circular polarizing filter, is an effective way to remove sun glare from your video footage. It is much easier to fix the problem of glare during production than trying to fix it in post-production. Using a CPL filter is simple and takes very little time.

A CPL filter will reduce reflected light, especially sunlight, off shiny non-metallic surfaces such as glass, water, and paint. This means that if you are trying to film through a window, a CPL filter will allow the camera to see through the glass to reveal what is inside. A CPL filter can also be used to make water appear transparent, allowing the viewer to see what is beneath the surface.

CPL filters consist of two slim metallic frames that are very close together, each holding a piece of glass similar to an ND glass. The first optical element is placed on the metallic frame, which attaches to the lens filter thread and remains static. The second optical element is placed on the moving outer frame, which can be rotated based on the position of the camera and lens.

To use a CPL filter, attach it to the front of your lens. You can then vary the amount of the polarizing effect by rotating the filter. There will be an angle at which the effect is at a maximum, and another where it is at a minimum. It is up to you to judge how much of the effect looks right. As with many creative techniques, a subtle approach can give more pleasing results than going overboard.

To get the maximum effect from your polarizer, the angle between the light source (usually the sun) and your subject should be 90 degrees. When the angle is zero or 180 degrees, the effect will be minimal. An easy way to work out where you will get the maximum polarizing effect is to point your index finger towards the light source, and then rotate your hand around. Anywhere your thumb points will be where you will get the maximum effect.

It is important to note that CPL filters should not be used with ultra-wide-angle lenses, as this can cause vignetting. They are also not recommended for low-light situations, as they reduce exposure by around two stops.

Using a UV filter to protect your lens

A UV filter is a glass filter that attaches to the front of your camera lens. They were necessary for film photography to block UV light, which caused a blue haze in photos. However, digital cameras are not as sensitive to UV light, so this is no longer an issue.

Pros of Using a UV Filter

• Protects the lens from scratches, dust, dirt, and other environmental hazards.
• It is easier and cheaper to replace a UV filter than to repair a lens.

Cons of Using a UV Filter

• May reduce image quality by a small percentage.
• May cause lens flare or ghosting when shooting towards a light source.
• The glass used in UV filters is weaker than the glass in lenses, so the filter may break from drops that do not damage the lens.

When to Use a UV Filter

• When shooting in environments with dust, sand, or water, such as the beach, desert, or snowy mountains.
• When shooting events with a lot of people or action, where there is a higher chance of accidents.

When Not to Use a UV Filter

• When shooting in controlled settings, such as studio photos, where image quality is a higher priority.
• When shooting directly at light sources, such as sunsets, to avoid lens flare and aberrations.

Using a light pollution filter for astrophotography

Light pollution filters are a great way to enhance your astrophotography images, especially if you're shooting in light-polluted areas. These filters help to block artificial light sources, such as street lamps, and improve the contrast and colours in your images.

There are two main types of light pollution filters: multi-broadband and multi-narrowband. Multi-broadband filters are ideal for photographing galaxies, reflection nebulae, and star clusters. They allow large portions of the spectrum to pass through while blocking common sources of artificial light. On the other hand, multi-narrowband filters are perfect for capturing emission nebulae, planetary nebulae, and supernova remnants. These filters isolate specific emission lines and block everything else, effectively reducing artificial light interference.

When choosing a light pollution filter, consider the type of camera you're using. For example, a stock DSLR camera works better with a broadband filter, as it captures more natural-looking images. In contrast, a modified DSLR or an astronomy-dedicated camera pairs well with a multi-narrowband filter to achieve strong contrast. Additionally, pay attention to the filter's bandpass allowances and ensure it matches the type of artificial light in your surroundings.

While light pollution filters can improve your astrophotography images, they may not always be necessary. If you live in an area with mild light pollution, consider travelling to a darker location instead of investing in a filter. Additionally, some photographers prefer to shoot without filters and correct any issues during post-processing.

• SkyTech L-Pro Max: Suitable for moderately light-polluted areas, this broadband filter helps capture natural colours.
• Optolong L-Pro: Similar to the SkyTech L-Pro Max, it aims to preserve the natural colours of stars.
• Astronomik CLS-CCD: A more aggressive filter that creates strong contrast between the nebula and a bright sky.
• Astro Hutech IDAS LPS D1: A popular choice among amateur astrophotographers, it comes with a unique IGAD coating for durability.
• Optolong L-eXtreme: An improved version of the L-eNhance, it isolates the OIII bandpass for more dynamic images.

Removing the night vision effect from a Sony DV Handy Cam

If you have a video that was mistakenly shot with the night vision selector on a Sony DV Handy Cam, you may be able to correct the problem by converting the video to MPEG2 and then adjusting the filters and effects. However, it is important to note that there may be limited color information to recover, as the night vision effect works by removing an infrared filter and illuminating the scene with an IR source, which can overwhelm the visible part of the image.

One suggestion is to use a program like VirtualDub along with the ColorMill filter. First, use the Gamma setting to bring up the red levels, then adjust the colors using the RED-GREEN-BLUE filter. This can result in a video with a sepia tint, which may be preferable to a black-and-white video.

Another option is to try to remove the night vision effect by shooting a second video with the same camera and settings, but without the night vision selector turned on. You can then use video editing software to combine the two videos and adjust the colors to match.

It is always a good idea to experiment with different filters and effects to see what works best for your specific video. Keep in mind that the results may vary depending on the lighting conditions, subject matter, and other factors.

Additionally, you can try using other video editing software with more advanced features and tools to remove the night vision effect. These programs may offer more precise control over the colors and filters, allowing for a more accurate correction.

Using a polarizing filter on an iPhone

A polarizing filter is a great accessory to enhance your iPhone photography. It can be a real game-changer, especially for outdoor shots, and is a simple way to improve the quality of your images.

A polarizing filter is designed to filter polarized light. It allows light to pass through the lens at a certain angle, blocking out light that travels horizontally and only allowing light that travels vertically. This reduces glare and reflections, which can often wash out the true colours of the objects you are photographing.

Benefits of a Polarizing Filter

• Reduces haze: The filter eliminates haze, which is caused by particles in the air that reflect light.
• Improves highlights: The filter recovers highlight details, bringing back information from bright areas of an image.
• Adds drama to skies: By darkening and adding detail to clouds, your images will have more depth and drama.
• Improves colour: Sun glare often results in muted colours. The filter removes this glare, allowing the camera to capture deeper, more vibrant colours.
• Removes reflections: The filter can remove reflections from water or windows, for example, allowing you to capture the scene beneath the surface.
• Reduces shutter speed: The polarizing filter lets in less light, giving you more control over the ISO and shutter speed for creative long-exposure shots.

Tips for Using a Polarizing Filter

• Use a 90-degree angle to the sun for the best results.
• Rotate the filter to increase or decrease the effect.
• Experiment with spinning the filter—you don't have to use the full effect.
• Don't leave the filter on all the time, as it reduces the amount of light entering the camera.
• Be aware that a wide-angle lens may cause unnatural transitions between light and dark areas of the sky. If this happens, adjust the angle or turn the polarizer to reduce the effect.
• Be mindful that a slower shutter speed can introduce blur.
• The reflected colour of objects or particles in the air (such as colourful sunsets) can disappear when using a polarizing filter.

Alternatives to a Polarizing Filter

If you don't want to purchase a filter, there are some DIY alternatives you can try:

• Use your polarizing sunglasses as a filter by holding them over your iPhone lens.
• Try 3D glasses, which are polarized and work great with phone cameras.
• Use the Adobe Lightroom Mobile app to recreate the effect. Go to Adjustments > Effects > Dehaze and slide to the right.

A polarizing filter is a great, low-cost way to improve your iPhone photography and is a handy tool to have in your kit.

Frequently asked questions