4 Reasons You NEED a Matte Box

A matte box is a very useful addition to a cinema camera system. Avoid losing contrast in your shots, add filters, protect your lens, and appear more pro doing so.
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Canon Masterclass

[TheWaitingRoomTWR]

Thank god! A normal videographer, no stupid intro, no million cuts, no corny music, just a human being talking - subscribed!

[SocialAsteroid]

Haha... you're right, it does raise "production value", which if you're shooting downtown or public spaces can draw attention - So if you don't have a permit to shoot in certain areas leave the matte box at home ;)

[jerryinthevan]

I think you are absolutely correct on you last point for impressions. Imagine paying 4000 dollars for a joiner to come and fix your house. The joiner comes with a grocery shop bag and a screwdriver wearing flip flops. This has happened to me before and I was angry! I always make sure that my rig looks like a great tool because that makes me more money!

[jlippencott]

My primary reason for using a matte box is the 'filter for all lenses' benefit. Good filters are very expensive and if you use mostly prime lenses with different thread diameters it can run into considerable cost. Aside from that, I have discovered over time that your last comment regarding top gear has a lot of value, and although mentioned last, may be one of the best methods of giving you an image of professionalism, authority, and especially legitimacy. I use a GH-4, which looks insignificant alone, but set up with my Rokinon primes and Sachtler matte box, it almost always draws attention. I have actually gotten a few offers for work that I'm sure would not happen if I were just using my camera in "tourist" mode.

[winfilms]

It does make you look more professional! as an amateur wedding filmmaker, my clients are always asking about the matte box!

[testowykana]

I really need to get a Matte box. I have a 77 VND filter on my lens and outside, even without sun in the frame I get this glare on top part of the image. When I put my hand trying to mimic what the mattebox, the contrast improves greatly.

[pacificostudios]

Coming from a DSLR background, I have a UV filter on every lens. I have never broken or scratched a lens, because the filter takes the damage. A sunshade does a lot of the same work as a matte box, but when you want to look professional, a matte box and rail system will do that. It's now on my shopping list.

[beachbum]

best de-facto demonstration of flare costing contrast and colour I've yet seen - Thanks for posting :)

[stephencox]

Nice, no BS review Rubidium. I don't normally use one on my C200. I have considered buying my own from time to time and in one extreme late day occasion had to resort to the use of a gaff-rigged, folded plastic lid of an ice-cream container. It worked, but I can assure you it was the opposite of sexy. Fortunately the client didn't really care. I sort of did, and so I might consider buying one if I can put up with the hassle. And you are dead right about protection. Just last week I was working on a basketball set for music video (not me shooting) with an Alexa/Steadicam combo. A stray ball came hard at the camera and broke the $600 Matte box and an ND, but didn't damage the vintage anamorphic Kowa lens . . . I have to say that I am impressed with the way your C200 has been so nicely kitted out in SHAPE-ware. It really is some nice gear. Keep up the good work, you are running one of the most straight up, experience based channels on the filmmaking web . . .

[rickraub]

True confession. I just bought a mattbox for the looks! Then I thought....I'd better see what additional benefits it can offer using filters... you know, what its actually designed to do.. Thus, viewing your video. Thanks for the info.

[johnmuniz]

As always, great review. The blue light in your background is reflecting an unusual glare on your elbow. Thanks for the tips... always appreciated.

[SidelineMediaCo]

Just bought the new Smallrig matte box yesterday! thanks for the video dude

[DavidBubarYT]

This is one of those really odd videos that I keep watching over and over again even though I'm not looking to buy a matte box, its just such a good video

[collinmclaren]

Can definitely agree with you on aesthetic appearance. I'm currently studying video production and my fall-on video camera has become the EOS M6. Unfortunately just looking at it everyone always views it as a dinky little point 'n shoot. So in the fall I've started investing in a cage system; partially to add a little more mounting real-estate and modular customization, but mainly just to give it more of a beefy professional look. Now I regularly get people asking me what kind of camera I'm using.

The other half of your points I was keep saying to myself "why don't you just use a lens hood?". But depending on the lens you're working with, a big matte box definitely gives more of a professional cinematographer vibe.

[matgeek]

As always great content on your channel. Thanks also for being a contributing part to the fact I’m buying a C200 today.

[kembalsado]

LOL, I absolutely LOVE your comment about aesthetics and telling it like it is. Super cool video, thank you.

[reanetsemoleleki]

Interesting use of gaffer tape, there.

[honestview]

Why are matte boxes so expensive though?
I want the aesthetics like you mention in 6:45
there are no cheap good looking versions out there, I would have imagined that china would make a plastic version for $5

[OkeechobeeFlorida]

So I'm going to put a HUGE Matte Box on my GoPro Hero and charge $2k day rate!

[GDoggProductions]

Thank you for explaining that box to me, seen a few people use them and i had a very strong feeling that reasons behind using it was 80% for looks lol ! which is fine, im just glad i wernt the only person thinking that great video