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The Lens-Sensor LUTs PodcastAuthor: SilverLight Photo Co.
For years, I had searched for the perfect lens-sensor combination; a lens and camera duo that would produce a beautiful image with few adjustments and little post-processing. It would look REAL straight out of camera (SOOC) and be everything I needed and wanted in a camera system. However, as I tested each pair, they all told a different story, and would deliver light to the sensor differently. So, I began tweaking settings, jotting down notes (on index cards) for each lens-sensor combination I tried. I soon realized I needed a database to access all my settings & LUTs, and created my website. Language: en Genres: Arts, Visual Arts Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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When Every Camera Has a Job (It's Easy)
Wednesday, 15 October, 2025
In this episode, we break down the complexities of camera shot types, lens choices, and sensor sizes. We propose a simple system: use “wide,” “tight,” and “tele” shots instead of the traditional categories, and match each with the ideal sensor size—full-frame for wide shots, micro 4/3 for tight and tele. The episode covers lens distortion, working distances, and why using multiple cameras improves editing and storytelling.Introduction to Shot Types and Standardization (00:00:01)Explains the need to simplify shot types to wide, tight, and tele, and the importance of lens and sensor size.Defining Wide, Tight, and Tele Shots (00:01:25)Describes what each shot type covers visually and why focusing on the look is more universal.Lens Focal Lengths and Sensor Crop Factors (00:03:53)Discusses how different focal lengths and sensor sizes affect image composition and distortion.Non-Destructive Focal Lengths and Distortion (00:05:15)Explains the concept of non-destructive focal lengths and how wide-angle lenses introduce distortion.Rectilinear vs. Fisheye Lenses (00:06:42)Covers the development of rectilinear wide-angle lenses and the visual effects of wide-angle distortion.Wide-Angle Distortion in Real-World Use (00:08:53)Gives real estate photography as an example of wide-angle distortion and its impact on perception.Standardizing Shot Lists for Production (00:11:02)Describes the practical approach of always using multiple shots (wide, tight, tele) for editing flexibility.Sensor Size and Working Distance (00:12:09)Explains how sensor size and lens focal length determine camera distance and shot composition.Portraits, Working Distance, and Distortion (00:14:39)Discusses traditional portrait focal lengths and how working distance affects distortion in headshots.Macro Photography and Sensor Considerations (00:15:58)Explains macro working distance and how sensor size impacts focus and composition.Simplifying Shot Setup with Templates (00:17:03)Introduces the idea of treating each shot type as a separate job, often requiring different cameras.Assigning Camera Systems to Shot Types (00:19:43)Explains the benefits of using different sensor sizes for each shot type rather than sticking to one system.Telephoto Shots: Micro 4/3 Advantages (00:22:04)Argues that Micro 4/3 is best for telephoto shots due to cost, size, and stabilization benefits.Medium (Tight) Shots: Sensor Flexibility (00:26:57)Discusses options for medium shots, favoring Micro 4/3 and crop sensors for practicality and cost.Wide Shots: Full Frame Superiority (00:30:25)Explains why full frame cameras are best for wide shots due to less distortion and more realistic rendering.Historical Perspective on Focal Lengths (00:33:07)Reflects on the historical use of 35mm for wide shots and its realistic look in photojournalism.Conclusion: Assigning the Right Tool for Each Job (00:34:20)Summarizes the approach of matching sensor size and lens to the shot type for optimal results.
