Filters are usually used to enhance your images, add some effects, or protect your lenses. But here’s something different. Exelence Brilliance Indesign has launched Reflective Filter. As the name suggests, it’s a mirror filter that lets your models see themselves, or it can help you while vlogging.
Reflective Filter utilizes a simple one-way mirror. Other than letting your models see and pose themselves, it also adds an “Instagrammable” flare effect if you shoot into the light source. Exelence Brilliance Indesign claims that the filter doesn’t affect the image quality, but I’d have to see it with my own eyes to believe it. If the one-way mirror is similar to the one I’ve seen on windows, it probably darkens the image a bit.
I personally see both the good and bad sides of this filter. If you’re a vlogger, it could be helpful considering that not all cameras come with flippy screens. Even if they do, you have to check yourself on the screen, which makes you look away from the lens. As for photographing others, I don’t think it would be too helpful. It could be a little distracting for the subject, making them strike a pose they want instead of listening to your instructions. Also, depending on the lens that you use, the subject likely wouldn’t see what you see in the viewfinder. I thought about it using the Reflective Filter for self-portraits, too. I would find it helpful for tracking my facial expression and hand position. But it wouldn’t be of much help for composition because the framing shown in the mirror filter wouldn’t be the same as the one in the viewfinder. All in all, I think there are both good and bad sides to this filter – it all depends on what you want to use it for. If you’d find it useful, it’s available through Kickstarter at the early bird price of $50. The regular retail price will be $150, which I find to be a little too much, so if you’d like to get one – hurry up and place an order on Kickstarter. Note that it’s only available in 82mm size, and you can expect it in June 2021. [via PetaPixel]
