Here are five simple ways to stylize your videos with in-camera effects

There are plenty of ways to edit your videos and enhance them in post. But, there are also many tricks that help you do it in-camera. In this video, Jakob Owens of The Buff Nerds shares five simple ways that will let you add interesting effects to your videos as you film them.

Jakob uses these techniques for music videos, but you’ll find them handy for other types of video work as well. I personally think they’d look great in B-roll, and you can even use them in photos.

1. Split diopter

A split diopter is made to give you two focusing planes when you attach it to a lens. But, if you want to create some interesting effects, take the filter off, tilt it and move it around the lens. It will create the illusion of a double subject and a cool “ghost” effect.

2. Prisms

Another item you can use in front of your lens is a triangular prism. This one from PrismLensFX comes with a mount that lets you attach it onto a tripod or fix it in front of your lens. Otherwise, you can also put it in front of the lens and get all kinds of colorful or reflective effects.

Other than the triangular prism, you can also try out a round or a tear-shaped prism. I’ve used a tear-shaped one for photography. I have no idea what it’s for, but it creates some really interesting effects in photos.

3. HBM filter

HBM or Hollywood Black Magic filter creates a soft and dreamy look. It emulates the film look, adds a bit of a glow to your videos and makes it a bit more contrasty.

4. Kaleidoscope filter

I love kaleidoscopes (I played with them as a child), and that’s why I probably love the same effect in images and videos. You can achieve it by attaching a kaleidoscope filter onto your lens, and there’s even a smartphone version. If you want to go a bit more DIY, you can use these glasses.

5. Wine glass

A champagne flute creates a similar effect to a split diopter: ghosting, flares, and refractions. Jakob notes that you should use longer lenses (50mm and up) for this technique, because wide-angle lenses will show the glass instead of the effect it creates, and you don’t want that.

Needless to say, you can try this with a beer bottle or a different type of glass, too. Don’t be afraid to get creative and see what you come up with.

[Top 5 In Camera Effects For Music Videos! via No Film School]