For decades, using monochrome backgrounds has been a staple in video for adding special effects, especially in film. Increasingly, this process of adding any visual effect to the background is becoming popular through livestreaming. Brands are therefore expanding their business further to offer a myriad of green or blue backgrounds to aspiring streamers. Both options have specific advantages and disadvantages, particularly relevant for content creators looking to improve the quality of their videos.
Understanding Chroma Key
The magic of green and blue backgrounds is thanks to a process called chroma keying. It involves superimposing or replacing visual elements in post-production by eliminating a specific color from the shot. Green and blue are the most commonly used colors, as they differ from human skin tones and hair, which minimizes errors when removing the background.
Historically, blue backgrounds appeared first. Mostly used in cinema, they were rather favored before the advent of digital cameras and cameras. Indeed, since the advent of these devices, it is green backgrounds that find favor in the eyes of videographers, photographers and other producers. This color tends to capture light better, and to adapt better to the sensors of digital cameras. However, the two options coexist, even today. What are the pros and cons of each technique?
Green Screen
Pros
- Digital Compatibility: Digital cameras capture green better, making the post-production process easier. This allows for more precise keying and better image quality.
- Lighting savings: Due to its high luminance, green screen requires less light, which can reduce lighting costs for streamers.
Cons
- Color bleeding: The high luminance of green screen can cause color bleeding, requiring precise technical management to avoid green halos around subjects.
- Not suitable for dark scenes: For low-light or nighttime scenes, green screen is less effective due to its high brightness.
Blue Screen
Pros
- Dark scenes: Its low luminance makes it perfect for dark scenes, reducing color bleeding.
- Fine details: The blue background is better for capturing small details, avoiding problems with light reflections.
Cons
- Lighting requirements: The blue background requires more lighting to achieve good illumination, which can increase costs.
- Problems with blue objects: Blue elements in the scene, such as clothing or water, can cause problems in post-production.
Which one to choose for the streaming?
For streamers, green screen is often the best choice due to its compatibility with digital cameras and its ability to work in well-lit environments. It is especially useful for gaming or tutorial streamers where lighting is consistent and controlled. Green screen effectively removes unnecessary background and highlights the streamer without visual interference. It is also produced in larger quantities, so you can find it at more affordable prices due to its widespread use over the years.
However, if you are working in a low-light environment or filming nighttime scenes, which is especially the case for the majority of “beginner” content creators, blue screen may be a better choice. It is also preferable if you have green elements in your set or outfits.
Feedback
In terms of product recommendations, some gaming brands offer their own version of a monochrome background. Razer displays a blue, retractable background, measuring 157 cm (W) x 197 cm (H). It is available at a price of €179.99. For its part, Elgato also sells a retractable green background, measuring 148 cm (W) x 180 cm (H), and at a price of €169.99. It also exists in an XL version (200 cm x 182 cm) at a price of €199.99.
Razer's one particularly convinced us because of its ease of assembly and folding. In its case, it can be stored almost anywhere (under a bed, in a closet, etc.) and the canvas does not seem to be damaged, at least in the medium term. We appreciate its quality of incrustation, especially in small rooms with varying degrees of lighting, as is the case for our current stream setup. Its price is substantial for small budgets, but it allows you to invest in an accessory with quality materials that will really keep up.
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