Best Green Screens

Buying guide for best green screens

If you enjoy making videos or taking photos, you’ve probably wondered how to raise your production skills to the next level. With a green screen, you can pull off amazing special effects to rival professional productions.

A green screen is a backdrop that’s placed behind a subject when you’re shooting videos or photos. It uses a special effects process called chroma key, which allows you to single out a particular color and make it transparent. You can then superimpose another background image on the screen, so you can place your subject in nearly any setting. A green screen is used for chroma key because green tones aren’t present in skin tones, so you needn’t worry about distorting your model or actor when changing the background.

Choosing a green screen can be difficult because so many options are available. You must select the proper color, determine the right size, decide whether you want a portable or stationary model, and figure out which other features you require.

A green screen should be as smooth and flat as possible, so stretch the fabric as tightly as you can to remove any folds or wrinkles.

Key considerations

Color

This probably seems obvious — a green screen should, of course, be green — but pay careful attention to the specific hue of any green screen you consider. Choose a screen with a uniform green shade across the entire surface, so there aren’t differences in the brightness or tone of the green. If there are faded areas on the screen, you may have a more difficult time editing your video or photos with the special effects that you want.

Keep in mind that some photographers and videographers use a blue screen rather than a green screen for chroma key effects. Just as with green, there usually isn’t any blue present in human skin tones, so a blue screen can produce a similar effect in post-production editing. But green screens typically work best with digital cameras and aren’t as tricky to light as blue screens, so they’re usually the best option for beginners.

Size

If you’re going to pull off the video and photo shoots that you want, you need a green screen that’s the right size for your projects. As a general rule, the larger your subject, the larger your green screen should be.

Some green screens only cover the wall, while others are large enough to cover the floor as well. You can find options that are as small as 3 x 5 feet and as large as 20 x 20 feet. If you’re only shooting one person, a screen that’s 5 x 7 feet should work. For group shots, you will need a screen that measures at least 10 x 12 feet.

Portable vs. stationary

Some green screens are designed to be portable, so they collapse easily, which allows you to take them wherever you happen to be shooting. They usually have hooks for hanging the screen or include a portable stand. Some also feature a carrying case to make transporting and protecting the screen without damage easier.

Other green screens are meant to be stationary and left in one place in your studio or filming space. They tend to be larger models and often roll up on a rod that’s mounted to the wall, so the screen is always ready to roll out when it’s time to shoot.

Features

Material

Green screens are made of a variety of materials including paper, vinyl, muslin, polyester, and cotton. A green screen made of 100% cotton usually produces the best results, though it can wrinkle easily, so you may need to iron it often. In general, fabric green screens, especially those with a tight weave or higher thread count, are the best choice.

Non-reflective surface

No matter the material of your green screen, it’s essential that the surface be non-reflective. If there’s any gloss or sheen on the screen, it could adversely affect the final results when you attempt to edit your videos or photos.

Stand

Many portable green screens include a stand to hold the screen in place. Some feature a frame that you can hang the screen from, while others prop the screen up almost like an easel. Large stationary green screens usually come with a rod that the screen hangs from, which must be mounted to the wall or ceiling.

Washability

A green screen should be easy to clean in case you have any accidents around it or it starts to gather dust. Fabric screens are often machine washable, which makes cleanup extremely easy. Others require hand washing to protect the material. Vinyl green screens can often be cleaned with a damp cloth.

Package deals

Some green screens include accessories that can help with your video or photography sessions. Many come with lights to ensure that your images are clear and fully visible, while others include a boom stand to hold your microphone to improve sound quality. Purchasing a kit that includes a green screen with other videography or photography equipment is a good option.

Green screen prices

Green screens vary in price based on the size and frame style. Models range from $10 to $400.

Inexpensive: The most affordable green screens are small models made of vinyl or cheaper fabrics. They typically don’t include any type of frame or stand and measure between 3 x 5 feet and 5 x 6 feet. Low-end models generally cost between $10 and $30.

Mid-range: Mid-price green screens are typically medium-size models with screens manufactured of cotton, sturdy vinyl, or another high-quality fabric. They often include a frame or stand to support the screen and are usually between 5 x 7 feet and 20 x 20 feet. Some green screen packages in this price bracket include accessories like lights, too. These models cost between $30 and $170.

Expensive: The priciest green screens are large or extra-large models that are made of cotton, sturdy vinyl, or other high-quality fabrics. They generally include a frame or stand and are larger than 20 x 20 feet. They may include additional accessories like lights and a microphone stand. These usually cost between $170 and $400.

Tips

• Strive for consistent lighting. For the best results with a green screen, it’s important to light it evenly so there are no overly-bright light flares that could disrupt the background imagery.
• Beware intense reflections. Watch for reflections from glasses, jewelry, and other reflective surfaces when shooting with your green screen. Items that sparkle or glitter can also be an issue.
• Stay smooth. Wrinkles in your green screen can affect how well the background you add over the screen looks. You may want to iron or steam your screen just before using it to make sure it’s as smooth as possible.
• Constrain your actors. Make sure your subject or actor doesn’t move any part of their body beyond the area the green screen covers. Even a few fingertips extending past the screen could ruin an entire shot.

To properly light a green screen, you typically need two to four studio lights, though you may require more for a larger screen.

FAQ

Q. What else do I need to use a green screen in addition to a camera and lights?
A. You need green screen software that allows you to edit your photos or video after you shoot it. The software is what allows you to superimpose images on the green screen to create the special effects you want.
 

Q. How long does it take to set up a green screen?
A. It depends on the size of the green screen and the type of stand or frame it has. Most green screens can be set up in less than 10 minutes.
 

Q. How close should a subject stand in front of the green screen?
A. The mistake that many make with a green screen is standing too close to it. That can cause shadows on the screen or reflections from the lights to tint the subject’s skin and clothing green. Stand far enough away from the screen that you don’t cast a shadow on it.