What is a “variable neutral density filter”?
Sony’s innovative technology allows smooth adjustment of the electronic variable ND filter during filming, unlike more traditional technologies such as rotating filter holders or polarizing ND filters. It’s also important to note that this Sony technology relies on optics rather than image processing.
You can use this filter in three different ways:
- Use the dial on the right side of the camera to change the exposure of images seamlessly while shooting. The exposure range of the filter varies from 1/4 to 1/128
- Select the Auto ND option to allow the camera to proactively adjust filter density and find the best exposure level for the shoot. This feature can be very useful, especially when shooting outdoors in varying lighting conditions. Electronic Variable Neutral Density Filter automatically adjusts density so exposure remains the same regardless of changes in light levels
- Set a fixed filter level by simply turning the filter dial, just like you would a traditional optical filter holder. The default settings are 1/4, 1/16, and 1/64. You can however modify them to set the values you prefer. For example, you could set filter # 3 to 1/128 so you can shoot outdoors on a sunny summer day.
Transparent exposure control
What would you do to change the exposure of your camera?
Typically you would use the iris to change the exposure, but this would also affect the depth of field. This could make the image brighter, but the background would be blurry due to the aperture of the diaphragm. You could also use gain control, although the amount of digital noise would disturb the image since image brightness is controlled by digital image processing. From a technical perspective, changing shutter speed can affect exposure, which is the typical method associated with capturing still images. However, this method is not suitable for video shooting. Moving objects will look different and sometimes look unnatural.
The electronic variable neutral density filter provides unparalleled transparent optical control of exposure, without the negative side effects associated with previous techniques. Many professional cameras incorporate neutral density filters. Looking for the best photographer to shoot wedding photos and movies in a professional way. The physical filter change inside the housing can then be seen in the image. Activation of the electronic variable neutral density filter allows a transparent adjustment from 1/4 to 1/128. This very large range is equivalent to two to seven stops. You could also use the Auto ND feature to get the exposure you prefer and focus on framing your images instead. No need to worry about manual exposure control anymore!
Many professional cameras incorporate neutral density filters. The physical filter change inside the housing can then be seen in the image. Activation of the electronic variable neutral density filter allows a transparent adjustment from 1/4 to 1/128. This very large range is equivalent to two to seven stops. You could also use the Auto ND function to get the exposure you prefer and focus on framing your images instead. No need to worry about manual exposure control anymore!
Many professional cameras incorporate neutral density filters. The physical filter change inside the housing can then be seen in the image. Activation of the electronic variable neutral density filter allows a transparent adjustment from 1/4 to 1/128. This very large range is equivalent to two to seven stops. You could also use the Auto ND function to get the exposure you prefer and focus on framing your images instead. No need to worry about manual exposure control anymore! This very large range is equivalent to two to seven stops. You could also use the Auto ND function to get the exposure you prefer and focus on framing your images instead. No need to worry about manual exposure control anymore! This very large range is equivalent to two to seven stops. You could also use the Auto ND function to get the exposure you prefer and focus on framing your images instead. No need to worry about manual exposure control anymore!
Transparent depth of field control
One of the best features of the Electronic Variable Neutral Density Filter is its ability to allow the camera to adjust exposure seamlessly and maintain the same aperture setting thanks to Auto ND mode. This mode also allows you to easily control the depth of field of a single clip, which was previously impossible. This operation is very simple. First activate the Auto ND feature. The camera adjusts the image brightness to the optimum level. Then check the lens iris ring to close or open the diaphragm. The electronic variable ND filter takes care of the exposure and only the depth of field will vary. As a general rule, the image becomes brighter as the diaphragm opens. In this case, however, the electronic variable neutral density filter darkens to maintain the same exposure.
Therefore, the depth of field decreases as the diaphragm opens. Conversely, the image becomes darker when the diaphragm is closed, but the filter compensates by becoming lighter. The result is a sharper image when the diaphragm is closed. Smooth control of the electronic variable neutral density filter and easy diaphragm adjustment now allow for creative effects that were simply not possible before. The result is a sharper image when the diaphragm is closed. Smooth control of the electronic variable ND filter and easy diaphragm adjustment now allow for creative effects that were simply not possible before. The result is a sharper image when the diaphragm is closed. Smooth control of the electronic variable neutral density filter and easy diaphragm adjustment now allow for creative effects that were simply not possible before.
