Sony's electronically adjustable ND filter explained in new video series

Sony has released a series of video tutorials on the Electronic Variable ND Filter system, explaining how it works and its benefits. Let's take a look at this series about this useful feature in select Sony camera models!

Sony has developed a new feature for its cameras: an internal electronically adjustable ND filter. This feature, available in the BURANO, PXW-FX9, PXW-FX6, PXW-Z280 and PXW-Z190 models, goes a step further and makes filming and photography easier for us, since we do not need external filters, adapters, etc.

Introduction to the system

In the first video, Sony shows the definition of this electronically variable ND filter. With traditional internal optical ND filter wheels, the strength of each filter is fixed, so there is a jump when switching from one to the other. With variable ND filters, on the other hand, the image and colors suffer when we change their intensity.

Sony's system is based on optics and can be used in a variety of ways. The first is to use the dial on the side of the camera, which ranges from 1/4 to 1/128. The second is to use “Auto ND” from the menu, so the camera adjusts the filter to find the right exposure as you shoot. This option is useful for shooting outdoors or at live events where lighting conditions are constantly changing. The third is to set fixed filter levels, a method familiar to many of us who use professional video cameras with traditional filter wheels. We can change the default values ​​to those we consider more appropriate in each situation.

How it works

Without an ND filter, when the light intensity changes, you have three ways to adjust your image: you can change the aperture value, shutter speed, or ISO/Gain. The three options represent a trade-off for you because the character of the image changes. Changing the aperture affects the depth of field. Changing the shutter speed changes the motion blur effect – it will be more noticeable if the change is drastic. Changing ISO or gain affects how the sensor responds to the image, usually by adding or reducing noise or affecting the treatment of highlights and shadows, which can pose a problem for maintaining the consistency of your scene.

To solve these compromises, Sony's electronic variable ND filter offers optically based exposure control without the above problems. Again, the advantage over standard internal ND systems is that the electronic variable ND changes exposure seamlessly and without jumps from 2 to 7 stops thanks to the Auto ND mode.

The system is beneficial when using third-party lenses, especially photo or manual lenses without unlockable aperture rings, where aperture adjustments are typically noticeable.

Last but not least, the electronically adjustable ND system allows us to choose our preferred aperture range and stay within it to avoid blurry images at the widest apertures or diffraction when we have to stop down drastically to compensate for exposure, ensuring a sharp image in any situation.

You can watch all these videos by clicking here.

What do you think of Sony's electronically adjustable ND system? Would you like to see it implemented in your current camera? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!