Explaining Sony's Variable ND
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- Опубліковано 12 лип 2024
- Variable ND filters are great, and having ND filters built into your camera is also great. But Sony, have really taken this to another level with the variable ND filters built into some of their cameras. So, what is it, and how does it work?
This video was filmed using:
Main Camera - Canon C300 MKII: www.proav.co.uk/canon-eos-c30...
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Audio - Sennheiser AVX-ME2 Set: www.proav.co.uk/sennheiser-av...
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I work with the Canon C200 and the Sony FS-5, both with built-in ND. I can’t count the number of times I reached for the FS-5 just for the variable ND. It seems like a small thing until you use it, and then you never want to go without.
Norm Clare are u using it in auto or variable mode?
Great input. Question for u. I’m looking to buy an FX6. However, I’ve grown very accustomed to my Sony A7RIII’s reliable IBIS. It allows me to pop on any old lens, gives flexibility to perform longer hand-held pans, plus it save time stabilizing in post. Is a variable ND worth it??
@@petrub27 I have used auto ND when moving between scenes with large differences in light (e.g. a follow shot from indoor to out door). I have also used to with a function button and exposure compensation to quickly set a slightly brighter (+1.5 stop s-log/raw) exposure while out doors.
@@jaegermah ah that’s a tough question. I’ve never had a camera with reliable ibis and have always relied on external stabilization (gimbal, shoulder mount, monopod, tripod, etc.) for stabilization. And I’ve never been happy with the results or ease of use of external ND. Variable ND options I’ve tried shift color, are awkward when changing lenses with different filter sizes and matte box versions are Expensify and have their own issues. For my work, internal variable ND is more important than internal stabilization but your needs may be legitimately different.
@@TheUnMarketingGroup Thanks for the input. Much appreciated :)
Thanks ... a very good explanation for Sony's variable ND filter system. Now, hopefully, this will become standard on all cameras!
Amazingly explained .
Thanks 🙏 !!!
Thank you, young man. I greatly appreciate the tutorial.
Are there any side effects, like image quality dropping in sharpness, contrast, etc. Or, over heating of camera during prolonged use? Thanks!
nope
Does adding a screen in front of the sensor affect image sharpness? Have you noticed a drop (minimal maybe) in image quality when engaging the variable ND?
@SportFlow - in years of use with my FS5MKIIs I’ve not seen any change in image quality. On older cameras like the FS5MKII and the FS7MKII there is potentially a theoretical change in back-focus. I’ve never experienced it as an issue and even this has been eliminated in the FX6/FX9 by having a clear filter in the ND tray in front of the sensor when no ND is applied so that light is always traveling through a filter before reaching the sensor. The same tech used in the Venice to ensure linearity (although the Venice is not a variable ND system)
I do wonder why the Sony Venice does not feature a variable nd though............would be cool to see in a a7 camera, even if that meant being fixed in front like on an a7siii or a9s (with 2 models, one with and one without)
I’m only speculating but the Venice ND filter system may be perceived as superior optically and offers slightly more ND
I have the Sony FX6 but I haven’t been able to smoothly adjust the variable ND filter. It doesn’t seem to react to the wheel movements…or react very minimally. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to set it on manual or automatic. What am I doing wrong?
Measured on FX9. The VND filter is 150 kelvins colder than without the filter.
Im filming with the FS5ii in slog2 and when i use autoND it correts the exposure to normal.
But since slog2 needs to be exposed at least 2stops over my footage is underexposed.
Is there any option to get AutoND with slog2 correct working? (2stops overexp.)
yeah use the +E setting in the menu. I wouldn't do this like that anyway. I would invest in a smaller focus or something
@Colours Yes there is and it’s a powerful combination - particularly if you assign a function button to set your exposure at +1.5 using the ND. That way you can tap the button to auto set exposure on a grey card and then tap it again to turn auto off, leaving the ND at +1.5 over. This excellent article by Alister Chapman explains pro.sony/en_VN/insight/filmmaking-tips/broadcast-pxwfs5-raw-shooting-tips
That is smart by Sony!
Does any other brand yet make it like that?
No camera brand but there are variable ND lens adapters for some cameras.
I want this feature for mirrorless cameras but they’re probably too small
Si Sony pouvait mettre ce filtre nd dans le nouveau A7s3 👍🏻
Cordialement
Jm
What would u consider more important for a run-gun videographer, Image Stabilization (or) Variable ND??? Essentially, I’m asking a Canon vs Sony question. Lol.
Impossible question to answer really!
Unless you film outside in bright sunlight a lot more than any other kind of work, in which case variable ND will be a clear winner.
Carl
My personal opinion, given the improvements in Gimbal technology/affordability and the weight and body shape of the FX6 I’d lean to variable ND and use a gimbal and if needed the gyro stabilization in post. Best of both worlds.
@@ProAVTV Thanks for the quick reply. Very much appreciated.
ND Filter would just work on outdoor. but stabilizier work everywhere and help you a lot
@@el-danihasbiarta1200 good advice. I was thinking the same thing.
Seems such a simple idea that took too long to get here. It's like electrically heated front screens in your car; once you've had it it'll be difficult to buy a car without it.
I remember a variable ND filter effect in reading and driving glasses in the 70s. I had a pair then but never saw it again. Anyone else buy these glasses?
The effect was photo-chemical, not electronic.
Launched on the FS5 II in 2018. Maybe even on some of their camcorders before that.
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