When it comes to videography, there are various tools that can be used to create stunning visuals
When it comes to videography, there are various tools that can be used to create stunning visuals. One of those tools is the ND filter. ND stands for "neutral density," which means it doesn't affect the color of the footage, but rather the amount of light entering the camera. In this blog post, we will discuss what ND filters are, how they work, and why you should consider using them in your videography.
What are ND filters?
ND filters are basically sunglasses for your camera. They reduce the amount of light entering the camera, which allows you to use wider apertures or slower shutter speeds. This is especially useful in bright sunlight, where the amount of light can be overwhelming and lead to overexposed footage. ND filters come in different strengths, measured in "stops" or "density" numbers. The higher the number, the more light it blocks. ND filters can be screwed onto the front of the lens, or they can be placed in a filter holder system.
How do ND filters work?
ND filters work by reducing the amount of light entering the camera. They do this by absorbing some of the light that passes through them. This means that less light reaches the camera's sensor, resulting in a darker image. By using an ND filter, you can achieve a shallow depth of field even in bright sunlight, as the wider aperture allows you to blur the background and focus on your subject.
Why should you use ND filters in your videography?
There are several reasons why you should consider using ND filters in your videography. Firstly, they allow you to use wider apertures, which can create a shallow depth of field and blur the background. This is great for creating cinematic shots and focusing on your subject. Secondly, they can be used to create motion blur in your footage. By using a slower shutter speed, you can create a sense of movement in your footage, such as flowing water or moving clouds. Thirdly, ND filters can be used to match exposure between shots. This is especially useful if you're filming in changing light conditions, such as a sunset or sunrise. By using the same ND filter for each shot, you can ensure that the exposure remains consistent throughout your footage.
Examples of using ND filters in videography
Let's take a look at some examples of using ND filters in videography. In this first example, we have a shot of a person walking towards the camera. The shot is taken in bright sunlight, which would normally result in an overexposed image. By using an ND filter, we can use a wider aperture to create a shallow depth of field and focus on the person walking towards us.
In this second example, we have a shot of a waterfall. To create a sense of movement in the water, we use a slower shutter speed and an ND filter to reduce the amount of light entering the camera. This creates a sense of motion in the water, as it flows over the rocks.
In this third example, we have a time-lapse of a sunset. As the light changes, we use different ND filters to match the exposure between shots. This creates a smooth transition from light to dark, without any sudden jumps in exposure.
ND filters are a useful tool for videographers, allowing them to achieve cinematic shots, create motion blur, and match exposure between shots. They are easy to use and come in different strengths to suit different lighting conditions. By using ND filters in your videography, you can take your footage to the next level and create stunning visuals that will captivate your audience.
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Here are 4 ND filters that are highly recommended by professionals, along with their specifications:
B+W 77mm ND 3.0-1,000X MRC Nano Filter - This filter has a density of 3.0, which means it blocks 10 stops of light. It is made from high-quality glass and has multi-resistant coating to prevent reflections and glare. It is also water and dirt repellent, making it easy to clean. It comes in a 77mm size, but is also available in other sizes to fit different lenses.
Tiffen 77mm Variable ND Filter - This filter is adjustable, allowing you to control the amount of light entering the camera. It has a range of 2 to 8 stops, making it versatile for different lighting conditions. It is made from high-quality glass and has a low-profile design to reduce vignetting. It also has knurled edges for a better grip when adjusting the filter.
Hoya 77mm ProND 1000 Filter - This filter has a density of 3.0, which blocks 10 stops of light. It is made from high-quality glass and has a low-profile design to reduce vignetting. It also has a multi-coating to reduce reflections and glare. It comes in a 77mm size, but is also available in other sizes to fit different lenses.
Lee Filters 100x100mm Big Stopper Neutral Density Filter - This filter has a density of 3.0, which blocks 10 stops of light. It is made from high-quality glass and has a low-profile design to reduce vignetting. It is also designed to be used with the Lee Filters filter holder system, allowing you to easily adjust the filter position. It comes in a 100x100mm size, but is also available in other sizes to fit different filter holders.
