In-Camera ND filter?

[dubdec99]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone out there knows if it is possible via in-camera software/digital wizardry to mirror the effect of a neutral density filter?

[Manfred M]

Simple answer - NO.

A ND reduces the amount of light hitting the sensor and there is no effective way of doing this outside of using an ND filter. You can emulate way an ND does to a limited extent by reducing the camera's ISO to base level, but once there, you need a physical ND filter to reduce any more light entering the camera.

[Mike Buckley]

See this for Sony's in-camera emulation of a graduated neutral density filter.

[Manfred M]

See this for Sony's in-camera emulation of a graduated neutral density filter.

A GND can be emulated in camera (as per the Sony example) or in most editors so long as there is nothing blown out in the part of the image the graduated filter emulation is applied to. I was careful not to mention that subset of ND (or the tinted versions of ND) as these can be partially be done in post and in some cases in camera.

I do GND both ways. If there is a chance of blowing out the sky (which is a real possibility when shooting sunsets / golden hour shots), I'll use a 2 or 3 stop GND. If I just want to darken a "normal" sky, I usually do that in PP. Tinting I do 1200% in post.

[xpatUSA]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone out there knows if it is possible via in-camera software/digital wizardry to mirror the effect of a neutral density filter?

Panasonic DMC-LX7 and maybe other models has:



Says:

Moving right from the accessory port is the new ND filter / focus switch. Pressing the switch inward turns on the neutral density filter, which reduces the amount of light coming through the lens. This will let you use slower shutter speeds or wider apertures than you could otherwise.

Posted for what it's worth . . .

[DanK]

Are the internal ND filters in some Lumix cameras, and a few other small cameras, software/firmware-based, or are they internal physical filters? I haven't found any technical descriptions. I'm no electrical engineer, but it seems like a software implementation would be possible--mathematically reducing the amplitude after the DAC conversion, for example. However, I am way out of my depth and would be interested if someone knows.

[Manfred M]

Are the internal ND filters in some Lumix cameras, and a few other small cameras, software/firmware-based, or are they internal physical filters? I haven't found any technical descriptions. I'm no electrical engineer, but it seems like a software implementation would be possible--mathematically reducing the amplitude after the DAC conversion, for example. However, I am way out of my depth and would be interested if someone knows.

Panasonic (and others) definitely have built in ND filters in their high end video cameras, and as their still cameras are much loved by video shooters, I wouldn't be at all surprised if there is a physical filter in some of their gear. My Panasonic AF100P video camera has an ND turret that has 0x ND (no filter) , 4x ND, 16x ND and 64x ND.

The description that Ted has supplied definitely suggests a physical ND filter.

On the other hand, I suspect the OP doesn't have a camera with this feature, otherwise he would not be asking this question.

[dje]

Are the internal ND filters in some Lumix cameras, and a few other small cameras, software/firmware-based, or are they internal physical filters? I haven't found any technical descriptions. I'm no electrical engineer, but it seems like a software implementation would be possible--mathematically reducing the amplitude after the DAC conversion, for example. However, I am way out of my depth and would be interested if someone knows.

My Canon G15 has a built in ND filter but it is definitely optical/mechanical. If you look into the front of the lens at the right angle, you can see the filter click into place when you turn it on.

I don't see how it can be done electronically. The main purpose of the ND is to get a longer exposure for a given amount of light, without over-exposing the sensor. To achieve this, you must reduce the amount of light hitting the sensor.

Dave

[dubdec99]

Thanks all !!

@GrumpyDiver "My work can be seen at: http://manfredm.prosite.com" - Some seriously impressive shots there

[Manfred M]

Thanks all !!

@GrumpyDiver "My work can be seen at: http://manfredm.prosite.com" - Some seriously impressive shots there

Thanks - unfortunately, I have to look at alternatives as Adobe is shutting down the Prosite as of this June. I'm looking at a number of options as to where to migrate my work to.