Neutal Density Filter (ND)
in Camera, Light & Sound Equipment, Film and Video Glossary on 2023-02-15A neutral density filter is a type of filter used in photography and videography to reduce the amount of light entering the lens without affecting the color or quality of the image. This allows for greater creative control over exposure, enabling you to use wider apertures or slower shutter speeds in bright lighting conditions. Neutral density filters come in different strengths, usually measured in stops, which indicate the amount of light that is blocked. Common strengths include 1-stop, 2-stop, and 3-stop filters, but stronger filters are also available for very bright conditions.
Using a neutral density filter can help you achieve a shallow depth of field or motion blur in your images or videos, which can be especially useful for portraits, landscapes, or cinematic shots. They can also be used to create long exposures for stunning effects like silky waterfalls or cloud movement. To use a neutral density filter, simply attach it to the front of your lens and adjust your camera settings accordingly to achieve the desired exposure. Just remember that since less light is entering your lens, you’ll need to compensate by adjusting your settings, such as increasing your ISO or opening up your aperture.
Overall, a neutral density filter is a powerful tool for any photographer, cinematographer or videographer who wants greater control over their exposure and creative vision.