A Look at Electronic Variable ND Filters and How It's Similar to an LCD Screen

One of the defining features of the Sony FX6's variable ND filter is its capability for continuous ND adjustment, offering seamless control over light reduction levels, much like how an LCD screen's brightness can be smoothly adjusted. This flexibility grants filmmakers unparalleled control in various lighting conditions, just as users can adapt the brightness of an LCD screen according to their surroundings.

Comparable to an LCD screen, which uses an electric field to control the alignment of liquid crystal molecules and, as a result, controls the amount of light passing through the screen, the FX6's variable ND filter operates in a similar way. When an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal cells in the FX6's filter, the molecular alignment transforms, leading to changes in their optical properties. Therefore, this adjustment affects the amount of light transmitted to the camera's sensor, effectively functioning as an optically active filter.

The Sony FX6's electronic variable ND filter represents a significant advancement in light control technology. By harnessing the unique optical properties of liquid crystal cells and implementing a sophisticated electrical control system, this innovative filter empowers filmmakers and photographers to masterfully manage light intake while preserving essential exposure settings.