|
|||||||||
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
![]() |
#1 |
Trustee
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Coronado Island
Posts: 1,472
|
Auto ND Filter
I did not really understand how the auto ND filter worked in the XA 10, and the XA 20 manual doesn't seem to explain it much better.
It says that the ND filter is available in any of the regular recording programs, and furthermore "when set to Automatic, ND filter settings will be available when the aperture setting is 4.0" Does that mean that the camera will use the ND filter to keep the aperture at f 4?? If I set exposure for Auto with Shutter priority at 1/60th, will the camera dial in the ND on a bright day to keep aperture at f 4?? I would love it if someone could share some detail on this. Thanks
__________________
Bob |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Wrangler
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 4,487
|
Re: Auto ND Filter
That essentially corresponds to my understanding. No ND at f/4.0, ND1/8 in place by f /4.8
If you select Manual Exposure/Av and adjust the aperture you will see on the scale that between f/4.0 and f/4.8 there are marked three ND levels. Whether this is introduced as a uniform gradient or steps I do not know for sure.
__________________
dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Trustee
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Coronado Island
Posts: 1,472
|
Re: Auto ND Filter
So, basically if the ND filter is turned on in the menu, it will work in the background to keep the aperture in the "sweet" area around f 4.0 shooting in P and Tv as well, or only Av mode?
It sounds like pretty clever technology that I've not seen on the Sony cams. It's both surprising and frustrating that they don't provide more detail in the manual
__________________
Bob |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 | |
Major Player
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Hamilton, New Zealand
Posts: 747
|
Re: Auto ND Filter
Quote:
I've owned an XA10 for a couple of years and generally it does work pretty well. I've never felt the need for a screw-on ND filter. Although I have noticed that if in P or Av mode, sometimes it selects a high shutter speed on very bright days that results in stuttery footage. Best to select the shutter speed manually. This thread discusses it in detail: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-xa...tion-xa10.html |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 | |
Wrangler
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 4,487
|
Re: Auto ND Filter
Quote:
However, using external ND filters makes sense if you want to use wide open apertures in bright light situations.
__________________
dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 | |
Major Player
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Hamilton, New Zealand
Posts: 747
|
Re: Auto ND Filter
Quote:
There's a lot of talk online about it being a "digital" ND filter though. Who knows. Either way, whatever it is, it works well. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Wrangler
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 4,487
|
Re: Auto ND Filter
And I can say the ND filter on my XH A1 is digital - I use my finger to turn it on <g>.
One way to check would be to watch the video noise floor in manual mode as the aperture ND is changed with the lens on and a light-proof cap on. If the ND is implemented through gain the noise floor will change correspondingly. If it is a physical filter the noise floor should remain unchanged.
__________________
dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
| ||||||
|
|