Neutral density: in-camera or 3rd party ? at DVinfo.net

Gints Klimanis · October 11th, 2006, 12:06 AM

How good are the Z1 in-camera neutral density filters in comparison to a top of the line from B+W ? They look ok to me, but I don't have a good screw-on ND for comparison. After some negative experiences with my Sony VX2000 in-camera ND filters, I'm more inclined to buy B+W. Which do you use?

Douglas Spotted Eagle · October 11th, 2006, 08:13 AM

they're OK, but if you need exacting exposures, having quarter value glass is always better, which is one main reason for a mattebox if you're shooting outdoors.

Boyd Ostroff · October 11th, 2006, 08:26 AM

That's an interesting question. What negative experience did you have with the VX-2000? I've always just used the internal ND's on my Z1. Douglas makes a good point about having more options with external filters.

But putting anything in front of the lens is another chance for dust and smudges to get into the picture, and I would think it also makes flare more likely when shooting towards a bright light.

October 11th, 2006, 12:06 AM	#1
Gints Klimanis Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 2,222	Neutral density: in-camera or 3rd party ? How good are the Z1 in-camera neutral density filters in comparison to a top of the line from B+W ? They look ok to me, but I don't have a good screw-on ND for comparison. After some negative experiences with my Sony VX2000 in-camera ND filters, I'm more inclined to buy B+W. Which do you use?

October 11th, 2006, 08:13 AM	#2
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	they're OK, but if you need exacting exposures, having quarter value glass is always better, which is one main reason for a mattebox if you're shooting outdoors. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

October 11th, 2006, 08:26 AM	#3
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	That's an interesting question. What negative experience did you have with the VX-2000? I've always just used the internal ND's on my Z1. Douglas makes a good point about having more options with external filters. But putting anything in front of the lens is another chance for dust and smudges to get into the picture, and I would think it also makes flare more likely when shooting towards a bright light.