Internal neutral density filter with 0.6 optical density (2 stops light reduction) built into professional cinema and broadcast cameras – allows rapid exposure adjustment without external filters, maintaining lens character while reducing light by 75% for wider apertures or controlling bright conditions.
What is ND 0.6 Internal?
ND 0.6 Internal is a built-in neutral density filter in cinema and broadcast cameras. With an optical density of 0.6, it reduces light by 2 stops (75%) for quick exposure control.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Optical Density | 0.6 |
| Light Reduction | 2 Stops / 75% |
| Position | In front of the sensor |
| Activation | Electronic/Mechanical |
ND Scale
| ND Value | Stops | Transmission |
|---|---|---|
| 0.3 | 1 | 50% |
| 0.6 | 2 | 25% |
| 0.9 | 3 | 12.5% |
| 1.2 | 4 | 6.25% |
Why 0.6?
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Versatile | Frequently needed |
| Moderate Reduction | Not too extreme |
| Combinable | With other NDs |
| Balance | Indoor/Outdoor |
Cameras with Internal ND
| Camera | ND Stops |
|---|---|
| ARRI ALEXA Mini | Clear, 0.6, 1.2, 1.8 |
| Sony Venice | Clear up to 2.4 (8 Stops) |
| Canon C500 | Clear, 2, 4, 6 Stops |
| RED Komodo | Optional |
ARRI ALEXA ND Set
| Position | ND Value | Stops |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clear | 0 |
| 2 | 0.6 | 2 |
| 3 | 1.2 | 4 |
| 4 | 1.8 | 6 |
Application
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Indoor to Outdoor | Engage ND 0.6 |
| Windows in Shot | Adjust ND |
| Wide Aperture | ND for Depth of Field |
| Motion Blur | ND for 180° Shutter |
Practical Example
| Without ND | With ND 0.6 |
|---|---|
| T11 @ ISO 800 | T5.6 @ ISO 800 |
| T8 | T4 |
| T4 | T2 |
Advantages Internal vs. External
| Aspect | Internal | External |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Instant | Filter change |
| Consistency | Always present | Must be carried |
| Optics | Optimized | Varies |
| Cost | In camera | Additional purchase |
Optical Quality
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | High quality |
| Color Cast | Minimal/None |
| Sharpness | Preserved |
| IR Pollution | Often IRND |
IRND vs. Standard ND
| Type | IR Behavior |
|---|---|
| Standard ND | IR pass-through possible |
| IRND | IR blocked |
| Internal | Mostly IRND |
| Problem Solved | Black color cast |
Combination with External ND
| Internal | + External | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 0.6 | + 0.6 | 1.2 (4 Stops) |
| 0.6 | + 0.9 | 1.5 (5 Stops) |
| 0.6 | + 1.2 | 1.8 (6 Stops) |
Workflow
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Assess lighting |
| 2 | Desired aperture |
| 3 | Calculate ND |
| 4 | Set internal |
Calculation
| Formula | Description |
|---|---|
| Stops = ND × 3.3 | ND to Stops |
| ND = Stops / 3.3 | Stops to ND |
| 0.6 = 2 Stops | Example |
Quick Change
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| No filter change | Save time |
| No vignetting | On wide angles |
| No dust | Closed system |
| Reproducible | Always the same |
Challenges
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Not enough ND | Supplement with external |
| Variable ND | Not possible internally |
| Malfunction | Service required |
Maintenance
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | During service |
| Dust | Rarely an issue |
| Damage | Infrequent |
| Replacement | From manufacturer |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Internal first | Faster, cleaner |
| Supplement externally | When needed |
| Consistent | Within a scene |
| Document | For continuity |
Today
Internal ND filters like ND 0.6 are standard in professional cinema cameras. The quick switching without filter changes saves time and preserves optical quality. For flexible exposure control in changing light conditions, internal NDs are indispensable.
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