Internal neutral density filter with 2.4 optical density (8 stops light reduction) built into select professional cinema cameras like Sony Venice – the highest internal ND commonly available, reducing light by 99.6% for extreme applications like shooting wide open in direct sunlight.
What is ND 2.4 Internal?
ND 2.4 Internal is the strongest internal ND filter available in professional cameras. With an optical density of 2.4, it reduces light by 8 stops (99.6%) – exclusively found in cameras like the Sony Venice.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Optical Density | 2.4 |
| Light Reduction | 8 Stops / 99.6% |
| Transmission | 0.39% |
| Availability | Sony Venice, Select |
ND Scale Context
| ND Value | Stops | Transmission |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | 4 | 6.25% |
| 1.8 | 6 | 1.56% |
| 2.1 | 7 | 0.78% |
| 2.4 | 8 | 0.39% |
| 2.7 | 9 | 0.195% |
Sony Venice ND System
| Position | ND Value | Stops |
|---|---|---|
| Clear | 0 | 0 |
| ND1 | 0.6 | 2 |
| ND2 | 1.2 | 4 |
| ND3 | 1.8 | 6 |
| ND4 | 2.4 | 8 |
Comparison to Other Cameras
| Camera | Max Internal | Stops |
|---|---|---|
| Sony Venice | ND 2.4 | 8 |
| Sony Venice 2 | ND 2.4 | 8 |
| ARRI ALEXA | ND 1.8 | 6 |
| Canon C500 | 6 Stops | 6 |
When to Use ND 2.4?
| Situation | Description |
|---|---|
| Extreme Sun | Desert, snow, water |
| Maximum Bokeh | T1.3 in midday sun |
| High ISO | Venice Dual ISO High |
| No External Filters | Simplified setup |
Practical Example
| Light Situation | Without ND | With ND 2.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Full Sun | T32+ | T4 |
| Extremely Bright | T22 | T2.8 |
| Harsh Midday | T16 | T2 |
Advantages of Sony Venice
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| 8 Stops Internal | More than ARRI |
| Motorized | Electronically controllable |
| IRND | IR-blocking integrated |
| Stepless | Between positions |
Combination (Rarely Needed)
| Internal | + External | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 | + 0.3 | 2.7 (9 Stops) |
| 2.4 | + 0.6 | 3.0 (10 Stops) |
| 2.4 | + 0.9 | 3.3 (11 Stops) |
Typical Applications
| Scenario | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Automotive Spots | Reflective light |
| Desert Shoots | Extreme brightness |
| Snow Locations | No clipping |
| High-Fashion Outdoor | Maximum bokeh |
Why 8 Stops is Enough
| Calculation | Description |
|---|---|
| ISO 500 | Venice Native Low |
| T1.5 | Typical Zeiss Supreme |
| 180° Shutter | 1/48 at 24fps |
| Result | Okay even in the sun |
IRND Quality
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| IR Cut | Complete |
| Color Shift | None measurable |
| Sharpness | Unchanged |
| Matching | All levels consistent |
Workflow
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select desired aperture |
| 2 | Increase ND incrementally |
| 3 | Stop at 2.4 |
| 4 | Adjust ISO if necessary |
Limitations
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Camera-Specific | Not in all cameras |
| Maximum | External filters needed beyond this |
| Sensor | Optimized for Venice |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Utilize fully | Rarely need external filters |
| Consider Dual ISO | ISO 2500 requires more ND |
| Use Scopes | Avoid clipping |
| Document | For continuity |
Today
The ND 2.4 Internal on the Sony Venice sets the standard for integrated ND filtering. With 8 stops of internal light reduction, external filter changes are eliminated for most outdoor shoots.
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