The ND Filter

What is an ND filter?  Why should you use an ND filter while shooting video?

    ND stands for Neutral Density. An ND filter is essentially sunglasses for the camera. It allows you to change the exposure without altering other settings like the ISO, shutter speed, or f-stop. This allows you to use those setting for the other effects that they bring, such as the depth of field and motion blur.

    You should use an ND filter while shooting video because of the fact that it can change exposure without any other effect. For instance, if you're trying to shoot outside, you'll have to lower the exposure greatly for anything to be visible. However, if you do so with the aperture, you'll lose a shallow depth of field, which can be a desired visual for your project. If you alter the shutter speed, it will make motion choppier or blurrier and less life-like. And changing the gain adds noise to the image. Using an ND filter instead allows you to change the exposure without all the other effects or drawbacks.