Internal ND 0.6

nd filter internal nd arri alexa sony venice

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.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

ND 0.6 intern ist mein häufigster Filter – 2 Stops Reduktion reicht oft für den Wechsel zwischen Innen und bedecktem Außen. Schnell zuschaltbar ohne Filterumbau.