Embargo until 8:30 CET, Friday September 13th, 2024
Amsterdam, Netherlands, Friday 13 September 2024: Speed, convenience and new creative opportunities are on their way for cinematographers and ACs.
The world’s first Electronic Variable Diffusion (EVD) filter system for cine lenses will be on view at IBC starting today. It has been created by LC-Tec, the global leader in the manufacture of electronic variable neutral density (ND) filters. The LC-Tec EVD – currently in working prototype form – is designed to be mounted in a matte box and allows Cinematographers and ACs to continuously vary the strength of diffusion, allowing for precision control and saving time.
The EVD design is based on LC-Tec’s extensive research, development and expertise from making their patented liquid crystal panel technology. The company’s electronic variable ND filter solutions are renowned for high accuracy and negligible vignetting. They are implemented by multiple major camera manufacturers.
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The EVD prototype consists of a 4” x 5.65” glass filter and a small controller box. The final form factor of the EVD will be dictated by the final manufacturing partners. Cinematographers will also be able to vary the diffusion strength during a shot for creative effect, something that was practically impossible until now with modern cinema equipment. It will also theoretically be possible to adjust the diffusion intensity as focal lengths are changed whilst zooming. There is also the possibility for remote operation where diffusion can be adjusted while the camera is in a hard-to-access location like on a jib or crane.
Another world first is the potential for the electronic diffusion to be applied at different strengths to selected areas of the filter - giving cinematographers hitherto impossible levels of control. For example this localised diffusion could be used to bloom light sources without affecting the skin detail or subject, or conversely to soften skin detail white retaining the overall characteristics of the rest of the frame.
The diffusion filter is an essential part of cinematography and traditionally the selection of diffusion filter types and strengths has been part science, part art form and a lot of guesswork. Cinematographers have long understood the need to vary how strong the diffusion is to match different lenses, T-stops, scenes, subjects and lighting. Often great lengths are taken in prep and during a shoot to select the right filter for a given shot.
It is anticipated that the EVD product will be available to third-party manufacturers in Q2, 2025.
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The LC-Tec EVD filter will be on show at IBC 2024, booth 12.A42.
For interviews and questions contact Dr. Jesper Osterman, Chief Technology Officer, at jesper.osterman@lc-tec.se.
For additional press queries contact dan@crashzoom.com
You can download images from this release here.
