GH5 Do you prefer a fixed or variable ND filter for video?

if I were a working pro, fully rigged out, I'd use specific filters. since I am just advanced hobbyist, I love the variables much more for quick adjustments.
 
I prefer variable ND's but only the very best ones that have multi coated glass like the B&W XS-PRO VARIO ND MRC-NANO. I've tried cheaper ones and they kill sharpness on longer focal length lenses and the lack of multicoating ( 4 glass/air surfaces infront of your lens) mean they flare and kill contrast very easily. If you can't afford the expensive ones then I'd stick with fixed ND's and make sure they are multicoated as well.
 
I was just visiting the GH forum to ask a question about ND filters, and what you know, there was already a recent thread going. I hope that the OP doesn't mind me tacking on an additional question to his:

For those of you shooting video with fixed NDs on GH cameras (especially if you're shooting documentary on a GH4), what do you find are the ND densities(?) that you use most frequently? I notice that most professional camcorders with ND switches have an option of 2, 4, or 6 stops. Should I get all 3 of those and the xume adapters, or is there some other combination that you find more useful or practical?
 
By the way, to also add to what others have said above, I've read about a couple of other less commonly known issues that variable NDs can create: bokeh artifacts, X shadows(?), and making skin look "matte".
 
I use FormattHightech 62mm ND's with (1.2, 1.5 and 1.8) Xume Magnetic Filter holders for my Voigtlanders this lets be shoot at f2-4 outdoors at 400 ISO then on my Olympus 40-150 Pro I have a Polarizer allways on and a 0.6 ND with Xumes to pop on and off.
 
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Shirozina said:
Different lenses can have different color casts so do you not change lenses for the same reason?
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No, it's about them changing color as you vari the amount of ND. In theory, you could have a ND with a uniform cast and neutralise it in post (not great, but possible), just make sure to work off of a fixed WB.

But when Vari filters change their color pollution in variable amounts as you adjust them, I feel they become less usable.
 
Shenan said:
By the way, to also add to what others have said above, I've read about a couple of other less commonly known issues that variable NDs can create: bokeh artifacts, X shadows(?), and making skin look "matte".
Click to expand...

I like variable NDs, because they're fast, versatile, and convenient. Not all variable NDs are created equal, and there are some that don't suffer the negative effects of the others.

The SLR Magic MKII and Genus Solar Eclipse allow you to rotate the entire filter to dial in the amount of polarization, but they will still cut some polarized light. My SLR Magic doesn't appear to affect sharpness at all, it also doesn't have a color cast per se, more of a warming effect, and it doesn't have a black X at max density. Here's a variable ND filter sharpness mini shoot-out.

To be fair, cheap standard NDs can have a green or magenta color cast and soften the image, so it's important to buy filters that are well reviewed.
 
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