In-built ND-filters: tech. details about their mechanism?

limehouse said:
I've heard that CCDs can be damaged by too much light. Let me see if I can find a source on that...
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Possibly. But since the DVX doesn't go into shutdown if you ignore the ND suggestions, I doubt it's a big issue under normal circumstances.
 
GenJerDan said:
Possibly. But since the DVX doesn't go into shutdown if you ignore the ND suggestions, I doubt it's a big issue under normal circumstances.
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That's true. Maybe they want to leave the option open for other reasons, or maybe it's something they overlooked?
 
GenJerDan said:
But the real question is why are they using physical filters at all? Will the CCD be damaged by too much light? If not, why not do it electronically?
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While protecting the CCDs for excessive (and potentially damaging levels of light) are a possible use for the ND filters. That isn't the primary reason for their presence.

Just like a film camera, the real value of the ND filters is to allow you to use a more open aperture (and maintain shallower depth of field) than would be possible in a situation where you have more than addequate light.

An electronic solution would involve either reducing the sensitivity of the quantizers (A -> D converters) or the enable feature (like is used for progressive modes where the imagers sample only for a specified period of time). Neither of these approaches would yield the same reduced depth of field that a more open aperture accomplishes.

If you reduce the electrical gain, then it is just like making the imagers less sensitive. This would have the advantage of reducing the noise contribution, but none of the optical properties.

Likewise, if you use the enable feature (shutter) you also don't accomplish the same depth of field characteristics and at the same time, modify the motion properties of the camera.

All in all, you need the ability to change all three properties (gain, shutter and optical quantity) to have full control over the process and to obtain the desired characteristics.
 
yes very cool.. I should put that into an article for ya.. im sure everyone would love to see that info.

Thanks Andrew.
 
You're welcome!

That was a fun project. Just let us know if there is anything else you would like to know about the inside of the DVX. Who knows, maybe I can expose the HVX lens assembly when comes out!

Andrew Hoffman
Senior Operations Manager
Specialized Communications Corp.
20940 Twin Springs Dr.
Smithsburg, MD 21783-1510 USA
800-359-1858
Fax: 301-790-0173
andrewh@spec-comm.com
www.spec-comm.com

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Yeah thanks Andrew.. im gonna give you your own article on this as it is incredible info.. most people like me have always wanted to see what goes on inside the camera, and didnt want to take the $3500 gamble to go exploring.
 
Did this ever get its own article? I looked through all of them and couldn't find it. Also, is there any way we could see those pictures again Andrew? :D
 
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