Benro Announces the NE1 Electronic ND Filter System
Chinese company Benro announced the development of the Benro NE1, an electronic neutral density filter system intended for use in both photography and video. Unlike traditional variable ND filters that rely on mechanical rotation or the swapping of fixed-strength filters, the NE1 adjusts light reduction electronically. According to the information released so far, the adjustable range spans approximately ND3 to ND64, covering common exposure requirements for outdoor shooting, long exposures, and wide-aperture use in bright conditions.
The system is designed to operate in both manual and automatic modes. In automatic mode, an integrated optical sensor measures ambient light and adjusts the ND density in real time to maintain consistent exposure as lighting conditions change. This approach is aimed at scenarios where light levels fluctuate continuously, such as time-lapse photography, outdoor video recording, or transitions between indoor and exterior environments. Manual mode, instead, allows users to set and hold a specific ND value, which may be preferable in controlled or repeatable shooting situations.
Control of the NE1 can be handled directly on the filter unit or through an included Bluetooth remote controller. The remote allows wireless adjustment of ND levels and mode switching, and can be mounted on a camera hot shoe or used separately. This design is intended to reduce the need to physically interact with the lens during shooting, particularly when the camera is mounted on rigs, gimbals, or tripods.
The filter element is made from Corning optical glass and is treated with multi-layer nano coatings. Benro states that this construction is intended to preserve color neutrality while minimizing flare and ghosting, which are common concerns with variable ND solutions. The NE1 mounts in a spring-loaded holder compatible with lenses featuring front filter threads between 67mm and 82mm, allowing a single unit to be used across multiple lenses without step-up rings.
Electronically controlled ND filters are not a new concept and have been used in certain cinema cameras and high-end liquid crystal ND systems. Benro’s implementation appears focused on bringing similar functionality into a front-mounted filter format intended for a wider range of mirrorless and hybrid camera users. However, detailed performance data, durability testing, and real-world results have not yet been published.
At the time of writing, Benro has not announced a confirmed release date or pricing for the NE1 Electronic ND Filter Kit. The company has opened a pre-launch page on its website where interested users can register for updates as additional information becomes available.
