This is a Prototype of an Electronically-Controlled ND Filter Lens Adapter

At the IBC 2015 trade show in Amsterdam, which just wrapped up a couple of days ago, the camera gear company Genus was showing off a prototype of a groundbreaking new product: an electronically controlled neutral density (ND) filter adapter. It was a Canon EF to Sony E lens adapter that had a dial that lets you adjust the level of ND filtration electronically.

Dan Chung of News Shooter filmed the short video above in which Genus shows off the prototype. Chung calls it “one of the most impressive things we saw at IBC this year,” and “the holy grail of DSLR filmmaking.”

One of the things the electronic ND filter will allow photographers and videographers to do is keep camera settings constant while adjusting how much light enters your camera using just the dynamic ND filter.

There are cameras coming with electronic variable ND filters (e.g. the Sony FS5), but this new adapter would give you that functionality with any camera and lens combo.

News Shooter reports that the final Genus product will look similar to other adapters out there (e.g. Metabones, Novoflex).

No word yet about pricing or availability for a market-ready version of the Genus electronic ND filter, but they’re working hard to get the product to market soon.