ND filters are one of the most useful accessories both stills and video shooters can own. They come in two fundamental variants (fixed and variable), and this helpful video will help you decide which is right for you. 

Coming to you from ZY Productions, this great video talks about the pros and cons of fixed and variable ND (neutral density) filters. ND filters work to reduce the amount of light entering your lens and are highly useful for both photo and video shooters. For stills, they can be used to achieve a longer shutter speed, allowing you to employ creative effects like long exposures of flowing water. They can also be used for shooting outside at wider apertures when using a flash that doesn’t have high speed sync. For video shooters, you can use an ND filter to dial in the correct shutter speed for a given frame rate that will allow you to follow the 180-degree shutter rule. Whereas fixed ND filters cut the light by a constant amount, you can adjust the power of a variable ND filter, but that convenience is not without drawbacks. Check out the video above to help decide which is right for you.