LC-Tec x KipperTie Bring eND to the Masses — Is Internal eND in Mirrorless Cameras Around the Corner?

LC-Tec has lengthy been researching and growing eND and different liquid crystal merchandise. Now, in IBC 2025, they’ve teamed up with KipperTie to launch some attention-grabbing merchandise. Be part of us as we speak to Jesper Osterman (LC-Tec) and Natasha Allan-Chalmers (KipperTie) to see the place digital filtering is heading, and what will be achieved with liquid-crystal applied sciences to offer higher filmmaking-related solutionsLC-Tec is a Swedish tech firm growing liquid-crystal applied sciences reminiscent of optical filters and manufacturing them in-house. Their eND expertise controls gentle transmission electronically with no shifting components and a slim footprint. Along with KipperTie, the duo managed to develop some ultimate merchandise: A compact, electronically managed ND for adapter drop-in slots, and they’re advancing bigger 4×5.65-inch options for matte packing containers, digital variable diffusion filters, in addition to variable star-effect filters.The LC-Tec filter and KipperTie adapter. Picture credit score: CineDCurrent eND merchandise availableKipperTie’s LCminiND is a drop-in digital ND cartridge for the Canon RF-to-EF adapter customary and appropriate mounts. It presents repeatedly variable ND from 0.6 to 2.1 (about 2–7 stops) with on-device management and Bluetooth app help for distant adjustment and clean ND ramps. A transparent insert will be swapped in when no ND is required.KipperTie x LC-Tec eND. Picture credit score: CineDMatte field model is comingLC-Tec has additionally been growing a sq. 4×5.65-inch digital ND to be used in a matte field. Earlier showings demonstrated repeatedly adjustable density in a regular tray, managed from a small exterior unit. KipperTie and LC-Tec informed us at IBC {that a} matte-box model is in energetic growth, with pricing nonetheless being finalized.Matte Field is coming! Picture credit score: CineDAre inside digicam eND filters developing? Whereas LC-Tec’s coverage doesn’t permit them to reveal their particular prospects, Jesper indicated that there’s some collaborative development with digicam producers. We all know that Sony makes use of their very own tech, adopted by FUJIFILM with their new GFX ETERNA 55 cinema digicam, however different firms could also be working with LC-Tec, so we could hope for some developments sooner or later. In any case, who doesn’t need a slim, stepless ND filter in-camera lately?eND is simply a part of the gameAlongside ND, LC-Tec develops Digital Variable Diffusion (eVD) and Star filters, shifting towards mass manufacturing after showcasing some prototypes.At this level, it’s a 4×5.65-inch matte-box filter whose diffusion power will be adjusted electronically, enabling repeatable in-shot adjustments that beforehand required swapping glass. Based on LC-Tec, it’s potential to stack eND and eVD filters into one single product, however it gained’t essentially be commercially viable. Additionally, keep in mind that digital filters can’t “xero” the impact, so you might need to separate them, so that you gained’t have a minimal of -2.0 stops glued to your variable diffusion filter, and vice versa.Exact and repeatable app management. Picture credit score: CineDPricing and availabilityThe KipperTie LCminiND (LC-Tec inside) is out there for direct buy at £695, or for $1,047 for our US viewers. It ought to match Canon’s EF-RF Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter, in addition to KipperTie’s personal adapter line that ought to quickly be launched. The 4×5.65-inch matte field sq. filters costs are but to be decided, in addition to launch dates. Make sure to comply with us for updates!Will you go for these neat, hi-tech options, or would you like the old-school, tried-and-true glass filers? Tell us within the feedback.