Neutral Density filter

[nileo6]

I bought a ND8 filter from bestbuy yesterday becuz i heard that they help to open the iris on your camera so you can have a shallower depth of field. I also heard that it helps darken flushed out bright images. But i couldn't tell that much of a difference on either of those two points.
it seemed like i could just turn down the exposure and get the EXACT same darkened effect? Do i need to buy a stronger filter?

[BrownCowStudios]

it seemed like i could just turn down the exposure and get the EXACT same darkened effect?

Yes, exactly. However, an open iris will allow for a shallow depth of field. If you bump down the exposure, you will lose this ability to attain a shallower depth of field. The neutral density filter allows you to use a higher f-stop but maintain the same level of exposure.