How to Use ND Filters with My Drone?
heliguy™ explains ND filters: aperture, shutter speed, filter strength, and shares top tips for aerial photography.
Learn how ND filters help adjust shutter speed and exposure for creative effects in aerial photography and videography.
Understand when to use specific ND filters based on shooting conditions and desired outcomes.
Get practical tips for using ND filters with DJI drones, including manual camera settings, ISO adjustments, and exposure balancing.
Explore the importance of maintaining the correct shutter angle for cinematic-quality footage with smooth motion blur.
Discover how to avoid common mistakes, such as underexposure or incorrect filter selection, to optimise your drone’s camera performance.
Unlock the full potential of ND filters to prevent overexposure, enhance motion blur, and achieve stunning aerial content.
Neutral Density (ND) Filters are an essential accessory for any drone photographer or filmmaker looking to elevate their aerial content.
This guide explains how ND filters work, their effect on aperture and shutter speed, how to select the right filter strength, and tips for optimising your drone’s camera settings to achieve stunning results.
Matching ND filters to conditions
ND filters adjust shutter speed and exposure, enabling creative effects in various scenarios.
Choosing the right filter depends on the environment you’re shooting in.
ND Filter | Best for | Usage |
|---|---|---|
ND 2 | Low-light or overcast conditions with minimal light reduction. | Subtle motion blur (e.g., moving clouds, soft water ripples). |
ND 4 | Early mornings or late afternoons with soft sunlight. | Balancing exposure in shaded areas or light diffusion. |
ND 8 | Moderately bright conditions, such as cloudy days. | More pronounced motion blur (e.g., traffic trails, flowing water). |
ND 16 | Bright conditions, such as sunny mornings. | Significant motion blur (e.g., smoother water flow, traffic motion). |
ND 32 | Very bright conditions, such as strong midday sunlight. | Intense motion blur for dramatic effects (e.g., waves, fast-moving subjects). |
ND 64 | Very bright conditions, such as midday sun. | Dramatic long-exposure effects (e.g., silky waterfalls, extreme blur) |
Setting up and using ND filters with your DJI drone
Manual camera settings:
Set your drone’s camera to "Manual" mode via the DJI app to prevent automatic exposure corrections.
Adjust ISO and shutter speed based on your desired outcome.
Choose the right ND Filter:
Check the exposure scale in your DJI app to identify overexposure.
Select the appropriate ND filter (e.g., ND4, ND8, ND16) to balance the image lighting.
Fine-tune camera settings until you achieve the desired result.
Key considerations:
Avoid using filters with too many stops, as this can lead to underexposed footage.
Experiment with manual settings to find the perfect balance for your creative vision.
Always power down the drone before attaching or removing filters to avoid damaging the gimbal.
Tips for aerial filming with ND filters
By maintaining the ideal shutter angle, ND filters allow you to capture smooth and professional-looking footage that enhances the unique perspectives offered by drones.
Shutter Angle: Aim for a 180° shutter angle to create natural motion blur. For example, at 25fps, use a shutter speed of 1/50 of a second.
Effects of Shutter Angle changes:
Larger angles (e.g., 360°) result in excessive blur between frames.
Smaller angles (e.g., 45°) create jerky, stuttery footage.
Conclusion
Using the appropriate ND filters helps prevent overexposure, achieve cinematic-quality footage, and enhance the overall aesthetic of your aerial content.
For further guidance or support, contact heliguy™.