Let me know if you have any questions feel free to ask them in the comments section below or you could head over to Facebook and join the DroneWheeler group: facebook.com/groups/dronewheeler/
Hi, nice explanation about why you may want to use an ND filter but not very technical explanation about choosing the right strength of filter for your flight/shoot. Trial and error? ND filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens by a standard amount. ND 4 reduces by 2 stops of exposure ND 8 reduces by 3 stops and ND 16 reduces by 4 stops. So an easy way to work out what you need is to set your desired shutter speed and then look at the exposure reading in the app. If it says you are over exposed by +2 then add the ND4 if it's over exposed by +3 then add the ND8. If it falls somewhere between such as +2.7 round it up to 3 and go with the ND8 which will be only slightly too weak but if you increase your shutter speed from say 1/50 to 1/60 then you will get exposure bang on. If I get a reading of +2.2 then I will round it downwards and add the ND4 and it will be close enough, slightly under exposed is better than over exposed. Doing it this way will save you time and reduce the number of times you screw a filter on and off.
Thanks! As someone new to the Mavic air and to ND filters, this was a PERFECT explanation. The best explanation is one that results in no questions. I have no questions! :-) . Happy New Year...
hi, thanks for your informative video, what would be the results if I don't fine-tune the Polarizer of ND/PL filter for the Mavic air: 1. will I still get some ND effect since it is a combined ND/PL filter? 2. will bad PL adjustment mess up footage colours? thanks for your advice
Thanks for this mate. I were out doing some footage yesterday, and used an ND16 filter. I didnt have my histogram up - and now I see a lot of noise / grain in the footage. This was a huge valley, and cloudy with some sunlight in. I guess I should have dropped the filter in this case. Should the histogram be centered for best footage? And EV aprox 0 (+- .3?)
Henrik, Thank you so much for the best explanation I have seen about ND filters. I've just purchased the Polarpro brand and at least now I have a good understanding of what I need to do. You have a great style, great content and great footage to back it up. Keep up the great work sir.
So in general if I plan to capture buildings from the height of let's say 50-100m there is no must to use ND Filter yes? In that case is okay to break 180 degree rule and increase the shutter speed because the difference will be very minor? On the other hand - if I plan to capture moving objects (cars, trains etc) ND filter will very help to achieve cinematic frame blur of movement yes?
I have gone through a lot of Videos on how to use ND Filters, This one is the best I have seen. Thanks for explaining on how I can decide to choose the filter with the help of the Histogram. Very helpful.
Fantastic video! I’m deciding wether to buy ND filters for my Air. Do you always use them, or in slow long takes like in some of your videos, the difference between a 1/60 and a 1/500 speed is not noticeable? Also, does the 180 degree apply for multiples? Like, if I cannot shoot 1/60, with 30fps, then 1/120 would be he next speed to try, instead of 1/80 or 1/100. Thank you!
I never usually comment on videos, and my account was not even logged in when i watched this video. But you answered every question i had about this topic in such a great and simple way. I just had to log on and say thank you for this tutorial. I am now much more confident in choosing ND filters for my mavic air. In all the other videos i stumbeled across, i was left with unanswered questions. But not here! You are great! Thanks :D
I rarely leave RUclips comments, but I have to say: this was an incredibly informative video. I learned more from this than I have any other video. Thank you.
Help please. Should the hand controller be charging my smart phone all the time? Just wondering if this is normal, I'm a fairly new beginner and find your postings very informative. Thanks.
Yes, it is normal. For iPhone, you can turn it off. Samsung galaxy phones, sadly you can't turn it off. But don't stress it. The controller will still outlast the drone batteries.
Thank's a Lot! I'm new to DJI drones, I used to fly with cheap toys without good quality camera (Low quality camera insted) and without GPS. Now I have DJI Mavic Air, few days only, and I can't record cool looking video, because I'm totally newbie in those settings. I usually fly low, below 30m and the camera is looking strait, so all those sun disturbance I have on every recorded movie. I'm looking for some optimal camera settings, but auto isn't the right way, and manual.... you have to know what you are doing.... :P
Okay, I thought for sure your accent was gonna drive me crazy. Boy was I wrong! You are clear, informative, and concise without being an obnoxious RUclips tryhard. I'm a new subscribed fan! Thank you so much for your effort. Your videos are great. :)
Tech, I'm a big FAN of your videos. I have a Mavic Pro, and use filters but I like to film early in the mornings here in Dallas Texas. But I'm still having problems with my videos going back and forth from over exsposer to under exsposer during flight. Should I just stay in one area? Cause it is hard to get the right shot and fly to. The other draw back is timing is critical that early in the morning cause lighting changes quickly, what can I do?
As a drone video newbie, this was the tutorial video I've been hoping to find explaining how to use filters for more cinematic video, after reading and watching so many others that only cover it partially! Thanks for covering this topic thoroughly, including polarization, ND selection, camera settings, and how to use the histogram. My main remaining open question is when to choose ND16/PL vs. ND32/PL. It seems like a bunch of filter sets (less complete than this Freewell set) include polarized ND4/8/16, but not ND32/PL, wondering why that might be.
Thank for your kind words. The histogram will tell me what I need, normally it ok for it to be slightly underexposed on the ground as light is changing when you are up in the air. But it's better to be slightly overexposed, as you can increase the shutter and still get decent footage, or even play around with the trick I show in this video: ruclips.net/video/ocDNlu_djvA/видео.html
Awesome vid and also the one before it that sent me to this one :) The over exposure explanation is the best explained easy to follow and understand clip I've watched and it has set me up. Thank you
Yesterday I received my nd filters...it was verry cloudy but anyway I put on the nd4 filter and played a little with the settings (still a newbie in droning) the result for me was already verry noticeable during flying so I leave it on and when the sun is back I will try the 8 /16 and 32
Thank you Henrik for another brilliant presentation. Since one may take video and photos on a single flight session, will a ND filter spoil the quality of the photos? I read somewhere that filters should not be used for drone photography? Thanks if you find the time to clarify. Cheers
Awesome video. Very helpful and easy to understand. I will be buying a set of ND filters tomorrow for my Mavic 2 Zoom. Hoping to make my footage look better.
OMG this is great! I'm using this ND16 filter, ISO 100, shutter speed 1/50, 4K 25FPS and sky it's still overexposed :( Should I change shutter speed? How could this affect to my footage?
DonCrisan you try and go up in shutter, but if don't need for 4k a better solution could be 2.7k 50fps, then you can increase the shutter to 1/100. Otherwise you need a ND32
Honestly I wish I knew beforehand that a filter is such a must. Automatic settings for the drone are also kinda "meh", but fair enough that Ihad to aquire some knowledge about camerasettings to get decent footage. But what people get with a filter is absolutely crazy!
It would be even better if you make video talking about the best video settings, how to deal with contrast, sharpness and saturation before going to post production!!! Keep the good work Mr.
When you use manual/fixed ISO and shutter how do you adjust during flight when going from sun to shade filming? Trees cast shadows and mess with footage brightness for example. By adjusting the exposure wheel when monitoring the histogram? It's very tricky.
yes, it can be tricky and you can use the exposure wheel on Mavic Pro, but what that actually does is to change either increase shutter speed or bump ISO depending on the situation. But either way, the histogram is the one to check if the picture is ok.
Brilliant video, i have just bought a Mavic Air and through your recommendation ND filters, im very new to the hobby with only two flights under my belt what software would you recommend for video editing?
I'm Mac user and use FCPX. I'm not really the right person to advise. But Davinci Resolve is a really powerful free option so it could not hurt trying it out. Learning curve is steep ;-) Filmora is another option.
I am getting ready to purchase ND filters. This is very new to me. I am still not certain if I should purchase PL filters. I will fly over the ocean and beach. But I also want simplicity.
Don't polarised filters only work if you are pointing 90 degrees from the Sun? You can't just set it and then go off flying as when you pan round the effect is going to increase and decrease.
Yes the angle of the filter matters, but with a gimbal in level all the time I don't see much of a difference. I would have to test more to see if this is the case.
Fed video! fedt lige at få det basale på plads når man er ny i droneverdenen :-) som andre også kommenterer - en god forklaring på ND filtre og nok en af de bedste videoer om det jeg har fundet på youtube indtil videre :-)
No of course ISO is not fixed but you can't set it lower than 100 so it does not come into play when you want to reduce sensesitivity to slow that shutter down keeping the image properly exposed
I did try to explain the correlation that ISO100 gives the darkest picture with the best quality. But thanks for your feedback anyway, might come useful in future videos
@@TECHDRONEMEDIA - True. I emjoyed your video. My main issue is stating its fixed while showing ourself adjusting it is misleading and might confuse some newcomers.
hi, thanks for your informative video, what would be the results if I don't fine-tune the Polarizer of ND/PL filter for the Mavic air: 1. will I still get some ND effect since it is a combined ND/PL filter? 2. will bad PL adjustment mess up footage colours? thanks for your advice
@@TECHDRONEMEDIA thx for your answer - what is the added value of buying 3 ND + 3 ND/PL in the 6 piece filter kit - wont the 3 piece ND/PL filter be sufficient? thanks
Let me know if you have any questions feel free to ask them in the comments section below or you could head over to Facebook and join the DroneWheeler group: facebook.com/groups/dronewheeler/
Hi, nice explanation about why you may want to use an ND filter but not very technical explanation about choosing the right strength of filter for your flight/shoot. Trial and error?
ND filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens by a standard amount. ND 4 reduces by 2 stops of exposure
ND 8 reduces by 3 stops and
ND 16 reduces by 4 stops.
So an easy way to work out what you need is to set your desired shutter speed and then look at the exposure reading in the app. If it says you are over exposed by +2 then add the ND4 if it's over exposed by +3 then add the ND8. If it falls somewhere between such as +2.7 round it up to 3 and go with the ND8 which will be only slightly too weak but if you increase your shutter speed from say 1/50 to 1/60 then you will get exposure bang on. If I get a reading of +2.2 then I will round it downwards and add the ND4 and it will be close enough, slightly under exposed is better than over exposed.
Doing it this way will save you time and reduce the number of times you screw a filter on and off.
Thanks for that explanation. Going to add it to my notes!
Thank you for this explanation and agree. I think I should make a separate video explaining this
Best ND. Filter explanation video on RUclips. Great job in this!!!
Thanks! As someone new to the Mavic air and to ND filters, this was a PERFECT explanation. The best explanation is one that results in no questions. I have no questions! :-) . Happy New Year...
cool, and happy New Year to you too
hi, thanks for your informative video, what would be the results if
I don't fine-tune the Polarizer of ND/PL filter for the Mavic air:
1. will I still get some ND effect since it is a combined ND/PL filter?
2. will bad PL adjustment mess up footage colours? thanks for your advice
This is a really great explanation man. Thank you for explaining 👍
Thanks for this mate. I were out doing some footage yesterday, and used an ND16 filter. I didnt have my histogram up - and now I see a lot of noise / grain in the footage. This was a huge valley, and cloudy with some sunlight in. I guess I should have dropped the filter in this case.
Should the histogram be centered for best footage? And EV aprox 0 (+- .3?)
Thank you so much for your tips. This is the first video from which I finally understand the principals of choosing and using the filters.
Henrik, Thank you so much for the best explanation I have seen about ND filters. I've just purchased the Polarpro brand and at least now I have a good understanding of what I need to do. You have a great style, great content and great footage to back it up. Keep up the great work sir.
To clarify, you said to try to keep the EV between +0.0 - +0.7 correct? Otherwise if not achievable, shoot for a negative (-) EV?
Yes, exactly it’s better to be underexposed
@@TECHDRONEMEDIA awesome, thanks for confirming! 😁
Hi... I couldn't find the video you mentioned at the end of this video... Setting up the controller for the control sticks.. Please advise. Thanks
I got my first drone this month, and your videos were so useful for me, thanks
Just awesome its so nice to watch all your videos, thank you so much greetz from The Netherlands
Glad you like them!
So in general if I plan to capture buildings from the height of let's say 50-100m there is no must to use ND Filter yes? In that case is okay to break 180 degree rule and increase the shutter speed because the difference will be very minor? On the other hand - if I plan to capture moving objects (cars, trains etc) ND filter will very help to achieve cinematic frame blur of movement yes?
Yes, correct
@@TECHDRONEMEDIA thank you for your reply. I really like your youtube channel. Thank you for all the knowledge you share. Have a nice sunday.
What is the difference & which is better between the Neutral or PL ND filters??
So if i put a nd/pl filter on my drone,the sun wont be cause bad image from different shape right?
I have gone through a lot of Videos on how to use ND Filters, This one is the best I have seen. Thanks for explaining on how I can decide to choose the filter with the help of the Histogram. Very helpful.
Suseendran Kumar u are welcome 🙏
Probably the best Mavic guide I have seen!
Fantastic video! I’m deciding wether to buy ND filters for my Air. Do you always use them, or in slow long takes like in some of your videos, the difference between a 1/60 and a 1/500 speed is not noticeable? Also, does the 180 degree apply for multiples? Like, if I cannot shoot 1/60, with 30fps, then 1/120 would be he next speed to try, instead of 1/80 or 1/100. Thank you!
Hey Henrik , Very well done with depth explanation Thanks Harry from Freewell.
I never usually comment on videos, and my account was not even logged in when i watched this video. But you answered every question i had about this topic in such a great and simple way. I just had to log on and say thank you for this tutorial. I am now much more confident in choosing ND filters for my mavic air. In all the other videos i stumbeled across, i was left with unanswered questions. But not here! You are great! Thanks :D
Ulrik Strand thanks this means a lot that you found it useful
Tænker du at ND4, 8 og 16 ville være fint i de fleste tilfælde? :)
I rarely leave RUclips comments, but I have to say: this was an incredibly informative video. I learned more from this than I have any other video. Thank you.
Wow, thank you!
What nice simple quick and objective explanation about ND filters. Best I've seen. thank you
This was helpful. Thank you.
Have you heard anything good about K&F Concept or Neewer brand filters???
Not for drones, but I do have a few K&F Concept ND filters for my cameras. They seem pretty good quality
Do you know if I can use the same ND filter from Mavic Pro Platinum with the Mavic Air? thanks for doing this video vey helpful
They are different so that is not possible
TECH DRONE MEDIA thank you so much for the feedback 👍
Best video explaining ND filters for drones I've seen. Keep up the good work.
Help please. Should the hand controller be charging my smart phone all the time? Just wondering if this is normal, I'm a fairly new beginner and find your postings very informative. Thanks.
I think you can disable this in the DJI GO4 App
Yes, it is normal. For iPhone, you can turn it off. Samsung galaxy phones, sadly you can't turn it off. But don't stress it. The controller will still outlast the drone batteries.
THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!! Very concise and well done. Exactly what we needed to know. Great job!
skoobasteph thank you
Incredible channel. Fresh content, enthusiasm and a great host. Keep up the good work!
Thank you this kind of feedback means a lot
Great video, it really helped me decide whether to buy ND filters or not. Thanks!
This was very helpful, thank you!
Best video video tutorial Ive seen in months. Keep on the great work!
Thank's a Lot! I'm new to DJI drones, I used to fly with cheap toys without good quality camera (Low quality camera insted) and without GPS. Now I have DJI Mavic Air, few days only, and I can't record cool looking video, because I'm totally newbie in those settings. I usually fly low, below 30m and the camera is looking strait, so all those sun disturbance I have on every recorded movie. I'm looking for some optimal camera settings, but auto isn't the right way, and manual.... you have to know what you are doing.... :P
Okay, I thought for sure your accent was gonna drive me crazy. Boy was I wrong! You are clear, informative, and concise without being an obnoxious RUclips tryhard.
I'm a new subscribed fan! Thank you so much for your effort. Your videos are great. :)
Any trouble with gimbal overload using the freewell lenses?
no issues
TECH DRONE MEDIA
Thank you sir, Great videos.
your a great educator..
Tech, I'm a big FAN of your videos. I have a Mavic Pro, and use filters but I like to film early in the mornings here in Dallas Texas. But I'm still having problems with my videos going back and forth from over exsposer to under exsposer during flight. Should I just stay in one area? Cause it is hard to get the right shot and fly to. The other draw back is timing is critical that early in the morning cause lighting changes quickly, what can I do?
You can compensate on the shutter and ISO to a certain degree.
Great explanation!
Best explanation of ND filters I’ve seen so far. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Subbed.
Thank you and appreciate your positive feedback
As a drone video newbie, this was the tutorial video I've been hoping to find explaining how to use filters for more cinematic video, after reading and watching so many others that only cover it partially! Thanks for covering this topic thoroughly, including polarization, ND selection, camera settings, and how to use the histogram.
My main remaining open question is when to choose ND16/PL vs. ND32/PL. It seems like a bunch of filter sets (less complete than this Freewell set) include polarized ND4/8/16, but not ND32/PL, wondering why that might be.
Thank for your kind words. The histogram will tell me what I need, normally it ok for it to be slightly underexposed on the ground as light is changing when you are up in the air. But it's better to be slightly overexposed, as you can increase the shutter and still get decent footage, or even play around with the trick I show in this video: ruclips.net/video/ocDNlu_djvA/видео.html
Made loads of notes - thank you so much
Happy you found it useful
Excellent explanation! Thanks!
Happy you like it :-)
What was the song playing during the example drone footage?
Great ND filter explanation video!
Henrik, Great video explaining ND filter and their proper use, well done Sir!
I am checking al yours threads because I am new in the game and it really helped me on several occasions...keep it up!
Awesome vid and also the one before it that sent me to this one :) The over exposure explanation is the best explained easy to follow and understand clip I've watched and it has set me up. Thank you
Thanks. I'm happy to help
Yesterday I received my nd filters...it was verry cloudy but anyway I put on the nd4 filter and played a little with the settings (still a newbie in droning) the result for me was already verry noticeable during flying so I leave it on and when the sun is back I will try the 8 /16 and 32
I’m happy to hear you saw improvements all ready
Excellent info! Thank you!
When using POI do the settings in POI overide the settings I have saved in Manual mode or do they work together?
Thank you Henrik for another brilliant presentation. Since one may take video and photos on a single flight session, will a ND filter spoil the quality of the photos? I read somewhere that filters should not be used for drone photography? Thanks if you find the time to clarify. Cheers
if you plan to use a high shutter to freeze the frame, the filter will definitely reduce that option.
Saved on my list
👍👍👍
Thanks
Best guide on the Internet, this is awesome. Earned a sub easily
I like your optimism! Nice video!
Thanks I like doing these videos. What part did you find most useful?
Very comprehensive video, I have always been confused about the correct exposure settings on my MPP. This video has helped me so much.
Great Video on so many counts. I am definitely subscribing. I am also a member of the MA FB group!
Great video, very informative. Thank you!
That footage looks amazing!! Thanks for the tips!!
Awesome video. Very helpful and easy to understand. I will be buying a set of ND filters tomorrow for my Mavic 2 Zoom. Hoping to make my footage look better.
Great video as always. Thank you.
Thank you for this excellent explanation of the ND filters for your drone.
Awesome tutorial! On to your next video 👍🏼
OMG this is great!
I'm using this ND16 filter, ISO 100, shutter speed 1/50, 4K 25FPS and sky it's still overexposed :(
Should I change shutter speed? How could this affect to my footage?
DonCrisan you try and go up in shutter, but if don't need for 4k a better solution could be 2.7k 50fps, then you can increase the shutter to 1/100. Otherwise you need a ND32
Thank you very much. Keep it up! :)
YOU THE MAN!!!!!
Thanks. Very helpful. When you have time, can you also discuss UV and CPL filters, please? Thanks!
Great job, thanks!
Honestly I wish I knew beforehand that a filter is such a must. Automatic settings for the drone are also kinda "meh", but fair enough that Ihad to aquire some knowledge about camerasettings to get decent footage. But what people get with a filter is absolutely crazy!
This helped a lot. Thank you!
It would be even better if you make video talking about the best video settings, how to deal with contrast, sharpness and saturation before going to post production!!! Keep the good work Mr.
Love this guy!
Thanks bro! Superb tutorial !!
When you use manual/fixed ISO and shutter how do you adjust during flight when going from sun to shade filming? Trees cast shadows and mess with footage brightness for example. By adjusting the exposure wheel when monitoring the histogram? It's very tricky.
yes, it can be tricky and you can use the exposure wheel on Mavic Pro, but what that actually does is to change either increase shutter speed or bump ISO depending on the situation. But either way, the histogram is the one to check if the picture is ok.
Drones and Electric Unicycles Thanks Henrik. 🚁💨
When to use ND filters without and with polarized?
With polarized filters you can reduce glare, reflections add saturation in camera
Brilliant video, i have just bought a Mavic Air and through your recommendation ND filters, im very new to the hobby with only two flights under my belt what software would you recommend for video editing?
Ben Smith Mac or PC?
PC :)
I'm Mac user and use FCPX. I'm not really the right person to advise. But Davinci Resolve is a really powerful free option so it could not hurt trying it out. Learning curve is steep ;-) Filmora is another option.
Cheers keep up the great work!
Great video and you're a cool guy 👍
You are the best sir!
Excellent discription and presentation. I get it now. ☺
Perfect! Thanks so much!!!!
U are welcome
I am getting ready to purchase ND filters. This is very new to me. I am still not certain if I should purchase PL filters. I will fly over the ocean and beach. But I also want simplicity.
This is intimidating. If you don't want to post process to much my advice would be to go for the PL filters.
That’s very simple and good explanation how to use ND filters 🍻
Great you found it useful
thanks for the clear info
Henrik- excellent and thank-you. Great style on your vids. Now I understand ND filters. Jonathan
Super helpful video, thank you so much. I made a page of notes :)
Thanks that's helpfull
Me: *clicks on video*
Tech drone media: DO YOU NEED AN ND FILTER FOR YOUR DRONE?!?!?!
Ha ha ha ha! Subbed!
Don't polarised filters only work if you are pointing 90 degrees from the Sun? You can't just set it and then go off flying as when you pan round the effect is going to increase and decrease.
Yes the angle of the filter matters, but with a gimbal in level all the time I don't see much of a difference. I would have to test more to see if this is the case.
Nicely explained. A little hurried maybe, but all pretty clear. Thankyou. (Already sub’d)
Whats Style settings are you using?
LightSport Man d-cinelike
Fed video! fedt lige at få det basale på plads når man er ny i droneverdenen :-) som andre også kommenterer - en god forklaring på ND filtre og nok en af de bedste videoer om det jeg har fundet på youtube indtil videre :-)
Nice review very useful
What filter should I use to take drone *photos* during the bright day as well as during sunset?
32 or 64 if it’s really bright
But watch the video and you would know
When will the winner of the giveaway announced?
Johann Lagman tonight is my plan
Ok
States ISO is fixed, then proceeds to show you how ISO is adjustable on the Mavic Air. Interesting...
No of course ISO is not fixed but you can't set it lower than 100 so it does not come into play when you want to reduce sensesitivity to slow that shutter down keeping the image properly exposed
@@TECHDRONEMEDIA - Why not state that as opposed to stating it was fixed.
I did try to explain the correlation that ISO100 gives the darkest picture with the best quality. But thanks for your feedback anyway, might come useful in future videos
@@TECHDRONEMEDIA - True. I emjoyed your video. My main issue is stating its fixed while showing ourself adjusting it is misleading and might confuse some newcomers.
hi, thanks for your informative video, what would be the results if
I don't fine-tune the Polarizer of ND/PL filter for the Mavic air:
1. will I still get some ND effect since it is a combined ND/PL filter?
2. will bad PL adjustment mess up footage colours? thanks for your advice
1. Yes it’s still an ND filter 2. No, you would only miss out on added saturation and contrast and reduction in glare from reflective surfaces
@@TECHDRONEMEDIA thx for your answer - what is the added value of buying 3 ND + 3 ND/PL in the 6 piece filter kit - wont the 3 piece ND/PL filter be sufficient? thanks