PolarPro- Filter Calculator App

Brice LeCarre · Dec 28, 2016

stealle said:
I certainly appreciate the effort of helping pilots to figure out what filter to use, but looking at the image on my phone is not often going to be the best way. I have a hard time seeing my screen half the time even with a hood. I'm looking forward to the availability of cyrstalsky so I can see better. Anyone else (PolarPro) care to comment on my post above I would appreciate it. Since this thread is titled "PolarPro- Filter Calculator App" that's what I am trying to talk about and learn how to use. I'd like to know for sure how to use the app, pick the correct ND filter, and have the correct settings based on the numbers. I'll work on being creative another time.

I meant Polar Pro

PolarPro · Dec 29, 2016

stealle said:
I think I understand how to use this app. I've read this thread. I think a few people are confused about "what filter to start with." I think it would be best to start with selecting "none" on the app. Just insert what FPS you have for your record settings and select the current camera ISO and shutter speed when your camera is powered up and pointed in the general direction you wish to film. Tap the "calculate" button and it will tell you what filter to install to get a shutter speed that is double what you entered as your FPS record setting.

What I'm trying to figure out is... can I leave my camera on auto? Let's say I'm recording at 30fps. Then, I want a shutter speed of 1/60. If I leave it in auto, is the camera "smart" enough to automatically choose the shutter speed of 1/60 and auto change the ISO to whatever it needs to be to maintain the SS of 1/60. If so, why do some people insist on manual mode.

If you shoot in Auto the camera trys to keep Shutter speed the same by bumping or reducing EV, it does a pretty good job from my experience with that, but if you need it locked on to 1/60th then you need to push it to Manual. Let me know if you have any other questions,

-Jeff

PolarPro · Dec 29, 2016

Brice LeCarre said:
While I certainly appreciate the effort of helping pilots to figure out what filter to use, the best way is to look at the image on your phone. If you shoot automatic, set ISO to desired setting, choose your frame rate then switch to manual and set your target shutter speed. Then place on the lens the most appropriate ND to get a well exposed picture. Then switch back to automatic if you desire. Doing it this way will develop a feel for the right ND.
Apps and stuff are great but a little effort will put you in control of your exposure and will allow you to be creative.

Sent from my iPhone using MavicPilots

Hey Brice,
The app is just there to help pilots who are not familiar with F-stops get shutter down from the current level to the sweet spot

It eliminates the need to intstall and remove a few filters to try to get exposure correct. If you use the app would love to hear if you have any feedback on it!

-Jeff

LakeTravis · Dec 29, 2016

PolarPro said:
Hi Everyone,

We just launched an app to help select which filter to use to get shutter to the sweet spot.
It would be awesome if we could get some early usability feedback on the app.

We would greatly appreciate your thoughts and feedback. The app is free to download and use:
iTunes: PolarPro-Filter Calculator-IOS
Google Play: PolarPro Filter Calculator-Android

Thank you in advance for your help,
Jeff

I can't believe I didn't notice this post sooner! I was just thinking yesterday that wish someone would develop something like this. I can't wait to try it out. Crappy, cloudy and windy today, but I'll check it out soon! I have the six filter set. I think I talked to you, Jeff, a few weeks back about finding the sweet spot on the CPL.

PolarPro · Dec 29, 2016

LakeTravis said:
I can't believe I didn't notice this post sooner! I was just think yesterday that wish someone would develop something like this. I can't wait to try it out. Crappy, cloudy and windy today, but I'll check it out soon! I have the six filter set. I think I talked to you, Jeff, a few weeks back about finding the sweet spot on the CPL.

Awesome!
Yah, we are in the process of making a few tweaks to the app for V2.1 based on some feedback, we would love to hear your thoughts on the app!
Thanks for supporting our brand,
-Jeff

Brice LeCarre · Dec 29, 2016

PolarPro said:
Hey Brice,
The app is just there to help pilots who are not familiar with F-stops get shutter down from the current level to the sweet spot
It eliminates the need to intstall and remove a few filters to try to get exposure correct. If you use the app would love to hear if you have any feedback on it!

-Jeff

Sure, no problem Jeff.

erikgraham · Jan 11, 2017

I'm new to the party here, but I just downloaded the app.

Like others, it wasn't immediately clear to me how the app worked. I assumed it was using the iPhone camera as a light meter.

My suggestion is the same as many others above. Just add a brief intro/help page that explains how the app works. Something like this:

How to use the PolarPro Filter Calculator:

Launch your drone
Aim the camera at something that is generally representive of what you plan to film.
Switch your camera into auto mode.
Enter the values your drone auto selects into the DJI Go app (or whichever ground station app you prefer).
Click Calculate

Notes: if you already have an ND filter on your camera, enter it into the app under "Filter Installed" to allow the app to account for the effect the filter has.

I'm sure you guys can word-smith that better, but that's what I would add to the app. Nothing more needed in my opinion.

Actually... there is one thing that would be nice. If I'm shooting at 30fps, I like to target a shutter speed of 1/80. The app doesn't allow for that. Not a big deal, 1/60 is close enough to get me in the ball park.

PolarPro · Jan 17, 2017

Hey Guys,
We just launched V2.1 of this app which incorporates pretty much all of your feedback!
Hopefully some of you find this app helpful

-Jeff

vdubbin1967 · Jan 18, 2017

LakeTravis said:
I can't believe I didn't notice this post sooner! I was just thinking yesterday that wish someone would develop something like this. I can't wait to try it out. Crappy, cloudy and windy today, but I'll check it out soon! I have the six filter set. I think I talked to you, Jeff, a few weeks back about finding the sweet spot on the CPL.

View attachment 3218

I just downloaded it too. Thanks. I'm going to try it out

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vdubbin1967 · Jan 18, 2017

Maybe this is the wrong topic. But I bought the original first mavic polar pro. 3 pack. Is there a way to get the newest upgrade cinema series ones?

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Motley · Jan 18, 2017

vdubbin1967 said:
Maybe this is the wrong topic. But I bought the original first mavic polar pro. 3 pack. Is there a way to get the newest upgrade cinema series ones?

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Email support (contact info on website) and they will be more than happy to upgrade them for you. I had no issues at all and they sent me a return label to send the originals back.

They are al

shredzoo7 · Jan 18, 2017

This app is actually part of my preflight checklist. It took me a couple minutes to figure out that I needed to set my Mavic into Auto first to see what values are listed in the current lighting, but after I figured that out it works like a charm, thanks!

jpbluzharp · Apr 26, 2017

PolarPro said:
Awesome, these are some great ideas, they are all getting added onto the design board for the next version.
Appreciated the very detailed feedback, it helps a lot.
-Jeff

Is there any way to use the iPhone itself to measure the light and pick the correct filter? That seems like a faster scenario...

Love the filters!

Kiowa · Apr 26, 2017

shredzoo7 said:
This app is actually part of my preflight checklist. It took me a couple minutes to figure out that I needed to set my Mavic into Auto first to see what values are listed in the current lighting, but after I figured that out it works like a charm, thanks!

Why would you need to do that? I use this approach:

In manual mode:

set ISO = 100
Adjust shutter until you reach EV=0 (e.g. @ 1/1600)

Input your values in the app, e.g.:

ISO 100
Shutter 1600
Frame rate 30

Calc result: ND32

Put on the filter
Still in manual mode (ISO is already set at 100), set shutter to 2x your frame rate, EV vil then be 0 or close to 0 (fine adjust with the EV wheel) with ISO and shutter locked.

Expedition US · May 11, 2017

PolarPro said:
Hi Everyone,

We just launched an app to help select which filter to use to get shutter to the sweet spot.
It would be awesome if we could get some early usability feedback on the app.

We would greatly appreciate your thoughts and feedback. The app is free to download and use:
iTunes: PolarPro-Filter Calculator-IOS
Google Play: PolarPro Filter Calculator-Android

Thank you in advance for your help,
Jeff

I just joined and bought my Mavik Pro today. Trying to down load your app, but No Joy. Cannot find the app in the App Store either. Thanks

Expedition US · May 11, 2017

Expedition US said:
I just joined and bought my Mavik Pro today. Trying to down load your app, but No Joy. Cannot find the app in the App Store either. Thanks

I went to your web site and was able to get to the correct app through your link. Thanks. I'll let you know how I like it or not. Thanks