Should I buy ND filters

[Just]

Looked into ND filters, but as an unexperienced photographer and Drone flyer i'm looking for some information.

Do you guys always fly with ND filters on? or only when it's very sunny?

 

[Shaneoc]

Different ND Filters for different lighting conditions. I only used an ND16 filter with my PH3 pro in very sunny conditions and it worked a charm.

 

[Shaneoc]

I would recommend buying the 3 pack from polar pro to start off with.

 

[GlenT]

All filters including ND are for specific lighting conditions. So they should really only be used when needed, not just slap one on because you have it. If it's very bright you want your shutter speed down to the magical double that of the frame rate. So if you're shooting at 30fps then you would try and get a shutter speed of 1/60th. If it is already at 1/60th or lower then you do not require a ND filter. Also remember, the Circular Polarizer (as with any CP) is directional once set. So you need to adjust the filter according to the position the camera is facing when filming to achieve the desired result. There are some really good videos on here showing the effects of different ND filters being used on the Mavic and other platforms.

 

[chippie]

If you go for ND's go for the Taco ones rather then the PP. For one the PP Cinema range are not available yet and the current ones cannot be left on the Mavic as they catch the gimbal and it fails its startup process. On top of that in nearly all comparisons Taco come out on top with regards to all aspects. Sorry PP fans, this is just what i have seen over the last few years.

 

[Mako79]

Unless you are Spielberg, then you don't really need an ND filter set. Learn to fly and frame with auto settings first.
The Mavic's camera is already good and ultra sharp in all 30fps resolutions.

Why do people use ND filters?? You will hear the "twice the shutter speed of the frame rate rule" a lot when there is discussions of ND filters. This rule is to create cinematic motion blur in videos. This blur stops the footage from looking amateurish. To achieve this, the shutter must be slowed down. In order to do this, ND filters (sun glasses are needed). And also remember, sometimes using the wrong filter can actually ruin the video.

In still photos, ND filters are used in long exposures to create "movement". Eg, the white wash in waterfalls and waves at beaches. 90% of times ND filters on drones will be for Video.

And on the subject of ND filters. I have the PGY ND filters. They initialise fine and weigh ~1.5grams vs Taco's ~0.7 grams.
The Polar pro are not heavy - they are built wrong. The filter hits the side of the gimbal when initialising causing motor obstruction warnings.

 

[Piros]

Good advice from Marko and I use ND's all the time because I film surf the whites just blow out without the ND and you can't fix it in post. They will also help reduce any prop shadow from the sun on certain angles. I have the Polar Pro ND's and like Marko said they are too big for the camera to calibrate , so they have to be fitted after the Mavic is powered up . I'm going to order another set of the Taco's because of size and weight. The Mavic gimbal is so small and fragile I want to put on the smallest ND I can get.

 

[Chase R]

Best footage I have gotten was with the filters. There's a reason that everyone recommends shutter at twice frame rate.

Polar Pros current product isn't worth buying but the Cinema series should fix these problems.

 

[Andrejs]

I hear that there should be some Cinematic set of Polar PRO filters?
From where there is such information?

 

[msinger]

I hear that there should be some Cinematic set of Polar PRO filters?

They won't be available until sometime next year.

 

[Andrejs]

They won't be available until sometime next year.

I saw it, but where from this info comes that its will be? And also I saw info that with that filters they will fix attachment to the Gimbal?

 

[msinger]

This info came from PolarPro. They said they are going to redesign the filters so they clear the gimbal.

 

[oblivie]

What is the difference between the taco rc nd fliters and the taco rc multi-coated nd filters? A $10 difference?


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[chippie]

The MC ones will reduce the internal reflections/lens flare, this may be quite important with the way the optics are and the filter sits on the Mavic, well they should, not seen any comparison shots yet. I will be ordering the MC ones irrespective though as it can only help.

 

[PolarPro]

I hear that there should be some Cinematic set of Polar PRO filters?
From where there is such information?

They are available for preorder now:
PolarPro | DJI Mavic Filters

Thanks to all the great feedback we had they can be left of the camera 100% of the time!

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Let me know if anyone has questions on them!
-Jeff

 

[Mako79]

They are available for preorder now:
PolarPro | DJI Mavic Filters

Thanks to all the great feedback we had they can be left of the camera 100% of the time!

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For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

Let me know if anyone has questions on them!
-Jeff

nice!!!
ND32??
It's very bright downunder. It's so bright that the cows fade during daylight savings.

 

[PolarPro]

nice!!!
ND32??
It's very bright downunder. It's so bright that the cows fade during daylight savings.

Haha, an ND32 should work out for very bright days, based on feedback we could also release and ND64 if needed.
-Jeff

 

[Butterpuff 6]

They are available for preorder now:
PolarPro | DJI Mavic Filters

Thanks to all the great feedback we had they can be left of the camera 100% of the time!

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

Let me know if anyone has questions on them!
-Jeff

If I preorder, when should I expect to get them?


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[PolarPro]

If I preorder, when should I expect to get them?


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The Cinema Series filters will begin shipping Jan 10th in the order they are received.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
-Jeff

 

[Sandovaal]

The Cinema Series filters will begin shipping Jan 10th in the order they are received.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
-Jeff

I bought the 6 piece series. As it couldn't clear the startup initialisation, can i exchange or do a top-up for the new Cinema Line?