How to Choose the Correct ND filter for your DJI Mavic 2 drone

What Are ND Filters and Why Do You Need Them?

Firstly, why should you consider using filters? ND filters help manage light exposure, especially in bright conditions. On sunny days, your drone’s shutter speed may become very fast, resulting in footage that appears choppy or staccato.

To achieve smoother footage, you need to slow down your shutter speed to match your frame rate. According to the 180-degree rule, the ideal shutter speed should be double your frame rate. For instance, if you are filming at 24 frames per second, your shutter speed should be around 1/50th of a second.

Understanding Shutter Speed and Its Impact on Footage

To grasp the need for ND filters, consider these crucial points about shutter speed:

• Fast shutter speeds (like 1/500th of a second) can lead to jittery footage.
• Slower shutter speeds (around 1/50th of a second) create beautiful motion blur, enhancing the quality of your videos.

An easy way to see this difference is by filming a spinning wheel. Fast shutter speeds result in a choppy look, while slower speeds produce fluid motion blur.

Different Densities of ND Filters

When selecting ND filters, they come in various strengths, each indicated by a number:

• ND4: 2 stops of light
• ND8: 3 stops of light
• ND16: 4 stops of light
• ND32: 5 stops of light
• ND64: 6 stops of light

Knowing these numbers will help you choose the right filter based on your shooting conditions.

How to Choose the Correct ND Filter

Choosing the right ND filter involves understanding your shooting environment. Here are two methods to determine the appropriate filter:

Method 1: Ground-level Testing

1. Turn on your drone and check the histogram in the DJI app to see the correct exposure without a filter.
2. Count back the stops of light needed to slow down your shutter speed. For example, if your shutter speed is 1/500th of a second, count down to find the optimal speed (1/250 > 1/125 > 1/60). You would need about a 3-stop ND filter.

Method 2: In-flight Testing

1. Send your drone into the air and frame your shot.
2. Check the histogram again for the shutter speed. If it’s, say, 1/1000th of a second, calculate similar to method one (1/500 > 1/250 > 1/60). You would need a 4-stop ND filter.

Using Polarizers

In addition to ND filters, consider using polarizer filters. These work by reducing glare from reflective surfaces, such as water. Polarizers are also labelled with the same strength indicators (like ND4, and ND8) but have a “PL” at the end.

When filming near water or shiny surfaces, position the polarizer at a 90-degree angle to the sun for optimal results.

Conclusion

Investing in ND and polarizer filters for your DJI Mavic 2 Pro can significantly enhance your drone footage. By slowing down your shutter speed and reducing glare, your videos will appear more professional and captivating.

Next time you head out with your drone, remember to check your filters. With the right equipment, you can turn ordinary shots into breathtaking visuals. Happy flying!