DJI ACTION 4 - Real world usage - ND Filter Test

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I have been skeptical with all these accessories cropped up after the intro of each new incarnation of action cameras. Be it Insta360s, GoPros, or DJI Actions. There are so many youtube videos tauting these accessories because the creators were sent these stuff for free in return for an "honest" reviews. I find that most particularly, the ND filters, have so many KZbin videos created about the advantage of having them. So I decided to put it to the test and apply it on the real world usage. Let me know what you think after watching the video whether it is worth dropping a good amount of money (comparing to what you paid for the camera itself) for these small pieces of dark coated glass. Will they actually improve your footage like those KZbin videos claim that they would?
P.S.: I purchased all the eq myself to perform this test.
Camera used: DJI ACTION 4.
Filter used: Telesin ND Filter.
Music: Scary Island by Verified Picasso
Please do not reuse, re-edit, re-mix or repost my video to use anywhere without explicit written consent from me.
Thank you.

[@petter_b]

An nd-filter is not meant to change anything more than be able to shot with a desired framerate/shutter speed. If you want 25fps and 1/50 for smooth “cinematic motion blur” mid day you are likely to overexpose. Especially if you use any log-format since then ISO can be restricted. U then compensate with an ND rather than boosting your shutter speed to 1/1000 and loose all that. But back to evaluating an ND. A good ND is usually rated by how little it affects the look. A good one renders color, sharpness the same and adds no vignette etc. to be a good one. So in that case your test proved the filter quite good since no change showed :)

[@yayamando]

I have the action 4. I also got the telesin ND filters. I think when u set everything in auto, you don't need ND filters. The camera will automatically adjust to the condition accordingly. But if u set the shutter speed to manual and set it up to 1/50 or lower, then u need the ND filters. Just remember the camera stabilization works better with shutter speed above 1/200. Below that u probably need a gimbal for extra stabilization. When doing travel video, I don't think u have time to do proper setting to your camera. You'll miss the moment. I used to setup semi auto (white balance set it to 5500K, ISO 100-800, shutter speed 1/25-1/8000. D Log M Color Profile. Sharpness -2, noise reduction -1, FOV standard dewarp). I shoot at 4K25fps/RS+. These setup works for me in most condition more or less. Everything else I fix them in post. Btw, the clouds looks better with ND filter. I think in most daylight brightness situation telesin ND16 is the best option. I always bring the ND filters just in case I need it.

[@hasyourgulaggotplanningper2459]

I agree. A fixed WB and then an ND filter to bring down the shutter speed, even if it's still 60 - 80, makes a better option. The A4 doesn't allow you to fix a specific ISO when in auto, which is annoying. Action 1 did allow that.

[@MrMeisterHD]

The point of an ND filter is to counter over exposure when manually setting your shutter speed. You would want to set your shutter speed to 1/double your frame rate to achieve natural motion blur. If you don't manually set your shutter speed, of course there will be no difference.

[@gabytro]

That is NOT true. Even on auto..the shutter will get lower because of the nd filter, maybe not exactly 1/50 but there will be a difference. And btw..if you shoot 1/50 stabilisation will be bad

[@greggh]

I think it looks better without the ND

[@ALBGR8]

@greggh - agreed.

[@rf2720]

Honestly l can’t notice any real difference. Thanks for sharing!!

[@ALBGR8]

Me neither

[@mchocolate2301]

In this perticular case it looks better with the nd filter.

[@monyetbesar]

Did you even adjust the shutter speed? I don't see a difference

[@ALBGR8]

@monyetbesar - That's the whole point. There is no difference. Don't bother with ND filter on your moving videos.

[@ItsChrisAngeles]

@@ALBGR8The reason why you don’t see the difference is because you’re in auto mode.