How To Use Neutral Density (ND) Filters on a DJI Phantom 3 for Best Video Quality

[@slardar92]

seriously.. this is the most informative video i have seen today. please explain about CPL filter as well.. thanks

[@daveditzler8118]

Thank you!

[@shredzoo7]

This is the best explanation on how to choose the proper ND filter I have come across in 3 days of searching forums and videos. Thank you for this video!

[@samuraib0b]

I bought my P3P about a month ago and been wondering how people take those awesome pics, People keep saying "ND Filters" .. Not knowing what to use when , this video has been one of the most helpful I have seen . Thank you !

[@AerialLensVideo]

BEST explanation on the web! Very helpful - Thanks!

[@daveditzler8118]

AerialLensVideo Thank you. That means a lot to me.

[@RevZafod]

+AerialLensVideo You're right. It's the best.

[@nikanim]

+AerialLensVideo Absolutely.

[@KRUSER]

Seriously, best explanation I found online and would work for my Phantom 3 Standard. Thanks, Dave!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

VERY good explanation! Best of luck to you!

[@daveditzler8118]

Thank you

[@neavissa2583]

Man, what a professionally done video! Everything about it! I guess I can buy these filters by following the link in the description!? Thank you, G.

[@daveditzler8118]

+Neavissa Thank you.

[@neavissa2583]

+Dave Ditzler No, thank you! : )

[@alvinn318]

this is surely one of the best helpful videos to understand using the filters for phantom 3.. thumbs up!! thanks a lot :)

[@daveditzler8118]

+alvinn318 Thank you!

[@Bengalboycom]

Great video!! I actually learned how to read my Phantom 4's histogram before I even have received it! Excellent tutorial!

[@daveditzler8118]

+Bengalboycom Thank you!

[@Joshuaellis420]

Buy them they work well and this guy is a nice guy that will help you any way he can and stand behind his filters

[@daveditzler8118]

+Joshuaellis420 Thank you so much for the nice comments.

[@scottarmstrong239]

This is the best explanation I have found thanks

[@daveditzler8118]

Thank you!

[@jeffdiscovers]

Just ordered! Thanks I was confused on the last part as it was overexposed by 1 and you put a 3 stop. I thought you would put a 1 stop if only overexposed by 1

[@daveditzler8118]

+Jeffrey Miesse There was a 2-stop filter on so I removed that to put a 3-stop filter on, otherwise your math does add up.

[@Alexis_Cardoza]

excellent channel keep it up. just began my videos again getting some inspiration.

[@blackmennewstyle]

Very very good job Dave :) Bravo! Have a great weekend

[@daveditzler8118]

+ABMNS PRODUCTION Thank you!

[@scottarmstrong239]

Best explanation of filters iv found can you tell me when I can purchase your kit thanks

[@daveditzler8118]

These work with the Phantom 3 STANDARD as well as all the other Phantom 3 versions both Advanced and Professional. And I just found out from a customer they work with the Phantom 4 too!

[@AerialVisionProductions]

Dave, this was a VERY informative video. Thanks for making it. Any chance you could update it for the DJI Go app??

[@daveditzler8118]

+Aerial Vision Productions I want to as soon as I get a brake in my schedule. I will put it up here on my channel when I do.

[@MrKankkis]

Very helpful, i order mine set in the weekend.

[@skycamvideo]

Just ordered a set. thanks guys. great looking product.

[@daveditzler8118]

+sky cam video Thank you. I will ship them on Monday.

[@gizmo8192]

simple explanation , thanks, i did notice now that dji sell the filters , 4-8-16 , as they are priced high , what is the best one to get ?

[@videosfromniek]

Nicolson Air 8

[@247.mp4]

dji only sells filters for the pro and adv version, not for standard :(

[@daveditzler8118]

+rarevfx That's because the DJI filters screw on and the cheaper two versions do not have the removable section of the lens barrel so only press-on filters will work.

[@247.mp4]

Dave Ditzler yeah I know already. Thanjs

[@BLUESUNNL]

Hello.. good video.. question.. I have the phantom 3 advanced.. on very sunny days the ground looks amazing bit often the sky is so bright and looks white.. i need nd filters or polarized filter?

[@realbigdady]

thank you, great info and well delivered.

[@nismoau]

Great explanation, very helpful.

[@daveditzler8118]

+David Reith Thank you!

[@gunsaccessories8853]

Thanks! Just placed an order on your website.

[@daveditzler8118]

+Guns & Accessories Thank you!

[@MaurizioMartinoli]

In the second example, the EV was reading +1.0. Why did you apply the ND filter of 3 instead of 1?

[@twcujo]

Maurizio Martinoli I wonder the same thing.

[@julianfrancis7968]

He was already using a 2 stop ND filter when he switched to 4K. As that created an EV of +1.0 he needed to add an extra 1 to his already applied ND2. ND3 was the only option...

[@brentfairley3550]

thanks dave on way to placeing my order🙏

[@daveditzler8118]

+Brent Fairley Thank you!

[@omegalopez71]

Yep!! Sweet product 👍👍👍I would like it try these out.

[@daveditzler8118]

+omegalopez71 Thank you!

[@gundolarry]

Really nice work, cannot wait to try the filter set out, ordered today. Any issues reported with the plastic ring falling off or becoming loose over time?

[@daveditzler8118]

+Larry Barnard I had a customer loose one in flight because it was too loose. I now test everyone I ship on my own Phantom before they get sent out. If you have any trouble though I will send you new ones for free.

[@gundolarry]

Thank you Dave, best of luck!

[@jojolaguitare12]

I will maybe think about buying them once you will upload a video showing a little bit more about the reaction of your lens when the camera is facing the sun. Could you do that maybe ? Thk you Dave !

[@daveditzler8118]

+Rémi Ferrante I would love too. Right now I am waiting on the sun to shine in Chicago when I also have the time to fly.

[@jojolaguitare12]

+Dave Ditzler did you encounter some issues of halos, or anything ?

[@daveditzler8118]

+Rémi Ferrante I haven't noticed any. If you have any problems with them send them back and I will refund your money.

[@twcujo]

Great tutorial. I just ordered this. If i use 2 filters at the same time f.ex is 2 ND4 the same as 1 ND16? And a ND4 and a ND8 a ND32?

[@philipporter1151]

Has DJI changed the app as the EV value no longer shows in Manual Mode?

[@kamilien]

Great video. Thank you

[@moreapropos]

This is really great info. Now that I am slowly getting over my fear of flying it, I have started to work on the imagery, which so far, is completely blown out! So I will be getting this.This is a little off the subject, but I also notice that my test footage so far doesn't look so smooth and seems to have some kind of rolling shutter and jitteriness. So far, I seem to get the smoothest shots when I am moving either forward or backward, and the most jitter and rolling effect when panning or moving from side to side. It seems smooth going up and down, but the worst seems to be side to side and panning. Just curious if you had any thoughts on that.Thank you.

[@daveditzler8118]

+moreapropos Slowing down the shutter speed will help ease some of the jitteriness with the video. It will allow some motion blur which will help. You can also go into the DJI app and adjust the stick sensitivity and turn the expo up on the rudder which will help with the left to right panning. By doing this you can make slow pans easier. It is very common when a beginner to make sudden movements with the sticks and think that it will look OK on playback but you will learn to be slower and steady and then get better results. Best to plan out the shot you want in advance and then practice it. It is too easy to get distracted and say "hey that's neat over there..." and then next thing you have a jerky movement in the middle of the video. Practice will help. Start with simple moves and get those down then build on them. Good luck.

[@charlie.charles]

Would you still lock the exposure if the light is changeable as in bright sun in one direction?

[@daveditzler8118]

+Charlie I would try it and see if it works for your conditions. One way is to use these techniques described in the video above to set your exposure but then leave it on Auto exposure so normally it would shoot at the lower frame rate but can boost the ISO if needed if it gets too dark.

[@charlie.charles]

I'd be interested in ordering but your site shows as out of stock.

[@JoshuaRichardson123]

What happens as you turn in and out of the sunlight with manual settings on? Will you need to constantly change the ND filters bringing it out the sky?

[@daveditzler8118]

+Joshua Richardson That is going to take some experimenting on your part. There are two approaches I use often. #1 decide what feature is the most important (ie sunset, building on the ground, people walking etc) and then set the exposure for that subject and leave it on manual. Let the other areas go dark or light. OR #2 use same steps as above setting the exposure on the main subject and use ND filters if needed but switch off manual exposure on the camera after determining the proper exposure. Then with leaving the camera on auto exposure it should stay near same exposure as manual but will over ride the exposure if needed. Make sure to experiment with the spot exposure settings too for your desired results. This will tell the camera to expose for a small area in the center of the screen, or where ever you tell it, instead of using the entire frame and averaging it. This will be very apparent in certain scenes with high dynamic range like sunsets and sunrise.

[@moreapropos]

Hi again,I got a set of your filters and I'm just now experimenting with them. It was kind of windy today, so I wasn't able to check them out completely. Just for starters, it was a bright sunny day and so I just quickly put on the ND2 filter. I noticed the footage was still pretty blown out. I was curious to know, for a bright sunny day, do you typically need to double up the filters to get to ND5 or ND6 before the footage becomes usable? Right now, it is looking like that's what I would have to do to bring the exposure down and prevent everything from blowing out. It is kind of amazing that they would make a camera with this fast of an aperture. As the camera is, without filters, you can only really shoot at dusk or dawn, and once the sun comes out or goes down, that's pretty much it for video. Once I know the correct amount of ND stops for a typical sunny day, I'd prefer to put them on before I head out just so I have one less thing to do out in the field. I still can't believe DJI would make a camera that is only really usable for video during dusk or dawn.

[@daveditzler8118]

+Flying High Yes I find I often have to stack filters in bright sunlight. I am working on a 4-stop (ND16) filter and it should be in my store soon. Everything is a compromise. If you want a small light weight camera you have to give up some things like an iris. I am happy it is set at f2.8 because it is easier to block light than to put a new lens on. Thank you and let me know if you need anything else.

[@Sobaire]

How do you lock the settings?

[@fabianengstrom6590]

Does those ND-filters fit on the DJI Phantom 3 Standard?

[@daveditzler8118]

+Fabian “maacish” Engström YES. The DJI Phantom 3 Standard does not have a removable front cover to the lens. This product fits over the Standard lens perfectly.

[@fabianengstrom6590]

+Dave Ditzler Thanks. But I can't purchase the product from ebay because it says "One or more of the items below can't be purchased because the seller has not specified shipping costs to the location selected". I live in Sweden. Can you fix this?

[@daveditzler8118]

+Fabian “maacish” Engström I have another listing with International Shipping. www.ebay.com/itm/271938280615

[@fabianengstrom6590]

Thanks. I did order, I hope they'll work.

[@daveditzler8118]

I saw that. Thank you. I am packing them up now and they will ship today. If you have any other questions please let me know. Thanks again!

[@pacayalhobbies-modelosarad919]

Why did you use a 3 stop ND (for the 4K example) while the EV meter showed only 1 stop meter?

[@daveditzler8118]

+Pacayal Hobbies - modelos a radio control Because when I switched to 4K (at 2:34) it already had a 2-stop filter installed so the camera was already reading the exposure through the existing 2-stop filter installed. To get from a 2-stop filter to a 3-stop I could have either added the 1-stop filter and stacked them or remove the 2-stop and install the 3-stop alone which is what I did in this example. If there were no filters installed and it read +1 on the EV meter then I would have just installed the 1-stop filter. If you have more questions just let me know. Thank you - David

[@pacayalhobbies-modelosarad919]

+Dave Ditzler Very clear Dave. Thank you!

[@alexstraemedia5294]

Great video! I just ordered the x3 pack from Ebay, shipping to Sweden. Didn't notice the 10% discount until now though but the price is still sort of fantastic. I did not find the polarizer filter on your inventory which is too bad.. Can a polarizing filter be stacked with the ND filters? Hope you enjoy your vacation!

[@daveditzler8118]

+Bad Juju Productions Yes the polarizing filter can stacked with the ND filters. The polarizing filter does decrease the amount of light too so you if you follow the steps in the video to determine the proper amount of exposure make sure to do that with the polarizing filter attached. I find it is usually at least 1 full stop with the polarizing filter added.

[@globalprojectorg9098]

Dave lets say a bright day I use a ND 8 filter, but leave phantom in auto exposure mode rather than lock to manual would that be ok?. The question is why set it to manual, what would be implication of leaving it in auto mode.

[@daveditzler8118]

Many times you want to lock the exposure to expose for the look you want. Often though that's not always the best approach if there is a lot of changing light. In this case I would still follow the steps above but then leave it in auto mode to allow the camera to adjust. Hopefully it will keep the shutters speed you want and just boost the ISO to compensate when needed. Because all environments are different, it is going to be some trial and error on your part to decide what works best for you. I hope this helps.

[@HI-PSI]

when will the polarizing filter be back in stock? I want to order the nd filter & ring kit and the polarizing filter at the same time.

[@daveditzler8118]

+Z Noble They came in today and you can now order them on my site. I should be able to start shipping orders Saturday March 26th. Thank you.

[@HI-PSI]

+Dave Ditzler Thanks, I got a confimation email that it shipped this morning. The ND filters did the trick, no more props showing up in my shots.

[@Ggoodnight35]

Thanks. Good explanation.

[@daveditzler8118]

+Glenn Goodnight Thanks!

[@24FramesProduction]

+Dave Ditzler Just order mine tonight. Can't wait to receive them and test them out!

[@daveditzler8118]

+24 Frames Production Thank you!

[@24FramesProduction]

Anytime!

[@RobertWhitedc]

Dave, excellent explanation but I have a question about your filters before I buy. I have noticed that when flying around on a sunny day and the camera is on "auto" the frame rate is constantly changing depending on light conditions. The camera facing down may have less light and a lower frame rate than lets say the camera facing straight ahead and a higher frame rate. Using your filters if you fix the ISO and frame rate, how do you compensate for the changing light conditions to keep the frame rate at lets say 50 fps. I would appreciate your help.

[@daveditzler8118]

+Robert White Great Question! Sorry for the delay I didn't see this. Of course if you lock the exposure you are to have to make some compromises. There are a few ways to tackle this. ANSWER 1) If you decide that it is more important to show the ground features then try to find an exposure that works best for that. If you decide it's more important to expose for the sky then choose that. ANSWER 2) The other option is to lock the exposure for somewhere around the middle and fly with the correct density ND filter on but then keep the camera on automatic. The Phantom will adjust the exposure automatically but having some ND filters on it should keep it from using a very high frame rate. I personally tend to put little more for all but the darkest parts and hope that the Phantom will just increase the ISO which is normally does. This keeps the shutter pretty consistent and event ISO 200 or 400 is not bad on a bright day.

[@skycamvideo]

want to get some of these. went on amazon and they got them on there but you don't ship to UK it says. but they cheaper on there than the website. can you add UK shipping on amazon please

[@daveditzler8118]

+sky cam video Thank you for your interest. The ones on Amazon are shipped by Amazon from their fulfillment centers in the USA. You are better off ordering on my site www.ditzco.com and using the discount code KZbin10 for 10% off and the price will be very close.

[@skycamvideo]

+Dave Ditzler already done. Bought and paid for thanks

[@tunc03]

Very good video! But since you put these gel filters with your fingers in the ring; there must be fingerprints on the filter, right? And I read in some forum's that they are very sensitive and weak, so they will scratched soon...

[@daveditzler8118]

+tunc03 This was an old design. For the last 6 months or longer I've been shipping a new design with tabs on the filters so you don't need to touch them. Also the most popular kit includes 9 filters (3 each) so you have plenty of spares. The are lightweight to not offset the balance of the gimbal so they are not going to be as durable or as heavy as glass filters. Also I now include a cleaning cloth for free with all my kits. And lastly if you don't like them please send them back for a full refund. Thank you. Here is the video of the new design. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH-bl5KjmZJrg5o

[@tunc03]

+Dave Ditzler Thank you very much for your reply! This new filters seems a little bit more thicker than the old version, is this correct?

[@daveditzler8118]

+Tunc The ND filters are the same as before but definitely easier to use with the tabs. The polarizing filter I sell is thicker.

[@brentfairley3550]

?Dave ditzler do this method to find right lens also work for camra still photos.I see it works for video _Im gonna purchase your kit when u come back from your vacation thank you

[@daveditzler8118]

+Brent Fairley I generally don't use them for still photos most of the time. If I am planing on taking video and stills then I leave them on. If I am just going up to take photos then I normally don't use them. The main goal is to lower the amount of light coming in the camera to be able to shoot at a lower shutter speed. There are some cases with a still photo you might want that for creative purposes. For example maybe you have some wind and trees in the foreground and you want that blurrier so your eye goes to the background. I am back from my vacation BTW.

[@brentfairley3550]

Thanks Dave Im on my way to place my order🙏

[@vidge123]

dave- my yuneec q500 4k has a filter ring that is 1 inch diameter. what is the diameter of your nd filter? have you tried adapting any of your filters to the cgo-3 camera for the yuneec? are they optical quality kodak nd gels? thank you, carl

[@daveditzler8118]

+vidge123 Sorry for the late reply on this. The lens for the Phantom 3 is approximately 1.25" in diameter. I haven't tried making them for other drones yet. I do know that it was some trial and error getting a good snug fit. I ended up changing the dimensions =/- 0.2mm until I got just the right fit. I will ask around and see if someone near me has one I can take a look at to make some samples. Thank you.

[@neavissa2583]

Forgot to ask. How do these filters compare to glass filters!? I know nothing about filters, but a quick search shows that some say glass is better and others say you do not need glass!? What is your take!? Thanks.

[@daveditzler8118]

+Neavissa Glass filters are more durable but they also are heavier and more expensive. These are more affordable and also more adjustable because you can mix and match densities to get the best exposure. Glass filters are only one density so you need to buy a complete set to be ready for different lighting conditions. These are also substantially lighter so they don't disrupt the balance of the gimbal.

[@neavissa2583]

+Dave Ditzler Thanks for the info and sorry for the late reply! Thanks again! G.

[@drewtownes505]

How do I find out which one I need for the Phantom 3 Standard? I can only shoot a 30fps at 1080p

[@daveditzler8118]

If you are shooting at 30P then your shutter speed should be double that. Set you camera to manual with a shutter speed of 1/60th (shown as 60 on the screen) and an ISO of 100 and then figure out how much your image is over exposed. If it shows you +2 for example then add the 2-stop filter. Although the app has been updated since this video the concept is the same.

[@ThomasFarina]

Hi, how long it takes for an international shipping to Italy?

[@daveditzler8118]

+Thomas Farina Usually about two weeks. Unfortunately there is no cost effective express option. I use USPS First Class International and it only costs $3.36 USD.

[@andriand711]

hi Dave..i allready buy 2pcs today via ebay..may i ask u somethin about the plastic ring..are strong enough to fit with the DJI lens..specially when flight in high wind..thanks

[@daveditzler8118]

+ANDRIAN D Thank you for your order! I shipped them out today. The plastic rings fit quite snugly and I test every one that ships out on my own Phantom for a good fit. If you have any problems with them or you loose one in flight please let me know and I will send you a new one for free. Thanks again.

[@andriand711]

+Dave Ditzler Hi i allready recieved your item...very quick shipping to indonesia...thanks bro

[@BobbyBrown23]

I find it easier to unscrew the camera factory lens cap and insert these filters inside. Then screw it back on. No dirt on the filter itself...

[@TiagodeJesusManifesto]

great

[@chuckb.6899]

Does the P3P have a FN button?

[@daveditzler8118]

+Chuck Brenkus I don't understand your question. Do you mean a physical button on the controller that operates the FN button on the screen of the app?

[@chuckb.6899]

+Dave Ditzler The F/N button on the app?

[@DitzlerPhoto]

+Chuck Brenkus Yes look at the video at 0:53 where I describe how it works. Does that answer your question?

[@skycamvideo]

What would be total Inc postage to UK. I've checked out your website but there is no email address on there. let me know as would be interested in the 3 pack.

[@daveditzler8118]

+sky cam video International Shipping (anything outside the USA) is $3.36 USD.

[@skycamvideo]

+Dave Ditzler can I have an email address to contact you.

[@johanhoahm]

hi, i want to buy this filter, how long it takes if sent to dallas tx? i have my friend in there for a month, if can make it, i'll purchase from ebay. thanks

[@daveditzler8118]

+johan hoahm I think it should take no more than 3 days normally. I got your order and sent it out this morning. Thank you!

[@Gershy13]

Do these degrade image quality significantly? Ive heard they do because they are film and not glass...

[@daveditzler8118]

No they do not. They are photographic gels made for the film industry. You can see an example here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3y5n3ajj6ikibs This is shot with two filters stacked. You will see before/after comparisons with the same setup with and without filters. I also offer a money back guarantee if you don't like them.

[@Gershy13]

Dave Ditzler thanks... will you pay for shipping as part of the money back guarantee?

[@daveditzler8118]

Yes I can send you a return label via email so you can just print it out and drop it in the mail.

[@Gershy13]

Dave Ditzler nice ! Just to warn you I am from the UK .. you ship to the UK right?

[@daveditzler8118]

Yes I ship worldwide. The UK is a very popular destination for my filters.

[@bOuyakore]

Hello Can we see a real video comparison of the differents filters please

[@daveditzler8118]

+Antoine Borzeix I am working on that. I have some new footage from a trip to FL that does a good job of showing this.

[@AntoineBorzeix]

+Dave Ditzler i just bought your filters and waiting to receive in France, i m exciting to test it and review ;)

[@daveditzler8118]

+Antoine Borzeix The new side-by-side test is here kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3y5n3ajj6ikibs

[@Lunacrater]

I would say this is good explaination but test your exposure whilst in the air rather than on the ground to find the best nd filter strength

[@henngo4971]

ev = 1.7, so you use ND 2 stop ev = 1, so you use ND 3 stop. that doesnt make any sense to me. i think you meant the ND 1 stop right?

[@andersonaarp]

I think its 1 full stop withou taking off the previous ND2 filter, Só its needing 1 more stop.

[@daveditzler8118]

yes andersonaarp had that right.

[@daveditzler8118]

I just got a nice note from a customer in Budapest, Hungary -Thanks Robert! "Thank you for your filters, they're amazing! I've just started to shoot in manual mode, with results like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opW4hXyjpMt_Y5Y

[@daveditzler8118]

Here are some examples of these filter in use. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3y5n3ajj6ikibs

[@siendbhcixisj]

wow. so many confusing tutorials out there. you explain things simply for a noob to understand. cant wait to puchase your kit next pay day.

[@blaster12v]

to bad you only have paypal .. to pay with.

[@daveditzler8118]

You can pay with credit card. Just ignore the PayPal button and continue the checkout process and you will be asked for a credit card. www.ditzco.com

[@blaster12v]

Thanks for fast reply .., but i dont buy on credit ;o) Maybe banktransfer would be better... i think this item should be selling in Europe stores its good item.. i realy mis this on my drone :o(

[@daveditzler8118]

blaster12v Maybe you can find someone with a credit card and have them order it for you and you can pay them directly. I ship to Europe every week but I don't have any stores there.

[@LeonKolenda]

Way too easy to scratch and finger prints!

[@daveditzler8118]

+Leon Kolenda You can clean these like any other lens. They do scratch easier being plastic and that is a trade off for the lower code and much lower weight. That is why I include the case with most of my kits. Thank you.

[@daveditzler8118]

+Leon Kolenda I have updated the design and now there is a tab to hold the filter to keep fingerprints off the lens. Check them out at www.ditzco.com

[@scottarmstrong239]

This is the best explanation I have found thanks

[@daveditzler8118]

+Scott Armstrong Thank you that means a lot!

[@scottarmstrong239]

Best explanation of filters iv found can you tell me when I can purchase your kit thanks

[@daveditzler8118]

+Scott Armstrong You can get them on my site at www.ditzco.com. Thank you.

[@scottarmstrong239]

This is the best explanation I have found thanks

[@scottarmstrong239]

Best explanation of filters iv found can you tell me when I can purchase your kit thanks

[@scottarmstrong239]

This is the best explanation I have found thanks

[@scottarmstrong239]

Best explanation of filters iv found can you tell me when I can purchase your kit thanks

[@scottarmstrong239]

Best explanation of filters iv found can you tell me when I can purchase your kit thanks

[@daveditzler8118]

+Scott Armstrong You can buy them on my site www.ditzco.com or if you want eBay and Amazon.

[@scottarmstrong239]

Best explanation of filters iv found can you tell me when I can purchase your kit thanks

[@daveditzler8118]

+Scott Armstrong You can buy them on my site www.ditzco.com. Thank you.