ND FILTERS FOR DRONES - WHEN, WHY AND HOW TO USE THEM | DJI MINI 2

[@raymondhuot1684]

I am a beginner in drone photography and this video is well done , complete and , above all, honest. You don’t sell your stuff, you take time to explain with exemple. I feel respected. Thank you.

[@GAVINHR]

Hi Raymond I apologize for the delay in my reply. Those words are very kind and exactly the opinion I want to give all my viewers. Thank you very much for watching and your comment

[@DungarooTV]

Hands down best (easy to follow) video on ND Filters and basic video/photo basics. Thanks very much!

[@GAVINHR]

Really appreciate that thank you ! Hope it was useful

[@themountainman55]

By far the best explanation of 180 rule and use of ND filters on KZbin. Good job!

[@GAVINHR]

Thank you very kindly

[@Briggsfpv]

This is the best explanation video that I've found. Thank you so much!

[@GAVINHR]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ChicoDrone]

Super helpful video. It was the first one that used a clear language for an amateur, such as myself. Thanks!!

[@GAVINHR]

I tried my best! Thanks for watching

[@alexeimejikovski2452]

The best explanation yet. Along with examples... Excellent

[@bartkupp6351]

Bought the Freewell 8-Pack All Day ND Filters last week. The improvement in my photos and videos were awesome. If you got the Mini 2 over the MA2, then put your "savings" in good ND filters. You won't regret it.

[@GAVINHR]

Yeah they do make a difference when you're doing good video! Although I do really want the Mavic air 2 still!

[@k2wo1]

Thanks for the great video Gavin. I just found your Channel and this is the best explanation of ND Filters I have seen. George in FL.

[@GAVINHR]

Thank you kindly George! Happy flying

[@DigitalJunior2003]

Another excellent video. Easy to understand and no annoying unnecessary waffle

[@GAVINHR]

Thank you very kindly!

[@Auhana50]

As a landscape photographer I use ND filters to achieve correct exposure in regards to taking a photograph. I’m confuse why you wouldn’t want a ND on your drone for a still shot. Thanks Aloha. 🏄🏽‍♂️

[@GAVINHR]

Sorry for the late reply - and because you can simply lower the EV compensation and it does the same job :)

[@gordonchace550]

Thoughtfull & thorough coverage of filters for both Mini's. Impressed by the professionalism. Thanks Mr. Gavin HR

[@jackieconnell7183]

Excellent in explaining the differences between the two Gavin,new to the mini 2 and only shoot in photography, will buy both, cheers

[@ocpeaaj996]

Great clip, so a cpl filter is always useful, and by sunny weather a combination of cpl and nd filter.

[@GAVINHR]

Yes exactly

[@michaelcronk]

One of the best explanations of ND Filters I’ve watched! Thank you for this 🙏🏽👍🏽

[@pauljordan11]

Perfectly explained - excellent!

[@GAVINHR]

Thank you very kindly

[@kellyd6195]

This helped a lot. I just purchased a set of Freewells.

[@GAVINHR]

Thank you very much for watching I'm glad it was useful 😊

[@craigwflys]

Excellent in explaining the differences between the two. For me I've only purchased a UV filter which doesn't mostly just protect the real lens from moisture and dirt? Also I think it helps in the bright sunlight too.

[@newcs5518]

Great video pal. Just bough a set and wasn’t to sure what was what.

[@GAVINHR]

You're welcome! The video is a bit long but needed to fit it all in ! Happy experimenting

[@waddac2]

Can I constantly keep on a Sunnywell ND4 or ND8 filter on my drone which is Mavic Air 2 for good footage and no glare from Sun? I would really appreciate a reply regarding this question as I am a newbie to filters and novice pilot.

[@GAVINHR]

You can do but it will serve no purpose more than you could just lower the ev compensation on the fly app in the bottom right corner. Try - 0.3 / 0.7 if it's a sunny day

[@waddac2]

Thanks for that buddy, much appreciated 👍👍

[@RCsbyRich]

Hi Gav. That was a great video. I've never even thought about filters before as I did not have a clue what they did. It's a bit of a learning curve as you say no particular filter is right for each person. Thought I had switched onto good morning Britain with Mr motivator excersise at the beginning👍. Thanks for sharing..

[@SuperNova-py1ec]

Great video Gav. I have the freewell ND4 & ND16 which have worked well. I don’t have any polarising filters as had heard that because you would have to adjust them whenever you changed angle or height then this would be impossible without some motorised system. Secondly have you seen any vignetting as again some people have struggled with this?

[@GAVINHR]

Thank you very much Richard, the video is a bit in-depth but h am happy with that. I want people to learn why they are useful rather than just telling people to buy them as others do. Haha yes indeed it was a good workout haha

[@GAVINHR]

No I've seen none at all have you? And that is true .. the idea is if you use then generally 90 degrees from the sun that is where they work best - they certainly come in useful I'm still s fan of natural exposure but they are great for getting the motion blur! Nice to see you comment it's been a while!

[@rickracine9758]

hey Gavin i have Sunnylife filters and they work ok

[@GAVINHR]

Hi there, yeah there are plenty of others Im sure that do a fantastic job, I got these to try so gave them a go! Do you use them often?

[@thedroningoflife]

Great video, just started using mine ...make such a difference

[@GAVINHR]

Glad you found it useful !

[@andrewskowronski6283]

You can also add the sun-hood to assist with light direction, and reduce flare in certain conditions. Unfortunalely I have the Sunny Life ND/PL filters, but they do not permit any rotation of the lens element to dial in a lite touch of polarization. Thus the beauty of a C/PL, CIRCULAR allowing a photographer to adjust the amounts of or effects by user input as to how much reflection

[@andrewskowronski6283]

@The_RebelRambler No worries the reviews are good, would be difficult to dial the amount/effect with todays high resolution/pixel phones any-way without alot of pixel peeping and testing. Cheers! They are still well made and stay put once applied.

[@dennisclark8766]

Love your teaching method, thanks. Bought a set today, can't wait to try them out.

[@melwson]

Finally a great and professional explaination. Thank you Sir!

[@geetee27]

Great Video, Short and Sweet. Thank You

[@GAVINHR]

You're welcome!

[@skeptocism]

What would be best for every day filters. ND filters or ND/PL filters.

[@richiet6381]

Very goood info for us!!!!

[@GAVINHR]

Thank you very kindly !

[@AndrewHenderson]

Wonderful clear explanation, nice one..

[@GAVINHR]

Many thanks to you and for watching ☺️

[@leekelly1250]

Good videos for me as a novice..couldn’t we not just use NDCPL all the time instead or them separately,or does it just come as a kit with them all ..

[@Peteskis]

Commenting because I can. Very helpful, Thank you...

[@bernardgaskin]

Hi Gavin Freewell seem to have completely changed the appearance and quality of the mini filters which I just purchased but amazon are still advertising the old ones but the new ones are all plastic very like sunnylife ones. Not very happy at the moment.

[@SimonsDrones]

Thank you Gavin. I have definitely noticed that using these filters provides you with more flexibility than simply using the AE mode.

[@addahebburn3473]

Hi Gav i bought the litchi app for the mavic mini cheers for the review. i have a question i use a iphone 7 when using the drone but the battery on the iphone seems to drain very quickly when connected to the controller i thought the controller would charge my phone but does not seem to be the case.

[@pril250]

That covers it nicely as far as that goes, except the fact no one produces Graduated filters for the Mavic Mini/Mini 2 which in some situations will make footage and photos taken against a bright sky, for instance like sunrise/sunset or the 'blue hour', to have more detail in the sky without forgoing any in the foreground....

[@GAVINHR]

Yes that would be very nice I must admit ! I know freewell are developing some things for the DJI pocket so hopefully something similar for the mini drones!

[@snaducca]

Excellent video! Thank you Gavinhr! I wonder if I have sometihng wrong with my mini when I put the ND/CPL filter on, the gimbal start to shake after few minutes and a strange noice like itś comming from the gimbal. No problems with ND filter only with the ND/CPL filter. I have calibrate the gimbal when ND/CPL filter on but no help.

[@WiljanWiljan]

Hi Gavin, great video and clear step by step tutorial and explanation. I would recommend to also use the Zebra's to check if you are using the right ND... , also what is still unclear to me, when and why to change the EV....

[@GAVINHR]

Sorry for the late reply! So you simply change the ev so make the image brighter or darker nothing more or less - plus as I said in the video there is no set requirements it's all about the look you want yourself :)

[@WiljanWiljan]

@@GAVINHR thanks a lot! Enjoy the weekend

[@cidfidchris]

Super explanation! Thanks mate

[@GAVINHR]

Thank you kindly ☺️

[@grossi46]

Absolutely brilliant and you explained it in a language even I could understand 👏 👍

[@ivanjdrakov1957]

Gavin, seriously... This is for sure one of my very favorite channels on KZbin!!! Your content is just awesome and amazing, the way you explain things is just spot on and very up to date... I love the fact that you still use your Mavic Mini for stuff, and fly it from time to time.. The Mavic Mini is a real little legend, baby eagle! The Mini 2 is way cooler, but I love the vintage, legacy look and feel of the Mavic Mini.. The Mini 2 is just in another league altogether! Anyway, very well explained video about the filters.. I usually achieve motion blur but only in my night flight videos.. I just choose 25fps or 24fps and the motion blur is just amazing.. Sweet Keep well and be safe! PS: I don't use ND filters usually, I just fly and use Auto video settings and just choose my framerate, usually I go for 60fps during the day. For the Mini 2 I use 4K 30fps, for day and 4K 25fps for night. So many options and settings these little drones have, it's amazing.. Sometimes I honestly struggle to choose which resolution to choose and which framerate, lol... Sweet Keep well and be safe! 😁🇧🇬🛸

[@GAVINHR]

You're a true gent Ivan thank you very kindly! Oh yes I love the old girl I must admit, as k said before I still love to hear the Mavic mini screaming through the sky! I enjoy your videos too mate in all honesty and I really appreciate your continued support on the channel genuinely

[@DronePilot01]

Any chance you can do a video on CTR D class airspace the amount of people that think you have to ring CTR is amazing considering there is no number for the CTR. I get this alot in groups and a another video of yours I can post would be wicked. Lol

[@1poppyjack]

Great job explaining sir!! Your a wonderful teacher 👍

[@GAVINHR]

You are most welcome thank you for watching

[@canonphotographer]

Hi! Gav, have you done a video about fitting these filters to the gimble... I have freewell filters but never sure they are on the gimble correctly be interesting to see how you fit yours.

[@GAVINHR]

I nearly included fitting them in my video! Wish I had now! So to be fair you're supposed to pop it over the lens then gently hook it in - but quite often I've found it's easier to pop the little tabs in first!

[@canonphotographer]

@@GAVINHR I do put the tabs on first then slide the filter over the lens but in doesn't click or pop just sits there, never feels right although I have never lost one... Yet!!

[@GAVINHR]

My ND clicks but my CPL doesn't - rest assured it's secure they don't come off sometimes I thought is that on and secure but nope they went nowhere

[@glenntwd8221]

Very informative video. Makes drone footage that much more cinematic.

[@GAVINHR]

Absolutely ! Thanks for watching

[@mijandoderir]

Esperando o meu filtro chegar!!!!

[@bernardgaskin]

Hi Gavin for our climate which freewell 4 pack would you recommend standard nd pack or bright nd pl ones.

[@GAVINHR]

Hi there.. the PL ones are literally for reducing glare over water, the standard pack I think would be more useful, anything 16/32 would be ideal

[@bernardgaskin]

@@GAVINHR cheers Gavin thanks.

[@RanchoBurger]

I often get dark spots in the lower corners when I use them. Am I using the wrong filter for the wrong lighting condition? I try to use them according to the instructions by freewell.

[@DiscinFool]

Great simple info!

[@thedroningoflife]

What's a MCUV filter used for? Got one in my set, only got up to ND32 so might buy a separate ND64

[@SGLEADS]

Great explanation.. im from air 2s group

[@GAVINHR]

Hi there! Thank you very much glad it was helpful

[@darrengofton7564]

I’ve just ordered the standard day pack with 3 ND filters and 1 CPL. Would you suggest I send them back and get the all day 8 pack?

[@EnglishTurbines]

Great video, that was a useful overview...🤔🤔🤔👍😀🇬🇧..I didn't realise motion blur was desirable until now..🤔😯

[@DroneViewsMedia]

Nice one Gavin, I literally couldn't produce any of my videos without ND filters. If you're doing cinematics, auto doesn't work

[@GAVINHR]

Exactly that mate! You can do a cinematic style video but you need a full 24fps 180 shutter video to be properly cinematic. I'll be doing more stuff so using them more! Thanks for your support as always

[@johndukes869]

Another good informative video Gav , excellent information on the basics of photography and filters. On another subject what do you think of the motor covers for the minis , have heard good and bad things about them ie weight , temperatures , have seen drone valley advertising them so in a way can see them protecting the motors but are they detrimental to the drone . Thanks as always buddy .

[@GAVINHR]

Thank you kindly John, this one took me some time to do as I wanted to get it right and give actual demonstrations so people understand what motion blur is by showing it and not just telling people they do it. So for the motor covers john - I see no point in them whatsoever they add weight and at the speed rotas spin unless they are perfectly balanced I would think they add strain. Unless you run into a swarm of bugs motors won't get dirty in the air - as you know I dunked my mini 2 into s muddy puddle and it's just fine. I really wouldn't bother with them but that's just me mate

[@johndukes869]

@@GAVINHR Thanks for that I thought same really, if DJI had been worried I’m sure they would pit cover on them especially on the mini 2 having some grams to play with , thanks again. All the best.

[@verdinec]

Hi there. I just take pictures and videos with my drone(dji mini 2) i don't do any post editing. if i wanted the best still photos what manual settings/techniques can i use without the nd filters?

[@معتزالسقا-ض6م]

Hello, I want to ask about antenna that rides on the roof of a house that is suitable for DJI mini 2 drone and uses ocusync 2.0 waves, thanks to you

[@ptaerialphotography1809]

Great vid bud, cheers for the credit M8👍

[@GAVINHR]

No problem 👍

[@angeladavis2388]

I haven’t bought a drone yet , but I am interested in the DGI mini 2 what licenses will I need to fly this drone

[@GAVINHR]

Hi there - technically no licences! What country are you in?

[@samuelashaju]

Well explained!

[@GAVINHR]

Thank you very much!

[@jean-chridrone6026]

Thanks. But the difficult part or bad side of the CPL is that you have to turn the mark toward the sun. Not always easy with a drone because toi turn in all the directions. How do you manage it? 🤩🤩 thanks 🙏🏼

[@johnwalker1]

I am going to watch this video several times to get my head sround the shutter iso and all the other stuff But well done as explaining the filters etc Personally its a bit shady Joking only love ya stuff thanks barnsley john

[@GAVINHR]

Haha thanks John! In simple terms... Always keep your iso at 100 that's for starters, aperture you can't change so play around with your shutter speed for motion blur on videos - with photos it doesn't matter ! Simple ☺️

[@SamuelWebster]

The one thing you didn't mention, which a lot of drone photographers miss too, is that a CPL filter needs to be adjusted - you need to rotate it based on the sun direction and direction you're shooting. If you don't rotate a CPL filter, you may as well leave it at home.

[@iaf-_-pali9877]

Hey man I was wondering if there is any way I can contact you personally ?

[@KnightmareOX]

Since the freewell polarized nd filters can be rotated to decrease the polarization why would you need the standard nd filters? I’m very new to this so is there something I’m not considering?

[@GAVINHR]

Nail on the head - the cpl also also blocks light you could technically get away with Just a cpl if it was strong enough to block enough light

[@KnightmareOX]

@@GAVINHR thank you for the reply. I think I’ll give a smaller set of the cpl nd filters a try now

[@johnscrivy]

A good informative video

[@GAVINHR]

Many thanks as usual !

[@robbiemckeegan8317]

If I'm filming video in 4K 30 fps on the mavic mini 2 and the video is stuttering when moving quickly, will an ND filter improve the perceived quality of the footage if there is more motion blur? I would be using 1/60 shutter speed ofc

[@GAVINHR]

Is the video stuttering once it's been exported ?

[@GAVINHR]

This may be your problem : kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoqnfnuJe8uGms0

[@robbiemckeegan8317]

@@GAVINHR Hmm, I've definitely got the right SD card. I think its when I'm playing it on my mac it lowers the bit rate or something. I might try the video after a wireless quick transfer and see if that makes any difference. Dragging and dropping the files off an SD card could be causing the problem somehow

[@billsullivan9955]

Link to the triangle image diagram please.

[@lindsayheyes925]

Very good explanation, I like it 👌. Last time I was this early, drones were still taking daguerreotypes. 😉

[@GAVINHR]

You need to keep this up seriously I love reading them hahah! Thank you kindly

[@clickphotography9422]

1. Protection 2. Better footage 3. It makes your drone look cool!

[@GAVINHR]

Totally! Thanks for watching

[@patrickhurley7029]

I cracked my lens on my dji mini 2 the other day. Looks like Ill need to pry it out with a screw driver. Anyone have any knowledge in this area? Also, how to make sure the camera its stays clean during the lens removal?

[@shwaybotx]

Thank you.

[@antonio.c3039]

I must buy the pack of 8 filters nd pl ? Or buying the pack of 4 filters nd is enough? Thank u!!

[@GAVINHR]

The most useful will be nd16 nd32 really. Hope that helps

[@antonio.c3039]

@@GAVINHR but, without PL?

[@GAVINHR]

I would buy a cpl on its own as it provides a degree of stopping of light

[@antonio.c3039]

@@GAVINHR thanks bro!

[@rodneyalberta2020]

you should write a book i buy it you full of info

[@AmericanMoviePodcast]

1:55

[@nickh2373]

Great info Gav! Does this mean you've finally become a convert? Lol

[@GAVINHR]

Haha ! I mean they are very useful I still like natural exposure though ! All of my videos I don't touch them at all but I am going to be doing s bit more cinematic stuff so setting the right shutter Is something I'm going to be doing more of so I will be using them more for sure!

[@DorosDimitriou]

Great Videos Gavin! Always to the point and very informative! Ordered a set of the all-day kit from Freewell! Just took the drone out for a very quick test drive and now i can see how much it can affect the video ! One question though: On the polarising ones there are some line markers…how do you know at what position to adjust that? How do those “alignment” lines affect the video?

[@GAVINHR]

Rally appreciate the comment thank you ! I usually mostly leave it with the lines lining up, but sometimes it can be too much, best way is to point it at the sky and rotate it just until you get some darkness into the clouds. Try that and I hope it helps

[@DorosDimitriou]

@@GAVINHR Cheers bud! I will give it a go on the next flight!

[@ChrisColeman1962]

That’s me, CPL at all times.

[@GAVINHR]

Absolutely! It does make sense to be fair

[@zacharygrossman8316]

can't you just add motion blur in post?

[@sam86yt]

One other really important benefit overlooked is a basic one... it protects your lense. A scratched, dirty or damaged filter is a lot easier to replace than the gimbal.

[@GAVINHR]

Absolutely that is a good point also ! Thanks for commenting

[@andrewskowronski6283]

FROM BELOW CONTINUED >>>OOPS is allowed to increase/decrease. ETC.

[@billannau7668]

For whatever reason, you do not refer to 25 FPS which is the British broadcast standard. 24 FPS is from the film world.

[@GAVINHR]

Hi there, yes indeed however exactly as you said 24fps is cinema so when people create cinematic movie like videos this is what I'm using to demonstrate the filters hence only really referring to that.of course you are correct 25fps is the standard TV FPS.

[@GremHopkins]

I don’t get why motion blur is a good thing in footage. It can be achived by digital processing, whereas getting rid of such blur is extremely hard. Never used ND filters and still struggling to understand their value. More often the case light is too dim

[@KuldeepGhadiali]

Bookle up

[@megabojan1993]

I never use ND filters, I just don't need them at all.

[@GAVINHR]

ND filters serve a purpose for those that need them - this is why I didn't make this a sales pitch and more of a how to video because they are not something I use on my videos myself either but I wanted to educate those that do use them or thinking of them what they actually do 😃

[@megabojan1993]

@@GAVINHR I see. If I were a pro videographer I would most likely used the ND filters, but since I'm an amateur I don't mind not having any blur in my videos :) Thank you for your detailed explanation in your video.

[@Seerwealth]

Some users complain that filters ruin gimbal, burn motors affect gimbal movements, and damages it. FACTS? Or care to comment please/

[@GAVINHR]

Not particularly an issue, if you make sure the drone is turned off when applying the filter, make sure it's lined up correctly when the drone turns on it will calibrate itself with the filter on, if you see any abnormal movements just turn it off. Any issues I see are from people trying to put them on with the drone on and fighting the gimbal. The reality is most people will hardly ever use a filter if they are used correctly

[@Seerwealth]

@@GAVINHR Thank you for your informative comment. Appreciated.