Silky Smooth Air 2S & Mini 2: Quick Guide to Long Exposure Video, ND Filters & Polarizers

[@BjEddy1]

Ian I consider you one of best ! I've watched you grow over the years, becoming, in my mind, one of the top KZbinrs out there on drones, you speak to the point, something few can do. I refer to some of your videos more than once for my own education,, just saying thank you

[@IaninLondon]

Very kind words sir 👍🏻👍🏻. Thank you!

[@Geeksvana]

Just what I needed on a Friday, a video from Ian 😎

[@dfreeman1148]

Just discovered your channel , nice to have down to earth explanations without condescending experience. The subject use of nd filters brilliantly explained , Looked through your other vids especially on air 2 & 2s , been sat for 3 hrs just watching your tube channel … Ty for the great experience 😀

[@IaninLondon]

Thank you!!! 😀👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@geoartist1]

Thank you Ian for shedding some "light" into this subject in more ways than one. Now that I see the "light" I will be applying it in my videography. Thanks.

[@opurkis76]

Thanks Ian, I have literally watched dozens of videos about ND filters and this video has topped them all. It explained the technical side and usage in such a simple and easy to understand way that just makes perfect sense without an hour of plugging a particular brand of filter and has allowed me to finally properly understand the benefits if ND filters. Thanks as always 👍🏻

[@IaninLondon]

Great to hear! Thanks for the good words..... Ian

[@Dan-un4jy]

I was looking for uav filter use info and you nailed it! I started out in photography in the early 80's doing underwater photography. A pro gave me a great way to remember the exposure triangle. Think of cows in a field standing at a gate and wanting to go through. The aperture is the width of the gate. The shutter speed is how long you keep the gate open. The iso is how many cows you let go through the gate at one time. Thanks for the help!

[@tonysvideos1]

Great video with very useful ND filter info😀 Thanks

[@romo8547]

A great presentation. The best ND filter video I have seen. Clear, concise and logical. Look forward to seeing more from you.

[@IaninLondon]

Thanks Roy 👍🏻👍🏻

[@karenmouselady]

Thanks again for another great video Ian. All I need now is some water to practice on. 😊 Love the water shots at the end of the video. Looking forward to more hints and tips 👍👍

[@IaninLondon]

Thanks Karen! Yeah, Iceland has no shortage of waterfalls but England's not so lucky down south 👍🏻

[@jaysee2213]

I watched loads of videos on ND filters before buying some. Proves how much some people waffle on when you can sum it up quickly in one video

[@sabphotography2916]

Ian is clear and concise. Don't need waffle to pad out a video, he nails it everytime

[@MattCantt]

I just wanted to say thankyou Ian. I watched all your vids and they are the best out there. Keep doing what you do and thanks for your informative content and for keeping it real!

[@IaninLondon]

Cheers fella 👍🏻👍🏻

[@alsstuff]

Concise and to the point. Nice one. Once you get the exposure triangle fixed in your mind it all becomes relatively simple.

[@IaninLondon]

Exactly 👍🏻👍🏻

[@cmdrbravo2zero726]

@Ian in London I am very lucky to live within 34 miles of Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall in Powys, Mid-Wales and it’s my favourite place. Me and my Wife have been going there for the last 20 years or so. Thank you for all your very carefully crafted KZbin videos long been a Subscriber and liked all your very informative video work.

[@IaninLondon]

It's a beautiful spot..... :) Thank you for the good words!

[@thescottishdroneguy]

Super video mate. Just upgraded to A2S from Air 2, with an 8 pack of NDs. Very glad I did! Keep the vids comin.

[@IaninLondon]

Great stuff! :)

[@andrewsaunders307]

As an experienced photographer, I always found my butterzone as about iso 200… But that’s here in Australia which has a stronger light level than you have in the UK. When I was using a black and White, I took a 60, 120, 200 and oddly a 1,000 for different reasons. I’m planning to get some ND filters for my Air 2, as I have them for the Mini 2 and noticed the difference immediately. Thanks for the video, Ian. I found it interesting as I love photography.

[@LISTEDGames]

Excellent and well explained!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Just what I need… going to use these tips in Moab today!

[@IaninLondon]

Hey Dewie; you'll get some amazing shots in Moab.... Wish I was there too now..... :)

[@gerrykp]

this video explained it perfectly and i totally understand it now!! thank you! any Mini 3 vids with filters?

[@Nyxeme]

Great video again Ian! Your garden looks lovely btw!

[@newtoodrones5568]

Very well explained Ian, thank you.

[@smiffy5467]

Very well explained Ian 👍

[@SkyAir]

A really useful video. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@kathywestcott9742]

Thanks Ian very helpful info great pictures of Iceland 👍🙋‍♀️

[@RussianPlus]

So informative . Thank you

[@tartandrones3739]

Excellent stuff Ian - thanks

[@manamedia]

Brilliant Ian! Solves a couple of questions I had. Hope you boys are well. XX from New Zealand.

[@IaninLondon]

Cheers fella 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🐾

[@SimonChiarvesio]

Top advise as always Ian, and good video, many thanks

[@IaninLondon]

Thanks Simon - you get some nice effects with filters!

[@Rob.P]

🙂 Great advice and easy to understand 👍

[@troopz4683]

outstanding as always!

[@Steve53]

Thanks for being a great reviewer Ian, you have been accurate with all your videos. 👋

[@philhechle5175]

I’ve watched so many videos on ND filters, but never know you can use them on AUTO. Thanks for this info

[@krzysztofkurczewski]

Ian,best filters usage explanation, many thanks, of course I m not professional but I like my videos without proper motion blur,in cinematic speed human eyes can see all areas sharp only moving faster our eye records subjects blury out of the centre of vision,does it make sense? Thanks

[@lifestyleunleashed8046]

Very helpful. I must admit I have been a bit scared to try the ND filters that came with my Air2

[@sabphotography2916]

ND is the way to go, had them on my Mavic Air since I bought it. Wouldn't fly without them

[@LucasBuchegger]

Great Cinematic Footage,You have my Like

[@freetommyrobinson]

Very useful tips Ian. Top man👌👍

[@pavelhumnal5993]

Thanks for this information 👍

[@thomaskerrigan9166]

Thanks Ian for another informative Video regards TJK UK.

[@IaninLondon]

Thanks Thomas! :)

[@Rogar0]

Thanks for that Ian; although being an avid photographer it’s good to get another view (Drone view) on ‘stops’ and the ‘triangle’ of light adjustment! An excellent explanation of whats going on and how to achieve desired results! In particular, the fact of using a polarizing filter will ‘block out’ the reflection of the clouds in the water was an excellent tip! As always “Cheers mate” Egészségedre! 👍🍷😎

[@IaninLondon]

Yep, I really found the clouds were important on my last trip... great to hear from you as ever! :)

[@mikehrenak1390]

Awesome photography Ian you have made skills air2 s army out

[@troyp2439]

You do a great job on explaining things and seem like s decent bloke..for a pom..lol. Im enjoying watching your videos.

[@IaninLondon]

The Pom thanks you....... 🙃🙃

[@seanolley6536]

Great advise thank you.

[@dougcooper4917]

Very Beautiful Area!! Great Flying!! The Filters Are Awesome!! Great Information Ian!! A Chart Would Be Helpful!! Thank You!!

[@ringcrafts8546]

Hi Ian, Love the Drone video's, just looking at getting the DJI Mini2 combo, have you made a video on editing video from your drone. Keep up the great work.

[@IaninLondon]

I never do editing on the phone direct from drone; I always find it easier to download to my laptop and go from there... CHeers, Ian

[@TheCryptoSmit]

You make it a great content keep go to work I learn a lot from you thank you very much ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@Drons-xe1my]

Thank you 🙏well explained. New subscriber.

[@IaninLondon]

Thanks! Welcome aboard! :)

[@lynsmith1096]

Good video and tips Ian

[@kevin-roussos]

Love your videos.very educational. Can i fly my mavic pro in airplane mode to stop any calls during flights?

[@IaninLondon]

Yes 👍🏻

[@donaldrudge8039]

Love your videos, recommend your channel to people who ask about drones. The footage in this is awesome, very jealous. In the video you mention pgytech, but in your links you put freewill? Which do you use yourself, and what do you recommend? What about stories of the extra weight affecting the gimbal. I have the mini 2. Thanks

[@IaninLondon]

I use both; I've just updated the notes to link to the PGYTech page too. The Freewell ones are very good and easily clip on to the Mini 2.

[@waddac2]

Another great informative video Ian. I may have told you that I had an accident with my Mavic Air 2 that broke gimble and temp fixed.. To get completely fixed will cost me near on £400 all in. Is the lighter Air 2S as good as the Mavic Air 2 in winds etc as wondering weather to keep my Mavic Air 2 as back up and purchase the lighter Air 2S that has more obstacle avoid etc ???????

[@IaninLondon]

I would definitely go for the Air 2 S. It's handle wind extremely well 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@waddac2]

Do any of the sub 240g dji drones have 2 or 4 way obstacle avoidance and very good in strongish winds quite high up. I only fly to UK height regulations when wanting to go quite high? Reason I ask is I managed to superglue glue my Mavic Air 2 gimble back in place for second time and looks good as still moves as a 3 axis gimble. I am leaving it sat still for a few days to be safe and left gimble guard off too. May try it through the week with a flight if work hours allow as weather in Leeds is good all week.

[@sabphotography2916]

What's with the thumbs down? Ian explained this perfectly with some amazing footage. The mind boggles :-( Cheers for such a great informative video.

[@TriniWeekes]

Hello Ian I noticed that you mentioned that you can use ND filters when taking photos. I recently purchased the Mavic 3 and was wondering if when taking photos if i can without ND filters for a sharper look. what are your thoughts on this? Thanks in advance

[@IaninLondon]

Yes, not using NDs when taking still photos will usually result in sharper pictures as you're not reducing the light (and therefore increasing the shutter speed). 👍🏻. You would use NDs for stills when you want blurring, like moving water.

[@TriniWeekes]

@@IaninLondon Thank you so much Ian. I appreciate you taking the time to get back to me.

[@davidro77]

Question - for still shots on waterfalls, when you say go for the darkest filter you can, would you use ND512 / 9 stop? And will you not run into camera shake issues unless wind conditions are still? Eg. You shot godafoss in Iceland, but as we know it’s often very windy in Iceland, particularly around water and the coast. So how do you balance getting a silky shot against the overall blurriness caused from aircraft movement? Cheers

[@IaninLondon]

It's all about trial and error. You sum it up perfectly; balancing the desire for longer shutter speed against camera blur, although the gimbals are very good at cancelling out any movement caused by the drone's movement.

[@tonyhayes9827]

If I am taking a stills photo can I override the camera settings or what the camera thinks is a good exposure and put in my own settings manually? And is the AIR 2 S the best bet for slow speed images because of its inbuilt Rocksteady EIS?

[@IaninLondon]

Yes, you can override; watch this video. And the EIS only refers to video, but with its large 20Mp sensor, the Air 2S will be fine for your stills..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3O4damkndhoZrM

[@davidro77]

Also I read you cannot take panos with VNDs - maybe worth pointing out as a wide angle shot is often very useful in these situations. Feels to me like the loss of panos is a bigger pain than the convenience of not having to swap a filter?

[@IaninLondon]

I have often taken panos with an ND16 on.... Again, depends on what you're shooting.

[@johnnymac26]

well explained top class.

[@forestweston5055]

Am I correct that all variable ND filters are polarized by nature and work by adjusting the lines of polarization?

[@IaninLondon]

Yes. That's exactly how they work. I should have mentioned that 👍🏻👍🏻

[@chadgilmore5046]

Hi Ian what are VND filters and are they different from your all day ND filters

[@IaninLondon]

V stands for Variable. You turn the lens and you get more or less light reduction.....

[@romo8547]

How about a video showing how you prepare your videos. Particularly when multiple videos a playing at the same time, with audio and how you sync them all up. Eg, simultaneous presentation camera view, drone view and controller view, with audio commentary

[@Jo_channel88]

Qn…when say using an nd filter in low light to get silky water videos…..do u still aim for 180 degree rule or x 2 of the frame rate?

[@Jacobbittner9]

hey ian, wondering how the polarisation adjustment works on PGY tech nd/pl or just regular cpl filters . They have no markings, is there any way to do it properly?

[@IaninLondon]

I just hold the drone and aim at a puddle or something and watch in my phone. Bit rough but does the job

[@TheCivildecay]

On a sidenote you have a beautiful backgarden :)

[@pilotoo2007]

Great video thanks for the good information. Long live the US constitution.

[@jsgll...godgunsliberty2025]

FIXED IS NOT A GOOD WORD for exposure IN video. . .

[@stevew585]

Fantastic info, Thanks Ian!