The Problems With ND Filters for the DJI Action 2

[@heggy_fpv]

So with latest firmware DJI action 2 exports gyro data (in some modes, check carefully), which allows us to record with nd filters, no stabilization and stabilize in post in Gyroflow.

[@SonnyGreenwichJr]

Thanks so much for this! I'm not planning to do a lot of "action" shots so the filters may work for me. Mostly I wanted a small cam that doesn't bother other people... 🔥🧨💪🏽🤠👍🏽🧨🔥

[@JustinEspejo]

Very much welcome! In that case i think it will work perfectly! 👌👌👌

[@realpropertymangement7640]

I literally ordered Freewell filters for use on my A2 yesterday, PRIOR TO finding and watching your video. Providence was on my side. I originally considered buying the Standard Day 4 pack, but opted to go with individual purchase of the ND8 and the CPL. Apparently, your energy was strong! 😂 May now need to pick up an ND1000 for some long duration time lapse sequences. Thanks for a very informative vid!

[@JustinEspejo]

Haha happy to hear that! And goodluck! ❤️🫡

[@BeachVision]

Is it possible to let the shutter speed to go Auto and use an ND8 maybe, that way the Action 2 can crank up the shutter speed as much as it needs and still be smooth?

[@JustinEspejo]

should work in theory but at that point, I'd rather just not use the NDfilter anyway..

[@DanboxingPH]

Intro is 🔥 good job, my bro!

[@JustinEspejo]

😁🙏😁

[@danpiraino]

Loved the lead in :) & thank you for the video - You saved me from purchasing for the wrong reason.

[@JustinEspejo]

Hey Daniel! Thanks for dropping by! Appreciate you! 😄

[@MyungHyunOH]

I really loved your video. I just bought this camera and was countinued looking up for the nd filters. And as you warned, I was gonna use it for a 'action'cam when I travel. Maybe I should buy them later.. Maybe when I learn how to get nice pics like you.. Thanks for the nice information.

[@paz_y_amor_cabrones4233]

wait a minute have you tried higher frame rate ?

[@JustinEspejo]

Yeah! Basically higher framerates and higher shutterspeeds will be fine, it’s when you want to get that 180 degree shutter rule that you start getting problems. But then again, personally, if I’m gonna shoot at a higher framerate/shutter speed, I might as well just not use an ND at all and get that stabilized shot instead.

[@AllAboutSpainbyBarryHaylor]

I didn’t know about the case problems with the ND filter. Good explanation for the action 2 thanks from Spain 🇪🇸

[@JustinEspejo]

You’re very welcome! Glad it helped! 😁

[@thejeffgeronimo]

Nice review brother! Detailed and entertaining 💯💯💯💯

[@JustinEspejo]

Thanks Jeff! 😁

[@kevinwillis2859]

Very informative! I think I’ll wait until the Action 3. Hopefully the problem will be solved!🙏🏾

[@JustinEspejo]

Thanks Kevin! Glad you found it helpful!

[@KxngUnkasa5]

It's not necessarily a problem to be fixed... Every single action camera will do this with a ND bc of the electronic stabilization. Unlike an iPhone or DSLR with moving parts to handle this action cameras don't have any bc of the size.

[@JustinEspejo]

@@KxngUnkasa5 this is 💯

[@Dubsteppah]

This video is edited so well, damn. I just got the Action 2, it's my first action cam, I really want UV/IR filters though, are there any available for this?

[@NikoBols]

Waaaah! What a great review! Very informative and creative 👏👏👏

[@JustinEspejo]

Hahaha let’s go! Thanks buddy!

[@rickypatel7412]

Amazing video and info thank you! Saved me some money!

[@JustinEspejo]

Hey Ricky! thanks for the kind words! I'm glad it helped! :)

[@JustWojtek]

Slightly dramatic intro :D ... I love it!

[@JustinEspejo]

Hahahaha I was looking for an excuse to practice and use the sfx files you gave me!! I enjoyed a lot! So much so thst the intro has i think 18 audio layers 😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@JustWojtek]

@@JustinEspejo that's how it's done! 😂

[@a_son_of_a_beach]

Awesome video! I’ve got a question: What if I use it with a proper gimbal, for more controlled movement and hyperlapses; would I still have the same issue ?

[@JustinEspejo]

Thanks man! Means a lot! With a gimbal, it will work! My argument would be, it would defeat the purpose of getting a small camera.. which at that point, might as well shoot with a mirrorless camera… ☺️

[@a_son_of_a_beach]

@@JustinEspejo yeah, I see what you mean. I can see some very, very specific use cases for this. You're right. Thanks for your prompt reply! ✨

[@JustinEspejo]

@@a_son_of_a_beach 🍻

[@PrestonGladd]

Turn off EIS and set FOV to Ultra Wide, then stabilize in post if you need it. If you mount it on a helmet for "action" sports then your head acts as a gimbal and you don't need EIS. If you're not doing action sports you don't really need an ND filter unless you are wanting to control the highlights, but for the most part your subject will be exposed properly. Or just get a Pocket 2 and the freewell nd w/ wide angle and that fixes the problem.

[@JustinEspejo]

Hey Preston! Thanks for bringing up this very good point! Stabilizing in post does seem like a viable option altho, like i said in the vid, it kinda defeats the purpose of getting an action cam and to your point, I will be better served with a pocket 2 (which i have and love!) for normal kinda of filmmaking. Interesting to hear you say you’d use an ND for extreme sports though vs ordinary filmmaking as I would prefer to get the very Stabilized footage out of the cam for that and use ND if im trying to get cinematic footages for static, slow pan, talking head shots. Anyways, Really appreciate your inputs! Might try to see the pros and cons of stabilizing in post vs out of the camera too! 😁

[@zaherjess2497]

Can i use dji 2 nd filters to dji action 4 .as i will buy action 4.

[@TheOpticalFreak]

Thank you for doing a great job! 👌☺️

[@JustinEspejo]

Thanks for the kind words! Appreciate it! 🙏

[@bikedoc4145]

Thanks for the info, so they will still be good for tripod time-lapse and stuff? How do I get the protective case, I just purchased the Action 2 Battery combo and it didn't have it

[@TheAjsiwy]

Write do dji, they should send you manetic case for free.

[@bikedoc4145]

@@TheAjsiwy Thanks

[@user-rl4ji5ne4o]

I have an Insta306 One RS amd theres no filters for it. Its mainly used for MTB riding in a sub-tropical mountain region and i felt i wanted filters because things can be a bit glaring. So, im looking for a different camera that i can buy filters for and the Action 2 can be gotten cheaply now. I know ill need a heat-dissipating case, and you've shown the filter wont stay on. You've also shown ND filters just wont work with digital stabilisation. I can only summise that my 'dream' of getting better footage is not going to work on any action camera therefore, and its more about shooting then playing with the footage i want to keep in software after the fact?

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Bro I purchased an ND-8 filter and for the very fact that I don’t trust it while having the magnetic case on, I haven’t used it sense. But thank you for be transparent regarding the use and effects of using any ND filters with the action 2.

[@JustinEspejo]

Hey Tim! If you’re using it with the dji protective case on, Definitely avoid using it coz it just slips. However, without the dji case, i find the magnets to be pretty decent (tho i hven’t tried it on more extreme situations as you’ve seen 😅) Thanks for dropping by man and i appreciate the sentiments! Means a lot! 🙏

[@mattattackms]

Just found your channel. Good stuff. So the cpl filter would work if moving and getting “action” shots? What setting did you use for outdoor sunny shots?

[@JustinEspejo]

Hey matthew! Thanks man! Yeah basically, the cpl filter won’t reduce the shutter speed too much so you can still get the benefit of the EIS and the contrast from the filter. I just use everything in Auto actually and let the camera do it’s thing :)

[@luizhribeiro]

FUEGOOOOOO 🔥

[@SimplexVisuals]

Wow, this is such a great review!

[@JustinEspejo]

Thanks James! Appreciate it always! 😁

[@geirskjret4023]

Thanks! You saved me money :)

[@JustinEspejo]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@explorewithomer1]

I bought a Telesin CPL filter for my action 2, just to protect my lens and to have that added contrast while filming. Do you suggest it for vlogging or am I better off without any filter?. TIA.

[@JustinEspejo]

I think cpl is okay. Like i mentioned in the video, it doesnt bring the shutter speed down so much therefore not affecting rocksteady a whole lot :)

[@jonathanleong2537]

U need to bump up to 60fps …same goes to GoPro when in darker condition

[@JFlores]

That movie trailer though. Phew *Slow clap*

[@JustinEspejo]

Hahaha thanks Jflo!

[@droneographyworld8775]

Justin can you try this with ND filter and post stabilisation?

[@JustinEspejo]

Hey man! Thanks for checking the video out. The sample footages are in the video too! You can check the timestamps 😄👍

[@JustinEspejo]

Oh did you mean, to stabilize it in post?

[@droneographyworld8775]

@@JustinEspejo Silly me sorry aha.

[@droneographyworld8775]

@@JustinEspejo Yes in post :) just wondering if that makes the footage more useable with the ND or whether stabilisation in post created similar shakiness somehow.

[@irinalynch5764]

So what about using the nd1000 filter for time lapse? What settings would you use to get the best color?

[@JustinEspejo]

Hey Irina! yeah, I actually mentioned I would definitely get the ND1000 for the Action 2 specifically for timelapses coz the images are beautiful. I have a sample output at 5:13 :) I just use the RAW+Video output and edit to my liking :)

[@justinspirational]

has this issue been since solved with an update to the action 2? was about to get one but this is a deal breaker.. thanks

[@JustinEspejo]

Hey Justin! (Great name btw) this isnt an issue specific to the action 2, unfortunately action cameras that use electronic stabilization need a higher shutterspeed for it to work smoothly, and an nd filter will reduce it hence the “issue” Like i mentioned in the video, cpl is useable, i love the nd1000 for photos but for video, i just dont use an nd anymore coz id rather have a stabilized shot. Some people on the comments have also recommended just turning stabilization off and doing it in post :)

[@justinspirational]

@Justin Espejo Thanks justin so you mean this jittery effect will happen with the dji fpv drone or dji avata camera with a nd filter on as well with their in built stabilization and even gopros with their in built stabilization too?

[@JustinEspejo]

@@justinspirational i’m not sure what the mechanism is on the avata or fpv (coz i dont have one 😜) but if it’s a mechanical gimbal like the one on my mavic mini, then it won’t affect it, but if it’s EIS, then it needs the higher shutterspeed for it to work, so technically speaking it might be the case.

[@justinspirational]

@Justin Espejo they're fixed on avata and dji fpv drone (other than adjusting camera angle up and down) as well as also being dji products of course.. so you think this will happen with a gopro 11 mini too?

[@JustinEspejo]

@@justinspirational i’m more sure it will for the gopro… really don’t have a clue with the avata tho…

[@elcamino6699]

I recently returned my pack of ND-Filters. I figure If you don't rely on the Image Stabilization, Filters are fine. But considering the Stabilization is one of the main selling factors of the Action 2, it's just not for me. Maybe there will be a firmware update in the future that mitigates these issues, but until then I'm shooting without ND's (which is actually pretty ok)

[@JustinEspejo]

Yeah dude. Exactly my thoughts. Thanks for dropping by man! Appreciate it. 🙏

[@elcamino6699]

@@JustinEspejo Very interesting channel by the way! Quality wise you deserve much more attention. I just discovered your video about your A6400 Rig because I'm in the process of configuring one for my own. A lot of great content here, I will stick around.

[@JustinEspejo]

@@elcamino6699 ooh! , rigging is a grown man's lego! haha! good luck! and thanks so much for the kind words! means a lot! 🙏

[@BeZRules]

This issue can be solved with the new gyro data app that dji released

[@dymone4894]

Is there an advantage to using the PL filters?

[@JustinEspejo]

Yep! You remove glare and get a little bit of added contrast without losing shutter speed too much :)

[@GlennCooke]

Well done… thank you!

[@JustinEspejo]

Heya! You’re welcome! Thanks! 😁

[@m.emrulrahman2757]

Your video in Vienna, Austria??

[@JustinEspejo]

Good eyes! Yes! 😁

[@mecsp]

Very helpful

[@JustinEspejo]

Hey Michael! Glad it helped! Cheers!🥂

[@izzyshootsiphone]

Is this video straight out of camera footage? It looks edited

[@JustinEspejo]

Hi! Colorgraded, yes :)

[@izzyshootsiphone]

@@JustinEspejo thanks 😊

[@Mathy_Base]

BRUUUHHH its logical that stabilization and nd filter don't work... even on a gopro... or other action cam with stab. JUST TURN IT OFF .. are you new in videography world ?

[@a_son_of_a_beach]

So, in theory, if the camera is mounted on a gimbal with the stabilisation off, the footage should be good, right?

[@duekneel]

hahahahaha ginawa mo naman tong movie

[@JustinEspejo]

Hhahaha minsan malakas talaga trip ko e 😂

[@davidfinnegan7861]

Show the damn front of the camera lmao

[@noizzzZZZz11]

Just get a gimbal and turn off rocksteady completely. Problem solved.

[@mariusmocan8491]

Great review, but I'm thinking I'm going to return my DJI Action 2. Honestly my iPhone 13 Pro Max has better image quality. Not impressed.