UV ND ND/PL CPL What on earth does it all mean? | Ultimate Guide to DJI Mini 4/Mini 3 ND Filters

[@TheDroneCreative]

Try these 10 Creative DRONE Moves I Wish I'd Known SOONER - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXTIfGWHraispJo

[@peterevans6086]

AT LAST! Someone who knows what they're talking about and can explain properly the use of ND and polarising filters.(unlike many Drone KZbin creators). The only important point missing is that the degree of effect a polariser has is determined by the camera's position relative to the reflective surface (for removing reflections), or to the sun (for deepening blue skies). So, depending on which way the camera is pointing, and its angle to the subject, the effect can be quite noticeable or not noticeable at all. These are basic principles in photography and not at all drone specific.

[@TheDroneCreative]

Thank you! Great info regarding the degree of polarisation, thanks for sharing that - it will definitely help others!

[@brucecleland9220]

@@TheDroneCreative If you are going use a ND anyway, why not have a polarizing effect(however good or bad)?

[@JanKnoester]

SO IF I WANT TO 1 PACK OF ND FILTERS I BUY THE ND WITH POLORISING.? THANKS

[@01bigtrev]

Jumping on the question about going for the nd polarising pack for best of both worlds? Or just nd filters?

[@benwhite7005]

@@01bigtrev what did you end up going with? I am having the same dilemma haha! I guess the question is, is there any downside to using NDPL in lighting situations where reflections aren't too prevalent so they don't have much use?

[@djduane1]

Undeniably the BEST description of motion blur and why one needs an ND filter. Also a wonderful video describing the difference between UV, ND and CPL filters! Thanks Mattheww! Awesome!

[@TheDroneCreative]

Thank you, hopefully it helps you and others struggling to know if and why they need filters!

[@efanfazril]

You are my drone teacher. I'm completely, ultimately grateful for your existence and perseverance. Thank you so much for all the knowledge you have been sharing! I hope you will live well for the rest of your live. 😇

[@fencergg9645]

lol

[@Czechmix82]

I just bought my first drone, the mini 3 pro with the RC controller. No idea what Im doing and probably spent way too much for my first one. I know nothing about photography or filming. Your videos are extremely helpful and I’m learning a lot.

[@aqeelkadasah]

Same here!

[@ruirodrigues9122]

Gotta say it...you and DM Productions are the reason why I know how to properly use ND filters so thank you.

[@TheDroneCreative]

Happy to help! Thank you!

[@AndrewSOlis-nz5fu]

me to

[@OGRTech]

You do a great job of explaining the science in plain and easy-to-understand language. Thanks!

[@adamhenry5019]

You’re an absolute genius mate. Everything makes sense and watching your videos is giving me a massive amount of knowledge 👍

[@brandenstading0]

Breaking down information to terms I can finally understand! Very organized video with a side by side look of differences. Thank you. I am now a subscriber.

[@TheDroneCreative]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the kind feedback!

[@BAJ1981drones]

Defo the go to man/channel for a newbiw like me learning with my first new drone. Thank you for explaining everything so well. Great channel.

[@sonybeta123]

Man I've watched so many videos but this was straight to the point and explained everything really well. Thank you!

[@TheDroneCreative]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@qyaig]

Very helpful tips. Thank you for sharing. So easy to understand.

[@TheDroneCreative]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@anjayl]

Great video. Maybe I missed it, but there is one question left unanswered in my mind : Are there situations when an ND filter is a better choice than an ND/PL... ?

[@ArijanaLukic]

Good question! I want to know too!

[@joti9387]

This is what I found after using your question directly in google: Photographers commonly use PLs to reduce glare, reflections on water, and the like. Why should they make their shutter speeds slower at the same time? That would only introduce blur or force higher ISOs. Makes no sense in most shooting situations. In addition, ND/PL filters are harder to manufacture precisely. Poorer quality isn't much of an issue for drone photography, but if you want the best results, these filters aren't most people's choice. Most of the top-notch filter makers don't offer them as one integrated filter because those don't reach the same quality levels as separate NDs plus PLs. Combining two separate filters is a feasible alternative, anyway. So it seems to be a quality issue. I don't think it is possible to fly drone with two filters on top of each other?

[@zahirkhan778]

Only video out there that explains this succinctly

[@giraffeasaurus8643]

Bro thank you…finally an explanation that I could understand without leaving anything out. Thank you thank you

[@TheDroneCreative]

Glad it helped - thanks for watching!

[@FoxxPhotography]

This was extremely helpful! I appreciate you so much for your channel. Your videos have helped me so much since I've gotten into aerial photography!

[@TheDroneCreative]

You are so welcome! Thanks for leaving such kind feedback - I really appreciate it!

[@peterevans6086]

Rather than trying to find the correct ND filter by trial and error, you can easily calculate what ND filter you need. Every halving of shutter speed is a reduction of exposure by one 'stop'. Each grade of ND filter reduces exposure by a given number of stops so you just need to match them up. In this example, we start with a shutter speed of 1/3200 but need a shutter speed of 1/50. So: 1/3200 down to 1/1600 = 1 stop (ND2) 1/800 = 2 stops (ND4) 1/400 = 3 stops (ND8) 1/200 = 4 stops (ND16) 1/100 = 5 stops (ND32) 1/50 = 6 stops (ND64). If the starting shutter speed was 1/1600 then that's a 5 stop reduction in exposure, so we'd need an ND32 from 1/800 down to 1/50 is 4 stops, so that would need an ND16 And so on

[@Ammarkhogeer]

Is there a 1/60 ? 😅 I usually use 30 fps so I wonder what my calculations would be

[@peterevans6086]

The calculations will be the same. In terms of exposure, the difference between 1/50 and 1/60 will hardly be noticeable and, if it is, it can easily be adjusted in post processing.

[@garyheald4704]

I have been waiting for someone to post this information and if I didn't see it I was going to comment myself. I am new to drone photography/ videos but I have over 40 years as a keen stills photographer, including qualifying through the Royal Photographic Society. I have frequently used ND and CPL filters in my photography and was pleased to see that someone had posted the 'rule' for deciding what is the best ND filter to use, without using trial and error (and battery life!). Something that some people may not have noticed is that the number on the filter is the multiplication factor. As a result, if the exposure say 1/3200 and you want to get to 1/50 then (1/50 divided by 1/3200 = 64). Or put more simply 3200/50 = 64. or 1/3200 x 64 = 1/50. I hope that helps someone.

[@listenthenspeak]

@Gary Heald super helpful! Thank you!

[@CA18Drifter]

Thanks for the comment, i was hoping the video would have this info

[@ryandotson8648]

Amazing breakdown/description of each filter. Thank you for helping me fully understanding what I need.👍

[@TheDroneCreative]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@miketheknife2]

Excellent video and explanation,- 68 years old and still learning !

[@eftaxopoulo]

Mate, once again, you are a legend. Really helped me. I've just got a set of 4 filters as a gift, time to use them properly :)

[@TheDroneCreative]

Thank you, happy to hear this has helped. Enjoy the filters!

[@smileyh888]

Awesome video. I watched 4 other videos on filters and still didn’t understand how they worked until I watched your video. Thanks for the clear descriptions.

[@TheDroneCreative]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching, appreciate it!

[@richardadams6856]

Thanks Matt. just buying today a dji mini 4pro.. watched a lot of videos. yours are the best. Thanks again

[@isiglz]

Really helpful video for someone who knows nothing about photography

[@jontowers2455]

Thanks for the explanation of all the filters only started with my drone, great insight 👍

[@DaRealGap1K]

Thanks I like how you explained it straight to the point easy to understand

[@wrathtard1428]

You were very informative, and I love your accent. I feel so much more prepared to get the shots I want now. 👍😀

[@Ferrum_Anima]

REALLY nice video explaining all these filters. I was still a little confused coming into this, but now I actually understand what these things do. Thanks a lot!

[@TheDroneCreative]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@SwampyDuckRidesAgain3636]

You just made filters understandable even to a newbie.

[@TheDroneCreative]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching!

[@TonesDroneVisuals]

I should be getting my ND/ CPL Filters soon. Freewell are one of the best brands

[@TheDroneCreative]

I agree, let me know how you find them!

[@MitoPagan]

Thank you so much for breaking things down to the last detail. Appreciate your work!

[@TheDroneCreative]

Happy to help and thanks for watching!

[@surenderdudi2804]

I found this is the best video about nd filters explanation love from india ❤❤

[@weaselinjeans1]

You legend, this was my next question regarding ND filters. I’ve been waiting for Freewell filters to come back in stock. Great video mate.

[@TheDroneCreative]

Thank you, appreciate your kind feedback. Hope this helps!

[@juliandoporai]

Hey man! Thank you for a lot information shared on your channel! I got a lot of insights to improve my drone videos! 😊

[@Blues2cool]

Your videos are excellent. I also love the Irish back drop. It has been too long since I have been to Ireland. Great people, great whiskey and beautiful scenery. I was there over Christmas several years ago in a little village called Doolin. I was shooting the cliffs of Moore.

[@nacomeno]

Love your videos. Always feel so smarter after watch.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

This was extremely helpful and well explained. Thank you!

[@TheDroneCreative]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@takkischitt]

Nice to hear a Norn Iron accent on KZbin, and one that knows what they're talking about. I'm just waiting on a Mini 3 Pro arriving and have been looking into filters, and this video has been the most informative I've seen, especially with the examples/side by sides, so thanks. What I'm wondering is why would anyone buy anything other than the ND/PL filters? They seem to have everything? What situations would the non PL filters become more advantageous and make them worth using over the ND/PL filters? And what set would you recommend for local use around Northern Ireland, mountain biking, and maybe the odd holiday?

[@TheDroneCreative]

Hey! Thank you. A few reasons not to use a polarizer are when the reflected light has colour and you want that in your image (ie, orange sunset on the water) or in very low light. Realistically speaking though the ND PL kit will be good for 99% of situations and it's what I use when shooting around Northern Ireland! Hope that helps!

[@takkischitt]

@@TheDroneCreative Great, thank you. I'll start off with the PL set and see how it goes, then maybe down the line a bit I'll grab a non-PL set. I've subscribed and looking forward to seeing more of your videos, and with recognisable locations! Cheers.

[@robertbarker2672]

Yes thank you ,have just purchased mini 3 pro and am trying to figure out which set to purchase 1st general beginner stuff love gluing the drone now trying to make sense of photography

[@droneadventureswithdaniel]

Pocked up some filters myself recently for my Mini 3 Pro. Will be doing some testing and videos today! Looking forward to it. Thanks for good explanation.

[@dukeshaver199]

Loved the video and also loved how you broke the topic down to the basics. Brilliant!!!

[@TheDroneCreative]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to watch - appreciate it.

[@cbmediapros]

Yes I needed thissss, thank you kind sir :) I love the videos. I got the 3pro a couple weeks ago and your videos have helped me out alottttt. Thank you thank you

[@TheDroneCreative]

Happy to hear the video has helped! Thank you for the kind feedback, appreciate it.

[@DeansDrones]

Great video again! and i been looking for some one to do this for some time now, thank you.

[@TheDroneCreative]

Thank you - hope it helped!

[@georgekelly1948]

Terrific explanation. Thanks, Mattheww and cheers from Wisconsin.

[@TheDroneCreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mrplease66]

this is so useful! finally someone who explains why my mapping flights always return with motion blurr on my stills - it's the ND filter!

[@DaRealGap1K]

Been learning a lot from you keep doing what you doing much love from Atlanta 🫡

[@TheDroneCreative]

Thank you! Happy to hear my videos are helping!

[@worldlydiscovery]

Great video! This helped so much. Thank you Brennan for great videos. I really enjoy and learn a lot from them. 👏🙌

[@TheDroneCreative]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@chateaumedia]

Great video, best filter explanations tutorial i come across so far, 👍.

[@TheDroneCreative]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for such kind feedback!

[@Tedlotty]

Great vid makes everything a lot easier to understand… well done

[@nanners2989]

Informative, I learnt something new watching this video. Good explanation on motionblur and ND/PL filters.

[@IronHideWildfire]

Really appreciate the description.

[@TheDroneCreative]

Happy to help, thanks for watching!

[@mytrung]

I don’t know why I never understood motion blur until now 💀 you deserve a sub

[@PhilsReelEscape]

I legit thought for the first minutes of the video that you said fellas 😂

[@nickademis22]

love the accent and helpful information!

[@AmitDunsky]

Great information, brightly presented. There are two more filters you might want to include as well: The ND2000 (and sometimes even the ND1000) are great for long exposure photos, and the GND, which help balance a non-balanced scenery, such as very bright skies and lesser bright ground.

[@TheDroneCreative]

Thank you, and you are absolutely right. I will do a separate video on long exposure. The GND is a new one, even to me. Will check it out, thanks!

[@AmitDunsky]

@@TheDroneCreative The GND filter is largely used with landscape photography. I use it every now and then with my professional mirrorless camera, and was happy to see it is available for the M3P, as it can help overcome the quite-short dynamic range this camera has to offer and the fixed wide open aperture.

[@rosie121000]

Matt that was a brilliant, explanation .thank you. 👏👏

[@dougcooper4917]

Excellent Tutorial Review Video Of Filters For Your Drone. Thank You Mattheww.

[@TheDroneCreative]

Thank you, appreciate you taking the time to watch!

[@rangerrick8220]

Very good explanation - thanks! Onew question you did not speak to, what sideways motion jitter! What is the best filter for eliminating jitteriness from sideways panning motions? Ugh - drives me nuts!

[@TheMongoshrdr]

Your vids has helped me tremendously from capturing footage to flying junk. Keep up the great content! You ever think about putting together some kind of Cinematic Dronie Master Class/Course? I'm ready to enroll.

[@TheDroneCreative]

Thank you! There's an idea! What kind of topics would you like to see covered in a course?

[@TheMongoshrdr]

@@TheDroneCreative I guess it depends on the target audience (Noobs, Intermediate, Advance) so you don't throw out info that some might not able to grasp at the same time info that just bores people, cause maybe they already know it and just want to skip/move on. Some topics I would be interested in: - what drones for what situations (is that even a thing?) - your best practices for drone flight - best tools/resources for drones - your best practices for cinematic settings - your creative process - what and how to shoot for ..... - tools/resources for the camera/camera settings - putting it all together (your process on story telling, transitions, etc) - editing process/techniques etc As someone who is familiar with photography, but new to drones, drone cinematography has caught my attention. Rather than flying the drone up to a location and taking still frames, I really want to learn the whole movement/video side of things but everything I do seems to be dull and boring. I want to find a class that that helps me bridge that gap. Idk if it is unreasonable, but I would also like to see a class where the instructor ask students to submit work on each section as well as their project. This way we get input of the work so we know where we are doing good vs need to improve. Of course this is just my perspective and the topics I mentioned probably already has been covered in many of your videos already, but being able to work with a great creator as yourself in a course, I think that would be well worth it. Again, your work is amazing so course or no course, I always look forward to your content

[@vincegp]

This really helped me understand the difference, thank you.

[@rafaelgomez9482]

Thank you so much! I just got the filters and your video was a great help to understanding them more.

[@pinguinitoproductions294]

Rafael Gomrz

[@teleo5854]

Majestically explained! Thank you🔥🤙🏽

[@TheDroneCreative]

Hope it helps! Thanks!

[@Desilv]

Very informative !!

[@martinking4476]

Bought 16 pack and video quality on bright days is great

[@LeonKolenda]

I'm a semi-pro photographer, and I have NDF's that are pretty expensive. They are made by Breakthrough Photography. They are the only filters that do not cause any color shifting compared to a number of others that do create color shifting. Do these ND's have any color shift in them? I'm getting ready to get my Mini 3 Pro. Great videos are easy to understand and right to the point!

[@TheDroneCreative]

I personally haven't noticed any color shift when using these filters. Thanks for the kind feedback!

[@noodlefoo]

Thanks. Very well explained and demonstrated.

[@TheDroneCreative]

Thank you - hope it has helped!

[@lucienhikingdroneflying2543]

It’s really helpful. Big thanks to you 👍

[@TheDroneCreative]

Happy to hear it has helped! Thank you.

[@charleshenderson3447]

Excellent video Master Jedi.

[@jacknsaav]

Thanks for a great and simple explanation…and enjoy those 20c days, the norm around here is 35 and up

[@TriniWeekes]

I always enjoy these type of videos that you do. My biggest confusion is when filming video from my drone with ND-PL filters and the relation to the angle of the sun. In reality where should the sun be located to get the best results with the ND-PL filters?? Should I fly towards, behind, left or right side in relation to the sun for best results

[@DAXimusTT]

Just subscribed to your channel :) To answer your question, for NDPL shoot 90 degrees from the sun.

[@peterevans6086]

As DAXimus has said, the lens need to be perpendicular to the sun. So 90° is optimum and 180° will have no effect at all.

[@TheDroneCreative]

Hey, thank you! As the two guys below have mentioned, you want the lens to be perpendicular to the sun aiming for 90 degrees.

[@donegalrediscovered3309]

👍 Great video.. Fab explanation.. I’ve used the Freewell Filters & are excellent.. Good point about UV filter as I was shocked when discovered that my Air 2s had no protection so got one .. Only thing you missed explaining was the Variable ND Filters which are handy than carrying a bunch of different filters.. just a comment 😀👍

[@TheDroneCreative]

Thanks for the kind feedback! UV filters are great for that extra layer of protection for the camera. Need to get my hands on a set of Variable ND's for the Mini 3 and do a video on them!

[@artificial4612]

Thank you mate this video was really helpful 🔥😄🙏

[@MyViewsOfTheWorld]

Great video Matthew, thanks. Now, one question, on the drone, with those CPL filters, when do I turn it to another alighnment where not aligning the guidelines on them? That is to say, (on the Mini 2), when would I rotate that to another setting and why? At present I use ND filters with CPL (polarization) and always keep the notch aligned with the line. However, why do they move and what for? On a DSLR camera, it is to polarize the direction of the light if I am not mistaken.

[@aryuumayuuki2486]

thank you for this, i now know what nd filter should i use

[@MarkPrigoff]

Thank you for your informative video on the FREEWELL Filters. Besides the 3-Pack Filters I got with the Fly More Pack Pro from DJI, I purchased the Freewell UV, the All Day 6-Pack of ND Filters, and the Bright Day 6-Pack PL Filters for my DJI Mini 3 Pro. These sets should cover me for awhile! Thank you, once again, regarding the application of these filters.

[@HAPfilm]

Excellent explanation

[@adamc6454]

Love the vid. If you were going to buy just one set, which would you go with? Usually film on hikes, mountains etc and going to be in the Alps in a few weeks so I assumed I'd need the ND/PL ones so I can get motion blur and avoid the glare but I heard about odd colours in the sky (vignetting) I believe it's called... Any thoughts which set you'd prefer? Cheers bud and good luck with the next vids.

[@Kobro10]

Great Video! Thanks Matthew

[@TheDroneCreative]

Happy to help - thanks for watching!

[@BeautifulNorfolk]

Clearly explained, thanks!

[@TheDroneCreative]

You're welcome!

[@SnorreSelmer]

Very good summary of all the different types of filters. But can I point out one reason to _not_ bother with a UV filter? If your drone takes a hit that has enough energy to smash that UV-filter, chances are very high that your gimbal is busted as well. So while you don't have to send in your drone for repair/replacement for a busted lens, it has to go in anyways for a gimbal-fix...

[@libertyisparamount1443]

okay, I get it - finally, thanks a lot.

[@mikeyc-k8c]

Love your videos.

[@imy85]

Brilliant video. Thanks buddy!

[@TheDroneCreative]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@imy85]

@@TheDroneCreative I understood stuff I haven't managed to understand from other videos 😃

[@Sir_Hubris]

Finally I understand how to use them, thanks M8 ¶ ; - )

[@TheDroneCreative]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@beatsandstuff]

Great vid (already subbed a few months ago). Shout out for a camera cleaning tutorial (including filters)! I haven't had the need to clean the lens, but I'd use an air pump to blow any particles first and if it doesn't do the job, I'd use my camera brush gently on it. With the filters, so far I've just used microfiber cloth and would like to know if I'm f'ing it up and should be using and air pump + brush first... Anyway, that UV filter saved my drone once, I keep an extra UV around, besides the complete ND collection. I also wanted to add that the ND/CPL pack will change the color of the sky, they are best used at a 45 to 90 degree downwards angles. That's the only thing I'd say it was missing from the tutorial, hopefully you'll make a vid on this particular issue.

[@ed3R77]

Hello everyone! I'm about to get an ND/CPL six pack... but is there any drawbacks of chosing ND/CPL as opposed to just ND or is it better to have both? From this video, I understand that having CPL will alter saturation and contrast slightly but is this enough of a video altering issue that you would rather have two separate filter kits? One ND and another one ND/CPL?

[@Az__]

Were you able to find an answer to this? I am looking for the same answer as well.

[@ed3R77]

@@Az__ I have the ND/PL Neewer set and I found them to be just fine and even convenient for my ends to have both ND and PL, in practice I’ve realize that convenience and quickness is more important to me, so whatever makes the prep process faster and easier to just start filming, I’ll take it. I even prefer the higher saturation and contrast, but that’s just me…

[@Az__]

Thanks @@ed3R77 , appreciate your response. Great, that is exactly what I am looking for too. I need the quickest solution and will be using in Auto mode as well. I don't want to waste time playing around with the settings.

[@NGC008]

Excellent, as always. 👍

[@Psychedelic_Samurai]

What each feller does😂. All jokes aside you are a life savor and a fantastic creator.

[@codigovitoria]

Fantastic video! Thank you so much, Mattheww

[@TheDroneCreative]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@bd7190]

Great video thank you. Which ND filters should I buy for my mini 3 pro? also which one should I use for snowy mountains? Thank you

[@evFPV]

Thank you for your video. You saved me 60€. My main use for my mini 3 is for high vídeo and pics, not for proximity flights or close to the ground. For that I use fpv drones

[@mikepi660]

Thanks for the info, I understand now,,,,,

[@sebastiansombra]

Excellent explanation! Thank you

[@BTSflyer]

I wouldn't use the CPL and the ND/PL for video if I were going to change directions often. They are fine for still photos with the drone. While using a CPL filter for video any change of direction you may get a a color shift or an uneven change in brightness. If you know for a shot your going just one direction then they are fine.

[@PauloGurgelAudiovisual]

great video. I'll run for the ND + CPL filter type

[@RavellerRitik]

Amazingly explained

[@DN-lifestoriescaptured]

Awesome!! Could you do a video about the mist and light streak filters that Freewell do? 😬

[@TheDroneCreative]

Working on it as we speak! Thanks for watching.

[@DN-lifestoriescaptured]

@@TheDroneCreative Can’t wait! Loving the videos which give my loads of confidence. Done lot’s of camera shoots but new to drones with the Mini 3 pro. A good friend of mine lives in Eglinton so your footage always brings back good memories of my visits there :)

[@nathanielsion3183]

Great video. If you can only choose 1 filter what nd will be ? Also would you get the ndpl or just regular nd ?

[@Mvrderface]

i'm thinking of buying the ND/PL kit and use them for all situations.. it's a good kit and sure i won't buy two separate kits, it is already expensive. even if the situation don't require PL, by using PL sunglasses i know everything always look better colorwise

[@SPCOOPERR]

Thanks for this. I've got the bright day pack and I'm still experimenting with video and stills. You explain everything perfectly.. but when should I NOT use the ND PL kit? I bought this kit on its own and I'm wondering if I should have standard ND's for when filming when there is little motion, high up or little reflections around, or does it not really matter? Thanks again

[@TheDroneCreative]

Hey, so a few reasons not to use a polarizer are when the reflected light has colour and you want that in your image (ie, orange sunset on the water) or in very low light. Realistically speaking though the ND PL kit will be good for 99% of situations. Hope that helps!

[@SPCOOPERR]

@@TheDroneCreative thank you! I'll see how I go. I'll probably get the all day pack too so I have the full spectrum and can test the difference. What modes on the M3P would I be using for the ND1000?

[@dapre]

Thanks for the explanations :)