Series: Learn Drones From Zero → Pro
By SpeedyDrone Canada
🕶️ 1. What Are ND Filters (And Why They Matter)
ND = Neutral Density filter
It’s like sunglasses for your drone — it reduces how much light hits the sensor.
Why Use ND Filters?
Because shutter speed affects motion blur.
No ND = fast shutter = jittery video
ND on = slower shutter = smooth, cinematic motion blur
📸 Your camera adjusts exposure by controlling ISO, aperture (if available), and shutter speed.
Most DJI drones have fixed apertures — so ND filters help manage shutter speed.
⏱️ 2. What Is the 180-Degree Shutter Rule?
This is the #1 rule in cinematography.
Here’s the easy version:
Shutter speed = 2× your frame rate
| Frame Rate | Ideal Shutter Speed |
|---|---|
| 24 fps | 1/48s (use 1/50s) |
| 30 fps | 1/60s |
| 60 fps | 1/120s |
Why? Because that shutter speed creates natural motion blur — the kind your eyes and brain expect in real life.
🎬 3. Why “Too Sharp” = “Too Robotic”
If you film without an ND on a sunny day, your shutter might jump to 1/800 or 1/1000. That freezes movement — and your drone video looks jumpy, robotic, or too crisp.
Great for slow motion? Yes.
Great for storytelling or cinematic feel? No.
🧪 4. ND Filter Guide: ND8 vs ND16 vs ND32
| ND Filter | Stops of Light | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ND8 | 3 stops | Cloudy days or early morning |
| ND16 | 4 stops | Normal sunny day |
| ND32 | 5 stops | Bright mid-day sun |
| ND64 | 6 stops | Snow, beach, or intense sun |
You’ll need stronger ND as sunlight gets brighter.
Start with a 3-pack (ND8/16/32) — that covers most situations.
☀️ How To Use ND Filters (Step-by-Step)
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Choose your frame rate (e.g., 30 fps)
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Set shutter to 1/60 (2× fps)
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Adjust ISO to 100
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If image is too bright, attach ND filter
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Repeat with stronger ND until exposure is correct
✅ Use manual mode or Pro mode in DJI Fly app
✅ Use histogram to avoid overexposure (enable in settings)
🎞️ 5. How to Get Film-Like Smoothness
To look cinematic:
✔️ Use ND filters to control shutter
✔️ Fly in Cine Mode for slower movement
✔️ Combine orbit / parallax / crane movements from Episode 6
✔️ Color grade in post if filming in D-Cinelike
✔️ Use motion blur to your advantage
🚫 6. When to Break the Rule
Rules are made to be broken — when it makes sense.
You can break the 180° shutter rule:
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In low light — better sharp than shaky
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When filming fast action and need clarity
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If you’re shooting slow-motion (60–120 fps) and want frozen motion
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If you don’t have ND filters with you
Just know what you’re sacrificing: motion feel versus clarity
✅ Recap: Smooth Video Starts With Shutter Control
👉 ND filters don’t make your drone fly better —
They make your video feel better
Whether you’re filming a sunset reveal or orbiting a lighthouse, ND filters let you match real film standards.
🔜 Next Time: Episode 11 — Mastering Autonomous Modes
We’ll cover:
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QuickShots (and how pros use them)
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ActiveTrack tips
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Waypoint flying
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Point of Interest
-
When to combine manual + auto modes
🏷️ SEO Hashtags
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