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Drone Camera Filters UV, CPL, and ND Explained
Believe me, I was once in the same situation as you are. I didn’t know any drone camera filters from the next. They all look about the same right? When they are used correctly, this filter will make any amateur look like a pro!
What Are Drone Camera Filters?
Drone camera filters can be a simple way to elevate your skills while allowing a more versatile photo to be taken. With a little practice, you will quickly get the hang of how each of these works. The filters modify the amount or type of light that is entered into the camera lens. With these modifications, you can open the shutter for longer amounts of time without fear of overexposure or reduce glare off of reflective surfaces.
UV Filter
The UV filter is probably what came with your drone. This filter simply keeps the expensive front lens from becoming dirty or damaged. In the past, these filters actually prevented the UV from hitting the film. In current cameras, UV/IR filters are built in front of the digital sensor and this is no longer a requirement.
Circular Polarizer/Linear Filter
Circular Polarizer/Linear (CPL) is a glass lens that reduces glare. This can be useful when wanting to reduce glare off reflective surfaces such as water, glass, and removing haze or color. You would not want to use this if you were trying to make any of these a focal point.
Neutral Density (ND) Filters
Neutral Density (ND) filters are similar to sunglasses, as it limits the amount of light coming into the camera. This will allow longer exposure times without creating any overexposure or washed-out appearance. ND Filters also allow for lower aperture settings keeping a sharper picture.
- ND4 reduces light by 1/4. An ND4 filter can reduce 2 stops of light, allowing you to slow the shutter speed from 1/100s to 1/25s.
- ND8 reduces light by 1/8. An ND8 filter can reduce 3 stops of light, allowing you to slow the shutter speed from 1/200s to 1/25s.
- ND16 reduces light by 1/16. An ND16 filter can reduce 4 stops of light, allowing you to slow the shutter speed from 1/400s to 1/25s.
- ND32 reduces light by 1/32. An ND32 filter can reduce 5 stops of light,
allowing you to slow the shutter speed from 1/800 to 1/25s.
Stacking Filters
Stacking filters can cause interesting effects. Just like using any of the above filters for the first time, always test your setup before you show up to your site. The order that filters are attached does not matter. You will have the same picture in the end regardless. When you are attaching your filters, attach the one more likely to be removed or changed on the outermost part. This keeps things simple when wanting to change your filter setup as you progress in your photos for that day.
Unfortunately with current drones, unless you are flying with a DSLR you probably aren’t able to stack filters. To my knowledge, nobody makes anything that would fit this description for smaller drones. Using my Mavic 2, this would require threads on both sides of the filters to be able to attach to the drone and the first filter.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, DJI only makes its official ND filters for their Mavic Pro, Mavic 2 Pro, and Phantom 4 Pro. If you have those models, you are in luck and can find the Official DJI Filters and More About Them Here! For the rest of us, we must find an alternative route.
The above-mentioned filters can all be found in one convenient package here on Amazon.com. I have personally purchased this product for my Mavic 2 Zoom and cannot be happier with the results. Six filters (UV, CPL, ND4, ND8, ND16, and ND32) are included along with a microfiber cleaning cloth and a nice protective case that holds everything for you. This fits nicely in my drone case or even in my pocket if necessary.
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