Guide for Drone Filters

Understanding Drone Filters


A Guide for Beginners


Flying drones has become a popular hobby and professional tool for capturing stunning aerial footage. However, navigating the world of drone filters can be daunting, especially with acronyms like UV, ND, CPL, and ND/PL. This guide will help you understand what each filter does and whether you need them for your drone. Using the Freewell filters for the DJI Mini 3 Pro as examples, we’ll explore their benefits and practical applications.






What Are Drone Filters?


Drone filters are accessories that attach to the camera of your drone. They help manage light entering the camera sensor, improve image quality, and add creative effects to your footage. Here’s a breakdown of the common types:

  1. UV (Ultraviolet) Filters
  2. CPL (Circular Polarizer) Filters
  3. ND (Neutral Density) Filters
  4. ND/PL (Neutral Density Polarizing) Filters


UV Filters

UV (Ultraviolet) Filter:

Purpose: Originally used to block ultraviolet light, these filters now primarily protect the camera lens from scratches, dust, and other potential damage.
Benefit: Acts as a protective layer, preventing permanent damage to your drone’s camera lens.
Usage: Simply twist off the stock cap on the Mini 3 Pro and replace it with the UV filter.
Image Impact: Minimal to no change in image quality or color. It’s mainly for protection.


Example:

With and without the UV filter, you'll notice no difference in image quality. It’s purely a protective measure.



CPL Filters

CPL (Circular Polarizer) Filter:

Purpose: Reduces reflections and glare from surfaces like water and glass. It also enhances color saturation and contrast.
Benefit: Makes colors more vibrant and clear by filtering out polarized light.
Usage: Twist off the stock filter, attach the CPL filter, and adjust the white line to either H (horizontal) or V (vertical) filming mode.
Image Impact: Removes reflections and deepens colors, making skies bluer and water more transparent.


Example:

When flying over a stream, the CPL filter removes sky reflections from the water, making it look clearer.



ND Filters

ND (Neutral Density) Filter:

Purpose: Reduces the amount of light entering the camera, allowing for slower shutter speeds and creating natural motion blur.
Benefit: Helps achieve cinematic footage by adding motion blur, which is more pleasing to the human eye.
Usage: Attach the appropriate ND filter based on the brightness of your environment. Use the 180-degree rule (shutter speed should be double your frame rate).
Image Impact: Essential for achieving smooth, natural-looking motion in bright conditions.


Example:

Without an ND filter, fast shutter speeds result in jittery footage. Using an ND filter allows for slower shutter speeds, producing smooth, cinematic video.



ND/PL Filters

ND/PL (Neutral Density Polarizing) Filter:

Purpose: Combines the benefits of ND and CPL filters, reducing light and reflections simultaneously.
Benefit: Ideal for bright conditions with reflective surfaces like water or glass, combining light reduction with glare removal.
Usage: Attach the ND/PL filter and adjust for optimal polarization. It’s perfect for environments with both bright light and reflections.
​Image Impact: Allows for motion blur while reducing glare and enhancing colors.


Example:

On a bright sunny day, an ND/PL filter will help maintain the right exposure while minimizing reflections from surfaces like water.



Practical Tips for Using Filters


  1. Protection and Maintenance: Always carry a microfiber cloth to clean the filters. Filters can get smudged easily.
  2. Manual Exposure: Using filters effectively means switching to manual exposure settings. This involves adjusting shutter speed and ISO to achieve the desired effect.
  3. Choosing the Right Filter: Assess the lighting conditions and the scene. Use UV for protection, CPL for reducing glare, ND for controlling light, and ND/PL for combining both effects.


Final Thoughts

Using filters on your drone can significantly enhance your footage, making it more professional and visually appealing. Whether you’re flying low to the ground or capturing vast landscapes, filters like those from Freewell can help you achieve the best possible results.





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