Phantom 4 ND Filters

Joe Cinquina · Apr 18, 2016

I bought a DJI ND8 filter thinking that it would be enough for bright sunny days without having to adjust my shutter speed. Ok I was ignorant. Looks like I will need a ND32. Does anyone have a good recommedation?

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NotARubicon · Apr 18, 2016

Whoa there cowboy!
I thought the same thing and jumped from ND8 to ND32.. Just earlier today I posted about how the ND32 is too dark, even in the bright California desert, and it mutes all the colors.
I just ordered an ND16.. You might want to try that before the 32..

PS: Polar Pro ND32, "like new" for sale!

sar104 · Apr 18, 2016

It shouldn't be too hard to figure out us exactly what you need - with the ISO at 100 just check the shutter speed and calculate how many stops you are from 1/50 s.

r62ewa · Apr 18, 2016

I

NotARubicon said:
Whoa there cowboy!
I thought the same thing and jumped from ND8 to ND32.. Just earlier today I posted about how the ND32 is too dark, even in the bright California desert, and it mutes all the colors.
I just ordered an ND16.. You might want to try that before the 32..

PS: Polar Pro ND32, "like new" for sale!

If you were in Canada I"d buy that ND32 as I have snow here yet and it is extremely bright with the spring sun.

Joe Cinquina · Apr 19, 2016

I guess if i could afford it, i would buy both the 16 & 32. Thanks for the input

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Joe Cinquina · Apr 19, 2016

So - I live in Sourthen California which most of the time it is pretty bright. I have been shooting with D-log color and dialing down my contrast, saturation and sharpness, so that i can color grade it in premiere cc. With that said, should i go with a ND16 or ND32?

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sar104 · Apr 19, 2016

Joe Cinquina said:
So - I live in Sourthen California which most of the time it is pretty bright. I have been shooting with D-log color and dialing down my contrast, saturation and sharpness, so that i can color grade it in premiere cc. With that said, should i go with a ND16 or ND32?

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As I mentioned above - you should calculate the appropriate filter from the camera settings in the environment that you are shooting. The appropriate settings are related to the optimal shutter speed for video, not the exposure settings for optimal dynamic range.

ringolong · Apr 20, 2016

Are there adjustable ones for the p4?

This is from my x5 using an adjustable filter.

Phantom-Four · Apr 20, 2016

ringolong said:
Are there adjustable ones for the p4?

This is from my x5 using an adjustable filter.]

There are variable ND ones for the P4 as well. I have mainly seen cheap ones though so no idea about the quality

Fallguy · Apr 20, 2016

sar104 said:
As I mentioned above - you should calculate the appropriate filter from the camera settings in the environment that you are shooting. The appropriate settings are related to the optimal shutter speed for video, not the exposure settings for optimal dynamic range.

Phantom-Four · Apr 20, 2016

Fallguy said:

It means "read the article I linked"

Fallguy · Apr 20, 2016

NotARubicon said:
Whoa there cowboy!
I thought the same thing and jumped from ND8 to ND32.. Just earlier today I posted about how the ND32 is too dark, even in the bright California desert, and it mutes all the colors.
I just ordered an ND16.. You might want to try that before the 32..

PS: Polar Pro ND32, "like new" for sale!

Is that a ND32 /PL ?
Also , the ND16 filter you said you ordered , was that a pl as well and where did you order it from? Thanks

NotARubicon · Apr 20, 2016

It was a Polar Pro ND32 / CP
The ND16 (got here yesterday!) is the one from DJI.. actually much lighter than the Polar Pros that I have.

Joe Cinquina · Apr 20, 2016

I think i got it now. Thanks to all who took time to explain.

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Schwags · May 30, 2016

where is the best place to buy nd filters for the P4? I am looking to get package of them.

Phantom-Four · May 31, 2016

Schwags said:
where is the best place to buy nd filters for the P4? I am looking to get package of them.

either directly from the vendor or amazon is probably easiest way

bigstalks · May 31, 2016

Schwags said:
where is the best place to buy nd filters for the P4? I am looking to get package of them.

Www.polarprofilters.com
This is by far the best customer service you might experience while purchasing from them . If you contact Jeff overall he will throw in the gimbal lock for these filters. I bought to sets from them good luck

PolarPro · May 31, 2016

Joe Cinquina said:
So - I live in Sourthen California which most of the time it is pretty bright. I have been shooting with D-log color and dialing down my contrast, saturation and sharpness, so that i can color grade it in premiere cc. With that said, should i go with a ND16 or ND32?

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Hey Joe!
We are in Newport Beach and I film quite often around here, I would say 95% of the time I am using an ND8 or ND16 filter. Sunny beach days with a lot of light bouncing back up off the water can call for an ND32 filter to get shutter to 1/50th. Just remember to make sure it is bright enough to use and ND32 or ND64 and your shutter doesn't drop below 1/50th.
Let me know if you need any other suggestions!
Jeff

Ibmftw · Jun 1, 2016

I use "Rainbowers" complete kit for the P4 and I wouldnt bother with anything else except maybe PolarPro.

Joe Cinquina · Jun 1, 2016

Hey Jeff - thanks for the input, much appreciated. As soon as I am able to purchase the Polar Pro set I will. I am currently using a cheap set I bought through Amazon and I am not happy with the results. Footage looks grainy. I hear nothing but great things about the Polar Pro set, little pricy but probably worth it. Just need to justify the purchase with my wife... Seems like the drone hobby is taking on a budget category of its own. So it might takes some time. Any recommendations for shooting locations in Newport? I have been shooting in Palos Verdes and San Pedro...just waiting for the June-gloom weather to pass...

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