Do Filters Really Make a Difference?

Sparky007 · Jan 18, 2019

GadgetInspector said:
Exactly. It really just depends on what you're trying to do. Limitations on the camera doesn't negate the benefits of using filters. Most folks don't know what those benefits are though (and that's ok). Put the drone in auto and have at it, you'll get good results. This looks incredible. I like the golden hue. Sun must have been setting?

Yes the sun was setting behind the spark at the time of this photo and I had used a polarizing ND 4 filter as I did not have a polarizing only filter. Also I used Light Room to process.

Miket · Jan 19, 2019

GadgetInspector said:
You don't have to do anything, that much is true, but just because you can make adjustments in post that does not preclude the use of filters. There are no "rules" to this stuff. If you prefer to do it your way have at it. I and many others will continue to use filters. I even use them on my Mavic 2 Pro in certain situations even when shooting 4K. I enjoy making adjustments in Lightroom and Photoshop as well, but I'm not chained to it by no means. In the end, just have fun is what I say.

100% agree. I would never apply rules. My comments were purely in my honest opinion. I would never preclude the use of filters, I was just pointing out that in this digital age great results can be achieved on the computer. In the old days, changing filters due to light changes was a real pain, so personally I found digital adjustments to be preferable.

Gavieboydgi · Jan 20, 2019

john dixon said:
Is anyone able to post example pictures??

Some panoramas I did with the spark without filters

DJI Spark Photos - Google Drive

DJI%20Spark%20Pano%20Canal%20Red%20Sunset.jpeg

Miket · Jan 20, 2019

Gavieboydgi said:
Some panoramas I did with the spark without filters

DJI Spark Photos - Google Drive
View attachment 8407 View attachment 8408

Lovely pics. Really is a very capable camera on the Spark. Filters really can make a difference, but choice of filter is important and can make or break the picture. Experience helps with choice of filter after a lot of trial and error.

Sparky007 · Jan 20, 2019

Here is an example using an ND4 PL PolarPro filter

Sparky007 · Jan 20, 2019

Fall colours using ND4PL

Sparky007 · Jan 20, 2019

Taken using Polarpro ND4PL

Sparky007 · Jan 20, 2019

Again using Polarpro ND4PL

beagledog · Jan 27, 2019

Thanks @GadgetInspector for the thread. Is that park in Grand Rapids? I love going there when I visit the family.
Pulling the trigger on a set of PolarPro filters on clearance from BestBuy!

Tom Bennett · Feb 9, 2019

Great pics! I will admit that my use of polar pro polarized filters is mostly for photos including bodies of clear water... to reduce surface reflection enough to see into the water

PortlandProDrones · May 8, 2019

I use ND filters primarily for video. For video I use them to try to get as close to the shutter speed I'm wanting. At 24fps I try to get as close to 1/50th and for 30fps I try to get as close to 1/60th. While you can use faster or slower shutter speeds, it will affect the look of the video. The best thing to do is to experiment and see what you like.

For photography, the only time I use them is when I want to extend the exposure time and smooth out water or get movement in clouds.

Andre Levite · May 8, 2019

PortlandProDrones said:
I use ND filters primarily for video. For video I use them to try to get as close to the shutter speed I'm wanting. At 24fps I try to get as close to 1/50th and for 30fps I try to get as close to 1/60th. While you can use faster or slower shutter speeds, it will affect the look of the video. The best thing to do is to experiment and see what you like.

For photography, the only time I use them is when I want to extend the exposure time and smooth out water or get movement in clouds.

You have done your research! That's exactly how ND filters are intended for cinematic effect in video (and long exposure photography).

If one doesn't care about creating a little motion blur a polarizing filter will do just fine. It helps colors pop, cuts down surface reflection and gives a little camera lens protection too.