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Best ND Filters for DJI Avata
Table of Contents
The DJI Avata 4K@60 camera delivers sharp and vivid footage. From a newbie pilot’s perspective, the image can’t be any better.
But what about getting a more natural look recording?
A video with balanced lights, smooth color transitions, and that beautiful blur that our eyes perceive when seeing objects moving rapidly.
Can it get a cinematic look?
To achieve a cinematic, we need to block some of the light hitting the sensor with Natural Density (ND) filters to adjust the camera parameters.
The best ND filters for the DJI Avata are the FREEWELL and SKYREAT. They are well-priced, durable, and perfectly fit the lighting conditions this drone camera needs.
So keep tuned as we are going to review them.
Also, we explain if you need ND filters with your Avata, and some scenarios you would be likely to use them.
👉 FREEWELL DJI Avata ND filters #
Thanks to their sturdy yet lightweight construction, these are the most popular ND filters for the DJI Avata.
FREEWELL claims these filters are super light, not putting an extra strain on the Avata gimbal. So you don’t have to worry about adding additional weight that can damage the gimbal.
Avata pilots appreciate these filters for the color neutrality they produce. Your videos will have the exact colors the Avata camera filmed, even with the higher optical density ND filters.
The 4-pack is an excellent choice for all Avata pilots who like to film cinematics in all conditions, from cloudy days to burning sunlight.
The displayed colors on your cinematics will always look crisp and natural.
You can find the 4-pack or individual FREEWELL ND lenses below.
✅ PROS #
- You can buy each ND filter individually.
- The 4-pack ND filters come in a robust plastic case with a magnetic lid.
- Its frame is made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
- The lenses are scratch resistant to foreign objects like dust or small rocks.
- These lenses are fingerprint-proof, thanks to the oil-resistant coating.
❌ CONS #
- Not waterproof.
- The filters can pop off when hitting objects with the Avata.
👉 SKYREAT DJI Avata ND filters #
Another well-liked ND filter for the DJI Avata is the SKYREAT, as they help you film stunning visuals with delicate light and true colors.
These filters show slightly better color accuracy than the FREEWELL, displaying more vivid colors in the filmed footage.
On the other hand, the SKYREAT filters exhibit a less warm image compared to the FREEWELL.
They are well-made of resistant glass, and the frame is from sturdy aluminum, enough to withstand foreign object hits like little rocks.
SKYREAT also claims that these filters come with a first-class waterproof standard. So don’t worry if they fall into the water for a short time.
They won’t develop bubbles on their surface, which would translate into coating peeling due to inadequate water resistance, although that could happen if submerged for a long period.
To get the SKYREAT ND filter 5-pack, click below.
✅ PROS #
- It complies with the first-class waterproof standard.
- Its frame is made from aircraft aluminum standard.
- The 5-pack comes with a polarized filter.
- The lenses are scratch resistant to foreign objects like dust or small rocks.
- These lenses are fingerprint-proof, thanks to the oil-resistant coating.
❌ CONS #
- You can’t buy each ND filter individually.
- The filters can pop off when hitting objects with the Avata.
So, which one is better? #
It will depend more on the brand preference than anything else.
Both look like the DJI Avata lenses. And they have the same shape, which fits perfectly into the Avata camera.
So any FREEWELL and SKYREAT lens lets you slow your Avata camera shutter speed to match the double recording frame rates. You will achieve a natural video with motion blur.
The only real difference is in little details, which don’t impact1 the image quality.
If you only want to purchase an ND filter of any optical density number, then FREEWELL is your option. SKYREAT only sells the 5-pack that lacks the ND 64 filter.
On the other hand, the SKYREAT 5-pack adds the ND 4 filter ideal for filming in foggy places.
And the Polarized PL filter helps reduce reflection and glare in non-metallic surfaces like water, allowing you to film fish and marine life below with clarity.
Why do you need ND Filters for the DJI Avata? #
The DJI Avata camera works flawlessly in spaces with low light, like in a forest under the trees, thanks to the sharp and vivid images it displays in auto mode.
However, in open areas, the recorded footage has high contrast, almost looking unnatural. It will look like going out on a sunny day without your shades. Too bright!
You also get an extremely sharp image that kills the natural motion blur we expect in cinematic videos.
To solve this issue, you need to adjust the shutter speed to double the video frame rate.
You will notice that it’s impossible to set this parameter for a desired natural look with the Avata camera lens, which will always look overexposed.
The solution is to install ND filters. They let you reduce the camera shutter speed, fixing it into a desired value to obtain a natural look and high-quality video with motion blur.
So you need ND filters if desiring to shoot cinematics like a professional.
Which scenarios should I use ND filters? #
Can you tell the difference in scenarios other than sunny or bright conditions? When else would I want to use ND filters?
When you want to film moving targets such as nature, animals, or people interacting in an environment. The reason is that ND filters will help the DJI Avata film the motion blur.
Let’s say you want to shoot a highway on a sunny day. The ND filters will help you get a video with a crisp and natural look with perfect lighting.
Also, the vehicles passing through the highway will look a little blurry, giving you the effect that the automobile is moving forward.
When you don’t use motion blur, the cars will give the feeling they are moving unnaturally.
So the ND filters are essential in any scenario where you want to avoid filming robotic movements from things, people, or animals in motion.