DJI Mini 3 Pro: How to Change CPL and ND Filters (Video)

As the Pro in the name Mini 3 Pro denotes, there are several features related to the Mini 3 Pro camera that might appeal to amateur photographers and videographers, as well as Professionals looking for a smaller travel drone.

Because the Mini 3 Pro has a great little camera, with a very wide f1.7 aperture, capable of shooting 4k resolution video and 48mp photos, one might want more control over the overall image exposure.

This article and the included YouTube video will be a high-level overview of what ND and CPL filters are, as well as a step-by-step tutorial showing how to remove the Mini 3 Pros original lens cap and install and remove ND or CPL filters.

ND and CPL Filter Overview #

The Mini 3 Pro has a fixed aperture of f1.7, allowing it to take in more light through the lens than, say, the f2.8 aperture found in the Mavic 3 and Air 2S, although those drones do have larger overall camera sensors.

What does this mean for Mini 3 Pro owners?

It means that if you shoot in manual mode, you’ll need a way to precisely control the light that comes into the camera or even modify the light captured in your photos or videos, prior to working in a photo or video editor.

ND Filters #

ND or neutral density filters, act as sunglasses for your drone’s camera, letting less light into the sensor.

This is especially useful for those that shoot videos manually and would like to maintain the 180-degree rule which dictates the shutter speed should be double the fps (frames per second) to maintain the proper motion blur which we are used to seeing.

This basically means if you are shooting a 4k video at 24 frames per second, you’ll want the shutter speed to be 1/48 or the closest to 1/48, which in the Mini 3 Pros case, would be 1/50.

Note: ND filters aren’t just for video shooters, though. They can be useful for those that take still images and need to play with the shutter speed for motion blur while maintaining a certain aperture.

Because the aperture is f1.7, when shooting video on a sunny day it will be impossible to shoot at a 1/50 shutter and be able to see the video correctly, as the video would basically be all white.

This is where choosing the proper strength ND filter comes into play. You will be able to achieve the correct shutter speed while having a properly exposed video.

CPL Filters #

On the other hand, we have CPL or circular polarizer linear filters.

These are used to reduce the polarizing light glare that bounces off reflective surfaces, which for drones in particular, would most likely come from bodies of water, windows on buildings, or cars.

When using a circular polarizer linear filter, the polarizing light is reduced to a point where you are left with richer skies, greener trees, and sharper images.

Circular Polarizing Linear filters have a rotating dial on them that allow you to apply the effect to the correct position to filter out unwanted light and glare.

Removing the Standard Lens Cap #

To remove the lens cap:

STEP 1: With the Mini 3 Pro facing you (preferably on a table), with one hand, pinch the camera between your thumb and index finger.

STEP 2: With your other free hand, gently grasp the lens cap between your thumb and index finger.

STEP 3: Gently twist the lens cap, counter-clockwise. It will then click and dislodge.

STEP 4: Remove the lens cap and put it in a safe place, as you will most likely not keep the CPL or ND filters on permanently.

We suggest putting the lens cap in the same storage case your ND or CPL filters are in.

Installing an ND or CPL Filter #

For installing an ND or CPL filter, you’ll want to make sure the Mini 3 Pro is still on a table facing you.

To attach an ND or CPL filter:

STEP 1: Choose the appropriate strength ND filter for your needs or a CPL filter.

STEP 2: With the Mini 3 Pro facing you, place the filter on the camera at a slight angle, ensuring it sits in the grooves.

STEP 3: Twist the filter on in a clockwise motion. You will feel a slight click and the filter should now stay in place.

If the filter does not stay in place, this may be because the filter is not seated in the grooves of the camera completely. If this is the case, remove the filter and try again.

Reconnecting the Lens Cap #

After your day of shooting has been completed, and if you choose to, reconnecting the lens cap to the Mini 3 Pro is as simple as repeating the above steps, in reverse.

To put the lens cap back on:

STEP 1: With the Mini 3 Pro facing you, with one hand, pinch the camera between your thumb and index finger.

STEP 2: With your other free hand, gently grasp the ND or CPL filter between your thumb and index finger.

STEP 3: Gently twist the filter, counter-clockwise, until you hear it click and dislodge.

STEP 4: Remove the current filter.

STEP 5: Pick up the original Mini 3 Pro lens cap. With the Mini 3 Pro facing you, place the lens cap on the camera at a slight angle, ensuring it sits in the grooves.

STEP 6: Twist the lens cap on in a clockwise motion. You will feel a slight click and the cap should now stay in place.