It felt like just yesterday I was trying to capture those perfect outdoor shots with my action camera, only to be constantly battling harsh sunlight that blew out the sky and left everything else looking dull. Trying to get smooth, cinematic video with the correct shutter speed was a constant headache, especially when transitioning from bright areas to shade. This problem wasn’t just annoying; it meant losing valuable footage and spending hours in post-production trying (and often failing) to salvage shots. Having a solution to properly control exposure and light would have made a world of difference.
So, why would someone need camera filters for their compact or action camera? Primarily, they address lighting challenges that the camera’s built-in exposure system can’t fully compensate for, especially in bright outdoor conditions. If you shoot a lot of video and want that smooth, film-like motion blur, controlling your shutter speed independently of your aperture is crucial, and that requires reducing the amount of light hitting the sensor – precisely what Neutral Density (ND) filters do. Similarly, if you’re capturing scenes with reflective surfaces like water, glass, or even just a bright sky, a Circular Polarizing (CPL) filter can cut down glare and boost colours.
The ideal customer for camera filters like these is someone who frequently shoots outdoors with their DJI OSMO Pocket 3 or similar device, wants more control over their image quality, and understands the basics of exposure (shutter speed, aperture, ISO) or is eager to learn. If you only ever shoot indoors with controlled lighting, you might not see much benefit. If your primary goal is extreme long-exposure photography (minutes-long exposures), you might need even stronger ND filters than those typically included in standard kits, but for video work and general outdoor shooting, a good ND/CPL kit is invaluable. Before buying, consider the specific filter types included (ND strengths, CPL), the attachment method (magnetic is key for ease of use on small gimbals), the optical quality (material, coatings), and compatibility with your specific camera model, especially regarding the gimbal’s movement and storage.
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Presenting the NEEWER HD CPL ND16 ND64 ND256 Filter Kit
Enter the NEEWER HD CPL ND16 ND64 ND256 Filter Kit Compatible with DJI OSMO Pocket 3 Creator Combo Accessories. This kit is designed specifically for the Pocket 3, promising to enhance your outdoor footage by providing essential light control and glare reduction. It’s a set of four magnetic filters – ND16, ND64, ND256, and CPL – made with HD optical glass and lightweight aluminum frames. The promise is simple: improve image quality in bright conditions without impacting the Pocket 3’s gimbal or ease of use. Compared to the official DJI filters, NEEWER generally positions itself as a more budget-friendly option, offering similar core functionality with magnetic attachment. This specific kit seems tailored for the Pocket 3 user who wants a comprehensive set of common filters right out of the box.
This filter kit is perfect for vloggers, travellers, or anyone shooting action and outdoor scenes with their Pocket 3. It’s less suitable for someone who relies heavily on specific, non-standard filters (like Black Mist filters from other brands) or needs extremely dark ND filters for niche applications.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Magnetic attachment is incredibly fast and easy.
* Includes a useful range of ND filters (ND16, ND64, ND256) and a CPL filter.
* Made with multi-coated HD optical glass.
* Lightweight aluminum frame doesn’t affect gimbal calibration or storage for the most part.
* Comes with a handy storage case.
Cons:
* Reported minor quality control issues (dust between glass/frame).
* May not be compatible or stack well with filters from *other* brands (like DJI’s own Black Mist filter).
* Magnets might not feel quite as strong as official DJI filters.
* Small size can make them slightly tricky to remove initially.
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Features & Benefits
Having used this kit for a while now, I can really speak to how the features translate into tangible benefits when you’re out shooting.
Instant Magnetic Attachment
The single most significant feature of this filter set is the magnetic design. It’s not just a convenience; it’s a workflow game-changer on a small camera like the Pocket 3. You literally just hold the filter near the lens, and it snaps securely into place in a second. Need to switch from an ND16 to an ND64 because the sun just came out? Snap off, snap on. It’s incredibly quick, meaning you miss fewer shots fumbling with screw-on filters. This secure grip also gives peace of mind when the gimbal is moving rapidly, like when tracking subjects or during dynamic shots. While one user noted the magnets *might* not be quite as strong as DJI’s official ones, I’ve found them perfectly adequate for regular use, even during moderate action.
Comprehensive ND Filter Selection (ND16, ND64, ND256)
The kit provides three different Neutral Density filters: ND16, ND64, and ND256. These correspond to reducing the light by 4, 6, and 8 stops, respectively. What does this mean in practice?
* ND16 (4 stops): This is your go-to filter for moderately bright conditions, like overcast days or shaded areas with patches of sun. It allows you to slow down your shutter speed to around 1/60th or 1/50th of a second (ideal for 30fps or 25fps video) even when the scene is reasonably bright, giving your footage natural motion blur.
* ND64 (6 stops): When the sun is shining brightly, the ND64 becomes essential. It cuts out enough light to maintain that cinematic shutter speed even in open, sunny environments. Without it, you’d be forced to increase your shutter speed significantly, resulting in choppy-looking video motion.
* ND256 (8 stops): This filter is for the absolute brightest conditions, like midday sun on a reflective surface (water, snow, sand). It’s also useful for slightly longer exposures in photo mode (though the Pocket 3’s minimum shutter speed limits how ‘long’ this can really be). While the ND16 and ND64 cover the majority of my needs, having the ND256 is great for those extreme situations. These ND filters effectively prevent overexposure, ensuring you retain detail in highlights like the sky or bright clouds.
Vivid Colour Reproduction with CPL Filter
The included Circular Polarizing (CPL) filter is a fantastic addition that serves a different but equally important purpose. Unlike ND filters which reduce *all* light evenly, a CPL filter selectively filters out polarized light. This means it dramatically reduces glare and reflections from non-metallic surfaces – think water surfaces that become transparent instead of reflective, windows where you can see through instead of seeing your own reflection, or wet pavement after rain. Beyond glare reduction, the CPL also has the magical effect of making colours pop, particularly blues in the sky and greens in foliage, by reducing atmospheric haze and reflections. You can rotate the CPL filter while it’s attached to adjust the intensity of the polarization effect, allowing fine-tuning for the desired result. Using the CPL filter alone or stacked with an ND filter significantly enhances the visual punch of outdoor shots.
Multi-Coated HD Optical Glass
The quality of the glass and its coatings are paramount for any filter, as a poor filter can degrade the image quality your camera is capable of. NEEWER uses HD optical glass with 30 layers of multi-functional coatings on both sides. In plain terms, this means the glass is designed for clarity and the coatings serve several purposes: they reduce internal reflections and flare (which can wash out your image or cause unwanted artifacts), and they provide protective properties. Specifically, these coatings are described as water repellent, scratch resistant, and oil proof. While no filter is indestructible, this multi-coating helps keep the glass clean from fingerprints and water spots, makes them easier to wipe down, and adds a layer of durability against minor abrasions, ensuring the optical glass maintains its quality over time, even in less-than-ideal shooting conditions.
Lightweight Aluminum Frame
Each filter is housed in a precision CNC machined aluminum frame weighing a mere 0.06oz (1.62g). This lightweight construction is critical when working with a small, delicate gimbal like the Pocket 3’s. The minimal weight ensures the filter doesn’t interfere with the gimbal’s balance or calibration upon startup. It also means you can often leave the filter attached when powering down the Pocket 3, and the gimbal will retract and lock securely without issue, unlike some heavier or bulkier filter options. This convenience is a major plus for rapid deployment. The aluminum frame also adds a sense of quality and durability compared to plastic alternatives.
Designed for the Pocket 3 Workflow
The magnetic attachment isn’t the only aspect optimized for the Pocket 3. The thin profile of the filters allows the gimbal to mostly close properly with a filter still attached. This is a significant convenience compared to filters you absolutely *must* remove every time. While one user reported occasional “gimbal protection” errors upon startup with a filter attached, recommending removal every time just in case, I personally haven’t encountered this consistently, and usually find leaving them on doesn’t cause problems. This feature, combined with the lightweight design, truly integrates the filters into the Pocket 3’s quick-start workflow.
Handy Storage Case
Often overlooked, the included storage case is essential. It’s a compact, well-made case that securely holds all four filters, protecting them from dust and scratches when not in use. The filters snap into individual slots, making it easy to keep track of them. While one minor point raised by a user was difficulty distinguishing which filter is which *inside* the case without taking them out, this is a minor quibble. The case is small enough to easily slip into your pocket or the Pocket 3’s carrying bag, ensuring your Pocket 3 accessories are always organized and protected.
Social Proof (What Others Are Saying)
I’ve peeked around online to see what other users think, and the feedback is largely positive, echoing my own experience. Many appreciate the excellent value the kit offers compared to higher-priced alternatives, especially noting how effective the ND16 and ND64 filters are for common shooting situations. The magnetic attachment gets consistent praise for making filter changes quick and painless. Users are happy that the filters are thin enough that the Pocket 3 gimbal usually closes without needing to remove them. The optical quality for the price point is frequently mentioned as a strong positive, with reports of minimal colour shift. Some reviewers did mention initial hiccups with quality control, receiving filters with debris between the glass and frame, requiring exchanges. There was also a note about these filters not being compatible or stacking well with DJI’s own Black Mist filter, which is something to be aware of if you planned that specific combination. Overall, the consensus is that this is a very capable and convenient filter set for the DJI Pocket 3.
Conclusion
Dealing with challenging lighting conditions can really hold back the quality of your video and photos when shooting outdoors with a camera like the DJI Pocket 3. Overexposed skies, blown-out highlights, and video lacking natural motion blur are common frustrations that detract from your final output. This is precisely where a good set of filters becomes indispensable.
The NEEWER HD CPL ND16 ND64 ND256 Filter Kit offers a fantastic solution. First, its magnetic system makes swapping filters incredibly fast and easy on the fly. Second, the inclusion of ND16, ND64, and ND256 filters, plus a CPL, provides versatile control over both light reduction and glare management, allowing you to achieve proper exposure and vibrant colours in a variety of outdoor settings. Finally, the use of multi-coated optical glass in a lightweight frame ensures good image quality and doesn’t hinder the Pocket 3’s functionality. While there might be minor drawbacks like initial quality control luck or specific cross-brand compatibility issues, for the price and convenience, this NEEWER kit is an excellent investment for any Pocket 3 owner serious about improving their outdoor footage.
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Last update on 2025-07-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API