Getting started with better drone footage often means confronting harsh lighting conditions that can ruin otherwise perfect shots. If you’re a DJI NEO drone pilot, you’ve likely encountered the frustrating reality of blown-out highlights or muddy shadows when shooting under bright sun or attempting specific cinematic looks. This problem needed a solution because simply hoping for cloudy days or sticking to golden hour limits creative possibilities and results in footage that lacks that professional touch.
Drone photography and videography offer incredible perspectives, but they come with unique challenges, particularly concerning light control. A common problem is the drone camera’s fixed aperture, which makes it difficult to control exposure, especially in bright conditions. This is where drone filters become essential. They allow pilots to manage the amount of light entering the lens and alter the image’s properties, enabling slower shutter speeds for motion blur or reducing glare.
The ideal candidate for purchasing drone filters is anyone serious about improving the quality and versatility of their aerial content captured with a compatible drone like the DJI NEO. This includes hobbyists looking to elevate their footage, content creators aiming for cinematic effects, and even professionals needing precise control over their shots. If you primarily fly indoors or only in consistently overcast conditions and aren’t concerned with achieving specific shutter speeds or colour enhancements, you might not need a full filter set immediately. For casual users simply capturing quick clips without editing, the drone’s automatic exposure might suffice. However, for those who want more creative control and better image fidelity in challenging lighting, filters are a necessary investment.
Before buying, several factors should be carefully considered:
* Compatibility: Ensure the filters are specifically designed for your drone model (like the DJI NEO). Third-party filters vary greatly in fit and can potentially damage the gimbal or fall off.
* Filter Types Included: Understand what different filters do (ND for light reduction, CPL for polarization, UV for protection/haze reduction) and choose a set that matches your shooting needs. A comprehensive set offers more versatility.
* Optical Quality: The quality of the glass and coatings directly impacts image sharpness and colour accuracy. Look for HD optical glass and multi-coating to avoid colour casts, glare, and reflections.
* Installation Method: How the filters attach to the drone lens is crucial. Magnetic systems are popular for ease of use, while clip-on systems need to be secure but can sometimes be fiddly or put pressure on the gimbal.
* Weight and Balance: Filters add weight. Ensure they are lightweight enough not to negatively impact the drone’s gimbal performance or flight time.
* Durability and Protection: Filters should be scratch-resistant, water-repellent, and come with a protective case for storage.
- 【Compatible with DJI NEO Drone】 Compatible with DJI NEO Drone, this filter accessories kit includes four ND filters (ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64), a CPL (circular polarizing), and a UV filter for...
- 【Effortless Exposure Balance】 Four ND filters (ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64) reduce light by 3, 4, 5, and 6 stops respectively, suitable for long exposure photography in bright outdoor conditions. They...
- 【Enhance Saturation/Contrast】 The adjustable CPL (circular polarising) filter minimizes reflection on nonmetallic surfaces, such as glass and water, and improves saturation and contrast for...
Introducing the Neewer Filter Kit for DJI NEO
When I started looking for a way to gain more control over my DJI NEO footage, I quickly realized that a quality drone filter set was indispensable. That’s when I came across the Neewer ND Filter Set Compatible with DJI NEO. This comprehensive kit promises to unlock the creative potential of your aerial camera by providing the tools needed to tackle various lighting scenarios. It includes six different filters: ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64, a CPL (circular polarizer), and a UV filter. This range covers everything from moderate light reduction to significant light blocking, plus options for glare control and lens protection.
This specific kit is tailor-made for owners of the DJI NEO drone. If you own a different drone model, these filters will not fit, and you’ll need to seek out a compatible set. Compared to potentially buying individual filters or settling for a set with fewer options, this Neewer kit offers a good balance of variety and value right out of the box. While there might be other brands offering magnetic quick-swap systems which some users prefer for ease of installation, Neewer opts for a secure clip-on method with this specific model.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons I’ve experienced:
Pros:
* Comprehensive set of 6 filters covering ND, CPL, and UV needs.
* High-definition optical glass ensures excellent clarity and colour fidelity.
* Multicoated surfaces resist water, fingerprints, and scratches, making them durable and easy to clean.
* Filters significantly improve exposure control in bright sunlight, enabling cinematic motion blur.
* CPL filter effectively reduces glare and enhances saturation on non-metallic surfaces.
* Secure clip-on mechanism ensures filters stay in place during flight.
Cons:
* The clip-on installation can be tricky and requires practice, potentially putting stress on the gimbal if not done carefully.
* Some users might find the UV and CPL filters less essential or useful compared to the ND filters, depending on shooting style.
* Installing/removing filters necessitates turning off the drone to avoid gimbal resistance.
* The design might slightly interfere with the original lens protector storage, depending on how you normally store the drone.
- 【Complete Camera Lens Filter Kit】This lens filter set includes all the filter accessories you need for filming outdoors: ND2 ND4 ND8 neutral density filter, CPL, UV and FLD filter, collapsible...
- 【58mm Lens Filter Accessories】This NEEWER lens filter accessory kit offers 9 pieces for your choice: UV/CPL/FLD filter, ND2/ND4/ND8 filter, tulip lens hood, collapsible rubber lens hood, snap on...
- 【58mm Filter Accessories】This lens kit is an essential addition to your photography toolbox with a 0.43x wide angle lens, a 2.2x telephoto lens, UV/CPL/FLD filters, a set of neutral...
Diving Deeper into Filter Capabilities and Advantages
Using the Neewer ND Filter Set has genuinely transformed the way I capture aerial footage with my DJI NEO. Each filter in the kit serves a distinct purpose, and understanding how and why to use them is key to maximizing their benefits.
Effortless Exposure Balancing with ND Filters
The core of this set, and arguably the most frequently used filters for me, are the four Neutral Density (ND) filters: ND8, ND16, ND32, and ND64. ND filters are like sunglasses for your camera. They reduce the amount of light entering the lens without affecting the colour balance. The number after “ND” indicates the amount of light reduction.
* ND8: Reduces light by 3 stops, meaning it lets in 1/8th of the light. Useful for slightly overcast days or just before sunset/after sunrise.
* ND16: Reduces light by 4 stops (1/16th the light). This is a versatile filter for moderately bright conditions.
* ND32: Reduces light by 5 stops (1/32nd the light). Ideal for bright sunny days.
* ND64: Reduces light by 6 stops (1/64th the light). Perfect for extremely bright conditions, like shooting over snow or water on a sunny day, or for achieving very long exposures.
Why are these important? Drone cameras often have a fixed aperture, like f/2.8, which is wide open. In bright sunlight, this wide aperture results in a very fast shutter speed, leading to video footage that looks overly sharp and “jittery,” lacking natural motion blur. By using an ND filter, you force the camera to use a slower shutter speed to achieve correct exposure. The general rule of thumb for cinematic video is to set your shutter speed to approximately twice your frame rate (e.g., 1/50th second for 25fps video). ND filters allow you to maintain this desired shutter speed even in bright light. The benefit is smooth, fluid motion blur that makes your videos look significantly more professional and cinematic. For long exposure photography from the drone, the ND64 is invaluable for capturing stunning motion in clouds or water. I’ve found the range from ND8 to ND32 covers most conditions I encounter, with the ND64 being necessary for the absolute brightest days or specific long-exposure shots.
Enhancing Saturation and Contrast with the CPL Filter
The CPL (Circular Polarizing) filter is a fantastic tool for enhancing colours and reducing glare. Like polarized sunglasses, it filters out light waves travelling from certain directions, primarily reflections from non-metallic surfaces. I’ve used it effectively to cut through reflections on water surfaces, allowing me to see and capture what’s beneath. It also dramatically reduces glare from windows or wet pavement. Beyond cutting reflections, a CPL filter deepens blue skies, makes clouds pop, and increases overall colour saturation and contrast, resulting in a more vibrant image straight out of the camera. The adjustable ring on the Neewer CPL allows you to rotate it to achieve the maximum polarizing effect depending on your drone’s orientation relative to the sun. While some users note that constantly adjusting the CPL mid-flight isn’t practical due to the changing light angle as the drone moves, I’ve found setting it for the primary direction of my shot still offers noticeable benefits, especially for static shots or tracking shots where the angle relative to the sun remains relatively constant.
Protective and Ultra Clear UV Filter
The UV filter serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it blocks ultraviolet light, which can cause a slight haze in aerial photos, especially at higher altitudes. By filtering out UV light, you get slightly clearer images. While modern digital sensors are less sensitive to UV light than film was, there can still be a subtle improvement. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly for a drone pilot, the UV filter acts as a physical protector for your expensive drone lens. It’s far cheaper and easier to replace a UV filter than the integrated drone lens itself. Having the UV filter installed offers peace of mind, protecting against dust, dirt, scratches, and minor impacts during handling and flight. It’s essentially a piece of affordable insurance for your lens. I often leave the UV filter on when I’m not using an ND or CPL filter, just for the added protection.
Multicoated HD Optical Glass: Clarity and Durability
The quality of the glass used in filters is paramount, as a poor-quality filter can degrade the image produced by an otherwise excellent camera. The Neewer filters are made from HD optical glass, which is designed for high clarity and minimal distortion. The multiple coatings applied to both sides of the glass are crucial. These coatings minimize reflections and ghosting, which are common issues with lower-quality filters, ensuring that the sharpness and detail captured by the drone’s lens are preserved. The coatings also provide resistance against water, oil, fingerprints, and smudges. In practice, this means raindrops bead up and roll off, and fingerprints are easily wiped away with the included cleaning cloth. This durability and ease of cleaning are particularly important for drone filters, which are exposed to the elements and can be handled frequently during swaps. The clarity I’ve seen using these filters confirms the benefit of this quality glass and coating.
Compatibility and Installation on the DJI NEO
These filters are specifically designed for compatibility with the DJI NEO drone. They feature a clip-on mounting system that attaches directly to the drone’s camera housing, specifically using the heat sink design. While this method ensures a very secure fit during flight – I’ve never had a filter feel loose or worry about it falling off – it does have a steeper learning curve compared to magnetic systems. When I first started using them, it took a few tries to get the clips aligned correctly to snap into place without excessive force. As noted in some user feedback, it’s absolutely essential to turn off the drone’s power before attempting to install or remove a filter. The gimbal performs a self-check and initialization sequence on power-up, and trying to fight against its movement to install a filter is not only difficult but could potentially strain the gimbal motors over time. With practice, the installation becomes quicker and easier, but it’s something new users should be aware of. Another minor point is how the filters might interact with the drone’s original lens protector when storing the drone. Depending on your storage case or how you secure the camera, leaving a filter on might put pressure on the rubber camera stabilizer or prevent the lens protector from fitting perfectly. It’s a small inconvenience, meaning you might need to remove the filter before packing the drone away.
Overall, the performance of the filters themselves in terms of optical quality and the effect they have on the image is very good for the price point. The range of NDs is practical, the CPL delivers noticeable improvements in contrast and glare reduction, and the UV filter adds a layer of protection. The clip-on system is secure once mastered, even if initially challenging.
What Other Users Are Saying
Having used the Neewer ND Filter Set extensively, I also took the time to see what others who purchased the kit thought. After scouting reviews online, the general consensus seemed quite positive. Many users echoed my findings regarding the necessity of ND filters for the DJI NEO’s fixed aperture in bright light, stating these filters made a significant difference in achieving usable, cinematic footage. The secure clip-on fit was frequently mentioned as a plus, providing confidence during flights, though some users admitted it took practice to install them smoothly, occasionally noting the contrast with easier magnetic systems on other drones. There were mentions of the CPL’s effectiveness in enhancing colours and reducing glare, though some users felt they didn’t use it as much as the NDs due to the dynamic nature of drone flight. The optical clarity was praised, with users seeing no noticeable colour shifts. A few commented on the potential for minor gimbal scratching with the clip-on method if not careful, and the slight inconvenience regarding storing the drone with a filter attached. Overall, the sentiment is that this Neewer filter set provides essential tools for improving DJI NEO video quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
In conclusion, if you’re flying a DJI NEO drone and grappling with overexposed footage or lacking that smooth, cinematic motion blur in your videos, a quality filter set is not just a nice-to-have, it’s a necessity. Without proper light control, your footage will continue to suffer from harsh contrast and unnatural sharpness, limiting your creative output and the professional appearance of your content. The Neewer ND Filter Set Compatible with DJI NEO offers a robust solution to this problem. With its comprehensive range of ND filters, effective CPL for enhancing vibrancy and reducing glare, and a protective UV filter, coupled with quality optical glass and secure fitting, it provides the tools you need to capture stunning aerial visuals in diverse lighting environments. While the clip-on installation might require a little patience initially, the benefits in terms of image quality and control are undeniable. If you’re ready to take your DJI NEO videography and photography to the next level, this set is a highly worthwhile investment. Click here to check out the Neewer ND Filter Set Compatible with DJI NEO .ca and see how it can improve your aerial shots.
Last update on 2025-07-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API