Should I use an ND filter?

As a general rule of thumb, ND filters should only be used in bright light situations when capturing drone images to be uploaded into Scanifly. If you choose to use an ND filter, you will want to keep it to a minimum. An ND8 or ND16 lens filter should be enough. Do not use polarized ND filters, ND8/PL or ND16/PL, because they require you to be at a 90-degree angle to the sun.

If you're going to try using ND filters, it is recommended that you also conduct the same orbits with just the UV lens, so you have something to compare to, and a backup encase the ND images don't turn out the way you expected them to. Read below for additional information about ND filters.

What is a ND Filter?

A Neutral Density (ND) filter is a filter that is used in photography to reduce the intensity of light that hits the lens. Typically these lenses come in a pack of different intensities for different lighting situations you may find yourself in.

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Pro Tip:

If your drone has an E.V. compensation adjustment you may be able to get the similar results as using an ND filter, without the downsides of having to use an ND filter. (Example: DJI Mavic Pro 2)

Why would you want to use an ND Filter?

Since ND filters reduce the intensity of light that hits the lens, they are typically used in scenarios where there is an abundance of natural lighting. This may allow you to adjust your other camera settings in order to get the photograph you wanted, but were unable to get without the filter due to the over abundance of light.

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Example:

Trying to model a house that is on the beach on a sunny day. You may be able to use an ND Filter to reduce the brightness of the scene so that your photos come out properly exposed.

Why would you not want to use an ND Filter?

ND filters can unintentionally reduce the amount of light hitting a camera lens. This results in the camera’s software adjusting other parameters to adjust for the reduction in light, which could lead to blurry photos or photos without enough of the subject in focus.

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Example:

Try to model a house that is on the beach on a sunny day. You may be able to use an ND Filter to reduce the brightness of the scene, but if the scene is too dark your camera may increase the shutter speed automatically, resulting in blurry photos if you are not careful.