I picked up a set of Polar Pro ND & Polarized filters when the Spark was first released. Very helpful in creating smooth video. Polar Pro has definately treated me well. I crashed my Spark and lost my ND4 - the awesome folks at Polar Pro customer service shipped me out a full set no charge! I will be buying filters for my camera lenses from them now. Great company. Thanks for the upload.
Thank you Steve, your wonderful instruction for this old pilot are timely for sure, I have been in the process of understanding and choosing filters, this clearly has made my choices much easier. Thanks again Moe
Great explanation of nd filters and polarization as before in the white balance tutorial regarding importance of manual wb instead of automatic. Thanks a lot.
Thanks! Haha! I debated getting them for a long time. Jen finally solved that problem by getting them for me last year. Been using them ever since. I like them a lot. Do regret not having the ND/32 though but polarization is great!
It's a Hoodman loupe. I put a link in the description. It's actually meant to be used on DSLR screens, which is what I primarily use it for. I've had it for years and just started using it with my Spark. It works well but it does NOT cover the whole screen of my iPhone XR. Still though, it got the job done.
Great video again Steve, quick questions if you have the time. If not no problem, thank you. 1. Should I use a ND filter when taking photos or is it pointless? 2. Should I remove the ND filter from the gimbal, after a flight and while in transit. 3. I just received the polar pro filters, I noticed when there is a slight breeze the footage can become wavey in some shots. Do you think it is the gimbal or the Filter at fault as I'm new to flying and this may be an issue with sparks anyway.
Thanks! 1. Lots of landscape photographers use ND filters for the same reason, slow shutter speed. Prime example is shooting a waterfall. Using a slow shutter speed you get that silky, smooth look. The problem is you may need a 1/3 of a second, or maybe even a one second exposure or more. Two problems with that. One, the Spark can't stay still enough for a long exposure and two, you won't find an ND filter strong enough. Photographers would close down the aperture too. Something unavailable on the Spark. You could experiment with fast moving objects and slow shutter speeds to see if it works or it looks cool. I'm not sure how low the shutter speed can go on the Spark, I don't shoot many pictures. 2. I only remove the ND filter because I put a protective cover on it and it won't fit. They are pretty light so it probably doesn't matter one way or the other really. 3. Not sure what you mean by "wavey". I would try filter on and filter off in the same conditions. If filter on causes the problem, make sure it's sitting on there correctly. Otherwise perhaps there is a gimbal issue. You could always ask that one in the DJI Forum too. Lots of knowledgeable, friendly folks there. I haven't had any issues with mine. 😀
PS I looked up the details and you can do as long as a 2 second exposure on the Spark! Wow! I did not know that. Definitely interesting but my same two points apply regarding stillness and ND filter strength.
Good coverage however one crutial point to add here is spark needs the nd filter moreover because it's a fixed aperture unlike other cameras n even some Samsung cameras these days have variable aperture which can be used to change the light entering sensor
Good point! 😀 I intentionally didn't bring up aperture because, like you mention, it's fixed on the Spark (f/2.6) and I also wanted to minimize the photography jargon as much as possible to keep things accessible. The point of the video was to explain what ND filters do (block light) and why you would want to use them (motion blur) so the viewer could decide if that is important to them. I still wouldn't call ND filters a "need" because it really depends on your flying style and what you're trying to achieve. Aperture is absolutely valid though and when I'm shooting with my SLR I often want a wider aperture for nice-looking bokeh and that means an ND filter is an absolute necessity to maintain a slow shutter speed.
@@SteveCoutts As you mentioned now cinema serise by PP has poloriser effect which became a deal charger for me ..reducing light is now a by product of seturated n crisp image..by polor pro set is still shipping from USA to Goa somewhere in Indian Ocean hope I get them soon...😍 .
Absolutely. Same principals apply. The Spark can shoot up to a 2 second exposure but I serious doubt anything below 1/30th - 1/15th of a second would be useful because of camera shake. Creatively though, there could be be some interesting stuff and maybe even at night (thinking light trails). I may have to play with that just to see - I'm curious now. Landscape photographers make heavy use of ND and PL filters but they also use tripods for those long exposures. 😀
Hi, i have vivid cinematic series, i put them on my eyes, see any different like you do, and guess what, at this time, i cannot see any different, like no step , hahah..
Want to up date, this vivid polarpro works great, after more observers, turn around the filter, i get the result, the step its so amazing, thank you so much for review, i get what i want, ^^
what ? may be im not that smart, but do we need motion-blur ?? and that's why we use ND-Fiters, to get that ugly blur? sorry I really don't get it..the sharp footage without blur [when you stop the video] is for me more beautiful ! ps; somebody explain to me pls ! thnx..good day
You don’t “need” motion blur, it’s just a technique in filmmaking and it may be something that you are unconsciously used to seeing while watching films. Whether you use it or not, many, if not most people wouldn’t notice the difference. So really, just do what works best for you. Cheers!
I picked up a set of Polar Pro ND & Polarized filters when the Spark was first released. Very helpful in creating smooth video. Polar Pro has definately treated me well. I crashed my Spark and lost my ND4 - the awesome folks at Polar Pro customer service shipped me out a full set no charge! I will be buying filters for my camera lenses from them now. Great company. Thanks for the upload.
Wow! That is GREAT customer service! Thanks for the comment. 😀
As always, AWESOME 👍👍
I have a set of these, and now know how to use them. Thanks AJ
Awesome! 👍
Great video Steve... So well explained, many others have tried and failed however your explanation was spot on!
Thanks! Glad it was helpful! 😀
Steve one of the best explanations i've seen, Tks.
Awesome! Thanks for watching.
Thank you for taking the time to share your expertise.
Thanks for watching! 😀
I use a circular polarizer since I am out near the water during the full day sun. Your videos always rock!
Thanks Nate! Took me a while to get on board. Haha!
Thank you Steve, your wonderful instruction
for this old pilot are timely for sure, I have
been in the process of understanding and
choosing filters, this clearly has made my
choices much easier. Thanks again Moe
Glad it was helpful and thanks for watching!
Great explanation of nd filters and polarization as before in the white balance tutorial regarding importance of manual wb instead of automatic.
Thanks a lot.
Thanks for watching! 👍
Thanks Steve, very well explained 👍🏻😊
Thanks for watching!
Great video Steve! Bought the Polar Pro Cinema Series Shutter Collection when I first bought my Spark..great investment
Thanks! Haha! I debated getting them for a long time. Jen finally solved that problem by getting them for me last year. Been using them ever since. I like them a lot. Do regret not having the ND/32 though but polarization is great!
Great presentation. Thanks!
excellent!
great info thanks heaps stay safe and enjoy yourself see ya
Thanks Bene!
thank you so much for sharing . see you in next cip 👍
Haha! Absolutely! 😀
Ok... First... Let's get the most important thing out of the way.... Love the shirt! Another very helpful video, thanks.
Haha! Yeah, it's a GREAT shirt!
Awesome~! Thank you for sharing!
Wow I just keep learning great stuff from your channel! I want to get some ND filters for my sun glasses now. How cool would that be?
Thanks! Sunglasses pretty much are ND/PL filters. I didn't want to use that analogy because, well, pretty much everyone else does.😀👍
Very informative steve. Info. I needed to know. Question, @ 0:22 what are you holding up to your eyes looking at the phone screen?
It's a Hoodman loupe. I put a link in the description. It's actually meant to be used on DSLR screens, which is what I primarily use it for. I've had it for years and just started using it with my Spark. It works well but it does NOT cover the whole screen of my iPhone XR. Still though, it got the job done.
@@SteveCoutts Very nice idea! You're so thoughtful for trying to answer everyone's questions. Thanks Steve, you're the best.
Haha! Thanks! I do my best.
Great video again Steve, quick questions if you have the time. If not no problem, thank you.
1. Should I use a ND filter when taking photos or is it pointless?
2. Should I remove the ND filter from the gimbal, after a flight and while in transit.
3. I just received the polar pro filters, I noticed when there is a slight breeze the footage can become wavey in some shots. Do you think it is the gimbal or the Filter at fault as I'm new to flying and this may be an issue with sparks anyway.
Thanks!
1. Lots of landscape photographers use ND filters for the same reason, slow shutter speed. Prime example is shooting a waterfall. Using a slow shutter speed you get that silky, smooth look. The problem is you may need a 1/3 of a second, or maybe even a one second exposure or more. Two problems with that. One, the Spark can't stay still enough for a long exposure and two, you won't find an ND filter strong enough. Photographers would close down the aperture too. Something unavailable on the Spark. You could experiment with fast moving objects and slow shutter speeds to see if it works or it looks cool. I'm not sure how low the shutter speed can go on the Spark, I don't shoot many pictures.
2. I only remove the ND filter because I put a protective cover on it and it won't fit. They are pretty light so it probably doesn't matter one way or the other really.
3. Not sure what you mean by "wavey". I would try filter on and filter off in the same conditions. If filter on causes the problem, make sure it's sitting on there correctly. Otherwise perhaps there is a gimbal issue. You could always ask that one in the DJI Forum too. Lots of knowledgeable, friendly folks there. I haven't had any issues with mine. 😀
@@SteveCoutts thank you very much, I really appreciate the helpful lengthy response! Keep up the great work on your channel.
PS I looked up the details and you can do as long as a 2 second exposure on the Spark! Wow! I did not know that. Definitely interesting but my same two points apply regarding stillness and ND filter strength.
The ones you mention are expensive. I own standard edition and they suits me. Cheers!
Great vid once again
Youve done an ND filter vid before which I commented on and you replied do you remember me?👍🏻😊
I had to go look but yes, I do remember now! Thanks Ben! Cheers!
Good coverage however one crutial point to add here is spark needs the nd filter moreover because it's a fixed aperture unlike other cameras n even some Samsung cameras these days have variable aperture which can be used to change the light entering sensor
Good point! 😀 I intentionally didn't bring up aperture because, like you mention, it's fixed on the Spark (f/2.6) and I also wanted to minimize the photography jargon as much as possible to keep things accessible. The point of the video was to explain what ND filters do (block light) and why you would want to use them (motion blur) so the viewer could decide if that is important to them. I still wouldn't call ND filters a "need" because it really depends on your flying style and what you're trying to achieve. Aperture is absolutely valid though and when I'm shooting with my SLR I often want a wider aperture for nice-looking bokeh and that means an ND filter is an absolute necessity to maintain a slow shutter speed.
@@SteveCoutts As you mentioned now cinema serise by PP has poloriser effect which became a deal charger for me ..reducing light is now a by product of seturated n crisp image..by polor pro set is still shipping from USA to Goa somewhere in Indian Ocean hope I get them soon...😍 .
Thanks
Hi. Any link to the polar pro app?
I no longer see it in the Canadian App Store, perhaps Polar Pro pulled it.
What about photography with the filters on?
Absolutely. Same principals apply. The Spark can shoot up to a 2 second exposure but I serious doubt anything below 1/30th - 1/15th of a second would be useful because of camera shake. Creatively though, there could be be some interesting stuff and maybe even at night (thinking light trails). I may have to play with that just to see - I'm curious now. Landscape photographers make heavy use of ND and PL filters but they also use tripods for those long exposures. 😀
I’m a beginner at landscape photography and use my 10stop ND a lot!
Awesome! Gotta get those silky smooth waterfall shots! 👍
👍👍👍👍great vid
Yes agree #polarpro is very good quality n customer friendly they unconditionally gave me replacement of one of my filter from US to Goa India
Awesome! That is great customer service for sure! 👍
..any way, i ike the video very much, but only with that blur i don't understand..bey
Hi, i have vivid cinematic series, i put them on my eyes, see any different like you do, and guess what, at this time, i cannot see any different, like no step , hahah..
Want to up date, this vivid polarpro works great, after more observers, turn around the filter, i get the result, the step its so amazing, thank you so much for review, i get what i want, ^^
what ? may be im not that smart, but do we need motion-blur ?? and that's why we use ND-Fiters, to get that ugly blur? sorry I really don't get it..the sharp footage without blur [when you stop the video] is for me more beautiful ! ps; somebody explain to me pls ! thnx..good day
You don’t “need” motion blur, it’s just a technique in filmmaking and it may be something that you are unconsciously used to seeing while watching films. Whether you use it or not, many, if not most people wouldn’t notice the difference. So really, just do what works best for you. Cheers!
Nice cinematic look!
Check out my latest video footage of DJI Spark with 60Fps,i think it could improve your footage quality!