For the DJI Avata 2, use DJI's ND filter set with ND8, ND16 and ND32. In bright sun, ND32 at 60 fps gets you close to the ideal 1/120 shutter; use ND16 in haze or light cloud and ND8 on overcast days. Lock ISO at 100 and set the shutter to about double your frame rate.
Why ND filters matter on the Avata 2
The Avata 2 has a fixed f/2.8 lens. In daylight it has to use very fast shutter speeds to avoid overexposing, which freezes every frame. Fast FPV footage then looks jittery: trees and buildings stutter past instead of flowing.
An ND filter cuts light so you can use a slower shutter, which adds natural motion blur. The usual target is the 180-degree rule:
| Frame rate | Target shutter |
|---|---|
| 30 fps | 1/60 |
| 50 fps | 1/100 |
| 60 fps | 1/120 |
| 100 fps (4K 16:9) | 1/200 |
Which filter for which light
The official DJI set includes ND8 (3 stops), ND16 (4 stops) and ND32 (5 stops).
| Light | 60 fps (1/120) | 30 fps (1/60) |
|---|---|---|
| Bright sun | ND32 | ND32, shutter stays a bit fast |
| Hazy sun, thin cloud | ND16 to ND32 | ND32 |
| Overcast | ND8 | ND16 |
| Golden hour | None | None or ND8 |
The set is well matched to 60 fps, a popular frame rate for FPV. At 30 fps in harsh sun, even ND32 leaves the shutter around 1/120 to 1/130, so it's easier to fly 60 fps in those conditions.
How to set it up
- Fit the filter with the drone powered off, following the instructions in the box.
- In the goggles, push the 5D button forward to open camera settings.
- Switch exposure to manual. Set ISO 100 and your target shutter.
- Check the image. Too bright: stronger filter. Too dark: weaker filter, or raise ISO slightly.
ND filters with EIS and Gyroflow
Stabilization keeps the frame steady while the motion blur in each frame stays fixed to the original motion. With RockSteady or Gyroflow, a very slow shutter can leave smeared blur that doesn't match the steadied image, especially in fast turns. The 180-degree rule is a good balance. If you see smearing in sharp turns, go one step faster, such as 1/240 at 60 fps.
For Gyroflow, DJI says to turn off EIS and use the Wide FOV. See how to edit FPV footage with Gyroflow.
Do ND filters affect flight?
The filters are light, but always check that one is seated properly before takeoff. A loose filter can fall off in a dive. Keep spares clean in their case; a smudge shows up as a soft haze in every shot.
Pair ND filters with D-Log M for the most grading room; see Avata 2 LUT. For all camera settings, read best Avata 2 settings, or shop the DJI Avata 2.
Related guides
- Best DJI Avata 2 camera settings for photo and video
- Which ND filters for the DJI Air 3? Settings guide
- Which ND filters for the DJI Air 3S? Settings guide
- Which ND filters for the DJI Flip? Settings guide
- Which ND filters for the DJI Mavic 3 Classic? Settings guide
- Which ND filters for the DJI Mavic 3 Pro? Settings guide
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