For the DJI Flip, use DJI's ND filter set with ND16, ND64 and ND256. In bright sun use ND256 at 24 or 30 fps, or ND64 at 60 fps; use ND64 in hazy sun and ND16 on overcast days or around golden hour. Set ISO to 100 and aim for a shutter about double your frame rate.
Why the Flip needs strong ND filters
The Flip's 24 mm lens has a fixed, very bright f/1.7 aperture. That's great in low light, but in daylight it lets in so much light that the camera has to use extremely fast shutter speeds. Video shot that way looks crisp but choppy, with no natural motion blur.
ND filters cut light so you can slow the shutter. That's why DJI's Flip set is stronger than the sets for many other drones: ND16 (4 stops), ND64 (6 stops) and ND256 (8 stops).
Target shutter speeds
| Frame rate | Target shutter |
|---|---|
| 24 or 25 fps | 1/50 |
| 30 fps | 1/60 |
| 60 fps | 1/120 |
| 100 fps slow motion | 1/200 |
Which filter for which light
| Light | 24 or 30 fps | 60 fps |
|---|---|---|
| Bright midday sun | ND256 | ND64 |
| Hazy sun | ND64 | ND64 |
| Overcast | ND16 | ND16 |
| Golden hour | ND16 | None |
The filters are two stops apart, so you won't always hit the target exactly. If you're between filters, pick the stronger one and raise ISO a little, or the weaker one and accept a slightly faster shutter. Both look far better than no filter.
How to set exposure with a filter
- Fit the filter with the drone powered off, following DJI's instructions in the box.
- In DJI Fly, switch to Pro mode.
- Set ISO 100 and a fixed white balance.
- Set the target shutter for your frame rate.
- Check the exposure meter and histogram. Too bright: use a stronger filter. Too dark: a weaker one.
Tips
- Recheck after changing frame rate. Switching from 30 to 60 fps doubles the target shutter speed, so you'll often drop from ND256 to ND64.
- Keep filters clean. At 0.34 g each they're tiny and easy to smudge. A fingerprint shows up as haze in every shot.
- D-Log M benefits most. Log footage graded from ISO 100 is the cleanest. See Flip LUT.
- You rarely need ND for photos. Use them for creative long exposures like smooth water, or for motion blur in hyperlapse frames.
Do you need ND filters on the Flip?
Not for casual clips. Auto exposure works fine for quick social posts. If you care about cinematic motion, especially in bright sun, ND filters are one of the most useful upgrades for Flip video.
DJI's set is made for the Flip. Other brands make Flip filters too; check fit with the propeller guards and weight before you buy. For all camera settings, see best Flip settings. Questions about accessories? Contact us or shop the DJI Flip.
Related guides
- Best DJI Flip 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 Avata 2? 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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