The DJI Mavic 4 Pro doesn't have a built-in electronic (variable) ND filter. DJI's spec sheet lists none, and it sells a separate DJI Mavic 4 Pro ND Filter Set with ND8, ND16, ND32 and ND64 for smoother, lower-shutter footage. The 28 mm Hasselblad camera also has an adjustable f/2.0 to f/11 aperture, so in bright sun f/5.6 with ND16 gets you to about 1/50 at ISO 100. The fixed f/2.8 tele cameras need ND64.
Electronic ND vs glass ND filters
An electronic ND (eND) is a variable filter built into some cinema and phone-style cameras that dims the image at the push of a button. If you've seen "Mavic 4 Pro eND" mentioned, check DJI's own spec page before you buy: it lists no such feature for the Mavic 4 Pro. Exposure control comes from three things instead:
- Aperture on the 28 mm Hasselblad camera, f/2.0 to f/11.
- ISO, down to 100 (400 in D-Log).
- Clip-on ND filters from DJI's set, sold separately.
Why ND filters matter
For cinematic motion, aim for a shutter about double your frame rate: 1/50 at 24 or 25 fps, 1/60 at 30 fps, 1/120 at 60 fps. In daylight, an f/2.0 lens at ISO 100 would need a shutter in the thousandths of a second. That makes motion look choppy. ND filters cut light so the shutter can stay slow.
Which filter to use
Starting points at ISO 100 for 1/50 to 1/60:
| Light | 28 mm Hasselblad | 70 mm and 168 mm (f/2.8) |
|---|---|---|
| Bright sun | f/5.6 + ND16, or f/2.8 + ND64 | ND64 |
| Hazy sun | f/4 + ND16, or f/5.6 + ND8 | ND32 |
| Overcast | f/2.8 + ND8 | ND8 |
| Golden hour | f/2.8 to f/4, no filter | None |
At 60 fps, use one step lighter filter or open up one stop. Since one filter covers the lenses you're using, choose for the camera you'll shoot most, and use the main camera's aperture to fine-tune.
D-Log needs two more stops
D-Log starts at ISO 400, two stops brighter than ISO 100. Add two stops of reduction, such as ND64 instead of ND16 on the main camera. D-Log M and HLG start at ISO 100, so the table applies as written.
How to set exposure
- Fit the filter with the drone powered off. Support the gimbal gently.
- In DJI Fly, switch to Pro mode and set ISO to the profile minimum.
- Set the shutter for your frame rate.
- On the 28 mm camera, adjust aperture until the exposure meter is centered. Stay between f/2.8 and f/5.6 for the sharpest results.
- Switch to the tele you plan to use and check its exposure with the histogram.
Aperture vs diffraction
The 100 MP sensor resolves fine detail, which makes diffraction visible sooner. Stopping down to f/8 or f/11 softens 100 MP stills slightly. Use a stronger filter rather than a tiny aperture when sharpness matters. Small apertures do create sunstars, which DJI highlights as a 10-ray starburst.
Do you need them for photos?
Rarely. For stills, a fast shutter keeps images sharp. Use ND filters for long exposures of water, light-trail hyperlapses, and video.
For the rest of your setup, see best Mavic 4 Pro settings and Mavic 4 Pro LUTs. Questions about filters or availability? Contact us, or shop the DJI Mavic 4 Pro.
Related guides
- Which ND filters for the DJI Mavic 3 Pro? Settings guide
- Best DJI Mavic 4 Pro camera settings for photo and video
- DJI Mavic 4 Pro LUT: D-Log M to Rec.709 color grading
- DJI Mavic 4 Pro night mode and low-light video: what to expect
- DJI Mavic 4 Pro photo and video quality: what to expect
- How to shoot a hyperlapse with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro
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