You don't need ND filters on the Osmo Pocket 3 for everyday automatic shooting. You do need them if you want a cinematic look in daylight: the lens is fixed at f/2.0, so in bright sun the camera has to use a very fast shutter, which makes motion look choppy. DJI's Osmo Pocket 3 Magnetic ND Filters Set (ND16, ND64 and ND256) snaps onto the lens and lets you keep the shutter near 1/50 or 1/60 s.
Why the Pocket 3 benefits from ND
Most cameras control light three ways: aperture, ISO and shutter speed. The Pocket 3 has only two. Its aperture can't close down, and its ISO starts at 50. In daylight, the only way left to avoid overexposure is a faster shutter, often 1/2000 s or quicker.
A fast shutter freezes each frame. Played back, motion can look jittery instead of smooth. Filmmakers usually aim for a shutter about double the frame rate:
| Frame rate | Target shutter |
|---|---|
| 24 fps | 1/50 s |
| 30 fps | 1/60 s |
| 60 fps | 1/120 s |
An ND (neutral density) filter is dark glass that cuts light without changing color, so you can hit those shutter speeds outdoors. For the basics, see what ND filters do.
Which strength to use
The number tells you how much light it blocks. ND16 cuts 4 stops, ND64 cuts 6 and ND256 cuts 8 (see ND filter numbers explained). As a starting point with the Pocket 3 at its lowest ISO:
- ND16: overcast days, open shade, late afternoon.
- ND64: typical full sun at 24 or 30 fps.
- ND256: snow, beach, bright water, or very slow shutters in full sun.
Light varies a lot, so check the exposure on screen and switch filters as needed.
How to use them on the Pocket 3
- Attach the magnetic ND filter over the lens.
- Swipe left from the right edge of the screen and tap PRO.
- Set Exposure to M.
- Set the shutter to about double your frame rate, and ISO as low as it goes.
- If the image is still too bright, use a stronger filter. If it's too dark, use a weaker one or raise ISO slightly.
If you leave exposure on Auto with an ND attached, the camera just picks a slower shutter on its own, which can still help.
When you don't need ND
- Casual clips in Auto mode.
- Indoors, at night, or in Low-Light mode.
- Slow Motion at 120 or 240 fps, which needs a fast shutter anyway.
- Hyperlapse, unless you want extra motion blur.
Black Mist filter: a different tool
DJI also sells an Osmo Pocket 3 Black Mist Filter. It's a 1/4 black mist effect, not an ND: it softens highlights, lowers sharpness and smooths skin tones for a filmic look. It doesn't reduce exposure. The protective cover has a storage slot for it.
Pocket 4 filters
Searching for ND filters for the Osmo Pocket 4? That model hasn't been sold in the US because it didn't get FCC authorization; see is DJI Osmo banned. Don't assume Pocket 3 filters fit a Pocket 4, or the reverse, without checking DJI's compatibility list.
Care tips
- Keep the lens and filter glass clean. For its magnetic wide-angle lens, DJI warns that dust or sand can scratch the camera lens, and the same care applies to filters.
- Remove filters for indoor and night shooting.
- If the gimbal acts up with a filter on, remove it and test again. See Pocket 3 gimbal not moving.
Shooting D-Log M in daylight? ND filters matter even more; see our D-Log M guide. Shop the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.
Related guides
- Best SD card for the Osmo Pocket 3 (and does it need one?)
- Best microphone for the Osmo Pocket 3 (DJI Mic 2 setup)
- Best Osmo Pocket 3 accessories worth buying
- Can the Osmo Pocket 3 take photos? Photo quality and settings
- How to edit Osmo Pocket 3 footage (and transfer it to your phone)
- How to update Osmo Pocket 3 firmware
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