The Ultimate ND Filter Guide for Filming in Bright Summer Light (2025 Edition)
- gear4greatness
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Last updated: June 9, 2025
The Ultimate ND Filter Guide for Filming in Bright Summer Light (2025 Edition)
Blown-out skies, jittery motion, and washed-out footage — we’ve all been there. When filming under harsh summer sun, ND filters are the secret weapon to capturing smooth, cinematic video. Whether you're shooting with a GoPro HERO13, DJI Action 5 Pro, or a mirrorless camera, this guide shows you how to get the most out of ND filters in 2025.
🕶 What Are ND Filters (And Why You Need Them)?
ND stands for neutral density. These filters reduce the amount of light entering your lens, allowing you to:
Maintain proper shutter speeds (like 1/60 for 30fps or 1/120 for 60fps)
Avoid overexposed footage
Achieve natural motion blur and cinematic depth
Think of them as sunglasses for your camera — essential for any sunny shoot.
☀️ ND Filter Strength Guide
Here’s a quick look at which ND levels work best in summer:
ND4 – Light overcast or golden hour
ND8 – Partly cloudy days
ND16 – Bright daylight
ND32/ND64 – Harsh midday sun
ND1000+ – Long exposures or water blurs (more for photography)
🎥 Which Cameras Support ND Filters?
✅ Supported (ND Compatible)
GoPro HERO13 – Uses standard snap-on ND kits
DJI Action 5 Pro – Works with magnetic ND sets
DJI Mini 4 Pro – Uses front-mounted drone-specific filters
Mirrorless cameras (Canon, Sony, Nikon) – Use threaded ND or variable ND filters
🚫 Not Supported (No ND Option)
Insta360 X4 / X5 – Due to the 360° lens design, these models do not support traditional ND filters
🏖 Summer Shooting Tips with ND Filters
Always clean ND filters before use — smudges ruin shots
Combine ND with CPL (circular polarizer) to enhance skies and reduce glare
Use a variable ND for mirrorless video — it’s more flexible than fixed-strength filters
Store filters in a dustproof pouch to avoid scratches during travel
The Ultimate ND Filter Guide for Filming in Bright Summer Light (2025 Edition)
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