Hey everyone! I recently upgraded to the DJI Osmo Action 4, and while I’m absolutely blown away by the low-light performance and that 1/1.3-inch sensor, I’m struggling to get that smooth, cinematic look during the day. My footage keeps coming out looking really choppy because the shutter speed is jumping way too high in bright sunlight. I know I need a solid set of ND filters to stick to the 180-degree shutter rule, but the options out there are a bit overwhelming.
I’ve been eyeing the official DJI ND set, but I’ve also seen a lot of people recommending the Freewell and PGYTECH kits. My main concern is color accuracy—I’ve had bad experiences in the past with cheap filters that leave a weird magenta or green tint, which makes color grading in D-Log M a total nightmare. I also do a lot of mountain biking, so I need filters that are durable and easy to swap out on the fly without feeling like I’m going to break the lens housing.
For those of you who have been putting the Action 4 through its paces, which brand do you think offers the best glass quality without significant color shift? Also, is it worth getting a set that includes a CPL, or should I just stick to the standard ND8, 16, and 32 filters for most outdoor conditions?
I went through this last year. Honestly, I tried to save cash by getting a generic brand first and it was a total disaster lol. The magenta tint made my D-Log M footage basically unfixable. I ended up with the NEEWER ND Filter Set for DJI Osmo Action 4 which is a solid budget pick compared to the Freewell ones mentioned.
Lessons:
1. You mostly just need ND8, 16, and 32 for MTB.
2. Skip the CPL for shaded trails.
3. Don't overspend on huge sets you wont use!
Saved me money and my footage looks way smoother now.
Curious about one thing: are you mostly riding in wide-open alpine trails or deep, shaded woods? It makes a huge difference for which ND strength you'll actually use the most.
I've tested a few and the PGYTECH ND Filter Set for Osmo Action 4 (ND 8 16 32 64) is a solid alternative to the ones already mentioned. They're super light and the color shift is minimal, though maybe a tiny bit warmer than stock glass.
Compared to the DJI Osmo Action 4 ND Filter Kit:
- DJI: Perfectly neutral, easiest to swap, but only comes with three filters.
- PGYTECH: Better value, includes the ND64 for high noon sun, but might feel a bit "fiddly" with gloves on.
Honestly, color grading D-Log M is realy sensitive to shifts, so I'd be careful with cheap brands. I'll give u a proper recommendation once I know your typical lighting!! 👍
I am totally stuck in the same boat and it is honestly so frustrating. I have had my DJI Osmo Action 4 for about a month now and I still havent figured out which way to go because I am so worried about that nasty color shift ruining my D-Log M footage.
Curious about one thing: are you mostly hitting shaded forest trails or wide-open ridges?? It's sooooo important for picking the right glass!! I'm still learning the ropes tbh but I've been looking into the K&F Concept 4-Pack ND Filter Set for DJI Osmo Action 4 for its safety-first grip. Honestly, I'm terrified of filters flying off during jumps lol. Basically, let me know the lighting first so I can help with the technical specs! 👍
Honestly, I’m gonna have to DISAGREE slightly with the idea that just buying a fancy kit is the magic fix for that cinematic look. I've been doing this for years, and in my experience, the brand matters way less than how you actually manage your settings and gear maintenance yourself. If you’re doing heavy MTB, no kit is going to save your footage if you don't dial in the DIY side of things first. * Just look into anything from PolarPro, you basically can't go wrong with their glass quality.
* Forget the "easy swap" marketing—honestly, maybe just DIY a tiny safety tether with some fishing line? I’ve lost too many filters on trails to trust a clip-on system.
* Focus more on your manual ISO locks and cleaning the seals yourself rather than relying on the "perfect" ND strength. I think? Or maybe I’m just old school, but I’ve found that self-servicing your gear and really learning the manual limits of the sensor is better than hunting for the ultimate filter set. Tbh, as long as you're not buying the absolute cheapest plastic, most of the high-end glass is pretty similar anyway.
Oh man, I totally feel u!! I remember my first mountain bike run with the Action 4... I was sooo excited but the footage was basically unwatchable cuz the shutter speed was way too high. It looked like a stop-motion movie lol. I tried a few and honestly, the Freewell All Day 4K Series 6-Pack ND Filters for DJI Osmo Action 4 is the absolute way to go.
I've compared them to the official DJI Osmo Action 4 ND Filter Set (ND8/16/32) and while the DJI ones are okay, Freewell's glass is highkey better for color accuracy in D-Log M. I didn't see any of that nasty magenta shift. Plus, they're super rugged for biking!
* Freewell All Day 4K Series 6-Pack ND Filters for DJI Osmo Action 4: Best color and comes with a CPL which is amazing for cutting glare on dusty trails.
* PGYTECH ND Filter Set for DJI Osmo Action 4 (ND 8 16 32 64): Good value but I found them slightly harder to grip with sweaty gloves tbh.
Lesson learned: dont cheap out on glass or you'll regret it during the edit!! Cheers!