Which ND filters are best for the DJI Osmo Pocket 3?

Question

So I just got the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 because I wanted to take some cool videos for my honeymoon in Maui next month. I’m super stoked but honestly I have no idea what I’m doing with the settings and stuff yet. I was testing it out in my backyard yesterday when it was really sunny and the video just looked... off? It was like way too bright and when I moved the camera around it looked kinda jittery and not smooth like the stuff I see on instagram.

I started googling and everyone keeps talking about these ND filters but I am so lost. I saw some videos where people say you have to have them if you want that cinematic look but they didnt really explain which ones to get for a beginner like me. Like there are sets with 4 filters and some with 8 and some that say PL on them? I dont even know what that stands for lol. I’m scared if I buy the wrong thing I’ll just waste my money or worse I’ll mess up the gimbal because they look like they just snap on with magnets.

My budget is around $60 to $80 maybe? I dont want to spend hundreds since I already spent a lot on the camera itself. I just want something that makes the beach videos look nice without having to spend hours editing or being a pro. I also saw some brands like Freewell and Neewer and K&F but I dont know if one is better than the other or if the official DJI ones are the only safe bet. Some of them say they are fixed and some say they are variable which sounds even more confusing.

Is there like a standard starter pack that most people use? And do I really need them for every shot or just when it's really bright outside? Sorry if this is a total beginner question but I really dont want to ruin my vacation footage because I didnt buy a little piece of glass. Which ND filters should I actually get for the Pocket 3?...

nrlonokymx · Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, the official DJI filters were not as good as expected because they dont go high enough for bright sand. I had issues with the K&F Concept DJI Osmo Pocket 3 ND Filter Set 4-Pack having weird color shifts in the sky...

Use ND64 to maintain the 180-degree shutter rule at 24fps.

Avoid heavy variables that stress the gimbal. The Freewell DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Bright Day Filter Set 6-Pack is the best for technical accuracy.

jfwqkvmgjg · Answer

@Reply #1 - good point! Fixed filters are way more reliable than variable ones if you care about the gimbal motor long-term. I looked into the Neewer 4-Pack ND Filter Set for DJI Osmo Pocket 3 recently. It is a decent entry-level option but honestly the magnets feel a little sketchy compared to the high-end stuff. Since you are going to Maui, you should probably look at the PolarPro Vivid Collection Filter 3-Pack for DJI Osmo Pocket 3. They are more expensive but the glass is professional grade. The PL part stands for Polarizer, which is basically like sunglasses for the lens... it kills the reflections on the water and makes the tropical colors pop. Another safe bet is the Freewell Osmo Pocket 3 All Day 8-Pack. It covers everything from cloudy days to super bright sun. Just be careful not to use heavy VNDs (Variable NDs) because the Pocket 3 gimbal is pretty sensitive to weight balance. If it gets too heavy it might error out.

Emma Richardson · Answer

Re: "Regarding what #2 said about "@Reply #1 -..."

I've had similar headaches. Most of these entry-level filters are a major disappointment because they cause a nasty color shift in the highlights. It is honestly exhausting trying to find a set that doesn't feel like a toy. Avoid variable NDs at all costs... they are way too heavy and will eventually wear out your gimbal motor if you arent careful. Quick tips for Maui:

Only use fixed filters to keep the gimbal safe.

Use ND/PL (polarized) versions to cut glare on the ocean.

Stick with ND64 for that bright midday sun. Unfortunately, even the "safe" brands have QC issues sometimes, but the Skyreat DJI Osmo Pocket 3 ND/PL Filter Set 6-Pack is a decent middle ground. Just double-check that the magnets feel secure before you start filming near the water... losing one in the surf is the worst.