ND Filter Calculator for Drone Filming

If you follow the 180-degree shutter rule for cinematic motion blur, choosing the right ND filter can sometimes be confusing.

ELEVATED PERSPECTIVES

ND FILTER CALCULATOR

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

Use a light meter to determine the correct shutter speed. If you do not own a meter, you can download a free app. I use “Light Meter” by WBPhoto.

STEP 1: MEASURE THE LIGHT

Setup first:

• ISO: 100

• Aperture: f/1.8 (Mini 5 Pro) or match your drone

Then:

• Point at the scene you are about to film.

• Take the shutter speed reading

• Note the shutter speed

STEP 2: USE THE ND CALCULATOR

• Select your frame rate (e.g. 30fps) – the target shutter speed will be calculated automatically to comply with the 180º rule.

• Enter your measured shutter speed.

The calculator will:

• Automatically set the correct shutter speed (180 rule).

• Calculate the exact ND filter required.

No guesswork — it does it for you.

If you don’t have the exact filter, use the closest one and fine-tune with ISO.

Aperture values may vary slightly between sources (e.g. f/1.7–f/1.8). This difference is negligible (~1/6 stop) and does not affect ND filter selection.