1/60 → ND64
ND filter calculator for drone video
Smooth, cinematic video follows the 180° shutter rule: a shutter speed of about 1 / (2 × frame rate). In daylight that’s far too much light, so you need an ND filter. Choose your frame rate, enter the shutter speed your drone picks without a filter, and see which ND to fit — and what every filter in the set would give you.
Private: your files never leave your device.
Frame rate
Shutter angle
Point the camera at the scene in auto mode and read the shutter speed, e.g. 2000 for 1/2000 s.
Or pick typical conditions (ISO 100, f/2.8)
Target shutter speed
1/60 s
You need
Best filter: ND32
5.1 stops
What each filter gives you
| Filter | Shutter speed | Motion blur |
|---|---|---|
| ND4 | 1/500 s | Too choppy |
| ND8 | 1/250 s | Too choppy |
| ND16 | 1/125 s | Too choppy |
| ND32 | 1/63 s | Just right |
| ND64 | 1/31 s | Too dark / blurry |
| ND128 | 1/16 s | Too dark / blurry |
| ND256 | 1/8 s | Too dark / blurry |
| ND1000 | 1/2 s | Too dark / blurry |
How to use ND filter calculator
Step 1: Choose your frame rate (and shutter angle, 180° by default).
Step 2: Enter the shutter speed your camera shows without a filter, or pick a typical condition.
Step 3: Fit the recommended ND filter and set that shutter speed manually.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 180° shutter rule?
Set the shutter to about double the frame rate — 1/50 s at 25 fps, 1/60 s at 30 fps. The resulting motion blur looks natural to the eye.
What do ND numbers mean?
ND8 cuts light by 3 stops (8×), ND16 by 4 stops, ND32 by 5, ND64 by 6. Each stop halves the light.
Do I need ND filters for photos?
Usually not — only for long-exposure effects like smooth water or light trails in daylight.