DJI’s Mavic 4 Professional, a brand new flagship drone for aerial cinematographers, promised a groundbreaking digital Impartial Density (eND) filter, however DJI Rumors disclose that it’s been faraway from the Creator Combo and delayed because of technical points. This snap-on accent, designed to reinforce publicity management, has sparked buzz amongst drone professionals and lovers, regardless of its absence at launch.
What Is an ND Filter?
A Impartial Density (ND) filter acts like sun shades for a drone’s digicam, lowering gentle coming into the lens with out altering shade. This permits pilots to gradual shutter speeds for cinematic movement blur or preserve particular apertures in vibrant circumstances, essential for skilled video and pictures. The Mavic 4 Professional’s eND filter, branded Hasselblad and adjustable from ND4 to ND64 (2 to six stops), permits in-flight publicity tweaks with out touchdown to swap Filters, streamlining workflows.
As Ian, a UK-based drone reviewer, famous on YouTube, “A brand new digital variable ND filter (ND4 to ND64) permits in-flight shutter velocity changes with out touchdown to swap filters. This proved invaluable on vibrant days, seamlessly integrating with digicam settings.”
Delay and Exclusion from Creator Combo
Initially anticipated to ship with the Mavic 4 Professional Creator Combo, the eND filter has been excluded because of reported technical challenges.
DroneXL’s DJI rumor Specialist Jasper Ellens revealed on X, “Oops. Somebody forgot to learn the memo… the #eND needed to be faraway from the #Mavic4 Creator Combo and was forbidden to be talked about. However now it’s already #leaked and #unboxed in a Evaluate video.”
Sources point out a possible launch later in Could 2025, with the filter priced at roughly $220 USD, suitable with all Mavic 4 Professional fashions. Its absence from the $3,500 Creator Combo, which incorporates the RC Professional 2 controller and 512GB storage, has pissed off early adopters anticipating an entire skilled bundle.
Technical Benefits and Challenges
The eND filter’s snap-on design, not like an built-in system, permits flexibility however requires cautious dealing with to keep away from gimbal stress. By electronically adjusting gentle discount, it eliminates the necessity for a number of bodily filters, a game-changer for dynamic shoots in various gentle, ascendancy: 10 m/s (22 mph) winds, guaranteeing steady operation. Ian’s testing confirmed its seamless integration, although low-light environments could require removing, as ND4 reduces gentle by 1 / 4, doubtlessly underexposing photographs.
Trade and Consumer Implications
The delay highlights DJI’s wrestle to stability innovation with reliability, a recurring problem within the Drone Trade. Professionals counting on the eND for environment friendly shoots could flip to third-party alternate options, with manufacturers like Freewell already growing suitable filters. Recreationally, the filter’s value may deter hobbyists, however its comfort appeals to semi-pros filming in numerous circumstances, comparable to coastal landscapes or city settings. Regulatory scrutiny, together with U.S. tariffs, could additional complicate pricing and availability, impacting adoption. Posts on X mirror disappointment, with one consumer stating, “It is a actually botched launch generally. DJI has zero ND filters of any variety for Mavic 4 @ launch.” The eND’s eventual launch may additional solidify DJI’s edge within the aggressive drone market, supplied technical hurdles are resolved.
Photographs courtesy of Drohnen / Ian in London / Youtube
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