DJI’s Mavic 4 Pro, a new flagship drone for aerial cinematographers, promised a groundbreaking electronic Neutral Density (eND) filter, but DJI Rumors disclose that it’s been removed from the Creator Combo and delayed due to technical issues. This snap-on accessory, designed to enhance exposure control, has sparked buzz among drone professionals and enthusiasts, despite its absence at launch.
What Is an ND Filter?
A Neutral Density (ND) filter acts like sunglasses for a drone’s camera, reducing light entering the lens without altering color. This allows pilots to slow shutter speeds for cinematic motion blur or maintain specific apertures in bright conditions, crucial for professional video and photography. The Mavic 4 Pro’s eND filter, branded Hasselblad and adjustable from ND4 to ND64 (2 to 6 stops), enables in-flight exposure tweaks without landing to swap filters, streamlining workflows.
As Ian, a UK-based drone reviewer, noted on YouTube, “A new electronic variable ND filter (ND4 to ND64) enables in-flight shutter speed adjustments without landing to swap filters. This proved invaluable on bright days, seamlessly integrating with camera settings.”
Delay and Exclusion from Creator Combo
Initially expected to ship with the Mavic 4 Pro Creator Combo, the eND filter has been excluded due to reported technical challenges.
DroneXL’s DJI rumor specialist Jasper Ellens revealed on X, “Oops. Someone forgot to read the memo… the #eND had to be removed from the #Mavic4 Creator Combo and was forbidden to be mentioned. But now it’s already #leaked and #unboxed in a review video.”
Sources indicate a potential release later in May 2025, with the filter priced at approximately $220 USD, compatible with all Mavic 4 Pro models. Its absence from the $3,500 Creator Combo, which includes the RC Pro 2 controller and 512GB storage, has frustrated early adopters expecting a complete professional package.
Technical Advantages and Challenges
The eND filter’s snap-on design, unlike an integrated system, allows flexibility but requires careful handling to avoid gimbal stress. By electronically adjusting light reduction, it eliminates the need for multiple physical filters, a game-changer for dynamic shoots in varying light, ascendancy: 10 m/s (22 mph) winds, ensuring stable operation. Ian’s testing confirmed its seamless integration, though low-light environments may require removal, as ND4 reduces light by a quarter, potentially underexposing shots.
Industry and User Implications
The delay highlights DJI’s struggle to balance innovation with reliability, a recurring challenge in the drone industry. Professionals relying on the eND for efficient shoots may turn to third-party alternatives, with brands like Freewell already developing compatible filters. Recreationally, the filter’s cost could deter hobbyists, but its convenience appeals to semi-pros filming in diverse conditions, such as coastal landscapes or urban settings. Regulatory scrutiny, including U.S. tariffs, may further complicate pricing and availability, impacting adoption. Posts on X reflect disappointment, with one user stating, “This is a really botched release in general. DJI has zero ND filters of any kind for Mavic 4 @ launch.” The eND’s eventual release could further solidify DJI’s edge in the competitive drone market, provided technical hurdles are resolved.
Photos courtesy of Drohnen / Ian in London / Youtube
