X Series: ND Filters

X Series: ND Filters

Applicable Models: X4 Air and X5

The ND filters help control the amount of light entering the camera, allowing you to easily adapt to various lighting conditions. They enable you to capture media with a cinematic feel and motion blur effects, as well as longer exposure times.

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How to install

1. Before installation, make sure that the ND filter, camera lens, and surrounding surfaces are clean and dry. If there is any moisture or dirt, you may use the provided lens cloth or a soft cloth for wiping.
2. Align the selected ND filter with the camera lens and rotate clockwise until it is fully tightened and seated.

3. After the ND filter is installed on the camera, the camera will automatically detect the installed ND filter and display a prompt on the screen. You need to manually select the corresponding ND filter model on the screen to ensure accurate image correction.

	X5	X4 Air
ND Filter Model	ND128 (red) ND64 (orange) ND32 (blue) ND16 (grey)	ND64 (orange) ND32 (blue) ND16 (grey)

Notes

• Install ND filters in a clean and dry environment.
• Avoid applying excessive force, squeezing, or bending the filter's base during installation, as this may cause deformation or detachment of the base.
• ND filters are detected via magnetic sensing. If a filter is not fully seated during installation, the camera might misidentify it as another accessory. In this case, simply continue screwing the ND filter on until it is fully seated.
• ND filters may slightly affect the stitching effect. Try to keep the lens pointed directly at the subject while shooting.
• ND filters are not fully sealed. Please ensure the filter and its surroundings remain dry. Do not use ND filters in water-involved scenarios such as surfing or rainy conditions to avoid fogging. If fogging occurs accidentally, you can wipe the filter with the included lens cleaning cloth or a soft cloth.
• ND filters contain magnetic materials. Please keep them away from devices susceptible to interference, such as pacemakers.
• Be careful to prevent ND filters from falling, bumping during high-intensity activities, or rubbing against hard objects, to avoid damaging the lens. Replace the filter promptly if damaged.
• After installing the ND filter, please store the Lens Guard properly for future use.
• Place ND filters in their storage cases for proper safekeeping when they are not in use.

FAQ

1. What are the differences between different ND filter models, and how do I choose?

Different ND filter models can help you precisely control exposure and achieve ideal motion blur in various lighting conditions.

You can select the appropriate ND filter model based on the light intensity of your shooting environment and the creative effect you wish to achieve. Generally, the stronger the light, the larger the ND filter number (light reduction capability) required.

Scenario	Recommended ND Filter	Applicable Camera Model
High-intensity Lighting (Sunny Noon)	ND128	X5
Sunny Day	ND64	X5 and X4 Air
Cloudy Day	ND64	X5 and X4 Air
Bright Overcast Day	ND32	X5 and X4 Air
Dark Overcast Day, and Blue Hour (around sunset/sunrise)	ND16	X5 and X4 Air
Night Scene with Flowing Traffic	ND16	X5 and X4 Air

2. How should I set the shutter speed and ISO when using an ND filter in different scenarios? The image appears overexposed after using an ND filter. How can this be fixed?

For the best shooting results, we have compiled recommended parameter settings for different scenarios. You can fine-tune the settings based on the actual image for better results:

Scenario	Recommended ND Filter	Shutter Speed	ISO	White Balance	Applicable Camera Model
High-intensity Lighting (Sunny Noon)	ND128	1/30 sec	Auto	Auto	X5
Sunny Day	ND64	1/60 sec	Auto	Auto	X5 and X4 Air
Cloudy Day	ND64	1/60 sec	Auto	Auto	X5 and X4 Air
Bright Overcast Day	ND32	1/60 sec	Auto	Auto	X5 and X4 Air
Blue Hour (around sunset/sunrise)	ND16	1/60 sec	Auto	Auto	X5 and X4 Air
Night Scene with Flowing Traffic	ND16	1 sec	Auto	Auto	X5 and X4 Air

Please note:

• If the image is not overexposed after using the recommended settings, you can try adjusting the shutter speed to 1/30 sec based on the actual brightness and noise level to achieve more adequate exposure.
• When shooting in the HDR mode, if the image appears too bright or tends to be overexposed, we recommend you switch to a non-HDR mode for shooting, which can help mitigate overexposure.
• Before manually adjusting the shutter speed on X4 Air, disable AdaptiveTone (when AdaptiveTone is enabled, all shooting parameters are set automatically and cannot be adjusted manually).

3. How should I set exposure parameters when using an ND filter in different sports scenarios?

Sports Scenario	Recommended Shutter Speed	ISO	White Balance
Motorcycling	30fps video: 1/60 or 1/30 sec 25fps video: 1/50 or 1/25 sec 24fps video: 1/50 or 1/24 sec	Auto or 100 to 800	Auto
Skiing
Cycling
FPV Drone Flying
Trail Descending
Car Driving

Please note:

• It is not recommended to use ND filters in the following scenarios:
  • In-car scenarios: It's difficult to convey a sense of speed from inside a car, and the low light often results in noticeable noise.
  • Installed on a bicycle with the Bike Computer Mount: This position tends to have significant vibration, which may affect the final image quality.
• Before manually adjusting the shutter speed on X4 Air, disable AdaptiveTone (when AdaptiveTone is enabled, all shooting parameters are set automatically and cannot be adjusted manually).

4. Using an ND filter results in increased motion blur and poor stabilization. How can this be fixed?

ND filters reduce shutter speed, which can cause handshake to be recorded as blur. Keep the shutter speed no slower than 1/100 sec first. You can also try using an ND filter with a smaller number, appropriately increasing the ISO, or using a wider aperture to increase the shutter speed and ensure a clear and stable image.

5. What is the difference between shooting with an ND filter and adding an ND effect in post-production via the Insta360 app / Insta360 Studio?

• Adding an ND filter effect in post-production via the Insta360 app or Insta360 Studio simulates motion blur algorithmically.
• Using an ND filter achieves motion blur by physically reducing light intake. This typically results in more natural and even motion blur effects.

6. Why does the prompt for the Premium Lens Guards sometimes appear when installing an ND filter?

ND filters contain a HALL sensor, which allows the camera to automatically detect their installation status. However, if the filter is not perfectly aligned during installation, the camera may occasionally misrecognize it. If this happens, simply continue adjusting the filter according to the instructions until it is correctly and fully installed.

7. After installing an ND filter on my X4 Air, a small part of the filter's base is slightly visible when I put on the Lens Cap. Will this affect its use?

This is the intended design. The lens of the ND filter is slightly larger than the Lens Cap of X4 Air, but this does not interfere with its normal use. For optimal camera lens protection, we recommend removing the ND filter when it is not needed and storing it in the provided storage box.