Finest Video Settings for DJI Mini 2 SE (Defined for Newbies)

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DJI Mini 2 SE. What a drone! In the event you’re in search of a budget-friendly drone for round $300, there isn’t a higher drone that I might advocate.

Best Video Settings for DJI Mini 2 SE (Explained for Beginners)
Picture credit score: Dan Bayne

Nonetheless, with all the thrill going across the Mini 2 SE, it has a number of downsides. And certainly one of them is the precise digicam high quality.

In actual fact, the digicam behind it isn’t dangerous in any respect; don’t get me fallacious. Nevertheless, the picture sensor or CMOS is comparatively small in comparison with right now’s drone normal for skilled pictures and filming.

Nevertheless, with the superior digicam know-how and video enhancing software program these days, you may get some fairly respectable recordings with this drone.

That’s why I need to share with you the easiest settings for various situations to file the very best movies doable with the DJI Mini 2 SE.

DJI Mini 2 SE Digital camera: What do we all know?

The digicam behind DJI Mini 2 SE has a picture sensor of 1/2.3 inch, just like the one discovered behind DJI Mini 2 and DJI FPV drones

Trying past that, the digicam sensors discovered on the Mini 3, 3 Professional, and 4 Professional are 1/1.3 inch, a lot bigger than the one within the Mini 2 SE. That’s the purpose the place pictures and movies taken with such drones look extra skilled, are of higher high quality, and have a greater dynamic vary.

However how does the small sensor have an effect on the Mini 2 SE digicam?

Properly, in pictures, the digicam sensor or CMOS is probably the most essential facet of capturing incredible pictures and movies. 

With this drone’s digicam, as a result of it’s only one/2.3 inch, which is comparatively small, you’ll battle to seize any low-light movies, and undoubtedly, the night time movies you seize will look horrible.

The dynamic vary will undergo, the readability and vividness of those movies are worse, and in the event you enlarge your remaining video, you’ll discover extra apparent artifacts than the same video captured with a bigger sensor. 

That’s as a result of each video element might be squeezed on this small sensor.

I’m not saying now that it’s completely horrible. Imagine me, it isn’t. 

However all of the aforementioned drones with 1/1.3 inch CMOS and bigger can be higher for filming except the drone is tremendous previous and a part of the older know-how the place what’s inside issues.

Nonetheless, regardless of all of the downsides of this drone’s smaller CMOS, in the event you tweak a number of settings and, perceive what to alter and respect a number of guidelines in videography, you’ll be shocked on the movies you possibly can file.

» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Digital camera High quality (With Footage)

Methods to entry video settings on DJI Mini 2 SE

To entry the video mode within the DJI Fly App (stay view mode), press the icon above the shutter button on the correct aspect of the display, and you will notice a listing of photograph and filming choices. Select “video,” and from there, both regular or sluggish movement taking pictures mode – however we’ll go together with regular.

The following step is to modify to Professional Mode

To do that, check out the digicam icon on the underside proper of your display. You will notice written on the digicam “Auto,” which is the auto mode. Faucet the digicam icon, and it’ll mechanically swap to Professional Mode, supplying you with a collection of digicam choices you possibly can manually change. 

Be aware: Professional Mode is the equal of the guide mode on a video digicam.

When you’ve got activated Professional Mode, you’ve got entry to all of the video settings it is advisable change to enhance your filming. 

In the event you’re filming in Auto Mode, the Shutter Velocity, ISO, WB, and different settings are mechanically set to correctly expose the video you’re taking with the Mini 2 SE. 

You don’t need this as a result of a easy change within the atmosphere surroundings would mess with the highlights and shadows of the video, the place the drone will try to readjust the publicity, thus making the movies look non-professional. 

On prime of that, the movies gained’t look cinematic in any respect in the event you don’t observe any guidelines of filming. Extra about that later.

Now with the Professional Mode, you possibly can change all these settings to have the ability to seize the very best movies in probably the most skilled approach, even with this drone.

» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional – Methods to Change Video Settings (Video)

Finest Decision and Framerate

Abstract: 2.7k at 30fps

The very first thing we now have to pick earlier than filming with our DJI Mini 2 SE is the decision and framerate. This drone can movie solely as much as 2.7k, however at this decision, you possibly can set solely 30 frames per second.

In case you are ever seeking to shoot in 60 FPS, you’ll must drop down the decision at FHD.

2.7k is okay. In actual fact, it’s what we’re in search of right now to movie with the drone. Don’t go 1080p except you need to shoot some sluggish movement.

» MORE: Digital camera Expertise in Drones (Defined)

The Appropriate Shutter Velocity

Abstract: Set it to double the framerate you select.

The DJI Mini 2 SE has an digital shutter velocity with values between 4 seconds and 1/8000 s. That’s tremendous nice and diversified; nonetheless, you solely reap the benefits of this vary in pictures.

As for filming with a drone or digicam, irrespective of which one it’s, there’s a golden rule the place you need to set double the shutter velocity in concordance with the framerate you select.

As an illustration, in the event you decide to shoot in 60 frames per second, irrespective of the decision, you’ll have to select the 1/120s shutter velocity or the closest worth. 

When selecting the usual framerate of 30fps, you’ll have to choose 1/60s shutter velocity or the closest worth.

That is essential with a view to carry easy movement blur to the movies ensuing from a drone or digicam. If not, the movies will look a bit uneven and undoubtedly amateurish for any good use.

However there’s a catch. In the event you’re seeking to set the shutter speeds when filming in the course of the day, the movies will look overly uncovered.

There are two issues to do right here. 

  1. Drop down the ISO to the minimal, which is 100. If the video nonetheless appears overexposed (earlier than taking pictures), observe step 2.
  2. Use ND filters. These filters that you just connect in entrance of the drone digicam lens have the position of blocking a considerable amount of mild merely because of this. 

With an ND filter, you’re in a position to management the sunshine that comes into the digicam sensor and set the correct values following this golden rule in video making.

There are various ND filters, and so they often are available a set for various lighting conditions for the atmosphere you’re planning to movie. 

As an illustration, you employ a denser filter like ND16 or ND32 throughout full daylight and perhaps ND8 when the lighting is much less ample (overcast). That is only a guideline, although.

In the event you’re seeking to grasp extra details about ND filters and their full position in a drone, we advocate trying out the next article:

» MORE: A Easy Information to ND Filters: What You Must Know to Shoot Higher Drone Video

What ISO to make use of

Abstract: Set the ISO in accordance with shutter velocity and framerate to acquire a correctly uncovered picture (100-400)

The ISO must be set as little as doable with a view to keep away from picture noise (grainy look) set into the movies. This must observe the identical rule as in pictures.

Nevertheless, generally, it is advisable modify the ISO in accordance with the situations and never set it to the bottom values. That can occur whenever you set the shutter velocity to double the framerate, with or with out ND filters.

As an illustration, if the video will look underexposed at 1/60s shutter velocity with an ND filter ND16, one choice can be to extend the ISO (or readjust it) to adequately expose the picture.

What I like to do in any case isn’t to get an ISO above 400. On this case, utilizing one other ND filter (weaker) and preserving ISO decrease can be simpler. 

» MORE: Can a Drone Digital camera Zoom In? (Defined for Newbies)

Selecting a video framerate

Abstract: 30 fps for on a regular basis use, 60 fps for slow-motion

24 frames per second are utilized in cinematography, whereas 30 or 60 frames per second are used for tv or on-line content material.

As I discussed earlier than, with the DJI Mini 2 SE, we solely have 30 or 60 fps. 

In any case, the commonest solution to movie is through the use of 30 frames per second. On this case, your shutter velocity must be 1/60s.

However, in the event you’re in search of any slow-motion content material, movie at 60fps in Full HD after which drop down the velocity in post-processing, which is able to lead to 0.5x 30fps.

These are merely tips. Nevertheless, it is advisable do not forget that the slower the shutter velocity is (decrease the FPS), the extra mild will come into the digicam sensor. Subsequently, movies will simply get overexposed in the course of the day. 

As a rule of thumb, I generally movie at 60 fps in the course of the day with my drones and cameras (additionally as a result of I like 60fps movies – pure magic) so I don’t must drop the shutter velocity an excessive amount of, as many occasions throughout respectable lighting hours (not too shiny nor too darkish) I don’t want any ND filters with this framerate.

» MORE: Finest Digital camera Settings for DJI Air 3 (Photograph & Video)

White Steadiness

Abstract: 5600K throughout a sunny or overcast day; 3500-4500K throughout golden hours.

The video shade illustration is outlined by the white stability. Fortunately, we will modify the white stability from decrease Kv values (colder) to greater values (hotter). 

Relying on the time of the day, we have to modify the white stability so the video gained’t look too heat or too chilly.

Let me say it one other approach. The auto mode is simply wonderful for many who don’t need to get an excessive amount of into element and readjust the white stability. And even when it’s a bit off, you possibly can appropriate the white stability in post-processing

However I do favor to manually set it once I’m taking pictures longer movies as a result of the atmosphere ambiance will change.

So, what settings do you want right here? 

While you shoot movies along with your DJI Mini 2 SE within the morning or night, and there’s a really heat ambient shade (dawn, sundown), decrease the Kv a bit, often between 3500K to 4500K. In any other case, the video might be too heat. 

The alternative ought to occur when taking pictures both throughout an overcast day or particularly throughout a sunny day the place you’ve got a chilly blue sky – it is advisable enhance the Kv to heat up the video a bit or it is going to look approach too chilly (blue-ish).

Be aware: I annotate Kv as a reference to Okay, which represents the Kelvin temperature on the white stability scale.

» MORE: Drone Filmmaking Final Information

Different video settings to contemplate

The DJI Mini 2 SE doesn’t have an adjustable aperture; the digicam has it mounted at f/2.8.

That’s respectable for many cameras, and except you’re taking pictures in low mild or night time situations (as with another drones), you gained’t want it open greater than that.

When the aperture is extra open (decrease values in numerous cameras that help adjustable apertures), extra mild will come straight by way of the lens into the digicam sensor when the opening is wider.

One more factor you’ll have to keep in mind when taking pictures with the DJI Mini 2 SE is that, sadly, this drone doesn’t help a D-CineLike or related shade profile and solely has “Regular Mode.”

What does this imply?

The D-CineLike is the equal of RAW in pictures; the movies will look extra flat, which permits in depth post-processing.

This doesn’t imply you can’t edit movies taken with this drone. In actual fact, you possibly can very effectively, however to place it merely, you’re extra restricted than when taking pictures with a flat shade profile.

» MORE: Drone Pictures Final Information

Ideas for taking pictures higher movies with DJI Mini 2 SE

Now that you’ve a fundamental concept about what settings to decide on whenever you’re seeking to seize movies with the DJI Mini 2 SE, let’s additionally dive into some suggestions and likewise some fundamental settings I take advantage of when taking pictures at totally different occasions of the day.

At all times plan your pictures forward

Wherever you’re planning to journey someplace with a drone and seize movies of an space or panorama or have a gig, it’s at all times important to plan every little thing forward and calculate each risk to keep away from disappointments.

One factor I at all times point out is checking the climate. Let’s assume you already understand it’s most likely not gonna rain, otherwise you gained’t plan this shot, however what concerning the wind velocity stage?

The 3-axis gimbal behind DJI Mini 2 SE is extraordinary and does a incredible job in mechanically stabilizing the movies ensuing from this drone. However that’s not the top of the story.

Whereas the Mini 2 SE has an honest wind resistance stage of 5 with a max of 10.7 m/s, each wind gust and velocity can have an effect on your plans. 

And it isn’t solely concerning the Mini 2 SE not stabilizing itself – it has glorious hovering stability regardless of being so light-weight, however don’t overlook that the flight time could be drastically affected, particularly in the event you plan to fly long-range.

On this subject, we now have two incredible articles we advocate studying in the event you’re planning to take any movies with the DJI Mini 2 SE, or every other drone for that matter.

Use Clever Capabilities (QuickShots)

Whereas the DJI Mini 2 SE doesn’t have Energetic Observe or Observe-me Mode (that’s a bummer), it does have some clever features like QuickShots, which could be a sensible strategy to taking some distinctive pictures.

These QuickShots are made for filming and can program the drone to observe a preset path and seize some incredible movies. 

From Boomerang, Circle, Rocket, Helix, and Orbit to Dronie, every of those shot modes can simply seize some fairly tough flights with this drone, so that you get nice movies with little or no effort, particularly in the event you’ve adopted our settings suggestions.

However merely bear in mind that the DJI Mini 2 SE doesn’t have any impediment avoidance sensors, so plan these modes fastidiously and ensure there aren’t any obstacles round for the drone to crash into (e.g., timber or buildings).

» MORE: DJI Clever Flight Modes (Together with Quickshots & Mastershots)

Be taught Cinematic Strikes

On the planet of cinematography, from the legendary drone pictures behind Jurassic World to Kandahar, cinematic pictures of epic proportions are used to create emotion and ship a message to the viewer.

Properly, you’ve got a DJI Mini 2 SE. We can’t by any means evaluate it with any million-dollar cinema drone digicam. Nevertheless, one factor is frequent: the cinematic pictures.

It doesn’t matter what drone you’ve got, in the event you study and grasp these cinematic strikes, you’re off to a terrific begin.

That is most likely one of the vital essential issues. That is the distinction between capturing mediocre movies and taking epic pictures along with your drone.

Studying cinematic strikes with a drone could seem difficult firstly. However I promise you, it isn’t as tough because it appears.

I’d strongly advocate you watch the next video to raised perceive the place you possibly can enhance on this space.

» MORE: 9 Tricks to Make Your Drone Footage Extra Cinematic

Capturing movies throughout daylight

Let’s focus for a bit on what settings you must use in the event you’re going to shoot movies along with your DJI Mini 2 SE in the course of the day. 

Listed below are some tips I take advantage of which have proved to be glorious not solely with this drone however with different ones as effectively.

Keep in mind that the settings might differ relying on the panorama and the ambient mild the place you’re taking pictures the video.

Mornings & Evenings

  • Decision: 2.7k 
  • Framerate: 30 fps
  • Shutter Velocity: 1/60s
  • ISO: Between 100 and 400, modify to correctly expose the video
  • ND Filters: None or ND8. Generally, chances are you’ll even want ND16

Notes: You might or might not want an ND filter to acquire the shutter velocity of 1/60 with a correctly uncovered video whereas the framerate stays at 30 and the ISO between 100 and 400 vary. As an alternative choice to utilizing ND filters, you possibly can enhance the framerate to 60fps at 1080p decision and set the shutter velocity to 1/120s

✅ The benefit right here is that the ambient mild is greater than sufficient, and chances are you’ll not even want an ND filter. However not at all times. 

❌ The draw back is that the dynamic vary (the distinction between highlights and shadows) might be badly noticeable. Subsequently, some pictures might not look skilled.

» MORE: When is the Finest Time to Fly a Drone?

Full Solar & Overcast

  • Decision: 2.7k 
  • Framerate: 30 fps
  • Shutter Velocity: 1/60s
  • ISO: Between 100 and 400 when utilizing an ND filter.
  • ND Filters: ND16, 32, and even 64 could also be wanted.

Notes: Throughout the daytime, your sensor might be flooded with mild, particularly if taking pictures in full daylight with the Mini 2 SE. To respect these cinematography guidelines of filming, you undoubtedly want to make use of an ND filter of upper power (blocks extra mild), and relying on the surroundings, it is going to go between ND16 and 64. Set the ISO manually to reveal the video accurately with the suitable ND filter, however by no means go above ISO400.

In case your video appears overexposed even with ND filters (e.g., you’ve got solely ND16 or as much as 32 when needing 64), you possibly can drop down the decision and enhance the framerate to 60, the place the shutter velocity must be set at 1/120s. On this case, much less mild will come into the digicam sensor.

✅ The benefit right here is that the video high quality must be at its peak, and no picture noise must be current; additionally, with correct ND filters, you possibly can create some epic cinematic pictures throughout most daylight situations with this drone.

❌ The drawback is that in the event you’re seeking to seize the very best pictures, ND filters throughout daylight are sort of necessary, so long as you need to respect this rule of cinematic filming.

» MORE: Finest Drones With the Largest Digital camera Sensors

Capturing movies at night time

  • Decision: 2.7k 
  • Framerate: 30 fps
  • Shutter Velocity: 1/60s
  • ISO: Between 100 and any higher restrict, however attempt to maintain it as little as doable
  • ND Filters: None

Notes: There’s no want for an ND filter at night time. Fairly the other; you’ll be capable of seize respectable movies solely in areas well-illuminated.

The DJI Mini 2 SE was not made for night time pictures and filming. The sensor is approach too small to seize accurately uncovered movies, particularly following these guidelines in videography and with a shutter velocity of 1/60 seconds.

In areas like downtown, the place there’s plenty of mild, you’ll be capable of do one thing, however even with that, maintain the ISO on the lowest values you possibly can. In any other case, there might be plenty of noticeable grain within the movies. We don’t need that.

» MORE: Finest Drones for Night time Time Use (Pictures & Video)

Conclusion

In accordance with my very own judgment, the DJI Mini 2 SE digicam high quality is sort of respectable for capturing movies, however solely below correct circumstances.

I don’t advocate utilizing this drone to movie in the course of the night time and even at nightfall or daybreak when the lighting situations are usually not ample.

However aside from that, you’ll be shocked by what you possibly can file with this drone, particularly in the event you’re desirous to study cinematic strikes and respect these tips utilized in filmmaking to get the very best footage you possibly can out of this drone.

» MORE: Finest Drones for Carrying Weight

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