DJI Mini 2 SE. What a drone! In case you’re in search of a budget-friendly drone for round $300, there is no such thing as a higher drone that I might advocate.
Nonetheless, with all the excitement going across the Mini 2 SE, it has a number of downsides. And one among them is the precise digicam high quality.
Actually, the digicam behind it’s not unhealthy in any respect; don’t get me incorrect. Nonetheless, the picture sensor or CMOS is comparatively small in comparison with right this moment’s drone normal for skilled images and filming.
Nonetheless, with the superior digicam know-how and video modifying software program these days, you may get some fairly respectable recordings with this drone.
That’s why I wish to share with you the perfect settings for various eventualities to file one of the best movies doable with the DJI Mini 2 SE.
DJI Mini 2 SE Digicam: 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.
Wanting 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 images 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 images, the digicam sensor or CMOS is probably the most essential facet of capturing improbable photos 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 positively, the night time movies you seize will look horrible.
The dynamic vary will undergo, the readability and vividness of those movies are worse, and should you amplify your remaining video, you’ll discover extra apparent artifacts than an identical video captured with a bigger sensor.
That’s as a result of each video element will probably be squeezed on this small sensor.
I’m not saying now that it’s completely horrible. Consider me, it’s not.
However all of the aforementioned drones with 1/1.3 inch CMOS and bigger can be higher for filming until 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, should you tweak a number of settings and, perceive what to vary and respect a number of guidelines in videography, you’ll be stunned on the movies you’ll be able to file.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Digicam High quality (With Footage)
Easy 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 proper aspect of the display screen, and you will notice an inventory of picture and filming choices. Select “video,” and from there, both regular or sluggish movement capturing mode – however we’ll go along with regular.
The subsequent step is to modify to Professional Mode.
To do that, check out the digicam icon on the underside proper of your display screen. You will note written on the digicam “Auto,” which is the auto mode. Faucet the digicam icon, and it’ll routinely swap to Professional Mode, providing you with a collection of digicam choices you’ll be able to manually change.
Be aware: Professional Mode is the equal of the handbook mode on a video digicam.
When you may have activated Professional Mode, you may have entry to all of the video settings it’s worthwhile to change to enhance your filming.
In case you’re filming in Auto Mode, the Shutter Pace, ISO, WB, and different settings are routinely 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 surroundings 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 high of that, the movies gained’t look cinematic in any respect should you don’t observe any guidelines of filming. Extra about that later.
Now with the Professional Mode, you’ll be able to change all these settings to have the ability to seize one of the best movies in probably the most skilled means, even with this drone.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional – Easy methods to Change Video Settings (Video)
Greatest Decision and Framerate
Abstract: 2.7k at 30fps
The very first thing we have now 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’ll be able to set solely 30 frames per second.
If you’re ever trying to shoot in 60 FPS, you’ll must drop down the decision at FHD.
2.7k is okay. Actually, it’s what we’re searching for at the moment to movie with the drone. Don’t go 1080p until you wish to shoot some sluggish movement.
» MORE: Digicam Expertise in Drones (Defined)
The Right Shutter Pace
Abstract: Set it to double the framerate you select.
The DJI Mini 2 SE has an digital shutter pace 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 images.
As for filming with a drone or digicam, regardless of which one it’s, there’s a golden rule the place it’s a must to set double the shutter pace in concordance with the framerate you select.
As an illustration, should you decide to shoot in 60 frames per second, regardless of the decision, you’ll have to select the 1/120s shutter pace or the closest worth.
When selecting the usual framerate of 30fps, you’ll have to choose 1/60s shutter pace or the closest worth.
That is essential with the intention to convey clean 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 case you’re trying to set the shutter speeds when filming throughout the day, the movies will look overly uncovered.
There are two issues to do right here.
- Drop down the ISO to the minimal, which is 100. If the video nonetheless appears to be like overexposed (earlier than capturing), observe step 2.
- Use ND filters. These filters that you simply connect in entrance of the drone digicam lens have the function of blocking a considerable amount of gentle merely because of this.
With an ND filter, you’re capable of management the sunshine that comes into the digicam sensor and set the right values following this golden rule in video making.
There are a lot of ND filters, they usually often are available in a set for various lighting conditions for the surroundings 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 considerable (overcast). That is only a guideline, although.
In case you’re trying to grasp extra details about ND filters and their full function 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 based on shutter pace and framerate to acquire a correctly uncovered picture (100-400)
The ISO needs to be set as little as doable with the intention to keep away from picture noise (grainy look) set into the movies. This must observe the identical rule as in images.
Nonetheless, typically, it’s worthwhile to alter the ISO based on the circumstances and never set it to the bottom values. That may occur once you set the shutter pace to double the framerate, with or with out ND filters.
As an illustration, if the video will look underexposed at 1/60s shutter pace 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 conserving ISO decrease can be simpler.
» MORE: Can a Drone Digicam Zoom In? (Defined for Newcomers)
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 most typical technique to movie is through the use of 30 frames per second. On this case, your shutter pace must be 1/60s.
However, should you’re searching for any slow-motion content material, movie at 60fps in Full HD after which drop down the pace in post-processing, which is able to end in 0.5x 30fps.
These are merely pointers. Nonetheless, it’s worthwhile to do not forget that the slower the shutter pace is (decrease the FPS), the extra gentle will come into the digicam sensor. Subsequently, movies will simply get overexposed throughout the day.
As a rule of thumb, I typically movie at 60 fps throughout 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 pace an excessive amount of, as many occasions throughout respectable lighting hours (not too brilliant nor too darkish) I don’t want any ND filters with this framerate.
» MORE: Greatest Digicam Settings for DJI Air 3 (Picture & Video)
White Stability
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 alter the white stability from decrease Kv values (colder) to greater values (hotter).
Relying on the time of the day, we have to alter the white stability so the video gained’t look too heat or too chilly.
Let me say it one other means. The auto mode is simply positive for many who don’t wish to get an excessive amount of into element and readjust the white stability. And even when it’s a bit off, you’ll be able to appropriate the white stability in post-processing.
However I do desire to manually set it after I’m capturing longer movies as a result of the surroundings ambiance will change.
So, what settings do you want right here?
Whenever you shoot movies together 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 will probably be too heat.
The alternative ought to occur when capturing both throughout an overcast day or particularly throughout a sunny day the place you may have a chilly blue sky – it’s worthwhile to enhance the Kv to heat up the video a bit or it can look means too chilly (blue-ish).
Be aware: I annotate Kv as a reference to Ok, 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 until you’re capturing in low gentle or night time circumstances (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 assist adjustable apertures), extra gentle will come straight by way of the lens into the digicam sensor when the opening is wider.
Yet one more factor you’ll have to keep in mind when capturing with the DJI Mini 2 SE is that, sadly, this drone doesn’t assist a D-CineLike or comparable shade profile and solely has “Regular Mode.”
What does this imply?
The D-CineLike is the equal of RAW in photos; the movies will look extra flat, which permits intensive post-processing.
This doesn’t imply you can’t edit movies taken with this drone. Actually, you’ll be able to very nicely, however to place it merely, you’re extra restricted than when capturing with a flat shade profile.
» MORE: Drone Pictures Final Information
Suggestions for capturing higher movies with DJI Mini 2 SE
Now that you’ve got a fundamental concept about what settings to decide on once you’re trying to seize movies with the DJI Mini 2 SE, let’s additionally dive into some suggestions and in addition some fundamental settings I exploit when capturing at totally different occasions of the day.
All the time 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 the whole lot 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 realize it’s in all probability not gonna rain, otherwise you gained’t plan this shot, however what in regards to the wind pace stage?
The 3-axis gimbal behind DJI Mini 2 SE is extraordinary and does a improbable job in mechanically stabilizing the movies ensuing from this drone. However that’s not the tip of the story.
Whereas the Mini 2 SE has a good wind resistance stage of 5 with a max of 10.7 m/s, each wind gust and pace can have an effect on your plans.
And it’s not solely in regards to the Mini 2 SE not stabilizing itself – it has glorious hovering stability regardless of being so light-weight, however don’t neglect that the flight time may be drastically affected, particularly should you plan to fly long-range.
On this matter, we have now two improbable articles we advocate studying should you’re planning to take any movies with the DJI Mini 2 SE, or some other drone for that matter.
Use Clever Capabilities (QuickShots)
Whereas the DJI Mini 2 SE doesn’t have Lively Monitor or Comply with-me Mode (that’s a bummer), it does have some clever features like QuickShots, which could be a good 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 improbable movies.
From Boomerang, Circle, Rocket, Helix, and Orbit to Dronie, every of those shot modes can simply seize some fairly troublesome flights with this drone, so that you get nice movies with little or no effort, particularly should you’ve adopted our settings suggestions.
However merely remember that the DJI Mini 2 SE doesn’t have any impediment avoidance sensors, so plan these modes fastidiously and ensure there are not any obstacles round for the drone to crash into (e.g., bushes or buildings).
» MORE: DJI Clever Flight Modes (Together with Quickshots & Mastershots)
Study 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 may have a DJI Mini 2 SE. We can not by any means evaluate it with any million-dollar cinema drone digicam. Nonetheless, one factor is frequent: the cinematic pictures.
It doesn’t matter what drone you may have, should you be taught and grasp these cinematic strikes, you’re off to a fantastic begin.
That is in all probability probably the most vital issues. That is the distinction between capturing mediocre movies and taking epic pictures together with your drone.
Studying cinematic strikes with a drone could seem difficult originally. However I promise you, it’s not as troublesome because it appears to be like.
I’d strongly advocate you watch the next video to raised perceive the place you’ll be able to enhance on this space.
» MORE: 9 Tricks to Make Your Drone Footage Extra Cinematic
Taking pictures movies throughout daylight
Let’s focus for a bit on what settings you need to use should you’re going to shoot movies together with your DJI Mini 2 SE throughout the day.
Listed below are some pointers I exploit which have proved to be glorious not solely with this drone however with different ones as nicely.
Do not forget that the settings might differ relying on the panorama and the ambient gentle the place you’re capturing the video.
Mornings & Evenings
- Decision: 2.7k
- Framerate: 30 fps
- Shutter Pace: 1/60s
- ISO: Between 100 and 400, alter to correctly expose the video
- ND Filters: None or ND8. Generally, it’s possible you’ll even want ND16
Notes: It’s possible you’ll or might not want an ND filter to acquire the shutter pace 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’ll be able to enhance the framerate to 60fps at 1080p decision and set the shutter pace to 1/120s
✅ The benefit right here is that the ambient gentle is greater than sufficient, and it’s possible 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) will probably be badly noticeable. Subsequently, some pictures might not look skilled.
» MORE: When is the Greatest Time to Fly a Drone?
Full Solar & Overcast
- Decision: 2.7k
- Framerate: 30 fps
- Shutter Pace: 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 will probably be flooded with gentle, particularly if capturing in full daylight with the Mini 2 SE. To respect these cinematography guidelines of filming, you positively want to make use of an ND filter of upper energy (blocks extra gentle), and relying on the surroundings, it can go between ND16 and 64. Set the ISO manually to show the video accurately with the suitable ND filter, however by no means go above ISO400.
In case your video appears to be like overexposed even with ND filters (e.g., you may have solely ND16 or as much as 32 when needing 64), you’ll be able to drop down the decision and enhance the framerate to 60, the place the shutter pace needs to be set at 1/120s. On this case, much less gentle will come into the digicam sensor.
✅ The benefit right here is that the video high quality needs to be at its peak, and no picture noise needs to be current; additionally, with correct ND filters, you’ll be able to create some epic cinematic pictures throughout most daylight eventualities with this drone.
❌ The drawback is that should you’re trying to seize one of the best pictures, ND filters throughout daylight are sort of obligatory, so long as you wish to respect this rule of cinematic filming.
» MORE: Greatest Drones With the Largest Digicam Sensors
Taking pictures movies at night time
- Decision: 2.7k
- Framerate: 30 fps
- Shutter Pace: 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 to seize respectable movies solely in areas well-illuminated.
The DJI Mini 2 SE was not made for night time images and filming. The sensor is means too small to seize accurately uncovered movies, particularly following these guidelines in videography and with a shutter pace of 1/60 seconds.
In areas like downtown, the place there’s quite a lot of gentle, you’ll be capable to do one thing, however even with that, maintain the ISO on the lowest values you’ll be able to. In any other case, there will probably be quite a lot of noticeable grain within the movies. We don’t need that.
» MORE: Greatest Drones for Evening Time Use (Pictures & Video)
Conclusion
In response to my very own judgment, the DJI Mini 2 SE digicam high quality is sort of respectable for capturing movies, however solely underneath correct circumstances.
I don’t advocate utilizing this drone to movie throughout the night time and even at nightfall or daybreak when the lighting circumstances usually are not ample.
However apart from that, you may be stunned by what you’ll be able to file with this drone, particularly should you’re desperate to be taught cinematic strikes and respect these pointers utilized in filmmaking to get one of the best footage you’ll be able to out of this drone.