DJI Mini 2 SE. What a drone! Should you’re looking for a budget-friendly drone for round $300, there isn’t a higher drone that I might advocate.
Nonetheless, with all the excitement going across the Mini 2 SE, it has a couple of downsides. And one in every of them is the precise digital camera high quality.
In actual fact, the digital camera behind it isn’t unhealthy in any respect; don’t get me fallacious. Nonetheless, the picture sensor or CMOS is comparatively small in comparison with at the moment’s drone customary for skilled pictures and filming.
Nonetheless, with the superior digital camera expertise and video modifying software program these days, you will get some fairly first rate recordings with this drone.
That’s why I need to share with you the perfect 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 digital camera 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 digital camera 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 digital camera?
Nicely, in pictures, the digital camera sensor or CMOS is probably the most essential facet of capturing implausible photographs and movies.
With this drone’s digital camera, 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 evening movies you seize will look horrible.
The dynamic vary will undergo, the readability and vividness of those movies are worse, and when you enlarge your closing 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 can 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 could be higher for filming except the drone is tremendous previous and a part of the older expertise the place what’s inside issues.
Nonetheless, regardless of all of the downsides of this drone’s smaller CMOS, when you tweak a couple of settings and, perceive what to alter and respect a couple of guidelines in videography, you’ll be shocked on the movies you’ll be able to file.
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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 best facet of the display screen, and you will notice a listing of photograph and filming choices. Select “video,” and from there, both regular or sluggish movement capturing mode – however we’ll go along with regular.
The following step is to change to Professional Mode.
To do that, check out the digital camera icon on the underside proper of your display screen. You will note written on the digital camera “Auto,” which is the auto mode. Faucet the digital camera icon, and it’ll robotically change to Professional Mode, providing you with a collection of digital camera choices you’ll be able to manually change.
Observe: Professional Mode is the equal of the handbook mode on a video digital camera.
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.
Should you’re filming in Auto Mode, the Shutter Pace, ISO, WB, and different settings are robotically 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 and readjust the publicity, thus making the movies look non-professional.
On prime of that, the movies gained’t look cinematic in any respect when you don’t comply with 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 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 out 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.
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 searching for right now to movie with the drone. Don’t go 1080p except you need to shoot some sluggish movement.
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The Appropriate 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; nevertheless, you solely reap the benefits of this vary in pictures.
As for filming with a drone or digital camera, irrespective of which one it’s, there’s a golden rule the place you need to set double the shutter pace in concordance with the framerate you select.
As an example, when you choose to shoot in 60 frames per second, irrespective 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 deliver easy movement blur to the movies ensuing from a drone or digital camera. If not, the movies will look a bit uneven and undoubtedly amateurish for any good use.
However there’s a catch. Should 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.
- Drop down the ISO to the minimal, which is 100. If the video nonetheless appears overexposed (earlier than capturing), comply with step 2.
- Use ND filters. These filters that you simply connect in entrance of the drone digital camera lens have the function of blocking a considerable amount of gentle merely for that reason.
With an ND filter, you’re in a position to management the sunshine that comes into the digital camera sensor and set the right values following this golden rule in video making.
There are lots of ND filters, and so they normally are available in a set for various lighting conditions for the surroundings you’re planning to movie.
As an example, you employ a denser filter like ND16 or ND32 throughout full daylight and possibly ND8 when the lighting is much less ample (overcast). That is only a guideline, although.
Should you’re seeking 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 in response to shutter pace and framerate to acquire a correctly uncovered picture (100-400)
The ISO ought to be set as little as doable with the intention to keep away from picture noise (grainy look) set into the movies. This should comply with the identical rule as in pictures.
Nonetheless, typically, it is advisable alter the ISO in response to the circumstances and never set it to the bottom values. That can occur while you set the shutter pace to double the framerate, with or with out ND filters.
As an example, if the video will look underexposed at 1/60s shutter pace with an ND filter ND16, one choice could 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 protecting ISO decrease could be more practical.
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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 strategy to movie is through the use of 30 frames per second. On this case, your shutter pace should be 1/60s.
However, when 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 lead to 0.5x 30fps.
These are merely pointers. Nonetheless, it is advisable do not forget that the slower the shutter pace is (decrease the FPS), the extra gentle will come into the digital camera sensor. Subsequently, movies will simply get overexposed in the course of the day.
As a rule of thumb, I typically movie at 60 fps in the course of the day with my drones and cameras (additionally as a result of I really like 60fps movies – pure magic) so I don’t must drop the shutter pace an excessive amount of, as many instances throughout first rate lighting hours (not too brilliant nor too darkish) I don’t want any ND filters with this framerate.
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White Steadiness
Abstract: 5600K throughout a sunny or overcast day; 3500-4500K throughout golden hours.
The video coloration illustration is outlined by the white stability. Fortunately, we will alter the white stability from decrease Kv values (colder) to increased 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 approach. The auto mode is simply superb 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’ll be able to right the white stability in post-processing.
However I do favor to manually set it once I’m capturing longer movies as a result of the surroundings ambiance will change.
So, what settings do you want right here?
If you shoot movies along with your DJI Mini 2 SE within the morning or night, and there’s a really heat ambient coloration (dawn, sundown), decrease the Kv a bit, normally between 3500K to 4500K. In any other case, the video can be too heat.
The other ought to occur when capturing 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’ll look approach too chilly (blue-ish).
Observe: 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 digital camera has it mounted at f/2.8.
That’s first rate for many cameras, and except you’re capturing in low gentle or evening 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 help adjustable apertures), extra gentle will come straight by the lens into the digital camera 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 help a D-CineLike or comparable coloration profile and solely has “Regular Mode.”
What does this imply?
The D-CineLike is the equal of RAW in photographs; the movies will look extra flat, which permits intensive post-processing.
This doesn’t imply you can not edit movies taken with this drone. In actual fact, you’ll be able to very nicely, however to place it merely, you’re extra restricted than when capturing with a flat coloration profile.
» MORE: Drone Pictures Final Information
Suggestions for capturing higher movies with DJI Mini 2 SE
Now that you’ve got a primary thought about what settings to decide on while you’re seeking to seize movies with the DJI Mini 2 SE, let’s additionally dive into some ideas and likewise some primary settings I take advantage of when capturing at totally different instances of the day.
At all times plan your photographs 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 all the things 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 comprehend 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 three-axis gimbal behind DJI Mini 2 SE is extraordinary and does a implausible 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 isn’t solely in regards to the Mini 2 SE not stabilizing itself – it has wonderful hovering stability regardless of being so light-weight, however don’t overlook that the flight time might be drastically affected, particularly when you plan to fly long-range.
On this subject, we now have two implausible articles we advocate studying when you’re planning to take any movies with the DJI Mini 2 SE, or another drone for that matter.
Use Clever Features (QuickShots)
Whereas the DJI Mini 2 SE doesn’t have Lively Monitor or Observe-me Mode (that’s a bummer), it does have some clever features like QuickShots, which generally is a sensible method to taking some distinctive photographs.
These QuickShots are made for filming and can program the drone to comply with a preset path and seize some implausible 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 when you’ve adopted our settings ideas.
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 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 photographs behind Jurassic World to Kandahar, cinematic photographs of epic proportions are used to create emotion and ship a message to the viewer.
Nicely, you’ve got a DJI Mini 2 SE. We can not by any means evaluate it with any million-dollar cinema drone digital camera. Nonetheless, one factor is frequent: the cinematic photographs.
It doesn’t matter what drone you’ve got, when you be taught and grasp these cinematic strikes, you’re off to an ideal begin.
That is in all probability one of the vital essential issues. That is the distinction between capturing mediocre movies and taking epic photographs along with your drone.
Studying cinematic strikes with a drone could seem difficult in the beginning. However I promise you, it isn’t as troublesome because it appears.
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
Capturing movies throughout daylight
Let’s focus for a bit on what settings you need to use when you’re going to shoot movies along with your DJI Mini 2 SE in the course of the day.
Listed here are some pointers I take advantage of which have proved to be wonderful not solely with this drone however with different ones as nicely.
Keep in mind that the settings could 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. Typically, it’s possible you’ll even want ND16
Notes: You might or could 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 a substitute for 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) can be badly noticeable. Subsequently, some photographs could not look skilled.
» MORE: When is the Finest 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: Through the daytime, your sensor can 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’ll 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’ll be able to drop down the decision and enhance the framerate to 60, the place the shutter pace ought to be set at 1/120s. On this case, much less gentle will come into the digital camera sensor.
✅ The benefit right here is that the video high quality ought to be at its peak, and no picture noise ought to be current; additionally, with correct ND filters, you’ll be able to create some epic cinematic photographs throughout most daylight situations with this drone.
❌ The drawback is that when you’re seeking to seize the very best photographs, ND filters throughout daylight are sort of obligatory, so long as you need to respect this rule of cinematic filming.
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Capturing movies at evening
- Decision: 2.7k
- Framerate: 30 fps
- Shutter Pace: 1/60s
- ISO: Between 100 and any higher restrict, however attempt to preserve it as little as doable
- ND Filters: None
Notes: There’s no want for an ND filter at evening. Fairly the alternative; you’ll have the ability to seize first rate movies solely in areas well-illuminated.
The DJI Mini 2 SE was not made for evening pictures and filming. The sensor is approach 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 loads of gentle, you’ll have the ability to do one thing, however even with that, preserve the ISO on the lowest values you’ll be able to. In any other case, there can be loads of noticeable grain within the movies. We don’t need that.
» MORE: Finest Drones for Night time Time Use (Pictures & Video)
Conclusion
In keeping with my very own judgment, the DJI Mini 2 SE digital camera high quality is kind of first rate for capturing movies, however solely beneath correct circumstances.
I don’t advocate utilizing this drone to movie in the course of the evening and even at nightfall or daybreak when the lighting circumstances aren’t satisfactory.
However aside from that, you’ll be shocked by what you’ll be able to file with this drone, particularly when you’re desirous to be taught cinematic strikes and respect these pointers utilized in filmmaking to get the very best footage you’ll be able to out of this drone.
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