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

DJI Mini 2 SE. What a drone! In the event you’re searching for a budget-friendly drone for round $300, there is no such thing as a higher drone that I may suggest.

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

Actually, the digital camera behind it’s not unhealthy in any respect; don’t get me flawed. Nonetheless, the picture sensor or CMOS is comparatively small in comparison with immediately’s drone customary for skilled pictures and filming.

Nonetheless, with the superior digital camera expertise and video enhancing 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 easiest settings for various eventualities to file the very best movies attainable with the DJI Mini 2 SE.

DJI Mini 2 SE Digicam: What do we all know?

The digital camera behind DJI Mini 2 SE has a picture sensor of 1/2.3 inch, much 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 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 digital camera?

Nicely, in pictures, the digital camera sensor or CMOS is probably the most essential side of capturing unbelievable 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 wrestle to seize any low-light movies, and positively, the night time movies you seize will look horrible.

The dynamic vary will endure, the readability and vividness of those movies are worse, and in case you amplify your ultimate 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. Imagine me, it’s not. 

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 expertise the place what’s inside issues.

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

» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Digicam High quality (With Photos)

entry video settings on DJI Mini 2 SE

To entry the video mode within the DJI Fly App (reside view mode), press the icon above the shutter button on the best facet of the display, and you will note an inventory of photograph and filming choices. Select “video,” and from there, both regular or gradual 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. You will note written on the digital camera “Auto,” which is the auto mode. Faucet the digital camera icon, and it’ll mechanically swap to Professional Mode, supplying you with a sequence of digital camera choices you possibly can manually change. 

Be aware: Professional Mode is the equal of the handbook mode on a video digital camera.

When you will have activated Professional Mode, you will have 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 case you don’t comply with 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 method, even with this drone.

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

Finest Decision and Framerate

Abstract: 2.7k at 30fps

The very first thing now we 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 trying to shoot in 60 FPS, you’ll need to drop down the decision at FHD.

2.7k is okay. Actually, it’s what we’re in search of presently to movie with the drone. Don’t go 1080p except you need to shoot some gradual movement.

» MORE: Digicam Know-how 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 digital camera, irrespective of which one it’s, there’s a golden rule the place it’s a must to set double the shutter velocity in concordance with the framerate you select.

For example, in case 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 decide 1/60s shutter velocity or the closest worth.

That is essential as a way to convey clean 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. In the event you’re trying 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 to be like overexposed (earlier than capturing), comply with step 2.
2. Use ND filters. These filters that you just connect in entrance of the drone digital camera lens have the position of blocking a considerable amount of mild merely because of this. 

With an ND filter, you’re capable of management the sunshine that comes into the digital camera sensor and set the correct values following this golden rule in video making.

There are lots of ND filters, they usually often are available in a set for various lighting conditions for the atmosphere you’re planning to movie. 

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

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

» MORE: A Easy Information to ND Filters: What You Have to 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 needs to be set as little as attainable as a way 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 accordance with the circumstances and never set it to the bottom values. That may occur while you set the shutter velocity to double the framerate, with or with out ND filters.

For example, 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 holding 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 commonest strategy to movie is through the use of 30 frames per second. On this case, your shutter velocity should be 1/60s.

However, in case 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 can end in 0.5x 30fps.

These are merely tips. Nonetheless, it is advisable do not forget that the slower the shutter velocity is (decrease the FPS), the extra mild will come into the digital camera sensor. Due to this fact, 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 like 60fps movies – pure magic) so I don’t need to drop the shutter velocity an excessive amount of, as many occasions throughout first rate lighting hours (not too brilliant nor too darkish) I don’t want any ND filters with this framerate.

» MORE: Finest 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 steadiness. Fortunately, we will alter the white steadiness from decrease Kv values (colder) to increased values (hotter). 

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

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

However I do want to manually set it after I’m capturing longer movies as a result of the atmosphere ambiance will change.

So, what settings do you want right here? 

If 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 other ought to occur when capturing both throughout an overcast day or particularly throughout a sunny day the place you will have a chilly blue sky – it is advisable improve the Kv to heat up the video a bit or it would look method too chilly (blue-ish).

Be aware: I annotate Kv as a reference to Okay, which represents the Kelvin temperature on the white steadiness 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 mild 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 help adjustable apertures), extra mild will come straight by the lens into the digital camera sensor when the opening is wider.

One more factor you’ll have to bear in mind when capturing with the DJI Mini 2 SE is that, sadly, this drone doesn’t help 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 photographs; 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. Actually, you possibly can very nicely, however to place it merely, you’re extra restricted than when capturing with a flat shade profile.

» MORE: Drone Images Final Information

Suggestions for capturing higher movies with DJI Mini 2 SE

Now that you’ve a fundamental concept about what settings to decide on while 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 completely different occasions of the day.

All the time 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 all the time important to plan every little thing forward and calculate each risk to keep away from disappointments.

One factor I all the time 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 in regards to the wind velocity stage?

The 3-axis gimbal behind DJI Mini 2 SE is extraordinary and does a unbelievable 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 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’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 overlook that the flight time may be drastically affected, particularly in case you plan to fly long-range.

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

Use Clever Features (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 capabilities like QuickShots, which is usually a good strategy 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 unbelievable 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 case 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 rigorously and ensure there aren’t any obstacles round for the drone to crash into (e.g., bushes or buildings).

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

Be taught Cinematic Strikes

On this 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 will have a DJI Mini 2 SE. We can’t by any means examine it with any million-dollar cinema drone digital camera. Nonetheless, one factor is widespread: the cinematic photographs.

It doesn’t matter what drone you will have, in case you study and grasp these cinematic strikes, you’re off to a terrific begin.

That is most likely some of the vital issues. That is the distinction between capturing mediocre movies and taking epic photographs together with your drone.

Studying cinematic strikes with a drone could appear difficult in the beginning. However I promise you, it’s not as tough because it appears to be like.

I might strongly suggest 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 it’s best to use in case you’re going to shoot movies together with your DJI Mini 2 SE in the course of the day. 

Listed below are some tips I exploit which have proved to be glorious not solely with this drone however with different ones as nicely.

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

Mornings & Evenings

• Decision: 2.7k 
• Framerate: 30 fps
• Shutter Velocity: 1/60s
• ISO: Between 100 and 400, alter to correctly expose the video
• ND Filters: None or ND8. Generally, you might 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 improve 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 you might not even want an ND filter. However not all the time. 

❌ The draw back is that the dynamic vary (the distinction between highlights and shadows) will probably be badly noticeable. Due to this fact, some photographs 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 will probably be flooded with mild, 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 power (blocks extra mild), and relying on the surroundings, it would 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 will have solely ND16 or as much as 32 when needing 64), you possibly can drop down the decision and improve the framerate to 60, the place the shutter velocity needs to be set at 1/120s. On this case, much less mild will come into the digital camera 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 possibly can create some epic cinematic photographs throughout most daylight eventualities with this drone.

❌ The drawback is that in case you’re trying to seize the very best photographs, ND filters throughout daylight are type of obligatory, so long as you need to respect this rule of cinematic filming.

» MORE: Finest Drones With the Largest Digicam 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 preserve it as little as attainable
• ND Filters: None

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

The DJI Mini 2 SE was not made for night time pictures and filming. The sensor is method 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 a whole lot of mild, you’ll be capable to do one thing, however even with that, preserve the ISO on the lowest values you possibly can. In any other case, there will probably be a whole lot of noticeable grain within the movies. We don’t need that.

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

Conclusion

In accordance with my very own judgment, the DJI Mini 2 SE digital camera high quality is sort of first rate for capturing movies, however solely beneath correct circumstances.

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

However apart from that, you may be stunned by what you possibly can file with this drone, particularly in case 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