DJI Mini 2 SE. What a drone! For those who’re looking for a budget-friendly drone for round $300, there isn’t any higher drone that I may advocate.
Nonetheless, with all the thrill going across the Mini 2 SE, it has a couple of downsides. And considered one of them is the precise digital camera high quality.
In truth, the digital camera behind it isn’t dangerous in any respect; don’t get me mistaken. Nevertheless, the picture sensor or CMOS is comparatively small in comparison with right this moment’s drone normal for skilled pictures and filming.
Nevertheless, with the superior digital camera 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 easiest settings for various situations to document one of the best movies potential 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, 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 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?
Properly, in pictures, the digital camera sensor or CMOS is essentially the most essential side of capturing implausible photographs and movies.
With this drone’s digital camera, as a result of it’s just one/2.3 inch, which is comparatively small, you’ll wrestle 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 for those who amplify your last 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 will likely 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, for those who tweak a couple of settings and, perceive what to alter and respect a couple of guidelines in videography, you’ll be stunned on the movies you’ll be able to document.
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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 fitting facet of the display screen, and you will note a listing of picture and filming choices. Select “video,” and from there, both regular or sluggish movement taking pictures mode – however we’ll go together with regular.
The subsequent 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, supplying you with a sequence of digital camera choices you’ll be able to manually change.
Word: Professional Mode is the equal of the guide mode on a video digital camera.
When you have got activated Professional Mode, you have got entry to all of the video settings you’ll want to change to enhance your filming.
For those who’re filming in Auto Mode, the Shutter Velocity, 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 atmosphere 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 high of that, the movies gained’t look cinematic in any respect for those who 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 one of the best movies in essentially the most skilled means, even with this drone.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional – Methods to Change Video Settings (Video)
Greatest Decision and Framerate
Abstract: 2.7k at 30fps
The very first thing we’ve got 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 seeking to shoot in 60 FPS, you’ll should drop down the decision at FHD.
2.7k is okay. In truth, it’s what we’re searching for right now to movie with the drone. Don’t go 1080p except you wish to shoot some sluggish movement.
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The Right 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, regardless 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 example, for those who choose to shoot in 60 frames per second, regardless 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. For those who’re seeking to set the shutter speeds when filming through 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 taking pictures), 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 numerous ND filters, and so they normally are available in a set for various lighting conditions for the atmosphere you’re planning to movie.
As an example, you utilize 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.
For those who’re seeking to grasp extra details about ND filters and their full function in a drone, we advocate testing 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 must be set as little as potential as a way to keep away from picture noise (grainy look) set into the movies. This must comply with the identical rule as in pictures.
Nevertheless, generally, you’ll want to regulate the ISO in accordance with the circumstances 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 example, if the video will look underexposed at 1/60s shutter velocity with an ND filter ND16, one possibility 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 protecting ISO decrease can 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 commonest method to movie is by utilizing 30 frames per second. On this case, your shutter velocity must be 1/60s.
However, for those who’re searching for any slow-motion content material, movie at 60fps in Full HD after which drop down the velocity in post-processing, which can lead to 0.5x 30fps.
These are merely tips. Nevertheless, you’ll want to keep in mind that the slower the shutter velocity is (decrease the FPS), the extra gentle will come into the digital camera sensor. Due to this fact, movies will simply get overexposed through the day.
As a rule of thumb, I generally movie at 60 fps through the day with my drones and cameras (additionally as a result of I like 60fps movies – pure magic) so I don’t should drop the shutter velocity an excessive amount of, as many occasions throughout respectable lighting hours (not too vivid 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 steadiness. Fortunately, we are able to regulate the white steadiness from decrease Kv values (colder) to increased values (hotter).
Relying on the time of the day, we have to regulate the white steadiness so the video gained’t look too heat or too chilly.
Let me say it one other means. The auto mode is simply superb for many who don’t wish to get an excessive amount of into element and readjust the white steadiness. And even when it’s a bit off, you’ll be able to right the white steadiness in post-processing.
However I do choose to manually set it after I’m taking pictures longer movies as a result of the atmosphere 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 will likely be too heat.
The other ought to occur when taking pictures both throughout an overcast day or particularly throughout a sunny day the place you have got a chilly blue sky – you’ll want to improve the Kv to heat up the video a bit or it can look means too chilly (blue-ish).
Word: 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 fastened at f/2.8.
That’s respectable for many cameras, and except you’re taking pictures 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 several cameras that assist adjustable apertures), extra gentle will come straight by means of the lens into the digital camera sensor when the opening is wider.
Yet one more factor you’ll have to bear in mind when taking pictures with the DJI Mini 2 SE is that, sadly, this drone doesn’t assist a D-CineLike or related 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’t edit movies taken with this drone. In truth, you’ll be able to very nicely, however to place it merely, you might be extra restricted than when taking pictures with a flat coloration profile.
» MORE: Drone Images Final Information
Suggestions for taking pictures higher movies with DJI Mini 2 SE
Now that you’ve got 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 in addition some fundamental settings I take advantage of when taking pictures 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 at all times important to plan the whole lot forward and calculate each chance 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 in regards to the wind velocity degree?
The 3-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 degree 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 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 might be drastically affected, particularly for those who plan to fly long-range.
On this matter, we’ve got two implausible articles we advocate studying for those who’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 Lively Monitor or Comply with-me Mode (that’s a bummer), it does have some clever features like QuickShots, which could be a good 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 for those who’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 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.
Properly, you have got a DJI Mini 2 SE. We can not by any means examine it with any million-dollar cinema drone digital camera. Nevertheless, one factor is frequent: the cinematic photographs.
It doesn’t matter what drone you have got, for those who study and grasp these cinematic strikes, you’re off to a fantastic begin.
That is most likely one of the vital vital issues. That is the distinction between capturing mediocre movies and taking epic photographs along with your drone.
Studying cinematic strikes with a drone could appear difficult firstly. However I promise you, it isn’t as troublesome because it appears to be like.
I might 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 it is best to use for those who’re going to shoot movies along with your DJI Mini 2 SE through 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 nicely.
Do not forget that the settings could differ relying on the panorama and the ambient gentle 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, regulate to correctly expose the video
- ND Filters: None or ND8. Generally, chances are you’ll even want ND16
Notes: Chances are you’ll or could 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 a substitute for utilizing ND filters, you’ll be able to improve the framerate to 60fps at 1080p decision and set the shutter velocity to 1/120s
✅ The benefit right here is that the ambient gentle 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) will likely be badly noticeable. Due to this fact, some photographs could not look skilled.
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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: In the course of the daytime, your sensor will likely be flooded with gentle, 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 gentle), and relying on the surroundings, it can go between ND16 and 64. Set the ISO manually to show the video appropriately 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 have got solely ND16 or as much as 32 when needing 64), you’ll be able to drop down the decision and improve the framerate to 60, the place the shutter velocity must 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 must be at its peak, and no picture noise must 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 for those who’re seeking to seize one of the best photographs, ND filters throughout daylight are form of necessary, so long as you wish to respect this rule of cinematic filming.
» MORE: Greatest Drones With the Largest Digital camera Sensors
Taking pictures movies at night time
- Decision: 2.7k
- Framerate: 30 fps
- Shutter Velocity: 1/60s
- ISO: Between 100 and any higher restrict, however attempt to hold it as little as potential
- ND Filters: None
Notes: There’s no want for an ND filter at night time. Fairly the alternative; you’ll have the ability to 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 means too small to seize appropriately 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 quite a lot of gentle, you’ll have the ability to do one thing, however even with that, hold the ISO on the lowest values you’ll be able to. In any other case, there will likely be quite a lot of noticeable grain within the movies. We don’t need that.
» MORE: Greatest Drones for Night time Time Use (Images & Video)
Conclusion
In line with my very own judgment, the DJI Mini 2 SE digital camera high quality is kind of respectable for capturing movies, however solely below correct circumstances.
I don’t advocate utilizing this drone to movie through the night time and even at nightfall or daybreak when the lighting circumstances usually are not enough.
However apart from that, you’ll be stunned by what you’ll be able to document with this drone, particularly for those who’re desperate to study cinematic strikes and respect these tips utilized in filmmaking to get one of the best footage you’ll be able to out of this drone.
