DJI Mini 2 SE. What a drone! In the event 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 thrill going across the Mini 2 SE, it has a couple of downsides. And certainly one of them is the precise digicam high quality.
The truth is, the digicam 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 immediately’s drone normal for skilled pictures and filming.
Nonetheless, with the superior digicam 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 perfect settings for various situations to file the most effective 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.
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 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 unbelievable photographs and movies.
With this drone’s digicam, 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 positively, the evening 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 closing 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 until 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, should you tweak a couple of settings and, perceive what to vary and respect a couple of guidelines in videography, you’ll be stunned on the movies you may file.
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How one can 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 precise 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 taking pictures mode – however we’ll go along with regular.
The following step is to change 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 routinely change to Professional Mode, supplying you with a collection of digicam choices you may manually change.
Observe: Professional Mode is the equal of the handbook mode on a video digicam.
When you might have activated Professional Mode, you might have entry to all of the video settings you might want to change to enhance your filming.
In the event you’re filming in Auto Mode, the Shutter Velocity, 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 comply with any guidelines of filming. Extra about that later.
Now with the Professional Mode, you may change all these settings to have the ability to seize the most effective movies in probably the most skilled method, even with this drone.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Professional – How one can Change Video Settings (Video)
Finest 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 may 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. The truth is, it’s what we’re in search of right now to movie with the drone. Don’t go 1080p until you need to shoot some gradual movement.
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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; nevertheless, you solely make the most 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 it’s important to set double the shutter velocity in concordance with the framerate you select.
For example, should 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 in an effort 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 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 taking pictures), comply with 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 mild merely for that reason.
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 numerous ND filters, they usually often are available in a set for various lighting conditions for the surroundings you’re planning to movie.
For example, you utilize a denser filter like ND16 or ND32 throughout full daylight and possibly ND8 when the lighting is much less considerable (overcast). That is only a guideline, although.
In the event 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 Have to Know to Shoot Higher Drone Video
What ISO to make use of
Abstract: Set the ISO based on shutter velocity and framerate to acquire a correctly uncovered picture (100-400)
The ISO needs to be set as little as doable in an effort to keep away from picture noise (grainy look) set into the movies. This should comply with the identical rule as in pictures.
Nonetheless, typically, you might want to modify the ISO based on the situations 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 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 maintaining ISO decrease can be simpler.
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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 strategy to movie is by utilizing 30 frames per second. On this case, your shutter velocity should be 1/60s.
However, should 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 end in 0.5x 30fps.
These are merely pointers. Nonetheless, you might want to 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 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 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.
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White Steadiness
Abstract: 5600K throughout a sunny or overcast day; 3500-4500K throughout golden hours.
The video colour illustration is outlined by the white stability. Fortunately, we are able to modify the white stability from decrease Kv values (colder) to larger 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 method. The auto mode is simply high quality for individuals 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 may appropriate the white stability in post-processing.
However I do choose to manually set it once I’m taking pictures longer movies as a result of the surroundings ambiance will change.
So, what settings do you want right here?
While you shoot movies together with your DJI Mini 2 SE within the morning or night, and there’s a really heat ambient colour (dawn, sundown), decrease the Kv a bit, often between 3500K to 4500K. In any other case, the video will likely 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 might have a chilly blue sky – you might want to improve the Kv to heat up the video a bit or it’s going to look method 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 think about
The DJI Mini 2 SE doesn’t have an adjustable aperture; the digicam has it mounted at f/2.8.
That’s first rate for many cameras, and until you’re taking pictures in low mild or evening situations (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 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 assist a D-CineLike or comparable colour 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. The truth is, you may very properly, however to place it merely, you’re extra restricted than when taking pictures with a flat colour profile.
» MORE: Drone Pictures Final Information
Suggestions for taking pictures higher movies with DJI Mini 2 SE
Now that you’ve a primary 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 ideas and in addition some primary settings I take advantage of when taking pictures at totally 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 every part 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 realize it’s in all probability 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 unbelievable 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 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 overlook that the flight time will be drastically affected, particularly should you plan to fly long-range.
On this matter, we’ve got two unbelievable articles we advocate studying should 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 Lively Monitor or Observe-me Mode (that’s a bummer), it does have some clever capabilities like QuickShots, which could be a sensible 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 troublesome flights with this drone, so that you get nice movies with little or no effort, particularly should 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 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 might 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 photographs.
It doesn’t matter what drone you might have, should you study and grasp these cinematic strikes, you’re off to an awesome begin.
That is in all probability one of the vital 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 at first. However I promise you, it isn’t as troublesome because it appears to be like.
I’d strongly advocate you watch the next video to raised perceive the place you may 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 is best to use should you’re going to shoot movies together with your DJI Mini 2 SE throughout the day.
Listed here are some pointers I take advantage of which have proved to be glorious not solely with this drone however with different ones as properly.
Do not forget that the settings could 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: It’s possible 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 an alternative choice to utilizing ND filters, you may 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 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. Subsequently, 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: Throughout the daytime, your sensor will likely be flooded with mild, particularly if taking pictures 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 mild), and relying on the surroundings, it’s going to go between ND16 and 64. Set the ISO manually to reveal 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 might have solely ND16 or as much as 32 when needing 64), you may 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 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 may create some epic cinematic photographs throughout most daylight situations with this drone.
❌ The drawback is that should you’re trying to seize the most effective photographs, ND filters throughout daylight are sort of necessary, 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 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 evening. Fairly the other; you’ll be capable of 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 method 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 a number of mild, you’ll be capable of do one thing, however even with that, maintain the ISO on the lowest values you may. In any other case, there will likely be a number of noticeable grain within the movies. We don’t need that.
» MORE: Finest Drones for Night time Time Use (Pictures & Video)
Conclusion
In response to my very own judgment, the DJI Mini 2 SE digicam high quality is sort of first rate for capturing movies, however solely beneath correct circumstances.
I don’t advocate utilizing this drone to movie throughout the evening and even at nightfall or daybreak when the lighting situations usually are not ample.
However aside from that, you’ll be stunned by what you may file with this drone, particularly should you’re desirous to study cinematic strikes and respect these pointers utilized in filmmaking to get the most effective footage you may out of this drone.