DJI Mini 2 SE. What a drone! When you’re looking for a budget-friendly drone for round $300, there is no such thing as a higher drone that I might suggest.
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.
In reality, the digicam behind it’s not unhealthy in any respect; don’t get me fallacious. Nonetheless, the picture sensor or CMOS is comparatively small in comparison with in the present day’s drone normal for skilled pictures and filming.
Nonetheless, with the superior digicam 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 easiest settings for various situations to document the perfect movies attainable 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, much 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 essentially the most essential side of capturing incredible photographs and movies.
With this drone’s digicam, 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 undoubtedly, the evening movies you seize will look horrible.
The dynamic vary will endure, the readability and vividness of those movies are worse, and for those who enlarge 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. Consider 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of the aforementioned drones with 1/1.3 inch CMOS and bigger can be higher for filming except the drone is tremendous outdated and a part of the older expertise the place what’s inside issues.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, 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 possibly can document.
» MORE: DJI Mini 2 SE Digicam High quality (With Footage)
Methods to 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 correct facet of the display, and you will notice an inventory 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 modify 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 mechanically swap to Professional Mode, supplying you with a collection of digicam choices you possibly can manually change.
Word: 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.
When you’re filming in Auto Mode, the Shutter Pace, 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 setting 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 possibly can change all these settings to have the ability to seize the perfect movies in essentially the most skilled method, 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 now we 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 possibly can set solely 30 frames per second.
If you’re ever seeking to shoot in 60 FPS, you’ll must drop down the decision at FHD.
2.7k is okay. In reality, it’s what we’re searching for presently to movie with the drone. Don’t go 1080p except you need to shoot some sluggish movement.
» MORE: Digicam Know-how 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 velocity 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 digicam, regardless of which one it’s, there’s a golden rule the place you must set double the shutter velocity in concordance with the framerate you select.
As an illustration, 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 with a view to carry 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. When 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 taking pictures), comply with step 2.
- Use ND filters. These filters that you just connect in entrance of the drone digicam lens have the position 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 digicam sensor and set the correct values following this golden rule in video making.
There are a lot of ND filters, they usually often are available a set for various lighting conditions for the setting you’re planning to movie.
As an illustration, you utilize a denser filter like ND16 or ND32 throughout full daylight and perhaps ND8 when the lighting is much less ample (overcast). That is only a guideline, although.
When you’re seeking 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 Must 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 must be set as little as attainable with a view to keep away from picture noise (grainy look) set into the movies. This must comply with the identical rule as in pictures.
Nonetheless, generally, you might want to modify the ISO based on the situations and never set it to the bottom values. That can occur if you set the shutter velocity to double the framerate, with or with out ND filters.
As an illustration, 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 is rarely to get an ISO above 400. On this case, utilizing one other ND filter (weaker) and preserving ISO decrease can be more practical.
» MORE: Can a Drone Digicam Zoom In? (Defined for Learners)
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 through the use of 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 end in 0.5x 30fps.
These are merely pointers. Nonetheless, you might want to keep in mind that the slower the shutter velocity is (decrease the FPS), the extra gentle will come into the digicam sensor. Subsequently, movies will simply get overexposed in the course of the day.
As a rule of thumb, I generally 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 velocity an excessive amount of, as many instances throughout first rate lighting hours (not too vibrant nor too darkish) I don’t want any ND filters with this framerate.
» MORE: Greatest Digicam Settings for DJI Air 3 (Photograph & Video)
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 modify the white stability from decrease Kv values (colder) to greater 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 fantastic 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 possibly can appropriate the white stability in post-processing.
However I do favor to manually set it once I’m taking pictures longer movies as a result of the setting ambiance will change.
So, what settings do you want right here?
Once 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, 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 enhance the Kv to heat up the video a bit or it can look method too chilly (blue-ish).
Word: 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 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 except you’re taking pictures in low gentle 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 help adjustable apertures), extra gentle will come straight by 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 help 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 not edit movies taken with this drone. In reality, you possibly can very properly, however to place it merely, you might be extra restricted than when taking pictures with a flat coloration profile.
» MORE: Drone Images Final Information
Ideas for taking pictures higher movies with DJI Mini 2 SE
Now that you’ve a primary concept about what settings to decide on if you’re seeking to seize movies with the DJI Mini 2 SE, let’s additionally dive into some suggestions and likewise some primary settings I exploit when taking pictures at completely 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 all the time important to plan all the things forward and calculate each chance to keep away from disappointments.
One factor I all the time 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 velocity stage?
The 3-axis gimbal behind DJI Mini 2 SE is extraordinary and does a incredible 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 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 neglect that the flight time might be drastically affected, particularly for those who plan to fly long-range.
On this subject, now we have two incredible articles we suggest studying for those who’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 Energetic Observe or Comply with-me Mode (that’s a bummer), it does have some clever features like QuickShots, which is usually 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 incredible 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 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 fastidiously and ensure there aren’t any obstacles round for the drone to crash into (e.g., timber 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.
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, for those who study and grasp these cinematic strikes, you’re off to an excellent begin.
That is in all probability one of the necessary 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 firstly. However I promise you, it’s not as tough because it appears.
I’d strongly suggest you watch the next video to higher 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 you need to use for those who’re going to shoot movies along with your DJI Mini 2 SE in the course of the day.
Listed here are some pointers I exploit 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 gentle the place you’re taking pictures the video.
Mornings & Evenings
- Decision: 2.7k
- Framerate: 30 fps
- Shutter Pace: 1/60s
- ISO: Between 100 and 400, modify to correctly expose the video
- ND Filters: None or ND8. Typically, you could even want ND16
Notes: You might 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 possibly can enhance 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 you could 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 likely be badly noticeable. Subsequently, some photographs could 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 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 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 might have solely ND16 or as much as 32 when needing 64), you possibly can drop down the decision and enhance 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 digicam 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 possibly can create some epic cinematic photographs throughout most daylight situations with this drone.
❌ The drawback is that for those who’re seeking to seize the perfect photographs, ND filters throughout daylight are form of obligatory, so long as you need to respect this rule of cinematic filming.
» MORE: Greatest Drones With the Largest Digicam Sensors
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 attainable
- ND Filters: None
Notes: There’s no want for an ND filter at evening. Fairly the alternative; you’ll be capable 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 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 loads of gentle, 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 likely be loads of noticeable grain within the movies. We don’t need that.
» MORE: Greatest Drones for Night time Time Use (Images & Video)
Conclusion
In keeping with my very own judgment, the DJI Mini 2 SE digicam high quality is kind of first rate for capturing movies, however solely underneath correct circumstances.
I don’t suggest utilizing this drone to movie in the course of the evening and even at nightfall or daybreak when the lighting situations aren’t sufficient.
However apart from that, you can be stunned by what you possibly can document with this drone, particularly for those who’re desirous to study cinematic strikes and respect these pointers utilized in filmmaking to get the perfect footage you possibly can out of this drone.
