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Revolutionize Your Drone Game: How to Use Active Track on DJI Air 3

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • Whether you’re capturing action shots of your adventures or simply want a unique perspective on your surroundings, ActiveTrack can be a game-changer.
  • A person in bright clothing, a moving vehicle, or even a pet with a unique color pattern are all good choices.
  • You can control the speed at which the drone follows your subject by using the slider in the app.

The DJI Air 3 is a powerful drone packed with features that take aerial photography and videography to new heights. One of its most impressive capabilities is ActiveTrack, a technology that allows your drone to automatically follow a moving subject. Whether you’re capturing action shots of your adventures or simply want a unique perspective on your surroundings, ActiveTrack can be a game-changer. But how do you harness the power of this feature? This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of using ActiveTrack on your DJI Air 3.

Getting Started with ActiveTrack

Before you can unleash the magic of ActiveTrack, you need to understand the basics:

  • Choose Your Subject: ActiveTrack relies on identifying your subject, so make sure it’s clear and distinct. A person in bright clothing, a moving vehicle, or even a pet with a unique color pattern are all good choices.
  • Ensure Proper Lighting: ActiveTrack works best in well-lit conditions. Avoid using it in low light or when your subject is obscured by shadows.
  • Maintain a Safe Distance: For optimal tracking, keep your subject within a reasonable distance from the drone. Too close, and the drone might struggle to track accurately. Too far, and the subject might become too small for the drone to identify.

Activating ActiveTrack

With the basics in mind, let’s dive into the activation process:
1. Open the DJI Fly App: Connect your DJI Air 3 to your smartphone or tablet and open the DJI Fly app.
2. Select ActiveTrack: In the app’s main interface, you’ll find the ActiveTrack icon. Tap it to activate the feature.
3. Choose a Tracking Mode: The DJI Air 3 offers several ActiveTrack modes, each with its unique functionalities:

  • Track: This is the standard mode that follows your subject in a straight line.
  • Orbit: The drone circles your subject while maintaining a safe distance.
  • Point of Interest: The drone orbits a specific point, allowing you to capture panoramic shots.
  • Spotlight: This mode keeps your subject in the center of the frame, even if it’s moving.

4. Select Your Subject: The app automatically attempts to identify your subject. If it doesn’t, you can manually select it by tapping on the screen.
5. Start Tracking: Once you’ve chosen your tracking mode and subject, tap the “Start” button to begin tracking.

Fine-Tuning Your ActiveTrack Experience

While the DJI Air 3’s ActiveTrack is incredibly intuitive, you can further refine your tracking experience with these tips:

  • Adjust Tracking Speed: You can control the speed at which the drone follows your subject by using the slider in the app. This allows you to match the speed of your subject and capture smooth, cinematic footage.
  • Set Tracking Distance: For a more personalized experience, you can adjust the distance the drone keeps from your subject.
  • Use the Zoom Function: The DJI Air 3’s camera offers a 3x optical zoom, allowing you to get closer to your subject without compromising image quality.
  • Adjust Tracking Height: You can control the height at which the drone tracks your subject, giving you more creative control over your shots.

Advanced ActiveTrack Techniques

For those seeking to push the boundaries of ActiveTrack, here are some advanced techniques:

  • Use ActiveTrack with Other Features: Combine ActiveTrack with other features like FocusTrack and Tripod Mode for even more creative possibilities. FocusTrack allows you to lock focus on a specific point while tracking your subject, while Tripod Mode stabilizes the drone for smoother shots.
  • Utilize Waypoint Missions: Create pre-programmed flight paths using Waypoint Missions and integrate ActiveTrack into your route. This allows you to capture dynamic footage while maintaining control over the drone’s movement.
  • Experiment with Different Tracking Modes: Each ActiveTrack mode offers a unique perspective. Experiment with different modes to find the best one for your specific needs and creative vision.

Beyond the Basics: Tips for Mastering ActiveTrack

  • Practice Makes Perfect: The best way to master ActiveTrack is to practice. Start with simple subjects and gradually move on to more complex ones.
  • Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings and the drone’s flight path. ActiveTrack is a powerful tool, but it’s important to use it responsibly.
  • Read the Manual: The DJI Air 3 user manual offers detailed information about ActiveTrack and its various settings. Take the time to read it and understand the capabilities of this feature.

A New Era of Aerial Storytelling: Embracing the Power of ActiveTrack

ActiveTrack on the DJI Air 3 is more than just a drone feature; it’s a powerful tool for creative expression. It allows you to capture dynamic, engaging footage that would be impossible to achieve with traditional filmmaking techniques. By mastering the art of using ActiveTrack, you can elevate your aerial photography and videography to new heights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use ActiveTrack with multiple subjects?
A: Currently, the DJI Air 3’s ActiveTrack feature only allows you to track one subject at a time. However, you can switch between subjects by tapping on the screen.
Q: How far can the drone track my subject?
A: The tracking distance depends on the subject’s size, lighting conditions, and other factors. However, the DJI Air 3 can track subjects at a considerable distance, making it ideal for capturing action shots and wide-angle perspectives.
Q: Can I use ActiveTrack in all environments?
A: ActiveTrack works best in well-lit environments with clear visibility. Avoid using it in low light, fog, or rain, as these conditions can interfere with the drone’s ability to track your subject.
Q: What are the limitations of ActiveTrack?
A: While ActiveTrack is a powerful feature, it’s not perfect. It can sometimes struggle to track subjects that are small, moving quickly, or obscured by obstacles. It’s also important to note that ActiveTrack is an automated feature, and it’s always a good idea to maintain a safe distance from your subject and be aware of your surroundings.
Q: How can I improve the accuracy of ActiveTrack?
A: To improve ActiveTrack’s accuracy, ensure your subject is clearly visible, well-lit, and moving at a moderate pace. You can also adjust the tracking settings in the DJI Fly app to fine-tune the drone’s behavior.

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Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
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