What To Know
- Imagine capturing dynamic shots as you hike through a scenic trail, bike down a mountain pass, or even walk your dog in the park.
- Point of Interest (POI) allows you to designate a specific point on the ground as the center of the drone’s focus.
- In the DJI Fly app, tap the “POI” icon, which looks like a circle with a dot in the center.
The DJI Mavic Mini is a fantastic drone for capturing stunning aerial footage, but its true potential comes alive when you can get it to follow you seamlessly. Imagine capturing dynamic shots as you hike through a scenic trail, bike down a mountain pass, or even walk your dog in the park. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to get your DJI Mavic Mini to follow you, unlocking a whole new level of creative possibilities.
Understanding the Basics: ActiveTrack and Point of Interest
The key to getting your Mavic Mini to follow you lies in two essential features: ActiveTrack and Point of Interest (POI).
ActiveTrack is a powerful feature that allows the drone to automatically track a subject—that’s you! It intelligently analyzes the environment, recognizing your movements and adjusting its flight path accordingly.
Point of Interest (POI) allows you to designate a specific point on the ground as the center of the drone’s focus. The drone will then orbit around this point, keeping it in the center of the frame while capturing mesmerizing circular shots.
Getting Started: Setting up Your DJI Mavic Mini
Before you start using ActiveTrack and POI, ensure you have the following:
- DJI Fly App: Download and install the latest version of the DJI Fly app on your smartphone or tablet. This app is your control center for all your Mavic Mini operations.
- Firmware Updates: Keep your Mavic Mini and DJI Fly app updated with the latest firmware to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
- Stable Connection: A strong Wi-Fi connection between your drone and the DJI Fly app is crucial for smooth operation.
Mastering ActiveTrack: Following Your Every Move
To activate ActiveTrack, follow these steps:
1. Launch the DJI Fly app: Connect your Mavic Mini to your smartphone or tablet via the DJI Fly app.
2. Select ActiveTrack: In the DJI Fly app, tap the “ActiveTrack” icon, which looks like a person walking.
3. Choose your subject: The app will automatically detect potential subjects, including yourself. Tap on your image to select yourself as the target for tracking.
4. Adjust settings: Once selected, you can adjust the tracking speed, distance, and altitude in the DJI Fly app. This allows you to fine-tune the drone’s behavior based on your specific needs.
5. Take off and track: With ActiveTrack activated, lift off your Mavic Mini and watch as it smoothly tracks your movements.
Unlocking Creativity with Point of Interest (POI)
POI opens up a world of stunning circular shots. Here’s how to use it:
1. Launch the DJI Fly app: Connect your Mavic Mini to your smartphone or tablet via the DJI Fly app.
2. Select Point of Interest: In the DJI Fly app, tap the “POI” icon, which looks like a circle with a dot in the center.
3. Choose your POI: Select the location on the ground where you want the drone to focus. This could be a scenic landmark, a specific spot on the ground, or even yourself.
4. Adjust settings: Select the size of the orbit, the altitude, and the speed of the drone’s rotation. This allows you to customize the shot to your liking.
5. Take off and orbit: Your Mavic Mini will automatically start orbiting around the selected POI, capturing captivating circular shots.
Tips for Smooth Following and Stunning Shots
- Open Space: Choose locations with open space and minimal obstacles for optimal ActiveTrack and POI performance.
- Clear Line of Sight: Ensure a clear line of sight between the drone and yourself, especially when using ActiveTrack.
- Smooth Movements: Move smoothly and predictably to help the drone track your movements accurately.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Practice using ActiveTrack and POI in different environments to gain confidence and refine your skills.
- Experiment with Settings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings like tracking speed, altitude, and orbit radius to find the perfect combination for your shots.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques
- Using the Follow Me Mode: The DJI Fly app also offers a “Follow Me” mode, which is similar to ActiveTrack but with some added features. This mode allows you to set a specific distance and altitude for the drone to maintain while following you.
- Utilizing Waypoint Missions: For more complex shots, you can create waypoint missions using the DJI Fly app. This allows you to program a specific flight path for the drone, including stops, turns, and even automated camera movements.
- Combining ActiveTrack and POI: Get creative by combining ActiveTrack and POI to capture unique shots. For example, you can use ActiveTrack to follow you as you walk across a field, then switch to POI to focus on a specific landmark in the background.
The Future of Drone Follow: Beyond the Mavic Mini
The capabilities of drone follow technology are constantly evolving. Newer drones, like the DJI Mavic Air 2 and DJI Mini 3 Pro, offer even more advanced tracking features, including enhanced object recognition and obstacle avoidance. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more sophisticated and intuitive follow modes in the future.
Final Thoughts: Unleash Your Inner Filmmaker
By mastering ActiveTrack and POI, you can transform your Mavic Mini into a powerful filmmaking tool. Capture dynamic shots that were previously impossible, elevate your drone photography to new heights, and unleash your creative potential. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you experiment and refine your skills, the more unforgettable footage you’ll be able to capture.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Can I use ActiveTrack and POI in any environment?
A: ActiveTrack and POI work best in open spaces with minimal obstacles. They may not be as reliable in cluttered environments or in areas with strong wind.
Q: How far can my Mavic Mini follow me?
A: The maximum distance for ActiveTrack and POI is dependent on your drone’s battery life, signal strength, and local regulations. However, the Mavic Mini can generally track you for a considerable distance, especially in open environments.
Q: What if the drone loses track of me?
A: If the drone loses track of you, it will automatically return to its home point, which you set in the DJI Fly app.
Q: Can I use ActiveTrack and POI with other DJI drones?
A: Yes, ActiveTrack and POI are available on many DJI drones, including the Mavic Air 2, Mini 3 Pro, and Phantom 4 series.
Q: What are some creative ways to use ActiveTrack and POI?
A: You can use ActiveTrack to follow you as you bike down a mountain pass, capture stunning shots of you walking along a beach, or even create a dynamic time-lapse of a busy city street. POI can be used to create mesmerizing circular shots of landmarks, waterfalls, or even yourself.
