What To Know
- This mode allows you to set a specific point of interest, and the drone will circle around it while maintaining a constant distance.
- A faster speed will result in a more dynamic shot, while a slower speed will create a more relaxed feel.
The DJI Mavic Air 2 is a powerful drone with an impressive range of features, including its innovative ActiveTrack technology. This feature allows your drone to automatically follow a subject, whether it’s a person, animal, or even a vehicle. If you’re wondering how to unlock the potential of ActiveTrack and capture cinematic footage, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the steps of using ActiveTrack on your DJI Mavic Air 2, covering everything from basic setup to advanced tips and tricks.
Understanding ActiveTrack: A Powerful Tool for Cinematic Footage
ActiveTrack is a fantastic tool for capturing dynamic and engaging footage. It takes the guesswork out of tracking moving subjects, allowing you to focus on framing your shots and getting creative. With ActiveTrack, you can achieve smooth, professional-looking shots that would be incredibly difficult to pull off manually.
Getting Started: Activating ActiveTrack on Your DJI Mavic Air 2
Before you can start using ActiveTrack, you need to ensure it’s enabled on your drone. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Open the DJI Fly app: Launch the DJI Fly app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Connect to your drone: Make sure your Mavic Air 2 is powered on and connected to your mobile device.
3. Enter the flight mode: While in the flight mode, tap on the “ActiveTrack” icon located on the bottom left of the screen.
4. Select your tracking mode: You’ll be presented with a choice of tracking modes. Choose the one that best suits your needs:
- Track: This mode will automatically track your chosen subject.
- Spotlight: This mode will keep your subject centered in the frame, even if it moves out of the drone’s field of view.
- Point of Interest: This mode allows you to set a specific point of interest, and the drone will circle around it while maintaining a constant distance.
5. Select your subject: Use your finger on the screen to select the subject you want to track. The drone will automatically begin tracking your chosen subject.
Mastering the Modes: Choosing the Right ActiveTrack for Your Shots
Each ActiveTrack mode has its own strengths and weaknesses, making it important to choose the right mode for the shot you want to achieve.
Track Mode: This is the most basic ActiveTrack mode, and it’s perfect for capturing simple shots of a moving subject. The drone will follow your subject directly, keeping it within the frame. This mode is great for capturing shots of people walking, running, or cycling.
Spotlight Mode: This mode is ideal for capturing shots of subjects that move quickly or unpredictably. The drone will keep your subject centered in the frame, even if it moves out of the drone’s field of view. This mode is perfect for capturing shots of animals, sporting events, or any scene where the subject is constantly moving.
Point of Interest Mode: This mode allows you to set a specific point of interest, and the drone will circle around it while maintaining a constant distance. This mode is perfect for capturing aerial shots of landscapes, buildings, or other stationary subjects.
Fine-Tuning ActiveTrack: Optimizing Your Shots
ActiveTrack is a powerful tool, but it’s not always perfect. Sometimes you might need to fine-tune your settings to achieve the best results.
Adjusting Tracking Speed: You can adjust the speed at which the drone tracks your subject by tapping on the “ActiveTrack” icon and then adjusting the “Speed” slider. A faster speed will result in a more dynamic shot, while a slower speed will create a more relaxed feel.
Adjusting Tracking Distance: You can also adjust the distance at which the drone tracks your subject by tapping on the “ActiveTrack” icon and then adjusting the “Distance” slider. A shorter distance will create a more intimate shot, while a longer distance will give you a wider perspective.
Using the “Pause” Button: If you need to temporarily stop the drone from tracking your subject, you can tap on the “Pause” button. This will allow you to manually control the drone while still keeping the ActiveTrack settings active.
Advanced Techniques: Elevate Your ActiveTrack Skills
Once you’ve mastered the basics of ActiveTrack, you can start experimenting with more advanced techniques to elevate your footage.
Using ActiveTrack with Other Features: ActiveTrack can be combined with other features on your Mavic Air 2 to create even more dynamic and engaging shots. For example, you can use ActiveTrack with the drone’s “QuickShot” modes to create cinematic shots like “Rocket,” “Dronie,” and “Circle.”
Creating Dynamic Shots with the “Circle” Feature: The “Circle” feature allows you to have the drone circle around your subject while maintaining a constant distance. This technique is perfect for creating dramatic shots of people, animals, or even landscapes.
Capturing Smooth Transitions with “Orbital” Tracking: The “Orbital” tracking feature allows you to create smooth, circular movements around your subject, giving the impression that the drone is orbiting it. This technique is perfect for capturing shots of people, animals, or even landscapes.
Beyond the Basics: Troubleshooting and Tips
While ActiveTrack is a powerful tool, it’s not without its limitations. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you avoid common issues and maximize your results:
Ensure Good Lighting: ActiveTrack relies on visual recognition, so it’s important to have good lighting conditions. Avoid using ActiveTrack in low-light or shadow conditions.
Choose a Subject with Clear Features: ActiveTrack works best with subjects that have clear features, such as a person’s face or an animal’s body shape. Avoid using ActiveTrack with subjects that are small, blurry, or have a lot of visual clutter around them.
Keep the Subject in View: ActiveTrack requires the drone to be able to see the subject at all times. If the subject goes out of view, the drone will stop tracking.
Avoid Obstacles: Make sure there are no obstacles in the way of the drone and the subject. ActiveTrack will not be able to track a subject if it is blocked by an object.
Practice Makes Perfect: The best way to master ActiveTrack is to practice. Start with simple shots and gradually work your way up to more complex ones.
Your Next Cinematic Masterpiece Awaits:
Mastering ActiveTrack on your DJI Mavic Air 2 opens a world of creative possibilities. From capturing breathtaking aerial shots to creating dynamic and engaging videos, this technology allows you to take your drone photography and videography to the next level. Remember, practice, explore different settings, and experiment with different techniques to unlock the full potential of ActiveTrack and create your own cinematic masterpieces.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use ActiveTrack with any subject?
A: While ActiveTrack is designed to work with a variety of subjects, it performs best with subjects that have clear features and are easily recognizable. For example, it works well with people, animals, and vehicles. However, it may struggle with smaller subjects or subjects that blend in with their surroundings.
Q: What happens if my subject goes out of view?
A: If your subject goes out of view, the drone will stop tracking. However, if the subject re-enters the drone’s field of view, the drone will automatically resume tracking.
Q: Can I use ActiveTrack with other DJI features?
A: Yes, you can combine ActiveTrack with other DJI features, such as QuickShots and Hyperlapse. This allows you to create even more dynamic and engaging shots.
Q: How do I stop ActiveTrack from tracking my subject?
A: You can stop ActiveTrack from tracking your subject by tapping on the “Pause” button in the DJI Fly app. You can also simply tap on the “ActiveTrack” icon to disable the feature.
Q: What are some tips for using ActiveTrack effectively?
A: Some tips for using ActiveTrack effectively include:
- Ensure good lighting conditions.
- Choose a subject with clear features.
- Keep the subject in view.
- Avoid obstacles.
- Practice regularly.
