How to Create ActiveTrack-Like Follow Shots With DJI Mini 2
Here's a guide on how to use DJI's Mini 2's QuickShot modes to create incredible follow footage without using ActiveTrack technology. It explains the nuances of Dronie, Boomerang, Helix, etc.
Getting these types of shots without ActiveTrack does require a bit of trial and error and patience. If you just need a few quick follow-me shots once and while, this tip might be for you.
For more details about how to pull off these types of shots with the DJI Mini 2, continue reading past the following offers for free shipping, free Disney+ and Amazon pricing on the Mini 2.
Table of Contents
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Mini 2
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Mini 2 Fly More
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Getting Started
I learned how this works from YouTuber DC Rainmaker. He recommends starting with a Dronie Quick Shot, because it's easiest to understand when you are getting started with this technique.
Dronie
Now that the drone is facing your subject it should show a green dot on the person or object you want to film. Tap this green dot, and it should draw a field around your subject.
This is a good time to check if your camera is set to 1080P or 4K. This setting is independent of other modes and I wanted to address this so that you are not disappointed to find the drone in a lower resolution than you expected. Finally, you were expecting. You bought a 4K drone after all.
It starts a countdown of 3 seconds, but wait another 3 seconds to make sure the drone has a solid lock on your subject. In those first few seconds, the Mini 2 is a bit slow in tracking as it familiarizes itself with your subject.
DC Rainmaker makes a solid point that you want to monitor your subject's speed, as these modes do not allow you to adjust the speed of the drone, and you will be working with what these modes can handle against full ActiveTrack 2.0 / 3.0 from drones like the Mavic 2 Pro or DJI Air 2S.
Circle
Traditionally, this mode would be used to guide the drone around a subject in a circle pattern.
This is a toucher mode to make work for tracking a moving subject. A higher altitude may help you track your subject longer.
Helix
You are combining a circle while going up which makes this one very difficult for a follow-shot.
Boomerang
DC Rainmaker found this very difficult because it has to be perfectly timed, as the drone flies in a staggered circle while flying up and down.
Rocket
It is practically impossible to use this one for our purposes, it is intended for a largely stationary subject or object.
Final Verdict
With the Mavic 2 Pro or Air 2S , you can track as long as the drone can see your subject, however here you are looking at 15-25 seconds of usable clips between each Quick Shot.
Overall, I'm really impressed with the finished shots he was able to take with these different Quick Shots on a drone that costs $449!
The DJI Mini 2 is an incredibly capable camera drone that is able to capture incredible aerial footage. One of its best features is the intelligent flight modes, which allows you to set up a subject and the drone will actively follow it around.
I hope you enjoyed my article about how to create ActiveTrack-like shots with the DJI Mini 2. With this knowledge, I know that you can make the most of your drone shots and take them to the next level with the help of this drone. So what are you waiting for?
