The DJI Mini 3 boasts some impressive features, including some that may be Hidden Features, less obvious at first glance. For instance, did you know that it can perform basic tracking in Quick Shots mode, or that you can nudge launch the drone? In this article, we’ll explore these capabilities and delve into 10 lesser-known features of the DJI Mini 3. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents For Hidden Features
The DJI Mini 3 Can Track
One lesser-known feature of the DJI Mini 3 is its ability to track you when using Quick Shots mode. While not as advanced as the tracking on the DJI Mini 3 Pro, it still allows the drone to follow you, making it useful for capturing dynamic shots, especially when recording yourself outdoors. Here’s how to do it:
1. Go to Quick Shots mode, and I suggest using the circle mode for this purpose.
2. Position the drone where you want it and tap the plus icon over yourself or draw a box around yourself to ensure you’re selected.
3. Set the drone to the side of you with the arrow pointing in the “direction” you’ll be walking. This ensures the drone stays beside you during the shot
4. Start the Quick Shot mode and let the countdown finish. Once the player marker icon appears, begin walking.
Even though it’s a placeholder icon, the drone will track you as you walk. Because the drone can’t get ahead of you due to your movement, you’ll get a smooth tracking shot throughout the Quick Shot.
Nudge Take Off
Here’s another lesser-known feature of the DJ Mini 3 that’s somewhat hidden: the ability to nudge launch. This was something available on the DJ Mini 2 but not on the Mini 3 Pro, until now. So, how does it work?
- To initiate this, start the propellers by pressing the joysticks downward and inward.
- Once the propellers begin spinning, gently push the drone up or down,
- and it will automatically take off.
you’ll see it take off effortlessly. It’s as simple as that. However, there’s one important thing
Note:
You need to act relatively quickly. If you wait too long after starting the propellers, the drone won’t take off.
Front LED Light
The next thing you may not know is that the LEDs on the front arms of the drone flash different colors to convey various meanings. While these LEDs primarily illuminate your drone for visibility in the sky or low-light conditions, they also serve as status indicators. Here’s what the different LED colors signify
Alternating Red, Green, and Yellow
Alternating Red, Green, and Yellow: This pattern typically occurs when you’ve just turned on the drone, and it’s conducting a self-diagnostic check. For example, the gimbal may be checking if it’s operating correctly.
Flashing Yellow
Flashing Yellow: This indicates that there’s no GPS signal. In normal flight conditions, you want to see green lights.
Flashing Green
Flashing Green: When everything is operating normally, the LEDs will flash green to signify that the drone is ready for flight.
Rapidly Flashing Red
Rapidly Flashing Red: This indicates a critically low battery level, and it’s a warning to land the drone immediately to avoid losing power mid-flight.
SPHERE PANORAMAS HAVE MULTIPLE MODES
Here’s another feature that you may not know about, which is a bit hidden, there are four different ways to view and explore a sphere panorama after you’ve captured it. Once you’ve launched the drone, used the sphere panorama mode, and the drone has finished capturing the panorama, here’s what you do:
navigate to your media library by tapping this “icon” here. Next, select the sphere panorama you’ve just taken.
Once you’re viewing it, tap the “360 photo viewer” option. This will zoom in on your sphere panorama, revealing four options along the bottom.
Scroll Mode
Scroll: This option allows you to look around in a complete 360-degree view of the environment you captured in the sphere panorama.
Planet View Mode
Planet View: This option transforms the sphere panorama into a miniature planet, providing a unique and visually intriguing perspective.
Inverted Mode
Inverted: In this view, the sphere panorama is displayed in an inverted manner, offering another interesting viewpoint.
Globe Mode
Globe: This option compresses the panorama into a circular shape, allowing you to explore it by moving your finger across the screen. It’s a fascinating way to experience your captured panoramas.
Use 30FPS Or Lower
If you’re aiming for the best video quality possible with your DJI Mini 3, it’s crucial to use a frame rate of 30 FPS or lower. This is because the Mini 3 features a dual native ISO system, which enhances dynamic range in your videos. However, this feature is only activated at 30 FPS or lower frame rates. You don’t need to manually enable it; it’s automatically available.
When selecting frame rates, pay attention to the small HQ icon next to the options. This icon indicates that the dual native ISO is enabled. For example, if you choose 30 FPS, you’ll see the HQ icon, signifying the use of dual native ISO. However, if you opt for higher frame rates like 60 FPS in 2.7K resolution, the video quality will be lower as the dual native ISO won’t be activated.
YOU CAN INCREASE CONTROLLER BRIGHTNESS
Another feature you might not be aware of is the ability to adjust the brightness of your controller screen. If you find the screen dim and want to increase its brightness, simply “drag down” from the top right of the screen to bring up the controller menu. Then, locate the small picture of the sun in the bottom right corner. By sliding the sun icon to the right, you can increase the brightness of your controller screen. It’s a straightforward adjustment that can enhance visibility during your flights.
Offline Maps
Now, let’s delve into a feature introduced in a recent firmware update that you might not be aware of. It’s essential to ensure that your RC has the latest firmware installed. If you’re using the DJI RCm1, make sure you’ve updated the DJI Fly app on your phone to the most recent version. This feature is offline maps. Offline maps prove incredibly useful if you frequently fly in remote locations or areas lacking internet access but still need map functionality on your controller.
- To access offline maps, navigate to your “Profile”.
- Choose “offline maps.” Regrettably, downloading the entire world map all at once isn’t possible.
- Instead, when you zoom in, you’ll notice a small white rectangle appear. This rectangle represents the area you can download as an offline map. Once you’ve selected your desired region, “tap” the download icon.
Now, whenever you’re out flying, this map will be accessible on your controller, even without an internet connection.
Subject Scanning
Another feature you might not be aware of is subject scanning. While subject scanning was an optional feature on the Mini 3 Pro, it’s always active on the Mini 3.
What exactly is subject scanning?
Essentially, subject scanning automatically identifies potential subjects for quick shots and places a small plus icon over them. When you’re in quick shot mode and stand in front of your drone, for instance, you’ll see this plus icon appear over you, indicating that the drone recognizes you as a potential subject for a quick shot. All you need to do is tap on that plus icon, and a bounding box will automatically surround you.
QUICK SHOT Of POI
However, suppose you’ve pointed your drone towards a point of interest and don’t see the subject scanning plus icon. In that case, it doesn’t mean you can’t use quick shots for that point of interest. Simply draw a box around whatever you want the drone to track, and you’ll still be able to perform a quick shot as usual.
So, even if the subject scanning icon doesn’t appear, you can still leverage quick shots for dynamic footage.
LENS CAP DOESN’T OFFER PROTECTION
If you’re new to drones and haven’t used an ND filter or removed the cap from the front of the camera, you might assume that the cap provides some protective glass to shield the camera from minor bumps or scratches. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll discover that the cap doesn’t have protective glass; instead, there’s just an opening that leads directly to the camera’s glass.
To add an extra layer of protection for your drone’s camera and guard against scratches from potential mishaps like rough landings or collisions, I recommend using a UV filter.
What is a UV Filter
A UV filter is essentially a clear piece of glass that you can replace the standard cap with on your DJI Mini 3. This provides an additional sacrificial layer of glass in front of your camera. So, if the UV filter gets scratched due to an incident, you can easily replace it at a relatively low cost without causing any damage to your drone’s camera.
I personally use one from Freewell, which I find works effectively. However, any UV filter should serve the purpose of protecting your drone’s camera.
DJI RC BOTTOM SCREWS
If you’ve noticed the screw holes at the bottom of this controller and wondered what they’re for, they’re actually there to allow you to securely attach accessories to the RC. One common accessory you can attach is a lanyard,
Why Use a Lanyard
A lanyard is incredibly useful because it allows you to let go of the controller at any time while keeping it securely around your neck. This means you can easily work with your drone, get it ready, and then when it’s time to take off, your controller is right there, ready for action.
This particular lanyard is from Skyway, but there are many lanyards and accessories available for your DJI RC that utilize these screw holes for attachment. you have plenty of options to explore.
So there you have it, 10 things you may not know and hidden features of the DJI Mini 3. If you found this article helpful, please explore more content on our site for additional valuable information.
For Visual Tutorial : The Drone Creative
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