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Best Settings for DJI Mini 3 Pro Cinematic Footage

Writer's picture: Henrik OlsenHenrik Olsen

Updated: Aug 23, 2023

Capturing breathtaking cinematic footage with a drone like the DJI Mini 3 Pro is a dream for any aerial videographer. With its advanced features and capabilities, the Mini 3 Pro opens up a world of creative possibilities.


In this blog post, we'll guide you through the best settings to achieve stunning cinematic shots that will leave your audience in awe.

Settings for DJI Mini 3 Pro Cinematic Footage

1. Select the Right Resolution and Frame Rate


The Mini 3 Pro offers various resolution and frame rate options, allowing you to tailor your footage to the desired cinematic look. For that cinematic feel, opt for 4K resolution at 24 frames per second (fps). This combination mimics the traditional cinematic frame rate, delivering smooth motion and a professional look to your shots.


2. Utilize Manual Exposure Settings


While the Mini 3 Pro's automatic settings are impressive, manual control over exposure settings gives you the creative freedom to achieve the desired mood. Set your ISO to the lowest value possible (usually 100 or 200) to minimize noise and grain. Adjust the shutter speed to double your frame rate (1/48th for 24fps) for that cinematic motion blur. Lastly, use the aperture to control the depth of field – a lower f-stop (e.g., f/2.8) creates a beautiful background blur, emphasizing your subject.


3. Neutral Color Profile and Color Grading


Choosing a neutral color profile, like D-Log, preserves more dynamic range in your footage, allowing for more flexibility in post-production color grading. While shooting in D-Log might appear flat, this is intentional – it retains more detail in the highlights and shadows. During post-production, apply color grading to achieve the cinematic color palette you envision.


4. Smooth and Controlled Movements


Achieving cinematic shots involves smooth and controlled camera movements. The Mini 3 Pro's gimbal stabilization helps immensely, but adding manual control through the remote controller's joystick offers finesse to your shots. Use slow and deliberate movements for pans, tilts, and tracking shots. Additionally, experiment with the "Cine-Smooth" setting in the DJI Fly app to fine-tune gimbal movement for cinematic fluidity.


5. Utilize ND Filters


Neutral Density (ND) filters are essential tools for achieving the right amount of exposure control in bright conditions. They allow you to use wider apertures and slower shutter speeds without overexposing your shots. Attach an ND filter to the Mini 3 Pro's camera to achieve that perfect cinematic motion and exposure combination.


6. Plan Your Shots and Storyboarding


Before taking off, plan your shots and create a basic storyboard. Cinematic footage often tells a story or conveys an emotion. Consider how each shot fits into the narrative and how they'll be edited together later. This pre-planning ensures that your footage aligns with your cinematic vision.


Conclusion


With the DJI Mini 3 Pro in hand and these expert settings at your disposal, cinematic aerial footage is within your grasp. The right combination of resolution, frame rate, exposure settings, color profiles, movements, and planning can transform your drone footage into a visually captivating cinematic masterpiece. Remember, practice makes perfect – so experiment, learn, and refine your techniques to unlock the full potential of the DJI Mini 3 Pro's cinematic capabilities.



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© 2020 by Henrik Olsen -TECH DRONE MEDIA

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