Hey there, drone enthusiasts! Have you ever dreamt of having your drone be your trusty shadow, following you wherever you go without you holding a controller? Well, dream no more because that’s exactly what the DJI Mini 3 Pro can do for you.
In this article, we’re going to delve deep into the DJI Mini 3 Pro’s Follow-Me mode, also known as FocusTrack. We’ll break down the nitty-gritty details and show you how to make the most of it.
Table of Contents:
The Reliability of DJI Mini 3 Pro’s Follow-Me Mode
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to address the reliability of the DJI Mini 3 Pro’s Follow-Me mode. While it’s an impressive feature, it’s not without its limitations. Unlike some of its siblings like the Mavic 3, the Mini 3 Pro lacks obstacle avoidance sensors on the sides and top.
This means that it’s best suited for open spaces with fewer obstructions like trees, buildings, or people. The drone needs a clear line of sight to its target to follow it effectively. Lose sight of the target, and you’ll need to re-establish the connection.
However, the Mini 3 Pro boasts a robust camera lens, which helps it anticipate your movement and track you effortlessly, even in open spaces with lots of action.
GPS or No GPS: The Truth Behind Follow Me
One common misconception is that the DJI Mini 3 Pro uses GPS for its Follow-Me mode. In reality, none of the DJI drones rely on GPS for this feature. While some critics argue that a complete Follow-Me mode should include GPS tracking, DJI has opted for a different approach.
Instead of GPS, the Mini 3 Pro employs a multidirectional obstacle avoidance system. This means that it avoids collisions by using sensors, not GPS. The result is a safe and accurate tracking function.
Where Not to Use Follow Me
While the DJI Mini 3 Pro is an impressive piece of technology, it’s not the ideal choice for navigating dense forests or highly obstacle-laden environments. This drone has tri-directional sensing capabilities, meaning it’s more likely to run into trouble in heavily obstructed areas.
So, stick to open spaces, and you’ll get the best results from its Follow-Me mode.
The DJI Mini 3: A Different Story
Now, let’s address the DJI Mini 3. Unfortunately, it doesn’t feature the Follow-Me mode, and here’s why. The Mini 3 lacks collision avoidance sensors, which are crucial for safe autonomous flight. Without these sensors, the Follow-Me mode could pose too many risks.
Exploring the DJI Mini 3 Pro’s Follow-Me Modes
The DJI Mini 3 Pro boasts three unique Follow-Me modes. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
ActiveTrack: The Fun and Reliable Option
ActiveTrack is arguably the most fun of the bunch. It allows the Mini 3 Pro to stick to you like glue, following your every move. You can set the drone to hover at a minimum height of 2 meters and maintain a distance of up to 4 meters from you or your target. You can even adjust the altitude and distance for a maximum range of 20 meters.
What’s great is that the Mini 3 Pro can keep up with you at speeds of up to 10 meters per second. This means it can track you whether you’re jogging, cycling, sailing, or even driving.
Just remember, you’ll need to hit the record button when you’re ready to capture the action. The Mini 3 Pro can follow you from various angles, be it from the front, back, top, or sides.
Trace Mode: The Safest Way to Fly
For a secure Follow-Me experience, Trace mode is the way to go. Thanks to collision avoidance sensors, you won’t have to worry about the drone crashing, even in areas with a few obstacles. It’s perfect for fast-paced activities like running where precise drone control isn’t easy.
Parallel Mode: The Careful Choice
If you prefer having the Mini 3 Pro follow you from the side, parallel mode is the answer. However, this mode requires you to take extra precautions because the drone doesn’t have sensors on its sides. It will always focus on the target, and it’s best used when you have full control over the drone’s path.
Setting Up ActiveTrack
To get ActiveTrack rolling, head to the camera view and encircle your target with a touch on the screen. A menu with three horizontal dots will appear; select the one on the left labeled ActiveTrack and tap on the green “GO” button.
Now, you can go about your business, and the Mini 3 Pro will faithfully follow your lead. You can also enable Subject Scanning from the menu by tapping the three dots on the top-right corner of the screen. This feature automatically identifies people, vehicles, or objects it can follow.
Spotlight Mode: Smooth and Steady
In scenarios where you want more fluid and controlled drone movements, Spotlight mode is your go-to. It centers the camera on the target while the drone hovers, allowing you to control its movements in all directions, ensuring you never miss a shot.
This mode is perfect for capturing fast-paced action with precision, such as filming skateboarders doing tricks.
Setting Up Spotlight
Activate Spotlight by circling the target in the camera view or by enabling Subject Scanning. Once you’ve selected your target, the three horizontal dots menu will appear, and Spotlight is active by default.
Point of Interest (POI): Capturing the World Around You
Finally, there’s the Point of Interest (POI) mode. This mode makes the drone orbit around a static target, with the target centered in the camera view. What’s fantastic is that it also works with moving targets, following them as you walk.
However, be cautious if you’re moving too quickly, as the collision avoidance sensors deactivate in POI mode. You’ll need to keep a close eye on the drone when using it.
To control the drone’s direction in POI mode, use the right stick to move it left or right at a maximum speed of 13 meters per second. You can also adjust the height by moving the left stick up or down for a stunning 360-degree view.
Setting Up POI
Setting up POI is a breeze. In the camera view, draw a box around your target or select the “+” symbol if Subject Scanning is enabled. Then, choose the POI mode and tap “GO” from the three horizontal dots menu.
In a nutshell, using Follow-Me with the DJI Mini 3 Pro is a walk in the park. Just remember, this drone relies on sensors, not GPS, so it’s best suited for open spaces with few obstacles.
So, there you have it, a comprehensive guide to DJI Mini 3 Pro’s Follow-Me mode. Get out there and capture those epic moments with your trusty airborne sidekick!
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