The world of drones has revolutionized the way we capture stunning aerial footage and photos. One of the most impressive features that has gained popularity among drone enthusiasts is the “Follow Me” mode. This innovative technology allows the drone to track and follow a subject, capturing their every move from a unique and dynamic perspective. DJI, a leading drone manufacturer, has incorporated this feature into several of their drone models. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of DJI drones with Follow Me mode, exploring their capabilities, benefits, and real-world applications.
What is Follow Me Mode?
Before we dive into the DJI drones that offer this feature, let’s understand what Follow Me mode is all about. This intelligent flight mode uses a combination of GPS, GLONASS, and computer vision to track a subject, ensuring that the drone follows them smoothly and effortlessly. The drone’s advanced algorithms analyze the subject’s movement, adjusting its speed, altitude, and direction to capture stunning footage.
Follow Me mode is perfect for capturing outdoor activities such as:
- Sports: Follow athletes, cyclists, or runners as they move through terrain.
- Hiking: Capture breathtaking views of hikers as they explore trails and scenic landscapes.
- Water Sports: Track surfers, kayakers, or paddleboarders as they ride the waves.
- Adventure: Document travelers as they explore new destinations.
DJI Drone Models with Follow Me Mode
DJI offers a range of drones that feature Follow Me mode, catering to different budgets and requirements. Here are some of the most popular DJI drones with this capability:
1. DJI Mavic Air 2
The DJI Mavic Air 2 is a foldable drone that packs a punch. With a 48MP camera, 8K video capabilities, and a maximum flight time of 34 minutes, this drone is perfect for capturing high-quality footage. The Mavic Air 2 features a robust Follow Me mode, allowing it to track subjects at speeds of up to 44 km/h (27 mph).
2. DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom
The Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom are high-end drones that boast exceptional camera capabilities and advanced flight modes. The Mavic 2 Pro features a 20MP Hasselblong camera, while the Mavic 2 Zoom has a 12MP camera with 2x optical zoom. Both drones have a maximum flight time of 31 minutes and can track subjects at speeds of up to 44 km/h (27 mph).
3. DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is a professional-grade drone designed for aerial photography and videography. With a 20MP camera and 4K video capabilities, this drone is perfect for capturing stunning footage. The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 features a robust Follow Me mode, allowing it to track subjects at speeds of up to 35 km/h (22 mph).
4. DJI Spark
The DJI Spark is a compact, portable drone that’s perfect for casual users. With a 12MP camera and 3D obstacle detection, the Spark is an excellent choice for beginners. The drone’s Follow Me mode allows it to track subjects at speeds of up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph).
How to Use Follow Me Mode on DJI Drones
Using Follow Me mode on DJI drones is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Enable Follow Me Mode
- Open the DJI GO app and connect your drone to your mobile device.
- Tap on the “Mode” icon and select “Follow Me.”
- Choose the subject you want to track, such as a person, car, or bike.
Step 2: Set Up Your Subject
- Ensure your subject is wearing a distinctive outfit or object to make it easier for the drone to track.
- Stand at least 3 meters (10 feet) away from the drone to allow it to initialize the tracking process.
Step 3: Start Tracking
- Tap the “Start” button to initiate the Follow Me mode.
- The drone will take off and begin tracking your subject, adjusting its speed and direction accordingly.
Step 4: Control the Drone
- Use the controller to adjust the drone’s altitude, distance, and direction to capture the desired shot.
- Tap the “Pause” button to temporarily stop the drone, and tap “Resume” to continue tracking.
Benefits of Follow Me Mode
So, why should you use Follow Me mode on your DJI drone? Here are some compelling reasons:
1. Captivating Footage
Follow Me mode allows you to capture unique, dynamic footage that would be challenging to achieve with a manual flight. The drone’s advanced algorithms ensure smooth, cinematic shots that will leave your audience in awe.
2. Convenience and Ease
With Follow Me mode, you can focus on your subject’s performance, rather than worrying about flying the drone. This mode is perfect for solo operators or those who want to minimize crew size.
3. Safety and Accuracy
The drone’s obstacle detection system and GPS ensure that it maintains a safe distance from the subject and surrounding objects, reducing the risk of accidents.
Real-World Applications of Follow Me Mode
Follow Me mode has numerous applications across various industries, including:
1. Sports and Fitness
Follow Me mode is perfect for capturing sports events, such as marathons, cycling competitions, or surfing tournaments. It provides an immersive experience, allowing viewers to feel like they’re part of the action.
2. Film and Television Production
The Follow Me mode is a game-changer for filmmakers, allowing them to capture complex, dynamic shots with ease. It’s perfect for action sequences, chase scenes, or documentaries that require a more intimate, cinematic feel.
3. Tourism and Travel
Follow Me mode is ideal for capturing stunning travel videos, showcasing breathtaking scenery, and highlighting tourist attractions. It provides an engaging, interactive experience for viewers, making them feel like they’re part of the journey.
4. Social Media and Influencers
Influencers and social media personalities can use Follow Me mode to create engaging, attention-grabbing content that sets them apart from the competition. It’s perfect for capturing outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, or surfing.
Conclusion
DJI drones with Follow Me mode have revolutionized the world of aerial photography and videography. With their advanced algorithms, robust tracking systems, and high-quality cameras, these drones are perfect for capturing stunning footage in a variety of scenarios. Whether you’re a professional filmmaker, social media influencer, or simply a drone enthusiast, Follow Me mode is an innovative feature that will take your aerial content to new heights.
What is DJI’s Follow Me mode?
DJI’s Follow Me mode is a feature available on select DJI drones that allows the drone to automatically follow a subject, such as a person, car, or boat, while capturing stunning video footage. This feature uses advanced computer vision and machine learning algorithms to track the subject and maintain a safe distance, ensuring a smooth and cinematic video recording experience.
The Follow Me mode is particularly useful for capturing action shots, such as sports, outdoor adventures, and even filmmaking. It’s also great for capturing memorable moments, such as weddings, birthdays, and other special events. With Follow Me mode, you can focus on the action while the drone takes care of the filming, resulting in breathtaking footage that will leave your audience in awe.
How does DJI’s Follow Me mode work?
DJI’s Follow Me mode uses a combination of GPS, GLONASS, and visual tracking to follow the subject. The drone is equipped with a high-resolution camera and sensors that detect the subject’s movement and adjust its flight path accordingly. The drone’s advanced computer vision algorithm processes the video feed in real-time, identifying the subject and tracking its movement.
The Follow Me mode can be activated through the DJI GO app, which connects to the drone via Wi-Fi or OcuSync. The app allows you to select the subject you want the drone to follow and adjust the following distance, speed, and other settings to customize the shooting experience. With its advanced tracking technology and user-friendly app, DJI’s Follow Me mode makes it easy to capture professional-looking footage without extensive piloting skills.
What drones support DJI’s Follow Me mode?
DJI’s Follow Me mode is available on select DJI drone models, including the Phantom series, Mavic series, and Spark series. The specific models that support Follow Me mode include the Phantom 4, Phantom 4 Pro, Mavic Pro, Mavic Air, and Spark. It’s essential to check the drone’s specifications and ensure that it supports Follow Me mode before purchasing.
Additionally, some drones may require a firmware update to enable Follow Me mode. It’s recommended to regularly check for firmware updates and follow DJI’s instructions to ensure that your drone is running the latest software.
How do I activate DJI’s Follow Me mode?
To activate DJI’s Follow Me mode, you’ll need to follow these steps: First, ensure that your drone is connected to the DJI GO app via Wi-Fi or OcuSync. Then, select the Follow Me mode option within the app and choose the subject you want the drone to follow. The app will prompt you to select the subject on the camera view, and once confirmed, the drone will begin tracking the subject.
You can adjust the following distance, speed, and other settings within the app to customize the shooting experience. It’s essential to ensure that the drone has a clear view of the subject and is flying in a safe environment to avoid collisions or other hazards.
Can I adjust the following distance and speed in DJI’s Follow Me mode?
Yes, you can adjust the following distance and speed in DJI’s Follow Me mode through the DJI GO app. The app allows you to customize the following distance from 1 to 30 meters (3 to 100 feet) and adjust the speed from 1 to 15 meters per second (3 to 36 feet per second). You can also set the drone to maintain a fixed altitude or adjust its height according to the subject’s movement.
Additionally, you can adjust the obstacle avoidance feature, which enables the drone to detect and avoid obstacles while following the subject. You can also set the drone to automatically return to you when the subject is lost or when the battery is low.
Is DJI’s Follow Me mode safe to use?
DJI’s Follow Me mode is designed with safety in mind and includes features to prevent accidents or collisions. The drone is equipped with obstacle avoidance sensors that detect and avoid obstacles while following the subject. Additionally, the drone’s advanced computer vision algorithm processes the video feed in real-time, allowing it to quickly respond to changes in the subject’s movement.
However, it’s essential to ensure that you follow safe flying practices when using Follow Me mode. This includes keeping the drone in sight, avoiding flying over people or animals, and being aware of your surroundings. You should also check local regulations and ensure that you have permission to fly in the area.
What are some tips for getting the most out of DJI’s Follow Me mode?
To get the most out of DJI’s Follow Me mode, it’s essential to plan your shot beforehand and ensure that the drone has a clear view of the subject. You should also check the weather and lighting conditions to ensure that they are suitable for flying. Additionally, practice makes perfect, so it’s recommended to experiment with different settings and shooting styles to achieve the desired results.
You should also ensure that the subject is aware of the drone’s presence and movements, and that they are comfortable with being followed. Finally, be creative and have fun with Follow Me mode – it’s a powerful tool that can help you capture stunning footage and tell compelling stories.