Have you ever dreamed of capturing stunning aerial footage of yourself in action, whether it’s hiking through breathtaking landscapes, surfing along the coast, or simply enjoying a leisurely bike ride? With a DJI drone and the right techniques, you can create mesmerizing “follow me” shots that will leave your friends and family in awe. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of autonomous flight and provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a DJI drone follow you.
Understanding ActiveTrack: The Technology Behind “Follow Me” Mode
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of setting up your drone to follow you, it’s essential to understand the technology that makes it possible. DJI’s ActiveTrack system uses a combination of sensors, GPS, and machine learning algorithms to track and follow subjects. This innovative technology allows your drone to predict and adapt to the movements of the target, ensuring a smooth and stable follow shot.
How ActiveTrack Works
ActiveTrack uses a combination of the following components to track and follow subjects:
- Visual Tracking: The drone’s camera and image processing system work together to detect and recognize the target.
- GPS: Global Positioning System data helps the drone to maintain a precise location and altitude.
- Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU): The IMU measures the drone’s acceleration, roll, pitch, and yaw, enabling it to adjust its flight trajectory accordingly.
- Machine Learning Algorithms: Advanced algorithms analyze the data from the above components to predict the target’s movements and adjust the drone’s flight path in real-time.
Pre-Flight Checklist: Essentials for a Successful “Follow Me” Experience
Before you take to the skies, make sure you’ve checked the following essential items off your list:
Drone and Remote Controller Compatibility
- Ensure your DJI drone is compatible with ActiveTrack. The following models support this feature:
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom
- DJI Mavic Air 2
- DJI Phantom 4 Pro
- DJI Inspire 2
- Verify that your remote controller is compatible with the drone model you’re using.
Battery Life and Storage
- Ensure your drone’s battery is fully charged, and you have sufficient storage space on your memory card.
Weather Conditions
- Avoid flying in strong winds, heavy rain, or extreme temperatures, as these conditions can affect the drone’s performance and stability.
Safe Flying Practices
- Always follow local drone regulations and guidelines.
- Fly in open areas with minimal obstacles and few people.
- Keep a safe distance from the drone and maintain line of sight.
Setting Up Your DJI Drone for “Follow Me” Mode
Now that you’ve checked off the essentials, it’s time to set up your drone for “Follow Me” mode.
Activating ActiveTrack
- Open the DJI GO app on your mobile device.
- Ensure you’re connected to your drone’s Wi-Fi network.
- Tap on the “More” button on the app’s main screen.
- Select “ActiveTrack” from the menu.
- Choose the “Follow Me” mode.
Selecting the Target
- In the “Follow Me” mode, tap on the “Select Target” button.
- The camera will prompt you to select the target by drawing a box around the subject (you!).
- Tap on the “Confirm” button to lock onto the target.
Adjusting Follow Mode Settings
- Tap on the “Settings” button in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Adjust the “Follow Mode” settings to your preference:
- Follow Behind: The drone will follow you from behind, keeping a safe distance.
- Follow in Front: The drone will fly ahead of you, capturing a “lead” shot.
- Dynamic Follow: The drone will dynamically adjust its distance and angle to capture a more cinematic shot.
Flight Mode and Speed
- Adjust the flight mode to “P-Mode” (Positioning Mode) for a more stable and responsive flight experience.
- Set the maximum flight speed to a comfortable level, taking into account the terrain and your activity.
Tips and Tricks for Capturing Stunning “Follow Me” Footage
Now that you’ve set up your drone for “Follow Me” mode, it’s time to get creative and capture some breathtaking footage!
Mastering the Art of Following
- Start slow: Begin with a slow and steady pace, allowing the drone to smoothly follow you.
- Use smooth movements: Avoid sudden turns or stops, as these can cause the drone to lose track of the target.
- Keep a consistent distance: Try to maintain a consistent distance from the drone to ensure a smooth and stable shot.
Adding Variety to Your Shots
- Change direction: Periodically change direction to add variety to your shot and keep the viewer engaged.
- Vary your speed: Alter your pace to create dynamic and engaging footage.
- Experiment with angles: Use the drone’s adjustable gimbal to capture unique and interesting angles.
Safety First: Monitoring the Drone’s Flight
- Keep an eye on the drone: Always maintain line of sight with the drone and be aware of its surroundings.
- Monitor the drone’s battery level: Keep an eye on the drone’s battery level and return to a safe location when necessary.
- Be prepared for emergencies: Know what to do in case of an emergency, such as a drone malfunction or loss of signal.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning “follow me” footage with your DJI drone. Remember to always prioritize safety, experiment with different settings and techniques, and most importantly, have fun!
What is the ActiveTrack feature on DJI drones?
The ActiveTrack feature on DJI drones is an intelligent flight mode that allows the drone to automatically follow a subject, such as a person, car, or boat, at a consistent distance and speed. This feature uses advanced computer vision and machine learning algorithms to detect and track the subject, ensuring that the drone stays focused on the target.
By using ActiveTrack, you can create stunning videos and photos without needing a second operator to control the drone. The feature is available on many DJI drone models, including the Mavic, Phantom, and Inspire series. With ActiveTrack, you can focus on your activities while the drone follows you, capturing every moment from a unique and exciting perspective.
How do I set up ActiveTrack on my DJI drone?
To set up ActiveTrack on your DJI drone, first, make sure you have the latest firmware and app updates installed. Then, launch the DJI GO app and enter the Camera View. Tap the “ActiveTrack” icon on the right side of the screen, and select the subject you want the drone to follow. You can choose from three modes: Trace, Profile, or Spotlight.
Once you’ve selected the subject, the drone will automatically start following it. You can adjust the distance and speed of the drone by using the app’s on-screen controls. You can also use the “Record” button to start capturing video or take photos while the drone is following the subject. Additionally, you can use the “Pause” button to temporarily stop the drone from following the subject, and then resume the tracking when needed.
What are the different ActiveTrack modes available on DJI drones?
DJI drones offer three ActiveTrack modes: Trace, Profile, and Spotlight. Trace mode allows the drone to follow the subject from behind, keeping it centered in the frame. Profile mode keeps the subject on the side of the frame, while the drone moves tangentially to the subject. Spotlight mode keeps the subject centered in the frame, while the drone moves freely around it.
Each mode offers a unique perspective and can be used for different types of shots. For example, Trace mode is great for capturing sports activities, such as cycling or running, while Profile mode is suitable for capturing cars or boats in motion. Spotlight mode is ideal for capturing a person or animal’s movements, such as dancing or playing.
Can I use ActiveTrack with multiple subjects?
Yes, some DJI drones, such as the Mavic Air 2 and Mavic 2 series, support multiple subject tracking. This feature allows the drone to automatically switch between subjects, following one subject and then switching to another when it enters the frame. This feature is particularly useful when capturing scenes with multiple people or objects in motion.
To use multiple subject tracking, simply select the subjects you want the drone to follow, and the drone will automatically switch between them. You can also adjust the priority of each subject to ensure that the drone focuses on the most important one.
How does ActiveTrack handle obstacles and collisions?
DJI drones equipped with ActiveTrack feature advanced obstacle detection and avoidance systems. These systems use a combination of sensors, such as ultrasound, infrared, and visual sensors, to detect obstacles in the drone’s path. If an obstacle is detected, the drone will automatically adjust its flight path to avoid the obstacle and continue tracking the subject.
In addition, many DJI drones also feature a “pause” function, which allows the drone to temporarily stop following the subject when an obstacle is detected. This feature helps prevent collisions and ensures a safe and smooth flight.
Can I use ActiveTrack for indoor flights?
While ActiveTrack is primarily designed for outdoor flights, some DJI drones, such as the Mavic Air 2, can use ActiveTrack indoors. However, indoor flights require more caution and attention, as there may be more obstacles and limited space.
To use ActiveTrack indoors, make sure the drone has a clear line of sight to the subject and that there are no obstacles in the flight path. You may also need to adjust the drone’s speed and distance settings to accommodate the indoor environment. It’s also important to ensure that the drone has a strong GPS signal, as GPS signals may be weaker indoors.
Are there any limitations to using ActiveTrack?
While ActiveTrack is a powerful feature, there are some limitations to its use. For example, ActiveTrack may not work well in low-light conditions or when the subject is too far away. Additionally, ActiveTrack may not be able to track subjects that are moving too quickly or erratically.
It’s also important to ensure that the drone has a clear line of sight to the subject and that there are no obstacles in the flight path. Furthermore, some subjects, such as those with complex or irregular shapes, may be more difficult for the drone to track. By understanding these limitations, you can plan your flights and use ActiveTrack more effectively.