Dronelost.com – The DJI Mini 3 is one of the most popular drones in the market right now. However, to get the best out of this drone, you need to know how to adjust the camera settings in DJI Mini 3.
Otherwise, you may end up with blurry, overexposed, or underexposed footage that does not reflect the true beauty of your scenes. DJI Mini 3 offers amazing features such as 4K video resolution and 12MP still photos.
DJI Mini 3 also have a larger sensor and aperture, HDR, and D-Cinelike color mode. It is also very easy to fly and has a long battery life. We will show you how to adjust the camera settings in DJI Mini 3 in a simple and comprehensive way.
By the end of this blog post, you will have a clear understanding of how to adjust the camera settings in DJI Mini 3 and how to capture stunning photos and videos with this drone. Let’s get started!
How to access the camera settings on the DJI Mini 3
How to adjust camera settings in DJI Mini 3? The first step to adjusting the camera settings on the DJI Mini 3 is to access them. You can do this in two ways: on the screen when in camera view and by clicking the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
On the screen, you will find the following settings:
- Mode: This allows you to switch between photo and video modes. You can also access the intelligent flight modes from here, such as quickshot and panorama.
- Shutter button: This is used to take photos, start or stop recording, or start an intelligent flight mode.
- Playback: This allows you to view the photos and videos you have taken with the drone.
- Shooting modes: This allows you to switch between horizontal and vertical shooting. You can also choose between different photo modes, such as single, AEB, and timed shot.
- Resolution: This allows you to choose the video resolution and frame rate. You can choose between 4K, 2.7K, and 1080p, and between 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, and 60 fps.
- Exposure settings: This allows you to adjust the ISO, shutter speed, and EV values. You can also switch between manual and auto modes from here.
- Parameters: This allows you to access the advanced settings, such as smoothness, white balance, and color mode.
By clicking the three dots in the top right corner, you will access the main settings menu, where you can find the following settings:
- Camera: This allows you to adjust the camera settings, such as histogram, peaking level, overexposure warning, grid, and center point.
- Control: This allows you to adjust the control settings, such as gimbal mode, gimbal speed, stick mode, stick smoothness, and button customization.
- Safety: This allows you to adjust the safety settings, such as obstacle avoidance, return to home altitude, max flight altitude, max flight distance, and flight restriction.
- About: This allows you to view the information about the drone, such as firmware version, serial number, and battery status.
You can also access the DJI Fly app settings from the top left corner, where you can adjust the app settings, such as language, units, cache, and live stream.
How to choose the right shooting mode and resolution
The next step to adjusting the camera settings on the DJI Mini 3 is to choose the right shooting mode and resolution for your footage. Depending on what you want to capture, you can choose between photo and video modes, and between different resolutions and frame rates.
Photo mode
In photo mode, you can take still images with the DJI Mini 3. You can choose between three photo modes: single, AEB, and timed shot.
- Single: This is the default mode, where you take one photo at a time. You can adjust the exposure settings manually or let the drone do it automatically for you.
- AEB: This stands for Auto Exposure Bracketing, where you take three or five photos at different exposure levels. This is useful when you are not sure about the best exposure for your scene, or when you want to create HDR photos later.
- Timed shot: This allows you to set a timer and take a series of photos automatically. You can choose between 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 60 seconds intervals.
The DJI Mini 3 can take photos at 12MP resolution, which is equivalent to 4000 x 3000 pixels. This is enough for most purposes, such as printing, sharing, or editing. However, if you want to take higher resolution photos, you can use the panorama mode, which we will discuss later.
Video mode
In video mode, you can record videos with the DJI Mini 3. You can choose between different resolutions and frame rates, depending on your preference and purpose.
The DJI Mini 3 can record videos at 4K, 2.7K, and 1080p resolutions, and at 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, and 60 fps frame rates. Here is a brief explanation of what these mean and when to use them:
- Resolution: This refers to the number of pixels in the video. The higher the resolution, the more details and clarity you will get in your footage. However, higher resolution also means larger file size and more storage space. Therefore, you need to balance between quality and efficiency. Generally, 4K is the best resolution for most purposes, as it offers the highest quality and can be downscaled to lower resolutions if needed. However, if you have limited storage space or want to save battery life, you can use 2.7K or 1080p, which are still good enough for most purposes.
- Frame rate: This refers to the number of frames per second in the video. The higher the frame rate, the smoother and more realistic your footage will look. However, higher frame rate also means more data and processing power. Therefore, you need to balance between smoothness and performance. Generally, 30 fps is the standard frame rate for most purposes, as it offers a natural and smooth motion. However, if you want to create slow motion effects, you can use 48, 50, or 60 fps, which will allow you to slow down your footage by 50% or more without losing quality. However, keep in mind that higher frame rates are not available in all resolutions. For example, you can only record at 60 fps in 1080p resolution, not in 4K or 2.7K.
To choose the right resolution and frame rate for your video, you need to consider your purpose and preference. For example, if you want to capture a fast-moving scene, such as a car or a bird, you may want to use a higher frame rate, such as 60 fps, to capture the smooth motion.
However, if you want to capture a scenic view, such as a landscape or a sunset, you may want to use a higher resolution, such as 4K, to capture the details and colors. Of course, you can also experiment with different combinations and see what works best for you.
How to adjust the exposure settings (ISO, shutter speed, and EV)
Whats next step to adjust camera settings in DJI Mini 3? The next step to adjusting the camera settings on the DJI Mini 3 is to adjust the exposure settings. Exposure is the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor, and it affects the brightness and contrast of your footage. To adjust the exposure, you need to understand three settings: ISO, shutter speed, and EV.
ISO
ISO is the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the sensor, and the brighter the image. However, higher ISO also means more noise and grain in the image, which reduces the quality.
Therefore, you need to balance between brightness and noise. Generally, you want to use the lowest ISO possible for your scene, as it will give you the best quality and clarity. However, if you are shooting in low-light conditions, such as at night or indoors, you may need to increase the ISO to get a brighter image. The DJI Mini 3 has an ISO range of 100 to 3200 in both photo and video modes.
Shutter speed
Shutter speed is the duration of time that the camera shutter is open, allowing light to reach the sensor. The longer the shutter speed, the more light the sensor receives, and the brighter the image.
However, longer shutter speed also means more motion blur in the image, which reduces the sharpness. Therefore, you need to balance between brightness and motion blur. Generally, you want to use a fast shutter speed for your scene as it will capture the motion and details of your subject.
However, if you are shooting a static scene, such as a landscape or a building, you can use a slower shutter speed to get a brighter image. The DJI Mini 3 has a shutter speed range of 1/8000 to 4 seconds in photo mode, and 1/8000 to 1/30 in video mode.
EV
EV stands for Exposure Value, and it is a way to adjust the overall brightness of the image. It is measured in stops, which are units of light. Each stop represents a doubling or halving of the amount of light. For example, if you increase the EV by one stop, you will make the image twice as bright. If you decrease the EV by one stop, you will make the image half as bright. The DJI Mini 3 has an EV range of -3 to +3 in both photo and video modes.
To adjust the exposure settings on the DJI Mini 3, you can use the manual or auto modes. In manual mode, you can adjust the ISO, shutter speed, and EV values manually, according to your preference and scene.
In auto mode, the drone will adjust the exposure settings automatically for you, based on the lighting conditions and the metering mode. The metering mode is the way the drone measures the light in the scene, and it affects how the exposure is calculated. You can choose between three metering modes: average, center, and spot.
- Average: This is the default mode, where the drone calculates the exposure based on the average brightness of the entire scene. This is suitable for most scenes, especially when the lighting is even and balanced.
- Center: This is where the drone calculates the exposure based on the brightness of the center of the scene. This is suitable for scenes where the subject is in the center and the background is brighter or darker than the subject.
- Spot: This is where the drone calculates the exposure based on the brightness of a small area in the scene. This is suitable for scenes where the subject is small and the background is very bright or very dark, such as the sun or the moon.
You can switch between manual and auto modes by tapping the M or A icon on the screen. You can also adjust the exposure settings by sliding the ISO, shutter speed, and EV icons on the screen. You can also use the right dial on the remote controller to adjust the EV value.
How to use the histogram, peaking level, and overexposure warning features
Whats next step to adjust camera settings in DJI Mini 3? The DJI Mini 3 also offers some useful features that can help you adjust the exposure settings more accurately and easily. These are the histogram, peaking level, and overexposure warning features.
Histogram
The histogram is a graphical representation of the brightness distribution of the image. It shows how many pixels are at each brightness level, from black to white. Whats next step to adjust camera settings and histogram in DJI Mini 3? The histogram can help you judge whether the image is underexposed, overexposed, or well-exposed.
A well-exposed image should have a balanced histogram, with pixels spread across the entire range, without clipping at the ends. An underexposed image will have a histogram skewed to the left, with most pixels in the dark areas, and some clipping at the left end.
An overexposed image will have a histogram skewed to the right, with most pixels in the bright areas, and some clipping at the right end.
To use the histogram on the DJI Mini 3, you need to enable it from the camera settings menu. You can then see the histogram on the screen, and adjust the exposure settings accordingly. You can also move the histogram around the screen by dragging it with your finger.
Peaking level
The peaking level is a feature that highlights the edges of the objects in the image that are in focus. It can help you judge whether the image is in focus or not, and adjust the focus accordingly.
The peaking level can be set to low, medium, or high, depending on how sensitive you want it to be. The higher the peaking level, the more edges will be highlighted, and the easier it will be to see the focus.
However, higher peaking level may also highlight some edges that are not in focus, and make the image look noisy. Therefore, you need to balance between accuracy and clarity.
To use the peaking level on the DJI Mini 3, you need to enable it from the camera settings menu. You can then see the peaking level on the screen, and adjust the focus accordingly. You can also change the color of the peaking level from red, green, or blue, depending on your preference and scene.
Overexposure warning
The overexposure warning is a feature that shows the areas of the image that are overexposed, or too bright. It can help you avoid overexposing your image, and adjust the exposure settings accordingly.
The overexposure warning can be set to on or off, depending on whether you want to see it or not. When the overexposure warning is on, the overexposed areas will be marked with zebra stripes on the screen.
To use the overexposure warning on the DJI Mini 3, you need to enable it from the camera settings menu. You can then see the overexposure warning on the screen, and adjust the exposure settings accordingly.
You can also change the threshold of the overexposure warning from 70% to 100%, depending on how sensitive you want it to be. The higher the threshold, the more areas will be marked as overexposed, and the easier it will be to avoid overexposure.
However, higher threshold may also mark some areas that are not overexposed, and make the image look dull. Therefore, you need to balance between brightness and contrast.
How to switch between manual and auto modes
The DJI Mini 3 allows you to switch between manual and auto modes for both exposure and focus. In manual mode, you have full control over the settings, and you can adjust them according to your preference and scene.
In auto mode, the drone will do the work for you, and adjust the settings based on the lighting conditions and the metering mode. You can switch between manual and auto modes by tapping the M or A icon on the screen.
Manual exposure mode
In manual exposure mode, you can adjust the ISO, shutter speed, and EV values manually, using the icons on the screen or the right dial on the remote controller. You can also use the histogram, peaking level, and overexposure warning features to help you adjust the exposure more accurately and easily.
Manual exposure mode gives you more creative freedom and flexibility, as you can fine-tune the brightness and contrast of your image. However, manual exposure mode also requires more skill and experience, as you need to know how to balance the settings and avoid underexposure or overexposure.
Auto exposure mode
In auto exposure mode, the drone will adjust the ISO, shutter speed, and EV values automatically for you, based on the lighting conditions and the metering mode. You can also change the metering mode from average, center, or spot, depending on your scene and subject.
Auto exposure mode gives you more convenience and simplicity, as you don’t have to worry about the settings and let the drone do the work for you. However, auto exposure mode also gives you less control and customization, as you may not get the exact results you want.
Manual focus mode
In manual focus mode, you can adjust the focus manually, using the slider on the screen or the left dial on the remote controller. You can also use the peaking level feature to help you adjust the focus more accurately and easily.
Manual focus mode gives you more precision and clarity, as you can focus on the exact point you want. However, manual focus mode also requires more attention and patience, as you need to adjust the focus every time you change the distance or angle of your subject.
Auto focus mode
In auto focus mode, the drone will adjust the focus automatically for you, based on the center of the screen. You can also use the AE lock and focus features to lock the exposure and focus on a specific point on the screen.
Auto focus mode gives you more speed and ease, as you don’t have to adjust the focus manually and let the drone do the work for you. However, auto focus mode also gives you less accuracy and sharpness, as you may not get the best focus for your subject.
How to use the AE lock and focus features
The DJI Mini 3 also offers some useful features that can help you lock the exposure and focus on a specific point on the screen. These are the AE lock and focus features.
AE lock
AE lock stands for Auto Exposure lock, and it is a feature that allows you to lock the exposure settings on a specific point on the screen. This is useful when you want to keep the exposure consistent and avoid changes due to the movement of the drone or the subject.
To use the AE lock feature, you need to tap and hold on the screen where you want to lock the exposure. A yellow square will appear, indicating that the exposure is locked. To unlock the exposure, you need to tap the screen again.
Focus
Focus is a feature that allows you to focus on a specific point on the screen. This is useful when you want to focus on a specific subject or object in the scene. To use the focus feature, you need to tap on the screen where you want to focus.
A green square will appear, indicating that the focus is set. To change the focus, you need to tap on the screen again. You can also use the AE lock and focus features together, by tapping and holding on the screen where you want to lock the exposure and focus.
A yellow and green square will appear, indicating that both the exposure and focus are locked. To unlock both the exposure and focus, you need to tap the screen again.
How to adjust advanced settings (smoothness, white balance, and color mode)
The DJI Mini 3 also offers some advanced settings that can help you improve the quality and style of your footage. These are the smoothness, white balance, and color mode settings.
Smoothness
Smoothness is a setting that affects the speed and smoothness of the gimbal movement. The higher the smoothness, the slower and smoother the gimbal movement, and the more stable and cinematic your footage will look.
However, higher smoothness may also make the gimbal less responsive and agile, and reduce the flexibility of your movement. Therefore, you need to balance between smoothness and responsiveness.
Generally, you want to use a higher smoothness for slow and steady shots, such as landscapes or buildings. However, you may want to use a lower smoothness for fast and dynamic shots, such as sports or animals.
To adjust the smoothness on the DJI Mini 3, you need to access the camera settings menu and select the smoothness option. You can then choose between 0 to 100, depending on your preference and scene.
White balance
White balance is a setting that affects the color temperature of the image. The color temperature is the warmth or coolness of the colors, and it is measured in kelvins. The higher the color temperature, the cooler the colors, and the more blue or purple they will look.
The lower the color temperature, the warmer the colors, and the more yellow or orange they will look. The white balance can affect the mood and atmosphere of your footage, as well as the accuracy and realism of the colors.
Therefore, you need to balance between color temperature and color tone. Generally, you want to use a white balance that matches the lighting conditions of your scene, as it will give you the most natural and realistic colors. However, you can also use a different white balance to create a different effect or style, such as a warm or cool tone.
To adjust the white balance on the DJI Mini 3, you need to access the camera settings menu and select the white balance option. You can then choose between auto, sunny, cloudy, incandescent, or custom.
In auto mode, the drone will adjust the white balance automatically for you, based on the lighting conditions. In sunny mode, the drone will set the white balance to 5500K, which is suitable for sunny or bright scenes.
In cloudy mode, the drone will set the white balance to 6500K, which is suitable for cloudy or overcast scenes. In incandescent mode, the drone will set the white balance to 3200K, which is suitable for indoor or artificial scenes. In custom mode, you can adjust the white balance manually, from 2000K to 10000K, depending on your preference and scene.
Color mode
Color mode is a setting that affects the color profile of the image. The color profile is the way the colors are processed and displayed, and it affects the saturation, contrast, and dynamic range of the image.
The saturation is the intensity and vibrancy of the colors, the contrast is the difference between the dark and light areas, and the dynamic range is the range of brightness levels that the image can capture.
The color mode can affect the quality and style of your footage, as well as the ease and flexibility of editing. Therefore, you need to balance between color profile and color grading. Generally, you want to use a color mode that suits your purpose and preference, as it will give you the best results and effects. However, you can also use a different color mode to create a different look or feel, such as a vivid or cinematic tone.
To adjust the color mode on the DJI Mini 3, you need to access the camera settings menu and select the color mode option. You can then choose between normal, D-Cinelike, or HDR. In normal mode, the drone will use the default color profile, which is suitable for most scenes and purposes.
It offers a balanced and natural color tone, with moderate saturation, contrast, and dynamic range. In D-Cinelike mode, the drone will use a flat color profile, which is suitable for professional and cinematic scenes and purposes.
It offers a low saturation, low contrast, and high dynamic range color tone, which preserves more details and information in the image. However, D-Cinelike mode requires more editing and color grading, as it looks dull and washed out without post-processing.
In HDR mode, the drone will use a high dynamic range color profile, which is suitable for high contrast and challenging scenes and purposes. It offers a high saturation, high contrast, and high dynamic range color tone, which enhances the colors and brightness of the image. However, HDR mode may also introduce some noise and artifacts, as it processes more data and information in the image.
How to adjust the intelligent flight modes (quickshot and panorama)
The DJI Mini 3 also offers some intelligent flight modes that can help you capture amazing photos and videos with ease and fun. These are the quickshot and panorama modes.
Quickshot
Quickshot is a mode that allows you to capture stunning videos with predefined movements and effects. You can choose between four quickshot modes: dronie, rocket, circle, and helix.
- Dronie: This is where the drone flies backward and upward, while keeping the subject in the center of the frame. This creates a dramatic and cinematic effect, as the background expands and reveals the surroundings.
- Rocket: This is where the drone flies straight up, while keeping the subject in the center of the frame. This creates a cool and dynamic effect, as the perspective changes and shows the scene from above.
- Circle: This is where the drone flies around the subject, while keeping the subject in the center of the frame. This creates a smooth and elegant effect, as the background rotates and shows the scene from different angles.
- Helix: This is where the drone flies upward and away from the subject, while spiraling around the subject. This creates a stunning and dramatic effect, as the background changes and shows the scene from a wider and higher perspective.
To use the quickshot mode on the DJI Mini 3, you need to access the mode option on the screen and select the quickshot mode. You can then choose the quickshot mode you want, and the duration of the video, from 5 to 15 seconds.
You can also adjust the distance and speed of the drone, depending on your preference and scene. After that, you need to tap on the screen to select the subject you want to capture. A green square will appear, indicating that the subject is selected.
You can also use the AE lock and focus features to lock the exposure and focus on the subject. To start the quickshot, you need to tap the shutter button. The drone will then perform the quickshot automatically, and return to the original position.
You can also stop the quickshot at any time by tapping the stop button. The quickshot video will be saved in the DJI Fly app, where you can view, edit, and share it.
Panorama
Panorama is a mode that allows you to capture high-resolution photos with a wider and larger field of view. You can choose between three panorama modes: sphere, 180°, and wide-angle.
- Sphere: This is where the drone takes 26 photos and stitches them together to create a spherical panorama. This creates a stunning and immersive effect, as you can see the scene from all directions.
- 180°: This is where the drone takes seven photos and stitches them together to create a horizontal panorama. This creates a beautiful and expansive effect, as you can see the scene from left to right.
- Wide-angle: This is where the drone takes three photos and stitches them together to create a vertical panorama. This creates a gorgeous and tall effect, as you can see the scene from top to bottom.
To use the panorama mode on the DJI Mini 3, you need to access the mode option on the screen and select the panorama mode. You can then choose the panorama mode you want, and the direction of the panorama, from horizontal or vertical.
You can also adjust the exposure settings manually or let the drone do it automatically for you. To start the panorama, you need to tap the shutter button. The drone will then take the photos automatically, and stitch them together.
You can also stop the panorama at any time by tapping the stop button. The panorama photo will be saved in the DJI Fly app, where you can view, edit, and share it.
How to edit your footage using the DJI Fly app
The DJI Fly app is not only a remote controller for the DJI Mini 3, but also a powerful editor for your photos and videos. You can use the DJI Fly app to edit your footage in various ways, such as trimming, cropping, rotating, adjusting, filtering, adding music, and more.
You can also use the DJI Fly app to create amazing videos with templates, transitions, effects, and stickers. You can also use the DJI Fly app to share your footage with your friends and family, or upload it to social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and more.
To edit your footage using the DJI Fly app, you need to access the playback option on the screen and select the photo or video you want to edit. You can then use the edit option on the screen and choose the editing tool you want to use.
You can also use the create option on the screen and choose the template you want to use. You can then customize your video with your own footage, music, and text. After editing or creating your video, you can use the share option on the screen and choose the platform you want to share it to. You can also save your video to your device or the cloud.
How to export and share your footage
The DJI Mini 3 allows you to export and share your footage in various ways, depending on your preference and purpose. You can export and share your footage using the DJI Fly app, a micro SD card, a USB cable, or a wireless connection.
DJI Fly app
The DJI Fly app is the easiest and most convenient way to export and share your footage. You can use the DJI Fly app to export your footage to your device or the cloud, and share it to social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and more. You can also use the DJI Fly app to edit your footage or create amazing videos with templates, transitions, effects, and stickers.
To export and share your footage using the DJI Fly app, you need to access the playback option on the screen and select the photo or video you want to export or share.
You can then use the download option on the screen and choose the destination you want to export it to, such as your device or the cloud. You can also use the share option on the screen and choose the platform you want to share it to, such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and more.
Micro SD card
The micro SD card is the most reliable and secure way to export and share your footage. You can use the micro SD card to store your footage in the drone, and transfer it to your computer or other devices. You can also use the micro SD card to backup your footage or format it to free up space.
To export and share your footage using the micro SD card, you need to turn off the drone and remove the micro SD card from the slot. You can then insert the micro SD card into your computer or other devices, using an adapter if needed.
You can then access the micro SD card and copy or move the files you want to export or share. You can also delete or format the files you don’t need.
USB cable
The USB cable is the fastest and simplest way to export and share your footage. You can use the USB cable to connect the drone to your computer or other devices, and transfer your footage directly. You can also use the USB cable to charge the drone or update the firmware.
To export and share your footage using the USB cable, you need to turn on the drone and connect it to your computer or other devices, using the USB-C port on the drone and the USB-A port on your computer or other devices.
You can then access the drone as a removable device and copy or move the files you want to export or share. You can also delete or format the files you don’t need.
Wireless connection
The wireless connection is the most flexible and convenient way to export and share your footage. You can use the wireless connection to connect the drone to your smartphone or tablet, and transfer your footage wirelessly. You can also use the wireless connection to control the drone or view the live feed.
To export and share your footage using the wireless connection, you need to turn on the drone and the remote controller, and connect them to your smartphone or tablet, using the DJI Fly app.
You can then access the playback option on the screen and select the photo or video you want to export or share. You can then use the download option on the screen and choose the destination you want to export it to, such as your device or the cloud.
You can also use the share option on the screen and choose the platform you want to share it to, such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and more.
The DJI Mini 3 is a fantastic drone that offers amazing features and performance. However, to get the best out of this drone, you need to know how to adjust the camera settings properly. In this blog post, we have shown you how to adjust the camera settings in DJI Mini 3 in a simple and comprehensive way.