7 Easy Steps: Circle a POI with DJI Mavic 3 Pro • hornetsecurity.com

Mastering the art of circling a POI (point of interest) with a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone enhances your aerial photography and videography capabilities. This technique not only captures breathtaking panoramic shots but also adds an element of dynamism and visual interest to your content. Whether you’re a seasoned drone pilot or an aspiring aerial enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will empower you with the knowledge and skills to execute precise and captivating POI circling maneuvers with your Mavic 3 Pro.

To embark on this aerial adventure, ensure that your Mavic 3 Pro is equipped with the latest firmware and that you have a clear and unobstructed flight path. Determine the POI you wish to circle, whether it’s a picturesque landscape, an iconic building, or a vibrant cityscape. Once your POI is identified, activate the “Point of Interest” mode in the DJI Fly app. This mode empowers the drone to automatically orbit around the selected point, maintaining a consistent distance and altitude.

Control the circling parameters according to your creative vision. Adjust the radius of the circle to capture varying perspectives and scale. Modify the circling speed to create a smooth and cinematic effect or introduce a sense of urgency. Additionally, experiment with the altitude to showcase the POI from different angles. By mastering the art of circling a POI with your Mavic 3 Pro, you unlock boundless possibilities for capturing captivating aerial content that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Preparation and Equipment Requirements

Equipment Prerequisites:

DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone: This advanced drone features precision obstacle avoidance, an exceptional Hasselblad camera, and advanced autonomous flight modes.

Remote Controller: The included remote controller provides a stable connection, intuitive controls, and a built-in display for monitoring flight.

DJI Fly App: The mobile app serves as a central hub for planning flights, adjusting camera settings, and accessing advanced features like Circle mode.

SD Card: A compatible SD card is necessary for storing captured footage.

Extra Batteries: Consider carrying additional batteries to extend your flight time and ensure you capture the perfect shot.

Safety Gear: For responsible flying, it’s essential to wear proper safety gear, including safety glasses and appropriate clothing.

Environmental Considerations:

Weather Conditions: Avoid flying in strong winds, heavy rain, or extreme temperatures to ensure the safety of your drone and the quality of your footage.

Air Traffic: Be aware of nearby air traffic and prioritize safety by maintaining a safe distance from other aircraft.

Location: Choose a spacious, open area with minimal obstacles for optimal circling performance.

Setting Your Drone’s Parameters

Before circling your poi with the Mavic 3 Pro, it’s crucial to set specific parameters to ensure optimal performance and precision.

Custom Flight Parameters

Assistant QuickShots: Enable this setting to access the QuickShots mode, which provides pre-defined flight patterns for circling a point of interest.

Circle: Select this option from the QuickShots menu to engage the circling motion around your designated point.

Radius: Adjust this parameter to specify the distance from the point of interest at which the drone will circle.

Speed: Set the speed at which the drone will circle the point of interest. Higher speeds will result in faster circles.

Altitude: Determine the altitude at which the drone will circle the point of interest.

Camera Settings

Camera Mode: Choose the desired camera mode, such as Photo or Video, to capture footage of your circling flight.

Resolution and Framerate: Set the resolution and framerate of the footage to meet your desired output quality.

Additional Settings

Return-to-Home Altitude: Specify the altitude at which the drone will automatically return to its home point if it loses connection or the battery level becomes low.

Obstacle Avoidance: Ensure that obstacle avoidance is enabled to protect your drone from collisions.

Follow Mode: If you want the drone to follow your movements while circling, activate the Follow Mode.

Establishing a Safe Flight Area

Before embarking on your poi circling adventure, it’s crucial to prioritize safety by establishing an appropriate flight area. Here are some key considerations:

1. Location

Select an open and unobstructed area with minimal obstacles, such as trees, buildings, or power lines. Avoid flying near crowds or sensitive areas like schools or hospitals.

2. Size

The flight area should be large enough to provide ample space for the Mavic 3 Pro to circle the poi without encountering any obstacles. Consider the size of the poi and the desired distance between the poi and the drone.

3. Wind Conditions

Wind can significantly affect the stability and control of your drone. Check the weather forecast and avoid flying in strong or gusty winds. If the wind exceeds 25 mph or 12 m/s, postpone your flight or seek a more sheltered area.

4. Obstacles

Thoroughly inspect the flight area for any potential obstacles, including trees, poles, wires, or buildings. Ensure that the drone has a clear path to circle the poi without encountering any obstructions.

5. Permissions

If necessary, obtain permission from the appropriate authorities or landowners before flying in certain areas. Be aware of any local regulations or restrictions on drone use.

Positioning the Drone and Poi Target

To effectively circle a Poi with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, proper positioning of both the drone and the Poi target is crucial. Here are the steps to ensure optimal positioning:

Drone Positioning

1. **Set a Safe Flight Zone:** Before initiating any flight, designate a clear and safe flight zone that provides ample space for the drone to maneuver without obstacles or interference.

2. **Height and Distance** **:** Maintain a reasonable height and distance from the Poi target. This allows for sufficient space for circling and captures a well-balanced perspective.

3. **Orientation**: Position the drone facing towards the Poi target to capture a frontal view. Ensure the camera is calibrated and angled appropriately for optimal framing.

Poi Target Positioning

1. **Visible and Distinct:** select a Poi target that is easily visible and distinguishable from its surroundings. This helps the drone’s sensors track the target accurately.

2. **Fixed Object:** If possible, choose a fixed object as the Poi target, such as a building, statue, or landmark. This provides a stable and reliable reference point for circling.

3. **Complementary Background:** Consider the background of the Poi target to enhance the visual appeal of the circling shot. A visually engaging or relevant background can add depth and interest to the footage.

Commencing the Circle Flight

To initiate the circle flight with your DJI Mavic 3 Pro, follow these steps:

Activate the Drone: Power on the drone and remote controller and establish a stable connection.
Navigate to ActiveTrack: Open the DJI Fly app and select the “ActiveTrack” mode from the bottom menu bar.
Choose the Circle Flight Option: Within the ActiveTrack menu, tap the “Circle” icon to select the circular flight pattern.
Establish a Target: Identify and select the subject you want the drone to circle around. This can be done by tapping the screen or using the control sticks to move the reticle over the target.

5. Customizing the Circle Flight Parameters

Once the circle flight is initiated, you can adjust various parameters to tailor it to your desired outcome. These settings can be accessed through the “Settings” menu within ActiveTrack:

Parameter	Description
Radius	Adjust the distance between the drone and the target.
Speed	Control the speed at which the drone completes the circle.
Altitude	Set the height at which the drone hovers above the target during the circle flight.
Direction	Choose whether the drone should circle clockwise or counterclockwise.
Duration	Specify the number of times the drone will circle the target.

By refining these parameters, you can achieve a precise and customizable circle flight that showcases your subject from multiple angles.

Maintaining a Consistent Distance and Altitude

Maintaining a consistent distance and altitude is crucial for capturing smooth and stable circling footage. Here’s how you can achieve this:

Distance Control

Visual Estimation: With experience, you can estimate the distance between the drone and the subject. Adjust the drone’s position manually by either increasing or decreasing its speed.
Distance Meter: Some Mavic 3 Pro models feature a built-in distance meter that displays the real-time distance to the point of interest. Use this information to adjust the drone’s position accordingly.

Altitude Control

Visual Estimation: Similar to distance control, you can visually estimate the drone’s altitude. Adjust the throttle input to maintain a constant height.
Barometer: The Mavic 3 Pro’s barometer provides accurate altitude readings. Set the desired altitude in the DJI Fly app or use the altitude hold mode to automatically maintain a fixed height.
Terrain Awareness: The drone’s terrain awareness system detects obstacles below. Use this feature to maintain a safe altitude while circling, especially in uneven terrain.

Additional Tips for Precise Distance and Altitude Control

Here are some additional tips to help you maintain precise distance and altitude control:

Tip	Description
Use Tripod Mode:	Activates a slower and smoother camera movement, making it easier to maintain a consistent distance.
Adjust Damping Settings:	Modify the damping settings in the DJI Fly app to reduce camera shake and improve control over movement.
Practice and Patience:	Mastering distance and altitude control takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged and keep experimenting.

Adjusting Camera Settings for Optimal Footage

To capture the most stunning footage while circling a subject with your DJI Mavic 3 Pro, it’s essential to adjust your camera settings accordingly.

Aperture

Set your aperture to f/2.8 or wider to blur the background and draw focus on the subject. However, be mindful of potential overexposure in bright conditions.

Shutter Speed

Select a shutter speed of at least 1/30th of a second to avoid blurry footage. If your footage is still blurry, increase the shutter speed further.

ISO

Keep your ISO as low as possible to minimize noise. However, if you’re shooting in low-light conditions, you may need to increase the ISO to achieve a proper exposure.

White Balance

Adjust your white balance to match the lighting conditions and avoid color inaccuracies.

Color Profile

Choose a color profile that suits your desired aesthetic, such as D-Log for more flexibility in color grading.

HDR

Enable HDR mode to capture a wider dynamic range, resulting in footage with more detail in both highlights and shadows.

7. Logarithmic Shooting

Logarithmic shooting, such as D-Log, preserves the full dynamic range of the image and allows for more flexibility in post-production. However, it requires color grading to produce a final image.

The following table summarizes the recommended camera settings for circling a subject with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro:

Setting	Recommended Value
Aperture	f/2.8 or wider
Shutter Speed	1/30th of a second or faster
ISO	As low as possible
White Balance	Auto or adjust manually
Color Profile	D-Log or preferred profile
HDR	Enabled
Logarithmic Shooting	Enabled (optional)

Anticipating and Compensating for Wind Conditions

Wind can significantly affect the stability and accuracy of your Mavic 3 Pro when circling a poi. Here are some tips for anticipating and compensating for wind conditions:

1. Check the weather forecast

Before flying, check the weather forecast to get an idea of the wind speed and direction. If the wind is expected to be strong or gusty, it’s best to postpone your flight or find a more sheltered location.

2. Observe the windsock

If there’s a windsock nearby, observe the direction and speed of the wind. This will give you a good indication of how the wind will affect your Mavic 3 Pro.

3. Fly into the wind

When circling a poi, always fly into the wind. This will help to slow down your Mavic 3 Pro and make it easier to control.

4. Compensate for wind drift

As you circle the poi, the wind will cause your Mavic 3 Pro to drift away from the POI (point of interest). To compensate for this, you will need to constantly adjust the direction of your Mavic 3 Pro.

5. Use the circle mode

The Mavic 3 Pro has a built-in circle mode that can help you to fly a perfect circle around a POI (point of interest). This mode will automatically adjust the direction of your Mavic 3 Pro to compensate for wind drift.

6. Use the ActiveTrack mode

The Mavic 3 Pro also has an ActiveTrack mode that can help you to keep your Mavic 3 Pro focused on a moving POI (point of interest). This mode will automatically adjust the direction of your Mavic 3 Pro to follow the POI (point of interest), even if the wind is blowing.

7. Use the Tripod Mode

The Mavic 3 Pro also has a Tripod Mode that can help you to keep your Mavic 3 Pro steady in windy conditions. This mode will automatically adjust the motors of your Mavic 3 Pro to reduce vibrations and improve stability.

8. Additional tips

Here are some additional tips for circling a poi with your Mavic 3 Pro in windy conditions:

Tip	Description
Fly at a lower altitude	This will help to reduce the effect of the wind.
Use a wider circle	This will give you more time to adjust for wind drift.
Be patient	It may take some practice to master circling a poi in windy conditions.

Avoiding Obstacles

To ensure the safety of your Mavic 3 Pro and its payload, it is crucial to avoid obstacles during circling. Utilize the following techniques to navigate around obstacles effectively:

ActiveTrack 3.0: Leverage the advanced tracking capabilities of ActiveTrack 3.0 to trace the poi while avoiding obstacles autonomously.
Manual Control: Manually adjust the drone’s yaw and altitude to steer it around obstacles while maintaining the poi in the frame.
Obstacle Avoidance System: Utilize the Mavic 3 Pro’s advanced obstacle avoidance system to detect and avoid potential collisions, allowing you to focus on circling.

Maintaining Visual Contact

Maintaining visual contact is essential for safe and precise circling. Implement these strategies to enhance visibility and keep the poi in sight:

Visual Positioning System (VPS)

Ensure that the VPS is activated to provide accurate altitude and ground positioning information, facilitating precise circling over uneven terrain.

Clear Line of Sight

Position yourself in a location where you have a clear line of sight to the poi without obstructions. This позволит вам closely monitor the poi’s movement and respond quickly to any changes.

High-Contrast POI

Choose a high-contrast poi against the background to make it more easily identifiable and trackable. This contrast will aid the drone’s tracking system and the pilot’s visual acuity.

Optimal Camera Angle

Adjust the camera angle to provide a clear view of the poi. A slightly angled or overhead view can often provide better visibility than a straight-down shot.

Distance and Height

Maintain an appropriate distance and height from the poi to ensure a clear view and avoid excessive vibration or image distortion.

Landing Procedures

To land your DJI Mavic 3 Pro safely, follow these steps:

Locate a suitable landing area that is clear of obstacles and has good lighting.
Hover the drone slowly towards the landing area, keeping it in sight.
Gradually reduce the altitude of the drone until it is about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) above the ground.
Initiate the landing procedure by pressing the designated landing button on the remote controller.
The drone will automatically descend and land on the ground.

Safety Precautions

Always prioritize safety when operating your DJI Mavic 3 Pro. Follow these precautions:

Fly in open areas away from crowds, buildings, and other potential obstacles.
Avoid flying in inclement weather conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds, or low visibility.
Maintain a line of sight with the drone at all times.
Never fly the drone over people or property.
Respect the privacy of others and do not fly your drone over private property without permission.
Familiarize yourself with local regulations and laws regarding drone operation.
Use the drone responsibly and with common sense.
Keep the drone and its components in good repair and maintenance.
Carry out regular safety checks before every flight.
Fly within the drone’s maximum flight range and avoid operating it near power lines or other potential hazards.

Safety Precaution	Explanation
Maintain a line of sight	Keep the drone visible to avoid collisions and ensure control.
Avoid flying over people or property	Protect the safety of others and respect their privacy.
Carry out regular safety checks	Inspect the drone and its components for any damage or malfunctions before each flight.

How to Circle a POI with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Circling a point of interest (POI) is a great way to create engaging and dynamic aerial footage. With the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, you can easily circle a POI using the following steps:

Open the DJI Fly app and connect to your Mavic 3 Pro.
Tap the “Flight Modes” button in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Select the “Circle” flight mode.
Tap the “POI” button in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Move the map so that the POI is in the center of the screen.
Tap the “Start” button.

Your Mavic 3 Pro will now begin circling the POI. You can adjust the following settings to customize the circle:

**Radius:** The distance from the POI to the edge of the circle.
**Altitude:** The height of the circle above the ground.
**Speed:** The speed at which the circle is flown.

To stop circling the POI, tap the “Stop” button in the bottom-left corner of the screen.