I kow similar has been asked before but I cant find what I’m looking for.
I bought the mini2 to compliment my photography, video wasnt even a consideration at first. Today I am going to my local rugby clubs last home game of the season for some photos using a dslr, but I thought I’d take the drone for some video. I’m at a loss where to start with frame rates, resolution etc. I have ND filters, which given todays weather forecast, will need to be used as it’s meant to be sunny and clear skies all day.
Any clues as to where to start with video settings please?
The Mini 2 has a fixed focus, fixed aperture. In bright light it adjusts the shutter speed to keep the exposure correct. In dark light it will increase the ISO to keep the exposure correct.
You won’t need ND filters for photos (unless you are aiming for looong exposures of waterfalls, car light trails etc)
You don’t “need” ND filters for videos. However IF you are shooting something moving fast across the frame in bright light, you may find the video looks kind of stepped or jerky. Every frame would be a crisp freeze frame. However our eyes/brains prefer a bit of motion blur per frame. You can create that motion blur by using an ND filter, which is like sunglasses for the camera. With an ND filter the shutter time gets longer and the motion blurs.
The ND filter you choose will depend on the light available during that flight (and the frame rate you choose).
If you are shooting 1080p (or 4k) at 30 frames per second, the rule of thumb would be to have the shutter speed at 1/60 seconds. (If shooting 60fps then shutter speed at 1/120 seconds).
Somebody smarter than me will maybe have a method to determine which filter works best, and how to determine which to use quickly. I would say, try it without. If the video is pleasing, you don’t need ND filters. If it feels choppy or jerky, then ND4 ND8 ND16 will help. You would use the bigger number on brighter days. Once airborne, see what settings the drone chooses automatically. Keep notes, it helps to have something to refer back to so you can make intelligent choice for next time.
For video, you only need ND filter for things moving fast in the frame. Some would say rugby is fast moving BUT drones have a wide angle lens, and your subjects may not be moving in the frame as much as you might think!
Resolution? 1080p video takes up much less space than 4k video. Try both. If 1080p works for you do that. Keep in mind whether your video might be shown on larger hi res TVs, either by you now or in the future or other people with big screens.
Assuming it’s for UK playback shoot at 4k 25 frames per second and aim for shutter speed of 1/50th. Try to keep the ISO at 100. Use the ND filters to control the shutter speed.
As to which ND to use, with the drone on and connected point it at an area which is representative of what you will be shooting and try the filters until you find one that most closely matches the shutter speed you need.
Cheers both, appreciated.
I get the use of ND filters and relationship of iso, shutter speed, apperture with regards to stills photography, it was more aimed at video frame rates etc, something im not really familiar with, if at all!!! I dont really have much time to experiment as today will be the first time trying to get half decent footage of a rugby match. Left it late as usual and have little time to experiment and compare settings. Its going to be a case of turn up and try to get it right first time. Its not for anything important, just my own pleasure. But if i get anything decent then it might turn up on the clubs website.
You will get usable video with no ND filter ![]()
Don’t feel the need to rush things. Drones take time and care.