DJI Mini drones have revolutionized the drone industry by providing compact, high-quality aerial photography solutions at an affordable price. One of the key features many drone enthusiasts look for is advanced tracking modes, such as ActiveTrack and Follow Me. But do DJI Mini drones support these features? This article will explore the capabilities of DJI Mini 4 Pro drones regarding advanced tracking modes, their limitations, and alternatives.
Understanding Advanced Tracking Modes
Advanced tracking modes are designed to help pilots capture dynamic shots effortlessly. DJI’s proprietary tracking modes, such as ActiveTrack, Follow Me, and Spotlight, allow drones to lock onto subjects and track their movement automatically. These features are popular among videographers, sports enthusiasts, and vloggers who want hands-free aerial footage.
Common DJI Tracking Modes:
- ActiveTrack: The drone follows and keeps a subject centered in the frame.
- Follow Me: Uses GPS to follow the pilot.
- Spotlight: The drone keeps the subject in the frame but does not move autonomously.
- Point of Interest (POI): The drone circles a specific subject.
Now, let’s examine whether DJI Mini drones support these features.
DJI Mini Series and Tracking Modes
1. DJI Mini 2
The DJI Mini 2 does not support ActiveTrack or Follow Me. Since it lacks obstacle avoidance sensors, DJI did not implement these tracking features for safety reasons. However, users can manually create tracking-like shots by using intelligent flight modes such as QuickShots (Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Boomerang, and Helix). These modes provide automated cinematic shots but do not allow true subject tracking.
2. DJI Mini SE
The DJI Mini SE is essentially a more budget-friendly version of the Mini 2 and does not support ActiveTrack or Follow Me. Like the Mini 2, it includes QuickShots but lacks any real tracking functionality.
3. DJI Mini 3
The DJI Mini 3 does not feature ActiveTrack but introduces FocusTrack, which includes Spotlight 2.0 and POI (Point of Interest). These features help keep a subject in the frame while allowing for creative movements. However, full autonomous tracking is not available.
4. DJI Mini 3 Pro
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is the first in the Mini lineup to feature ActiveTrack 4.0. This means it can follow subjects intelligently while avoiding obstacles. The Mini 3 Pro also includes:
- ActiveTrack 4.0 (tracking subjects smoothly)
- Spotlight 2.0 (keeps subjects in the frame while manually controlling the drone)
- Point of Interest 3.0 (circles around a subject for cinematic shots)
Thanks to its obstacle avoidance system, the Mini 3 Pro is a game-changer in the Mini series for tracking capabilities.
5. DJI Mini 4 Pro
The DJI Mini 4 Pro takes tracking even further by improving ActiveTrack and adding omnidirectional obstacle sensing. This makes it safer and more reliable for autonomous tracking compared to previous Mini models. It offers:
- ActiveTrack 5.0 (enhanced tracking with more flexible pathing)
- Advanced RTH (Return to Home) (smarter return paths when tracking)
- 360-degree obstacle avoidance (improves tracking safety)
Why Earlier Mini Models Lack Advanced Tracking
1. Lack of Obstacle Avoidance
Older DJI Mini models, such as the Mini 2 and Mini SE, do not have obstacle avoidance sensors. ActiveTrack relies on these sensors to avoid obstacles while following a subject. Without them, the risk of crashes increases.
2. Processing Power Limitations
Tracking features require more processing power, which is not available in earlier Mini models. DJI prioritized compact design and battery life over computationally expensive tracking features.
3. Market Positioning
DJI strategically reserves premium features for higher-end models like the Air and Mavic series. The Mini series was initially targeted toward beginners and hobbyists rather than professionals needing advanced tracking.
Alternatives to ActiveTrack on DJI Mini Drones
If you own a DJI Mini drone that lacks ActiveTrack, here are some alternative ways to achieve tracking-like shots:
1. Third-Party Apps
Some third-party apps, like Litchi, claim to enable Follow Me and tracking modes on drones like the Mini 2. However, these apps are not officially supported by DJI, and functionality may be limited.
2. Manual Tracking Techniques
By mastering smooth control movements, you can manually follow a subject using the controller. This requires practice but can produce stunning results.
3. QuickShots
Although not a substitute for ActiveTrack, QuickShots allows you to capture dynamic movements automatically. You can use modes like Circle or Boomerang to create motion-focused shots.
4. Using GPS-Based Follow Me Devices
Some third-party solutions use external GPS trackers to enable Follow Me mode. These work by feeding GPS coordinates to the drone, but they lack the intelligence of DJI’s ActiveTrack.
Conclusion
DJI Mini drones have varying levels of tracking capabilities. While the DJI Mini 2 and Mini SE lack true tracking modes, the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro include ActiveTrack, making them excellent choices for those wanting autonomous subject tracking. If tracking is a priority, choosing the Mini 3 Pro or Mini 4 Pro is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can DJI Mini 2 track objects automatically?
No, the DJI Mini 2 does not support ActiveTrack or Follow Me. However, it includes QuickShots for automated cinematic shots.
2. Does DJI Mini 3 support ActiveTrack?
No, the DJI Mini 3 includes FocusTrack (Spotlight and Point of Interest) but lacks full ActiveTrack functionality.
3. Which DJI Mini drone has ActiveTrack?
The DJI Mini 3 Pro and DJI Mini 4 Pro support ActiveTrack, allowing them to follow subjects intelligently.
4. Can third-party apps add tracking to DJI Mini drones?
Some apps like Litchi claim to offer tracking modes, but these are not officially supported by DJI and may have limitations.
5. Why don’t all DJI Mini drones have Follow Me mode?
Follow Me and ActiveTrack require obstacle avoidance sensors and advanced processing, which earlier Mini models lack.
6. Is the DJI Mini 3 Pro good for tracking sports activities?
Yes, the Mini 3 Pro is a great choice for tracking sports, as it includes ActiveTrack 4.0 and obstacle avoidance.
7. Can DJI Mini drones avoid obstacles while tracking?
Only the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro have obstacle avoidance sensors, making tracking safer compared to older Mini models.
8. Is the Mini 4 Pro better than the Mini 3 Pro for tracking?
Yes, the Mini 4 Pro has ActiveTrack 5.0 and omnidirectional obstacle sensing, making it the best option for tracking in the Mini series.
By choosing the right Mini drone for your needs, you can enjoy advanced tracking capabilities and capture stunning footage effortlessly!
