DJI AIR 2S BEST VIDEO SETTINGS - How to get CINEMATIC FOOTAGE from your DJI Drone

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to achieve cinematic footage with your DJI Air 2S drone by utilizing the best video settings. Utilizing the right settings can significantly enhance the quality of your videos, making them more visually appealing. This guide will cover essential video settings, post-production techniques, and color grading tips that will help you produce stunning aerial footage.

Step 1: Configure Your Drone Settings

Setting up your DJI Air 2S correctly is crucial for capturing high-quality footage.

1. Video Resolution and Frame Rate

   • Set your video resolution to 4K for the best quality.
   • Choose a frame rate of 24fps for a cinematic look. Alternatively, you can use 30fps if you plan to capture more action.

2. Picture Profile

   • Select the D-Log picture profile. This setting provides a flat color profile that retains more details for post-production color grading.

3. Shutter Speed

   • Set your shutter speed to 1/50 of your frame rate for smoother motion. For 24fps, use 1/50; for 30fps, use 1/60.

4. ISO Settings

   • Keep your ISO low, ideally between 100 and 400, to minimize noise. Adjust as necessary based on lighting conditions.

5. White Balance

   • Manually set the white balance based on your shooting environment. A value between 5000K and 6000K is often a good starting point for daylight.

Step 2: Understand Post Production

Post-production is where you can elevate your drone footage to a cinematic level.

1. Color Correction

   • Begin by correcting the footage's exposure and contrast. Use your editing software to adjust highlights, shadows, and midtones.
   • Ensure that colors appear natural and that there are no color casts.

2. Color Grading

   • Apply color grading to establish a mood or style for your video. Use tools like curves and color wheels to enhance specific tones.
   • Experiment with saturation and vibrancy to find the right balance.

3. Using LUTs

   • Consider using LUTs (Lookup Tables) to apply a specific look to your footage quickly. Trevor Bobyk offers a Drone LUT Pack designed for DJI drones.
   • After applying a LUT, fine-tune your footage with additional color correction to achieve the desired final look.

Step 3: Final Touches

Adding finishing touches can enhance the overall quality of your footage.

1. Audio Editing

   • Enhance your video's audio by adjusting levels, adding background music, or incorporating sound effects if necessary.

2. Export Settings

   • Export your video in a high-quality format suitable for your intended platform (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.). Common settings include H.264 codec with a high bitrate.

3. Review and Revise

   • Watch your video through after exporting. Look for any final adjustments that may enhance the viewing experience.

Conclusion

By following these steps and utilizing the right settings and post-production techniques, you can achieve cinematic footage with your DJI Air 2S drone. Experiment with your settings and color grading to develop your unique style. For more resources, consider exploring the LUTs and video courses offered by Trevor Bobyk to further enhance your video production skills. Happy flying and filming!