YouTuber NonStopFilmer uploaded a video sharing seven drone tips for improving aerial cinematography. These drone tips are geared more towards advanced users, but everyone can still benefit by watching his 4K video:
Camera gimbal settings
NonStopFilmer changed the gimbal settings on his DJI Mavic to smoothen out the tilting action. DJI drones and most quadcopters usually have the option to alter the gimbal speed, so make sure to test which setting is best to keep the camera from stopping abruptly.
NonStopFilmer increased the gimbal pitch smoothness to 24 and decreased the gimbal pitch speed to 7.
Grids
A grid can be layered on top of the main screen to help keep subjects in frame. This setting is often overlooked, but it should also be used to make sure the gimbal is leveled to the horizon. Often on DJI quadcopters, the gimbal can shift mid-flight, so turning on the grid setting can be used to check if the gimbal is calibrated properly.
Hook Shot
NonStopFIlmer shared a move he called “the hook shot,” which is an aerial maneuver that is best used for tracking moving subjects. Both joysticks were pointed to the left. This maneuver is similar to following a subject while flying a drone sideways, but NonStopFilmer slowly pulled away from the subject towards the end of the video.
Orbit without point of interest
Sometimes manually flying around a subject is more convenient than taking the time to set up point of interest mode, especially when only a portion of the orbit footage will be used. Manually flying around a subject is best done with a grid setting enabled to help keep the main subject locked in the center of the frame. NonStopFilmer flew the drone right and then pointed the left joystick left to manually point the camera towards the subject. One key tip for shooting a smooth orbit is to make micro adjustments only when it is required. Once the drone is circling around the subject smoothly, keep those thumbs locked in place throughout the shot.
Horizon reveal
Starting with the camera pointed down, the horizon reveal can be executed by flying one direction then tilting the gimbal up.
Subscribe to NonStopFIlmer for more drone-related tips!
