What is the DJI Go app? Manual with explanations for each menu and button

Introduction

In this oral guide, we’ll introduce the reader to the DJI Go 4 mobile app. Let’s take a look at each menu, setting, and button to help you better understand this incredibly powerful yet complex app. If you already own DJI drones like Spark, Mavic Air, Mavic Pro (Platinum), Mavic 2, Phantom 4, Phantom 4 Advanced, Phantom 4 Pro, Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, Inspire 2, then this guide is for you.

For example, after reading, the user will know:

How to change the sensitivity of the control sticks.
How to fix problems related to video stream delay.
Why use configuration settings 1, 2 and 3.
What is IMU and why is it important to monitor its condition.
Why the “EV” setting can be useful for adjusting exposure.
What does the “Video Caption” setting do.
Why activate “Hardware Decoding”.
What are the buttons C1 and C2 for.
Why “Cache Map Data” is useful for devices that don’t have cellular connectivity.

Below, you will find answers to these and other questions. We guarantee that after reading, you will learn a lot and feel even more confident, as well as an advanced drone pilot.

Note! Depending on which model of drone you are using, some menus and settings may look slightly different, but rest assured that the main menu items, functions and concepts will be the same.

What is the DJI Go app?

The DJI Go app is software that allows you to connect your tablet/smartphone to the remote controller of the above DJI drones to realize their full potential later. Once the app is launched, you will be able to see what your drone’s camera is seeing, be able to adjust camera settings, view the captured photo/video, adjust the handling and flight dynamics to suit your preferences, activate Intelligent Flight modes, and much more. So, let’s begin!

Main flight screen

On the main screen, on top of the online image from the drone’s camera, there is all the information necessary for the pilot during the flight and shooting, as well as a number of additional virtual buttons/icons for quick access to the main settings/functions of the drone and camera control.

aircraft status

Aircraft status (Drone status) – this is where it is recommended to go after a visual pre-flight inspection of the drone. This menu provides an overview of the health/status of each subsystem of the drone/controller (current flight mode, status of imaging sensors, compass, IMU, battery, etc.). To enter this menu, tap on the “Ready to Go” icon at the top left of the main flight screen. If you see your drone’s settings marked “Normal” and you don’t see anything colored in Red color, this most likely means that the drone is functioning normally and is ready to fly.

Compass

The compass is one of the most important sensors that you should always check the status of, as it is responsible for the orientation of the drone in space. It is highly recommended to always calibrate the drone’s compass at any new launch location. This is due to the fact that the compass is very sensitive to electromagnetic interference, which can lead to sensor malfunction, which often leads to poor flight performance or even failure. Therefore, regularly calibrating the compass before launching in a new location will help maintain optimal drone performance. To calibrate the compass, tap on the “Calibrate” icon and follow the instructions on the screen.

Important notes:

Do not calibrate the compass near any strong sources of magnetic interference such as magnetite, underground metal structures, parking lots.

Do not calibrate the compass near large metal/objects.

Do not calibrate the compass indoors.

Remote Controller Mode

Remote Controller Mode – This is typically set to “Mode 2” by default. This means that the left stick (joystick) of the remote controller is responsible for taking off, descending and rotating the drone around its axis, and the right stick (joystick) is responsible for moving forward, backward and moving left / right. The procedure for changing modes is carried out once, and the next time the drone is turned on, it does not require a second change.

Main Controller Settings

Main Controller Settings – To enter the menu, tap on the three-dot icon (…) in the upper right corner of the main flight screen. Then tap on the drone icon () on the left side of the menu. Here you will find:

Home Point Settings

Enabling / changing flight modes “Multiple Flight Modes”

Enabling/disabling the “Beginner mode”

Setting Max Flight Altitude and Max Distance

advanced settings

Here are more details about each setting and submenu:

Home Point Settings

Home Point Settings – This item sets the return home point, i.e. where the aircraft should return to (in the event of: Loss of communication between the aircraft and the remote control/Insufficient battery/After pressing the RTH button).

There are two options available:

arrow icon = if you select this return method, then the current take-off point will be considered the return point. When pressed, the drone system will ask: “Set current aircraft position as Home Point / Set this position as the return home point?”. Click OK.

Little man icon = If you select this return method, the aircraft will return to the current location of the remote controller. This method is relevant if the pilot controls the drone from a moving object, such as a boat or car.

Multiple Flight Modes

Multiple Flight Modes – This setting allows you to switch between the three possible flight modes:

P (Positioning) Mode or Positioning Mode (P Mode) – in this mode, all the drone’s sensors are turned on, which will lead to a more “slowed down”, but stable flight. In this mode, if the pilot releases the sticks (control joysticks), the drone will automatically slow down, and then hover and hold the position thanks to GPS / GLONASS satellite positioning.

S (Sport) Mode or Sport mode – reveals the full potential of the drone, allowing it to develop max. flight speed, while satellite (GPS / GLONASS) and visual positioning (sensor complex at the bottom of the drone) remains active. But keep in mind that in this mode, the obstacle detection and avoidance system will be disabled!

A (Attitude/ATTI) Mode – in A-Mode, all drone sensors are disabled, only the barometer is active (used to control and hold altitude), which leads to more unstable flight / drifting hovering, as the wind and its air currents will affect the drone. In other words, there is no “automatic brake”. To stop the drone and hold its position, the pilot will need to independently control the drone by moving the control sticks.

Note

A-Mode is relevant for experienced pilots, for example when:

The drone is launched in places with poor reception, or where there is no satellite coverage at all

To ensure smooth maneuvering / braking when performing aerial photography

As a fail-safe mode to stop the drone if something goes wrong.

Return to Home Altitude

Return to Home Altitude – This setting sets the altitude at which the aircraft will automatically return (in the event of: Loss of communication between the aircraft and the remote control / Insufficient battery / After pressing the RTH button).

For example, if the connection is lost, regardless of the altitude at which the flight was carried out, the drone will automatically switch to the return mode, reach the set altitude, and only then perform an auto return.

Note

The height value can be set to 60 meters. In most cases, this height is much higher than the average trees or buildings. But in any case, at each new location, before starting, you should check the height of trees, buildings and possible obstacles, and if necessary, change the current settings of “Return to Home Altitude”.

Beginner Mode

Beginner Mode – It is recommended to activate if the user is flying a drone for the first time. In fact, the mode disables many advanced features and also automatically limits the altitude (up to 30 meters), distance (up to 30 meters) and speed of your drone, so if you fly in a large open area, you don’t have to worry about flying in mode. beginner. The mode is also great for training, as it allows you to smoothly transition from a simple and comfortable flight to more complex settings.

Max Flight Altitude

Max Flight Altitude – This setting sets the maximum altitude ceiling that the drone will be able to fly. The possible range in meters is indicated in brackets (for example, 20-500 m). In many countries this height is limited by law to 120 meters. It is worth considering this before takeoff and familiarize yourself with local legislation in advance.

Max Distance

Max Distance – This setting sets the max. the distance the drone can fly away from the controller. The possible range in meters is indicated in brackets (for example, 15-500 m). In many countries, this parameter may also be restricted by law. For example, in the United States, UAV users are required to fly a drone within the line of sight, in other words, while piloting, the operator (pilot) must be able to see his drone.

advanced settings

Advanced Settings – The options in this menu are for the advanced user. For example, here you can fine-tune the responsiveness of the drone to the movement of the control sticks / joysticks (it can be sharper or softer). This can be compared to guitar tuning, where each guitarist has their own preferences. Further on each setting separately.

Gain & Expo Tuning

These settings are responsible for how quickly the data taken from the sticks is translated into movement on the drone, in other words, adjust the responsiveness and sensitivity of the drone to the movement of the controller sticks. Further on each setting separately.

Gain & Expo Tuning: EXP

EXP stands for Exponential Curve. The X-axis displays the physical output of the manipulated sticks/joysticks. The Y-axis displays the logic output of the manipulated sticks/joysticks. Both axes directly control the drone’s motors. Setting the response of the motors to the movement of the sticks is possible both for normal modes and for the sport mode (the icon above the Normal/Sport graphs).

Entering the lowest value will increase the amount of stick/joystick movement before the drone starts responding (corresponding to smoother/graceful drone movement, and will be most relevant for shooting). Entering the maximum value will cause the drone to instantly respond to the slightest movement of the sticks (which corresponds to more aggressive movement of the drone, and will be most relevant for high-speed FPV flights).

If the mode of operation of the sticks has not been changed by the user, then:

The Throttle Up/Throttle Down curve affects the response of the motors to forward/backward movement of the left stick, which corresponds to the takeoff/descent of the drone.

The “Rudder Right/Rudder Left” curve affects how the motors respond to moving the left stick right/left, which corresponds to the rotation of the aircraft around its axis to the right/left.

The “(Forward/Right)/(Backward/Left)” curve affects the response of the motors to the movement of the right stick (Forward/Right)/(Backward/Left), which corresponds to the movement of the aircraft forward/right and backward/left).

Gain & Expo Tuning: Sensitivity

This section defines how sensitive the controls are.

Attitude = how fast the drone will react and align. The smaller the value set, the slower/quieter the aircraft will start moving and leveling off, and, accordingly, the larger this value, the more abrupt/aggressive the starting movement and leveling off of the aircraft will be.

brake = how fast the drone will stop in GPS/GLONASS mode. The smaller the set value, the slower and smoother the aircraft will decelerate, and accordingly, the larger the value, the sharper/harsh the deceleration will be.

Yaw Movement Limit = how fast the drone will rotate around its axis. The smaller the set value, the slower the aircraft will rotate.

Gain & Expo Tuning: Gain

This menu determines how the aircraft will react to external forces such as atmospheric pressure and wind. Adjusting these settings will change flight dynamics, which may result in unwanted vibrations and/or oscillations. The section is intended for advanced pilots who are professionally involved in the construction of unmanned aerial vehicles from scratch. If you are not familiar with the specifics of setting these parameters, it is strongly recommended that you leave them unchanged!

Sensors: IMU

The IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) includes a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope, and a barometric altimeter that work in tandem to accurately hold the aircraft in its current position during flight. In other words, the device allows you to determine the position of the drone in space.

Note

If during the operation of the drone there are problems in the form of incorrect flight, drift, or errors in the compass, try to fix them by calibrating the IMU by tapping on the icon below “Calibrate IMU”. The current state of the IMU is indicated by the color palette below, where: Green – excellent; Yellow color is good; Red is bad.

Sensors: Compass

This section checks for problems with the compass or interference. If necessary, you can also calibrate it by tapping on the icon below “Calibrate Compass”. The current state of the compass is indicated by the color palette below, where: Green – excellent; Yellow – good; Red is bad.

Remote Controller Signal Lost

In this section, the so-called “Failsafe” function is configured, thanks to which the drone always knows what to do when communication between it and the remote control is lost.

There are three scenarios available in case of disconnection:

Return to Home: in this case, the drone will return to the takeoff point (set by default).

Landing: in this case, the drone will land at the place where the connection is broken.

hover: in this case, the drone will hover in the place where the connection was lost.

Note

Keep in mind that signal loss can occur for various reasons, such as when the aircraft flies too far, the remote controller is not powered, or when the signal is blocked.

It is recommended to leave the default setting selected by the developer: Return-to-Home. And before takeoff, duplicate the actions in the section: Home Point Settings (Home point settings), tapping on the icon with an arrow, thereby confirming the current takeoff location.

Hover Execution is recommended to be selected when the drone is flying indoors.

Turn on Front LEDs

This option enables and disables the front LEDs (light red). This can be useful when flying in low light, as red lights can easily enter the camera’s field of view.

Stop Motor Method

Here the user can activate the possibility of an emergency stop of the motors, or exclude it altogether (for each model, these methods differ).

There are two settings available for this:

CSC: stop the motors by simultaneously moving the left control stick to the lower right corner and pressing the RTH / Return to Home button (this setting is set by default).

Do not stop in the air: eliminates the possibility of an emergency shutdown of the motors while the drone is in the air.

Note

An emergency stop of the motors can be relevant in various cases, for example, when the drone, due to the negligence / inattention of the pilot, touches the crown of a tree, which will inevitably lead to an uncontrolled fall, followed by the drone getting stuck in the branches of the tree. And to ensure the safety of the elements of the power plant, it would be best to promptly turn off the motors.

Visual Navigation Settings

This is where the drone’s visual navigation settings are changed. In other words, in this section, you can enable and disable sensors responsible for visualizing the surrounding world, including for individual flight auto modes that directly interact with these sensors. To go, tap on the corresponding icon in the form of a “radiated pointon the left side of the Main Controller Settings menu. Further on each setting separately.

Enable Obstacle Avoidance

The setting enables and disables the sensor based obstacle avoidance system. So to speak, the general switch. After turning it off, the drone will no longer recognize obstacles. It is recommended to always leave active.

Note

When an obstacle enters the field of view of the front sensors, the drone will slow down and stop.

If obstacle avoidance is enabled, the maximum level flight speed will not exceed 46 km/h.

By activating the obstacle avoidance system, the obstacle avoidance mode is automatically activated when the return home function (RTH Obstacle Check) is executed. Configurable in advanced settings (see below).

The front and rear obstacle detection sensors have a 60° horizontal field of view and a 54° vertical field of view. Obstacles outside these ranges will not be detected by the system.

Obstacle sensors cannot work at night or in low light.

Obstacle detection accuracy depends on the size of these obstacles. For more information, please refer to the user manual.

Enable Horizontal Obstacle Avoidance in TapFly

This setting enables and disables the horizontal obstacle avoidance feature in TapFly auto-flight mode. When activated, the drone will automatically fly around obstacles encountered on the way to the left or right of them.

Enable Backward Flying

If activated, then at the moments of approach to the tracked object (for example, when the object moves towards the drone), the drone will not turn around, but will automatically fly backwards while tracking the object. Before activating, make sure that there are no obstacles in the direction of flight.

Enable Obstacle Avoidance in ActiveTrack

This setting enables and disables horizontal obstacle avoidance in ActiveTrack autoflight mode. If disabled, if an obstacle is detected during autoflight, the drone will slow down and stop in front of the obstacle, waiting for the next commands from the pilot.

Display Radar Chart

The setting enables and disables the display of obstacle proximity indicators on the main flight screen.

advanced settings

Advanced settings for the visual positioning system. Further on each setting separately.

Enable Vision Positioning

Enable Vision Positioning – This setting enables or disables the bottom positioning sensors (located at the bottom of the aircraft) which are responsible for providing accurate and stable hovering when satellite positioning is not available, as well as for the operation of “Landing Protection” and other systems. . When disabled, the system will ask the user “Disable Vision Position? / Disable visual positioning?” and will prompt you to confirm “OK” or cancel “Cancel”.

Landing Protection

Landing Protection – When enabled, the aircraft will check the ground for obstacles before landing, and if there are any, a warning of possible obstacles will be displayed on the main screen, after which the pilot will need to either confirm the landing or cancel it . When disabled, the system will ask the user: “Disable Landing Protection? / Disable safe landing?” and will prompt you to confirm “OK” or cancel “Cancel”.

Precision Landing

Precision Landing – When enabled, the aircraft will attempt to land as close as possible to the takeoff location during an Auto Return (RTH) execution.

RTH Obstacle Check (Detection)

RTH Obstacle Check (Return to Home Obstacle Check) – When enabled, the aircraft will automatically climb when it encounters obstacles when this setting is enabled, even if the Obstacle Avoidance setting is disabled. When disabled, the system will ask the user: “Disable RTH Obstacle Check?” and will prompt you to confirm “OK” or cancel “Cancel”.

RTH Remote Obstacle Avoidance

RTH Remote Obstacle Avoidance – When enabled, the aircraft will automatically adjust its return path to avoid obstacles all the way while the gimbal will not respond to any commands from the remote controller.

Remote Controller Settings

Here the user makes changes to the settings of the control panel. To go, tap on the corresponding icon in the form of a “remoteon the left side of the Main Controller Settings menu. See below for details on each setting.

Remote Controller Calibration

If the controls (sticks/joysticks; camera tilt/rotate wheels) work incorrectly/inaccurately, you can calibrate them in this menu. The procedure is performed with the drone turned off. To start the calibration procedure, tap on the “Calibrate” icon, then set the sticks / joysticks to the center position. Next, tap on the “Start” icon and move the sticks and wheels from the zero position to the extreme (100%) until the “Finish” icon becomes active. Tap on the “Finish” icon. Calibration completed.

Stick Mode

In this menu, you can select one of three preset operating modes for the drone control sticks (joysticks): Mode 1 / Mode 2 (default) / Mode 3.

Also available is a manual setting of the stick operation – “Custom”, allowing the user to assign the drone’s actions for each movement of the sticks. To manually configure how the sticks work, tap on the “Custom” section, and then on the “Change settings” icon. Drag each icon to determine the direction of the drone: Up / Down / Left / Right / Forward / Backward / Turn left / Turn right ) on the axis of each stick. Upon completion of the arrangement, confirm the installation by tapping on the “Save” icon.

Button Customization

As you may have noticed, there are two C1/C2 buttons on the back of the remote control. These buttons are customizable, in other words, the user decides for himself what each of them will be responsible for. Accordingly, this menu allows you to assign one of the available commands to these buttons. To do this, select any of the suggested commands from the drop-down menu opposite C1/C2. By default, both buttons open the Advanced Camera Settings, but you can also set, for example, that when you click on C1 / C2, all information about the battery (Battery Info) is displayed on the screen, or you can make the drone’s camera quickly go from horizontal forward to vertical down and back (Camera Forward/Down), change the gimbal mode (Gimbal Follow/FPV mode), display the map, and then switch back to the first person mode (Toggle Map/Live View). Experiment with each and choose what you need.

Linking Remote Controller

If for some reason the remote controller cannot communicate with the aircraft, or if the user has purchased a new remote controller and needs to be paired with the aircraft, this menu will make it easy to pair them together. In order to link / bind the remote control and the drone, you need to turn on the drone and the remote control, tap on the “Linking Remote Controller” icon and press the special “binding” button located on the drone board for two seconds (the location of the button can be found in the instruction manual in the section “ General view of the copter).

Image Transmission Settings

To go, tap on the corresponding icon “on the left side of the Main Controller Settings menu. This menu determines the quality and bandwidth of the video transmission. To ensure reliable video signal transmission (FPV), the default settings are set to “Auto” mode (the system itself monitors and switches to free channels for transmission).

Manual selection of a free channel “Custom” is also available in the menu. To manually select a channel, tap on the “Custom” icon and select the freest one in the “Select Channel” section (where, based on the color palette: Current Chanel – current channel; Stable – stable channel; Unstable – unstable channel). The “Transmission Quality” setting determines how clear and crisp the FPV image will be. However, keep in mind that the higher the quality of the FPV image, the shorter the distance over which the signal will propagate.

Aircraft Battery

This section affects the information and settings of the battery installed in the aircraft. Here the user can find out about the current state of the battery: voltage, capacity (full / residual), temperature, you can see the flight time on the current charge of this battery and how many times it has been charged. To go, tap on the corresponding icon “on the left side of the Main Controller Settings menu. See below for details on each setting.

Critically Low Battery Warning

This setting sets the remaining battery charge, which will be considered critical by the system, upon reaching which the return home function will be automatically activated.

Low Battery Warning

This setting sets the residual charge at which the system will notify the user of its low value.

Smart Return-to-home

When the setting is active, the automatic return to home will be carried out along the same trajectory along which the manned flight was carried out, which in itself predetermines the safest return of the drone to the take-off site.

flight time

The timer reflects the time of the current flight.

advanced settings

In this menu, you can turn on / off the display of the battery voltage indicator, set the settings for battery self-discharge and find out about its current status. See below for details on each setting.

Show Voltage On Main Screen

When the setting is active, the battery voltage indicator will be displayed in the upper right corner of the main flight screen.

Time to Discharge

The setting sets the period after which the battery will self-discharge. This setting ensures the correct operation of the LiPo battery and does not allow it to be stored in a charged state.

Details

This section displays the serial number of the battery, production date, how many times it was charged and the status of the current state.

Gimbal Settings

In this menu, the user can change the operation modes of the camera gimbal. To go, tap on the corresponding icon in the form of a “cameraon the left side of the Main Controller Settings menu. See below for details on each setting.

Gimbal mode

Gimbal mode – There are two gimbal modes available:

Follow = the camera always stabilizes and maintains the horizon (standard operating mode).

FPV (First Person View) = mimics the flight of a racing drone/flight of a bird, i.e. in this mode, the drone’s camera is fixed and when the drone pans/tilts, the first-person view will also be displayed with rolls. The mode is relevant for flying in DJI FPV goggles.

advanced settings

This menu allows you to set up 3 different configurations that determine how the gimbal works. It is recommended to play with each setting to fully understand how they work. For example, you can set the settings for each configuration as fast, normal, and slow:

Configuration 1 = gimbal movement speed by default.

Configuration 2 = gimbal works fast. It can be relevant when taking photographs so that you can quickly set the camera without missing a single unique frame.

Configuration 3 = gimbal movement speed is slower. It will be relevant for shooting ideal panoramas.

Adjust Gimbal Roll

The setting allows you to manually correct the horizontal position of the camera if you notice that the horizon is not ideal.

Gimbal Auto Calibration

The setting provides automatic alignment of the horizontal position of the camera. Tap on “Gimbal Auto Calibration” before proceeding with auto calibration, the system will ask the user to make sure that the drone is in a horizontal position and nothing is obstructing the movement of the gimbal (for example, is the gimbal transport lock removed). If everything is fine, then tap OK to start automatic calibration. Tap “Cancel” to cancel.

General Settings

This section introduces various settings for parameters such as metric, hardware decoding, focus peak limit, cache settings, live broadcast, and also contains key information about the aircraft, remote control, mobile application. To go, tap on the corresponding icon in the form of “three dotson the left side of the Main Controller Settings menu. Further details about each section, subsection and setting.

Units

Measurement Unit – allows you to select a measurement unit:

Imperial (Imperial)

Metric m/s or km/h

Camera

Enable Hardware Decoding

Enable Hardware Decoding – Disables and enables hardware decoding.

Note

If there are delays or freezes during the live video streaming (FPV), try to enable hardware decoding, as this may improve the image transmission.

Hardware decoding helps with the processing power required for real-time video decoding. Therefore, if you are using an older or slower smartphone/tablet, enable hardware decoding as it can also help reduce device overheating as it does not have to work hard to decode the live video stream coming from the drone.

Peak Focus Threshold

Peak Focus Threshold – Highlights in red on the display all objects in the focus area. You can select the backlight mode: Normal (Normal), Low (Dim), High (Bright).

Long Press Action

Long Press Action – This setting sets the action that will be performed when you long press the main flight screen. There are two actions available: Gimbal Control and Focus.

live streaming

Select Live Broadcast Platform – here the user can select one of the five available platforms (Facebook/YouTube/WeiBo/QQ Zone/RTMP Custom) to output live broadcast from the drone’s camera to share what they see with everyone.

Map

Show Flight Route

Show Flight Route – Turns the display of the flight route on the map on and off.

Calibrate Map Coordinates

Calibrate Map Coordinates (for China Mainland) – the setting is relevant only for China.

Cache Map in the Background

Cache Map in the Background (Cache map in the background) – the option is relevant if there is no Internet connection in the place where you are going to fly. Turn it on and download the map over WiFi before leaving the house. The DJI Go 4 app will save the map, and when you get to your flight location, you can use it.

Clear Flight Route

Clear Flight Route – This option allows you to clear downloaded map data.

video cache

The settings in this menu affect the handling of cached files. In order to preview footage, the DJI Go 4 app saves low-resolution photos and videos (proxy files) within the app. Of course, this takes up space on the paired smartphone/tablet, so you can manage this process. Further details about each section, subsection and setting.

Cache during video shooting

Cache during video shooting – when this option is enabled, the recording files will be cached during shooting.

Note

If the video stream broadcast is unstable or you are using an outdated smart device with insufficient free space, try disabling the “Cache during video shooting” option to improve the quality of the video connection.

Maximum Video Cache Capacity

Maximum Video Cache Capacity (Max. The amount of memory allocated for the cache) – the option allows you to set the maximum space for saving the cache. 2GB/4GB/8GB/16GB available. As soon as the volume is full, the cache will automatically stop.

Clear Cache Automatically

Clear Cache Automatically – This option automates the process of deleting the cache. As soon as the space allocated for the cache is full, the system will automatically free it by deleting it.

Record Audio With Video Cache

Record Audio With Video Cache (Record Audio Cache with Video Cache) – the option activates / deactivates the recording of the audio cache together with the video cache (when recording sound through the microphone of a paired smartphone / tablet).

Clear Video Cache

Clear Video Cache (Free up space from the Video Cache) – allows you to delete all the accumulated cache in one tap.

Warnings

Warnings – Here you can view all the warning messages that the drone system has ever issued.

Clear All Warnings

Clear All Warnings (Delete All Warnings) – allows you to delete all saved system warnings in one tap.

Other

device name

Device Name – here the user will be able to set a name for his drone.

full screen

Full Screen – This option allows the user to set how the full screen mode is displayed (hides the entire interface from the main flight screen). You can display / hide the interface with one finger (Single Finger) or two fingers (Double Finger). To clear the main flight screen of virtual interface elements, swipe down with one finger / two fingers across the screen, to return everything to its original state, repeat the reverse movement from the bottom up.

About

About (Information about the device) – in this submenu, the user will be able to specify such information about the device, such as the firmware version of the mobile application / drone / remote control, the version of the flight database and the application database, as well as check if they need to be updated by tapping on the icon Check for Update.

Flight Controller Serial Number

Flight Controller Serial Number – This submenu allows the user to specify the serial number of the drone’s flight controller.

Right side of the main flight screen

Right side of the main screen – Provides access to camera settings and controls. Here the user will be able to control the camera and adjust the quality of photo / video shooting, as well as select the format in which the material will be recorded. Further on each setting separately.

Camera tilt indicator

Camera tilt indicator – informs the pilot about the current position of the onboard camera relative to the horizon.

Photo/Video switch

Photo / Video mode switch – provides switching between photo and video shooting modes. The icon in the center of the switch will indicate the current mode, if “video camera” is the video mode, if “camera” is the photo mode.

Camera shutter/Movie button

Camera Shutter/Video Recording Button — a virtual button that can be used to take a photo (white button) or start/stop video recording (red button).

Gallery

A virtual button that allows you to go to the gallery with previously captured material.

Camera settings

Provides quick access to camera settings. The menu consists of three settings sections: Photo / Video / Additional settings (gear icon). Further details on each section and settings.

A photo

The section consists of four settings modes:

Auto

A (aperture)

S (Shutter Speed)

M (Manual)

auto mode

Auto mode is a great mode for beginners as it sets the camera to ISO and Shutter Speed (and Aperture for some drones) automatically, with the exception of EV, which is manually adjusted.

A mode

A mode – automatic mode with priority on the value of Aperture (Lens aperture). This means that in this mode, by adjusting the Aperture value, the system automatically adjusts the rest of the indicators.

S mode

S mode – automatic mode with priority on the value of Shutter Speed (Shutter speed). This means that in this mode, by adjusting the Shutter Speed value, the system itself will adjust the rest of the parameters.

M mode

Manual mode – A more advanced mode that allows you to manually set the ISO settings, Shutter Speed (and for some drones, the Aperture value).

ISO

This setting adjusts the camera’s sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO value, the more sensitive the camera is to light. But it also means that your image will have more noise/grain.

Aperture

Aperture – This setting controls the amount of light that passes through the lens, which determines how blurry the foreground and background will be. This option is usually only found on drones with more powerful cameras.

Shutter Speed

Shutter Speed - This setting allows you to control the amount of time the camera’s shutter is open, allowing you to capture clear subjects in motion.

EV

EV (Exposure Value) – this setting is relevant for advanced users. If you have no idea about its purpose, then it would be right to learn more about EV.

Note

While in manual mode, you can see how far your settings are from those recommended by the system. Thus, the user will always be aware of what his settings should be in manual mode.

To find out which of the photo modes is selected, just pay attention to the icon to enter the camera settings, where you can see the letter designation of the current mode ().

Video

Section for setting the video quality. Further details on each section and setting.

video size

Here you can adjust the image size and frame rate.

video format

Here you can set the format of the recorded video file. Typically this is either MOV or MP4 format.

MOV: relevant for users of Apple products.

MP4: relevant for Windows PC/Laptop users.

NTSC/PAL

The PAL/NTSC display system is selected here.

PAL: is the most common format used in Europe and parts of Asia.

NTSC: is the most common format used in most countries in the Americas and Canada.

white balance

White Balance (White Balance) – the setting affects the color gamut of images and allows you to adjust the shades of yellow, red and blue.

In the White Balance menu are available:

AWB (Auto White Balance) – Automatic white balance adjustment.

cloudy – preset white balance setting for shooting in cloudy weather.

Sunny – preset white balance setting for shooting in sunny weather.

Incandescent – preset white balance setting for shooting under artificial lighting conditions with incandescent lamps.

neon – preset white balance setting for shooting under artificial lighting conditions with fluorescent lamps.

Custom – manual setting to adjust based on your own preferences.

style

Style (Style) – here the user can set / adjust the sharpness, contrast and saturation of the captured images.

The following settings options are available in the Style menu:

standard – preset style with standard/zero values for sharpness, contrast and saturation.

Landscape – preset landscape style of sharpness, contrast and saturation.

Soft – preset soft style sharpness, contrast and saturation.

Custom – manual adjustment of sharpness, contrast and saturation.

Note

If after shooting the user plans to edit the footage, then it is strongly recommended to shoot in the standard style.

color

Color (Color) – a kind of set of preset color filters that allow you to set different shades of the recorded video. If post-processing is not planned after recording the video, then the user can use one of the available preset filters. If after shooting, the video will be edited, then it is recommended to choose such presets as D-Cinelike and D-Log (M).

Encoding Format

Encoding Format (Format Encoding / Compression) – the setting allows you to select one of the two available compression formats, H.264 or H.265 codec.

H.264 codec – The recorded video takes up more space than H.265 encoding, but at the same time allows you to record 4K video at 60 fps.

H.265 codec – Recorded video takes up less space than H.264 encoding, but 4K video can be recorded at no more than 30 fps.

Photo quality setting

If in the video quality settings section, tap on the icon for switching shooting modes Photo / Video (), the photo quality settings will become available. See below for details on each setting.

photo

Provides access to photo modes.

single shot – allows you to take one picture.

HDR Shot – allows you to take HDR photos (High Dynamic Range / Photo with High Dynamic Range). In this case, the camera will take 3 or more photos with different exposure settings, and then merge them together. An HDR image will give you a photo with more information in the highlights and shadows, which can result in a sharper, more dynamic JPEG image. Note: If you have post-processing software, then to create HDR images, instead of HDR Shot mode, it is recommended to use the AEB mode described below, as the result is an order of magnitude better.

burst mode – allows you to take a series of shots 3/5/7/10/14.

AEB – take a series of shots with different exposures 3/5

Interval – interval photography mode 5 sec / 7 sec / 10 sec / 15 sec / 30 sec / 60 sec. This mode allows you to shoot with a time delay, which can be useful if you are trying to take a selfie and need time to get into the desired position / position.

Image Ratio

Image Ratio – allows you to set the aspect ratio of the photo.

Image Format

Image Format – allows you to select the format of photography.

RAW is considered a lossless format because the files are not compressed. This means you get every bit of raw photo data almost straight from the camera sensor. This gives you more freedom in post-processing, for example when you want to salvage or restore details in highlights and shadows. It is important to note that RAW files are much larger than JPEG files, so they may take a little longer to write to the memory card. Therefore, it is highly recommended not to use cheap memory cards, but only cards with high read/write speeds.

JPEG are considered a complete format because the files are much smaller and compressed. This means that they have already lost the data related to the image, so you will have less opportunity to edit or restore details.

JPEG+RAW – This mode will allow you to take pictures in RAW and JPEG format. The advantage of this approach is that you end up with both larger original RAW files and smaller JPEGs. Please note that when shooting in this mode, you will need more space on the memory card, and it will take longer to write an image to the card because it writes 2 different files at the same time.

white balance

White Balance – This option provides the same functionality as the video quality settings.

style

Style (Style) – the option provides the same functions as for video quality settings.

color

Color – This option provides the same functionality as for video quality settings.

Additional settings (gear icon)

The section provides access to a number of additional settings that affect both photo and video shooting. See below for details on each setting.

Histogram

Histogram (Histogram) – the option enables the display of a graph showing the overall brightness of the scene. This option is relevant for advanced users. If you do not know what it is, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the purpose of the histogram in shooting in more detail.

Lock Gimbal When Capture

Lock Gimbal When Capture – This option allows you to prevent blur during slow shutter speeds by locking the gimbal.

A.F.C.

AFC – The option activates continuous auto focus, thereby allowing autofocus to adapt to changes during shooting. When the option is not active, once the focus area is selected, the focus will not change during shooting.

Video caption

Video Caption – if the option is active, then along with the video recording, data such as the location of the drone at the time of shooting, the date and time of shooting, readings from sensors and shooting parameters will be recorded as subtitle files. Thus, if you play this video with a player that supports this feature, you can automatically display your flight data on the image.

Over Exposure Warnings

Over Exposure Warnings – This option activates the display of indication in the form of black and white stripes highlighting overexposed areas and where pixel data is completely lost. These bands can help the user achieve a correctly exposed image by simply adjusting the camera until there are many of these bands. This option is relevant when, for example, the main display glares in bright sunlight and does not allow the user to see a clear picture. Note: These lines are displayed only on the display, and accordingly they will not be on the finished images.

mechanical shutter

Mechanical Shutter – the option activates the mechanical shutter for shooting. Available for drones such as Phantom 4 Pro (V2.0) and Inspire 2. The difference between mechanical and electronic shutter is that the mechanical shutter controls the exposure by opening and closing the curtains located in front of the sensor, the electronic shutter turns off and off the sensor itself. As a result, when shooting fast-moving objects with a camera with a mechanical shutter, distortions are excluded, which cannot be said about a camera with an electronic one.

AF/MF Focus Assistant

AF Focus Assistant (Auto Focus)/MF Focus Assistant (Manual Focus) – This option enables auto/manual focus assist. In this case, when focusing in photo mode, the image will be magnified ten times for convenience.

Front LEDs Auto Turn off

Front LEDs Auto Turn off – When enabled, the drone’s LED lights will automatically turn off when shooting.

Grid

Grid – this option allows you to display a grid, add diagonal lines to this grid, or disable it altogether. They will not show up on finished photos.

center point

Center Point – allows you to change the appearance of the center point, which determines the center of the screen, as well as change its color, or disable it altogether.

Anti-Flicker

Anti-Flicker – This option eliminates flickering when shooting under artificial lighting conditions and must match the broadcast frequency of the country in which you will show the recorded video (NSTC = 60Hz or PAL = 50Hz). It may not be active, since this function is performed by the setting where the PAL / NTSC display system is selected.

Peak Focus Threshold

Peak Focus Threshold – the option activates the focus peaks (displayed as a red border), which will highlight the object in focus, and also allows you to select their sensitivity.

File Index mode

File Index mode – the option determines how the files will be numbered on the used memory card. Two modes are available:

reset – relevant if you want the memory card to start counting images from 1 after formatting / replacing it.

continuous – relevant if you want the number to continue indefinitely, even if you insert a new memory card. This can be useful if you are trying to track images for a specific project.

Camera Settings

Camera Settings – the option allows you to create separate presets with different camera settings and switch between them as needed. You can create up to 4 presets.

Reset Camera Settings

Reset Camera Settings – the option allows you to reset the current camera settings to factory defaults.

Format SD Card

Format SD Card – the option allows you to format the SD card.

Left side of the main flight screen

Left side of the main screen – here are the virtual buttons responsible for auto takeoff / landing and auto return, as well as a button that provides access to the menu of intelligent flight and shooting modes. Further details on each button and menu.

Auto Takeoff

Auto Takeoff (Auto Takeoff / Landing) – this virtual button will automatically launch your drone 1.2 meters up, where it will hover. By tapping on the “Auto Takeoff” icon, a yellow slider will appear in the center of the screen, which acts as a kind of fuse against accidental launch.

The information above the slider alerts the user to ensure that the conditions at the launch site allow the drone to fly to a height of 1.2 meters before taking off. To take off, move the slider from the left side to the right. If takeoff is not required, tap on the “Cancel” icon below the slider. To perform automatic landing, tap on the same icon.

go home

Go Home (Return home) – activation of automatic return to the place of take-off with subsequent landing.

Intelligent Flight Modes

Intelligent Flight Modes – This menu gives you access to the Intelligent Flight and Shooting modes, which offer a variety of intelligent features that use impressive AI technology. The list of these modes will be constantly updated, so only a few of them will be described below.

And here you can also enable / disable the beginner mode (Beginner mode), which for safety reasons limits the height, distance, flight speed and disables many of the advanced features of the drone. The following is a detailed description of each mode.

Normal

Normal – is used to switch from intelligent flight modes to normal manual mode using the remote control.

Active track

Active Track – In this smart mode, the aircraft automatically recognizes objects such as people, bicycles, cars or boats and then follows them. It can be useful, for example, when you need to focus only on controlling the camera, and not on piloting the drone.

As a rule, it has several versions (not available for all models): Trace (following the object) / Profile (following in front of the object) / Spotlight (controlled following with a camera fixed on the object).

Care should be taken when using the mode, as the obstacle detection and avoidance system may not be available or may not work in all directions.

Draw

Draw – In this mode, the drone will follow the trajectory drawn on the screen of the paired smartphone/tablet, thus allowing the pilot to concentrate on shooting.

As a rule, it has two versions: Forward (the camera is limited to short turns to the left and right) / Free (no restrictions on camera movement).

Care should be taken when using the mode, as the obstacle detection and avoidance system is not active.

Tap fly

Tap Fly – In this mode, all you need to do is tap on the screen of the paired smartphone / tablet, and the drone will automatically fly to it, allowing the user to focus only on controlling the camera.

As a rule, it has several versions (not available for all models): Forward (flying to the point in a strictly forward direction with the ability to change altitude and speed) / Backward (flying to a point in a strictly forward direction with the ability to change altitude and speed) / Free (flying to a point with the ability to turn the drone left and right and adjusting the height and speed) / Coordinate (flying to a point strictly at the occupied height with the ability to change speed).

Caution should be exercised when using the mode, since in some versions the obstacle detection and avoidance system is not active.

Gesture

Gesture – drone control mode through hand gestures. If your drone supports it, please refer to the user manual (or our reviews) for a list of available gestures.

tripod

Tripod – this mode significantly reduces the sensitivity of the control system, the movements of the drone will be very slow.

It will be relevant for use when piloting in cramped / hard-to-reach places, thereby allowing you to achieve more accurate / safe piloting and at the same time shoot smooth professional-level shots. For this mode, the maximum photo and video shooting modes become available.

QuickShot

QuickShot – preset automatic flight and shooting modes that allow you to realize short cinematic clips in one tap. As a rule, 7 possible scenarios of automatic flight and shooting in selfie format are available (each model has its own set of modes): Dronie/Circle/Helix/Rocket/Boomerang/Asteroid/Dolly Zoom.

hyperlapse

Hyperlapse – pre-installed automatic flight and shooting modes that allow you to create amazing video with hyperlapses. As a rule, there are 4 possible scenarios for automatic flight and shooting in Hyperlapse mode (not available for all models): Free/Circle/CourseLock/Waypoint.

Terrain Follow

Terrain Follow – When the mode is active, the drone will follow the object and automatically adjust its altitude on the ups and downs of the terrain. It will be relevant when, for example, you want to capture yourself climbing up a mountain or to the top of some kind of structure.

Point of interest

Point of Interest – here you can designate a specific building, object or location as a point of interest on the screen of a paired smartphone / tablet, and the drone will constantly circle / rotate around it.

Waypoints

Way Points – In this mode, you can set several GPS points (Waypoints) on the screen of the paired smartphone/tablet, and the drone will automatically fly over them, allowing you to focus on camera control.

Follow Me Mode

Follow Me Mode – In this mode, the drone will automatically follow you.

home lock

Home Lock – this mode binds the drone control stick (responsible for moving the drone forward / backward / left / right) to the takeoff point. In this case, if you pull the stick towards you, the drone will fly back, strictly to the take-off point, and if away from you, then forward from the take-off point, regardless of which direction it is directed. For example, this is very convenient in case you have lost sight of your drone and want to bring it closer to you.

course lock

Course Lock – In this mode, the drone will only fly in a straight line (or course) even if the nose (front of the drone) is facing the other direction. When activating the Course Lock mode, the control will be adjusted relative to the current path of your drone. This simple navigation will allow you to control the drone in straight lines while you control the camera.

Map

Tap on the square box at the bottom left of the main flight screen to switch the map to full screen mode. In this case, the image from the drone’s camera will go into a square window and take place in the lower left corner of the main screen. To switch to first-person mode, tap on the window in the lower left corner of the main screen. In full-size map mode, the following settings become available in the upper right corner:

Map display modes

There are three options for displaying the map:

standard = displays an illustrative map with names of streets, highways, etc.

Hybrid = displays a combination of two maps – an illustrative one with street and highway names, overlaid with a satellite image.

Satellite = displays the map as satellite imagery without the names of streets, highways, etc.

Compass

Compass (Compass icon) – tapping on it will orient the map so that North is facing up on the screen. Also pay attention to the upper right corner of the window in the lower left corner, which displays the first person mode. By tapping on the icon in the form of a “crosshair”, you can switch this window to compass mode and back to FPV mode. This mode shows where the drone is pointing relative to the north, and thus can help you navigate the control.

Center Map

Center Map (Icon in the form of a “round sight”) – by tapping on it, you can center the map as relative to the take-off place (), and relative to the current location of your drone ().

NFZ

No Fly Zone – the menu allows you to display zones on the map in which flying is restricted or completely prohibited.

telemetry

Telemetry is a two-way broadcast of flight data that is displayed on the display of a paired smartphone / remote control.

D = current distance from the aircraft to the remote control.

H = current altitude relative to takeoff point.

HS = horizontal speed of the drone.

VS = the vertical speed of the drone, which informs the pilot how fast or slow it is ascending or descending.

VPS = distance to the ground as determined by the bottom sensor system of the aircraft. This information is especially relevant when there is no satellite positioning.

Conclusion

We think this was our longest review yet. We hope that the information provided was understandable and useful for you, after reading which you will confidently and fully use the full potential of DJI drones. If we missed something or you need to explain something in more detail, please leave your comment below and we will try to help you. We thank you for your attention.