The automatic tracking feature of DJI camera drones is highly appreciated. The drone manufacturer has made aerial photography intuitive with several automatic features that simplify operation. Drones like DJI Mini 4 Pro, Mini 3 Pro, Mavic 3 series and Air series are all designed to follow you automatically, allowing you to focus on activities like running, cycling or snowboarding without worrying about accidents.

How drones automatically track subjects

Early drones used only GPS transmitters in the controllers for tracking. While this allowed for high precision, it did not have obstacle avoidance. Modern drones use cameras and sensors to detect and track moving objects using image recognition technology. This technology processes data quickly and tracks objects without the need for external devices. However, detection accuracy can be affected by factors such as lighting conditions and the contrast between areas in direct light and those in shadow.

DJI combines GPS and image recognition technologies to overcome the limitations of both systems.

Drone manufacturers’ intelligent tracking modes such as Spotlight, ActiveTrack and Point of Interest are included in the FocusTrack suite. Each of these modes is explained in detail below, but overall FocusTrack simplifies the process of shooting professional footage, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of filming while the drone handles the complex flight and tracking maneuvers.

Best DJI drones for automatic subject tracking

Mini 4 Pro

Ideal for beginners, DJI Mini 4 Pro is the first Mini series product to feature omnidirectional obstacle avoidance technology. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport and maneuver in tight spaces. The 4K/60fps camera captures high-quality photos and HDR videos with improved color accuracy and contrast, while the maximum flight range of 20 kilometers allows for a variety of viewing points.

DJI Mavic 2 Zoom

Combining advanced features and intuitive controls, the Air 3 offers unmatched follow-me capabilities thanks to ActiveTrack technology. Its dual main cameras, including a 1/1.3-inch CMOS mid-telephoto and wide-angle camera, provide consistent image quality and dynamic imaging capabilities. With 10-bit D-Log M and 10-bit HLG color modes, it retains more detail in highlights and shadows and offers a higher dynamic range. Opt for the Fly More Combo, which includes the DJI RC 2 with a high-brightness screen, additional batteries, and a charging hub.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

The Mavic 3 Pro boasts a triple camera system and offers unprecedented creative freedom alongside its enhanced ActiveTrack features, making it the first choice for Follow Me functionality. Its Hasselblad camera captures 12-bit RAW photos with a dynamic range of up to 12.8 stops, and easy focal length switching enables varied composition styles. The medium telephoto camera highlights subjects with a strong visual focus, while the enhanced telephoto camera captures 4K/60fps video and 12MP photos with 7x optical zoom and hybrid zoom up to 28x. Supported by ActiveTrack 5.0, the Hasselblad and 70mm medium telephoto cameras ensure stable multi-directional tracking shots.

See also: Best DJI Drones for Live Video Streaming

Follow Me mode: What every drone pilot should know

When using Follow Me mode on drones, it is important to maintain a flight altitude above surrounding obstacles. If possible, fly in open spaces to avoid obstacles, although many drones are equipped with obstacle avoidance features.

Also, make sure your drone is operating in P mode, as DJI’s ActiveTrack feature relies on both GPS and vision systems, which are only available in this mode. Switching to S mode will disable the vision systems, limiting the aircraft to GPS for positioning and disabling obstacle sensing and intelligent flight modes.

Please note that if vision systems are unavailable or disabled, or if the GPS signal is weak or compass interference occurs, the drone will enter Attitude Control (ATTI) mode, causing it to lose the ability to avoid obstacles and pose a potential flight hazard.

Also, monitor the battery level closely. Avoid using Follow Me mode when the battery is low, and always keep the battery level at least 30% when flying in ActiveTrack mode to ensure safe operation.

Read more: Explore the climbing route of Mount Everest with breathtaking drone videos

How to use FocusTrack on a DJI drone

When using FocusTrack, first make sure the drone is in an open and obstacle-free environment. After takeoff, fly the drone to a suitable height above the ground.

Call FocusTrack

There are three ways to enter FocusTrack mode:

1. When viewing the image transfer in the app, drag a box around the subject in the camera view.
2. Activate the “Subject Scan” option under the control settings and wave your arm towards the drone.
3. Tap the green logo on the image transfer screen to capture the target.

Selecting the tracking mode

Headlights

In this mode, the camera remains fixed on the object while the pilot can freely maneuver the drone. The drone itself does not automatically follow the object, but keeps the camera focused on it, allowing complex camera movements around a stationary or moving target.

• After the target is acquired, the drone switches to Spotlight mode by default.
• Start recording by tapping the shutter button on the app interface or pressing the shutter button on the back of the remote control.
• Control the distance between the drone and the subject using the control sticks.
• Adjust the composition angle using the gimbal dial and the yaw stick on the remote control.

ActiveTrack

ActiveTrack includes two modes: Trace and Parallel.

• Trace mode: The drone tracks the object from behind or at a constant angle, avoiding obstacles. It maintains a fixed distance from the object and is therefore ideal for tracking moving objects or people.
  • Select tracking mode and tap “GO” to make the drone follow the object at a constant distance. The drone will automatically calculate the distance to obstacles, plan the route and avoid them.
• Parallel mode: In this mode, the drone flies next to the object at a constant angle and distance, providing a unique perspective as it moves parallel to the target.
  • Tap “GO” and then tap the shutter button on the app interface or press the shutter button on the remote control to start recording.

If the target is lost, the drone hovers in place.

Point of Interest (POI)

In this mode, the drone circles a specific target and keeps it in the center of the frame. You can set the flight direction and speed and the drone will calculate the flight path to circle the object while maintaining a constant altitude and radius.

• Let the drone climb to a suitable altitude, lock on to the target and select the POI.
• Set the flight direction and speed; the drone will circle the target, maintain altitude and calculate the flight radius.
• Start recording by tapping the shutter button on the app interface or pressing the shutter button on the remote control.

Exit FocusTrack

To stop FocusTrack, tap Stop on the flight interface or press the Flight Pause button on the remote control.

ActiveTrack/FocusTrack troubleshooting tips

When using ActiveTrack or FocusTrack, if the target is not detected or the drone suddenly stops tracking the object, this may be due to insufficient or too bright ambient light and/or incorrect target setting. The drone may also become confused if the target moves too quickly or changes its attitude, or a very similar target appears near the tracked target.

To fix these issues, make sure the environment is sufficiently lit when flying outdoors during the day. When tracking a vehicle, it is recommended that the vehicle moves slowly and at a constant speed. If the vehicle moves too fast, the drone may lose the tracking target. Similarly, when tracking a person, avoid large changes in movement such as quick squats, somersaults, etc. Also, make sure there are no very similar targets near your subject. For example, if the tracking target is a white car and a similar white car passes by the tracking target, the drone may start following that white car.

Read more: How to fly DJI Mini 4K: step-by-step guide for new pilots