A recent firmware update has added a basic automated feature for Dolly Zoom to the DJI Flip. Many viewers asked me if a similar functionality would be added to the Mini 4 Pro or other DJI models like the Air 3S and Mavic 4 Pro (these links are affiliate, therefore I receive a small commission in case of purchase)
In this video, I will show how to achieve the Dolly Zoom, also known as the vertigo effect, in a much more enticing and flexible way with any drone
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With DJI Flip
The Dolly Zoom feature, added to the Flip, is part of the automated Smart Snaps, which are available when flying autonomously. The target must be in the immediate proximity at arm’s length; therefore, it is only suitable for a basic selfie
It can also be used with a remote controller. In this case, some basic settings can be applied, like Shot Size and Zoom Range
In both cases, we have limited control over the target and the surroundings, and the resulting clip will be very short
We can obtain much better results using the method that I will show further on. It can be done with any DJI model, including the Flip, Mini 4 Pro, Air 3s, and Mavic 4
The Real Dolly Zoom
The Moves
The Vertigo Effect, also known as the Dolly Zoom, consists of two opposing movements:
- One moving forward
- The other in the opposite direction
The target remains still, while all other elements appear to be in motion. It is different from what we see in real life, thus surprising the viewer, a bit like when coming out of the pub after too many drinks
An interesting and well-defined target is crucial, as it will be the focal point of the action. It is preferable to have elements on several layers in the background and possibly others in the foreground
The distance from the target plays a big part in the intensity of the effect. The closer the aircraft is to the target, the more evident it will be
The same applies to the speed of the movement. Here you can see the same scene with the aircraft flying at different speeds: 2, 5, and 7.5 meters per second. We can check the current speed on the lower left part of DJI Fly app window
The first option is too slow, and the effect fails to impress. I prefer the results obtained at 5 and 7-5 meters per second. At a higher speed, the resulting clip will be shorter, so we may want to increase the distance between the start and the end of the move
The main movement is performed by the drone advancing toward the target or moving away from it. Both directions work fine, but it is easier to start close to the target, carefully frame the scene, and then move backward
For the opposite movement, we can apply digital zoom using the wheel of the remote controller; however, it is not easy to obtain a smooth motion to synchronize the zoom with the movement of the aircraft
Zoom While Editing
A better alternative is to apply the zoom with a video editor while post-processing. There will be a slight loss of resolution due to digital zooming if the footage is encoded in 4k, unless using the Mavic 4 Pro, as its main camera can record video at a resolution of 6k
Let me show you how to apply a progressive zoom using Premiere Pro. The process is very similar to most other video editors
This clip starts with the aircraft close to the target. We go to the first frame and add four reference guides to frame the target. We can slightly zoom in or out and place the target in the middle of the frame, then we click on the stopwatches for Position and Zoom to set keyframes and store the values for that point
Then we move to the last point. We zoom in to reposition the monastery to fill the gridline, so that the target maintains the same dimension throughout the clip. We then add two more keyframes for the same values
This is the result: the monastery maintains the same size, while the background gives an impression of movement, disorienting the viewer
We can add some rotation for an extra element of surprise. We go back to the first frame, add a positive value for rotation of +4 degrees, and add a keyframe. Then, we move to the last frame, enter a value of minus 5 degrees, and set another keyframe
The result is even more intriguing with a touch of FPV feel. If you are using a Mavic 4 Pro, the rotation can be added on camera taking advantage of the Infinity gimbal.
Using Waypoints
The best results for a Dolly Zoom are obtained using Waypoint mode, which is now available on the Mini 4 Pro, Air 3S, and Mavic 4 Pro
It is possible to create a mission made up of two points to automate and control the two opposite movements within the camera. This is particularly useful for users who cannot access a video editor
We start by adding a gridline to keep track of the target’s position. We select the one in the middle in the Camera tab of the Settings
We activate Waypoint mode by tapping the icon on the left of the screen. We close the window by tapping on the small arrow on the left to get a better view of the scene, move closer to the target, and frame the target for the beginning of the move
We open the window and hit the plus sign to set the first point. We now move backward to where we want the second and final point
Using the wheel of the remote controller, we zoom in until the target fits on the gridline in a similar position to the first point. We hit the plus sign again to set the second point
We can then select the speed of the move. I choose a speed of 7.5 meters per second and I like the result, but I find that the resulting clip is a bit too short
This time I try on a different scene, starting again close to the target, but this time I move backward for more than 100 meters. I can slightly increase the speed of the move up to around 9 meters per second
Another advantage of Waypoints is that each mission can be stored in memory, which is useful for performing the same vertigo effect at different speeds or in different light conditions