Mini 5 Pro Gimbal Roll Rotation

One of the most important new features of the Mini 5 Pro compared to previous DJI lightweight models is the 225-degree flexible gimbal roll rotation

This functionality was introduced with the Mavic 4 Pro and provides greater flexibility in camera angles for more creative compositions. It can be used manually or combined with other intelligent modes

In this article, I will show how to make the most of this outstanding functionality

Other related articles you may find interesting:

Manual Rotation

With the RC2 remote controller, in the control tab of the Settings, scrolling down to Button Customisation, we notice that the Gimbal Roll is assigned to the combination of the button C1 and the right wheel

We can use manual gimbal rotation for simple maneuvers, like advancing on a straight line and rotating the gimbal in either direction; however, our moves are limited, as we cannot use both sticks of the controller at the same time, and it is hard to control the vertical tilt of the gimbal

For more control, it is preferable to combine the gimbal roll with other intelligent features, as shown later on in this video

With the RC N3 controller, some of the methods shown later on in this video cannot be applied, as there is only one button and a single dial available. If you own this controller, I suggest using the Waypoint mode shown further down

Rotate Quickshot

In the Quickshot menu, we find a new mode named Rotate that can be used to quickly and precisely apply gimbal rotation

By opening the small window at the bottom of the screen, we access several parameters. We can choose the Direction between Forward and Backward

For Rotation Angle, there are two choices: With the first one, the clip starts with a 45-degree rotation to the right and then rotates by the same amount to the other side. With the second option, the aircraft will rotate progressively from 0 to 180 degrees for an upside-down view

For Rotation Speed, there are three choices. I suggest selecting the minimum value, as otherwise the resulting clip will be too short. Finally, we can choose the Flight Speed

The top of the small window shows the distance to travel and the length of the resulting clip in seconds

This Quickshot is a good way to have a sample of what the gimbal rotation can do; however, it doesn’t offer the same flexibility as other intelligent modes

Cruise Control and Spotlight

Cruise Control is a handy feature that provides smooth, precise control for complex drone operations. To use Cruise Control, we must assign it to one of the buttons on the remote control in the Button Customization option in the Settings’ Control tab

Let’s start with a very simple move, advancing diagonally toward the right of this monastery at a relatively low speed and constant height. I simply push the right stick of the remote controller forward and to the right at about 1 or 2 o’clock

I can then press the Cruise Control button, and the aircraft will keep flying in that direction at a constant speed. We can now focus on combining the button and dial to control the Gimbal Rotation

To exit Cruise Control, press the controller’s button or tap the x icon on the left of the screen

We can make things more interesting with the intelligent mode Spotlight

We simply draw a box around the monastery to select it as a target. A small window appears on the screen with the three intelligent modes of Focus Track. Spotlight is the default one, so we are ready to go

In Spotlight mode, we can perform all sorts of moves, and the target will remain in the same position on the frame

We can now advance diagonally like before but his time the monastery will remain centered in the frame, and our hands are free to control the gimbal rotation

Hyperlapses

The gimbal rotation can be applied to hyperlapses with spectacular results

After selecting Hyperlapse in the Photo/Video menu, a secondary menu appears on the left with the four Hyperlapse modes. We choose the one at the bottom, Waypoints

After selecting the Waypoint mode, a small window prompts us to Set Waypoint

I orient the camera slightly to the right of this village, tilt down the gimbal to include a smaller portion of the sky in the frame, and set the first point by tapping the area on the left of the small window containing a plus sign

I advance, orient the camera slightly left of the village for a gentle curve, rotate the gimbal to the left, increase the altitude, and tilt the gimbal down to frame the village. I set the second point

I advance to the third point, rotate the camera to the right, aiming at the center of the village, rotate the gimbal to the right, increase the altitude, and tilt the gimbal down. I set the third point

Finally, I advance and tilt down the gimbal to set the fourth and last point

This is the result. If you want to know more about Waypoint Hyperlapses, you can watch my dedicated articla

Waypoint Mode

Waypoint is the most powerful and flexible intelligent mode available on DJI prosumer drones for footage. It works by creating missions based on several points, practically in the same way as Hyperlapse Waypoint mode

For each point, the aircraft position, elevation, gimbal rotation, and camera orientation are stored in memory. The system manages transitions between points with precision, enabling the smooth execution of advanced maneuvers

Compared to the hyperlapse version, there are two important extra functionalities:

Each mission can be saved in memory and used in various light conditions, in different seasons, with other exposure values or color profiles
If needed, each point can easily be modified to achieve the perfect result

If you want to know more about this very powerful functionality, check my article about Waypoint mode