When in FPV mode the Mini 3 Pro leans in the direction of a turn giving the feeling of being inside a small airplane. In this model, FPV mode works better compared to the first version in the Air 2s: the movement leaning to the side and back to normal is smoother and without any latency
Other related articles you might find interesting:
- Mini 3 Pro: Camera settings for video
- Mini 3 Pro: Camera settings for photography
- Mini 3 Pro beginner guide
- ND filters with the Mini 3 Pro
- Obstacle avoidance system in the Mini 3 Pro
- Drones mistakes to avoid with the Mini 3 Pro
If you prefer to watch this as a video, you will find my YouTube version at the end of this article
Follow and FPV
In the tab Control of the Settings of the Mini 3 Pro, there is an option to toggle between two different Gimbal Modes: Follow and FPV
Follow mode is used most of the time. The gimbal maintains the horizon level even when the aircraft turns horizontally
In this mode, the camera can only pan and tilt, but the rolling movement is taken out of the equation
When switching on FPV mode the gimbal is synchronized with the aircraft, in other words when advancing and turning the camera will lean in that direction like a small airplane
This mode works better compared to the first version in the Air 2s: the movement leaning to the side and back to normal is much smoother and without any latency
How FPV Mode works in the Mini 3 Pro
FPV Mode for Footage
The FPV mode only works when the drone turns while moving forward. Both sticks of the remote controller must be involved in the moves
When hovering and simply panning the horizon remains straight. Surprisingly when moving backward the horizon remains straight while turning
Some interesting results can be achieved by combining several moves, advancing, turning laterally, changing altitude, and modifying the tilt of the gimbal with the wheel of the controller
FPV in Different Video Modes
The FPV mode works correctly in the three different speed modes: Cine, Normal, and Sport
When in FPV mode, the intelligent flight modes Active Track, Spotlight, and Point of Interest can be engaged, but while using them the camera behaves like in Follow mode and doesn’t roll laterally
In vertical orientation the aircraft behaves like in horizontal mode, leaning laterally while turning. This is excellent news for users involved in social media platforms
FPV Mode for Photography
The FPV mode is also relatively useful for photography, to get unusual images with a slanted horizon
Some may argue that similar results can be obtained by simply rotating the image in post-processing, but in this case, there will be a noticeable loss of resolution, while when using FPV mode the full resolution of the sensor is maintained
FPV Mode Safety Issues
I suggest practicing for a good while at a high altitude before getting closer to the ground, where the most spectacular results can be achieved
The obstacle avoidance system of the Mini 3 Pro works in FPV mode, but it lacks sensors to the sides and above, so some care is needed when flying at the same level as the surrounding obstacles
When flying closer to the ground it is beneficial to use ND filters to get the correct amount of motion blur
For obvious reasons, the FPV mode is not meant to compete with a proper FPV drone like the DJI Avata
These models are specifically designed to perform fast, precise moves and are well protected in case of a crash
With the Mini 3 Pro, I do not suggest going through small passages or other dangerous moves. It would be too risky
Can you use FPV goggles with the Mini 3 Pro?
It is possible to buy goggles and a motion controller stick for the Mini 3 Pro to get an experience closer to the one of a true FPV model
I find the goggles for the Mini 3 Pro expensive, bulky to carry, and also a bit dangerous
From the point of view of regulations, when using goggles for First Person View, a second person must be present close to the operator to act as a spotter
I don’t suggest using the Mini 3 Pro as a replacement for a proper FPV drone. The FPV mode should be used to add some creativity to your footage or photos