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For your first drone video, choose a simple colour profile, a resolution your computer can edit and a frame rate that matches your project. Then check the exposure and record a short test. Understanding a setting is more valuable than copying every value from a video made with a different drone.
The examples below are editorial starting points, not universal manufacturer values. Set up on the ground and check the options in the manual. In the air, flight safety takes priority over adjusting the image.
An initial setup for learning
| Setting | First test | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K, or 1080p if it makes editing easier | Compatibility with your computer and the video’s destination |
| Frame rate | 25 fps for a 25 fps project | Same frame rate on the timeline |
| Colour profile | Normal | Avoid an HDR or Log workflow you do not yet know how to manage |
| ISO | Lowest value available in the selected mode | Sufficient exposure without underexposing the scene |
| White balance | Fixed value suited to the light | Consistent colour throughout the shot |
You do not need to use 4K to learn about movement and framing. If your computer cannot play back the original files smoothly, a smaller file may help you work out whether the shot works. Keep the original files when trying other editing methods.
Frame rate and shutter speed: relating the values
As a starting point for movement with some natural motion blur, you can try an exposure of about half the interval between frames. At 25 fps, this test corresponds to 1/50 of a second; at 50 fps, 1/100. These are aesthetic choices, not safety rules or requirements for recording video.
Compare two identical shots, one at that value and another with a faster shutter speed. Observe the movement of the trees and the view passing over the ground. Decide based on the image you want and the light conditions, rather than trying to maintain a number at the cost of incorrect exposure.
The technical documentation from DJI on exposure explains the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and ISO. Not all drone cameras allow you to vary the aperture; check your model’s specifications.
ISO and exposure: look at the scene
Use the histogram and highlight warning when available. A very bright sky and a dark foreground call for a choice: it is not always possible to retain all the detail in a single exposure. Review a test on your computer before repeating a long session.
If the scene is too bright with the intended shutter speed and the ISO is already at the lowest available setting, a compatible ND filter may help reduce the light. Choose it based on the metering and check the fit and gimbal movement before flight. The guide to ND8, ND16, ND32 and ND64 filters explains this process.
White balance and colour profile
A fixed white balance value makes it easier to maintain continuity in a shot when the composition changes. Test it against a neutral reference and check that it matches the light. Do not choose a Kelvin value just because someone used it on a different sunny day.
To start, a Normal profile and an SDR project are recommended. Log and HDR can be useful when you know how to interpret and export the files, but they add decisions. For example, the Mini 4 Pro specifications distinguish between Normal, D-Log M and HLG, with their own codec and colour depth combinations. Do not transfer these options to a model that does not support them.
If you have already chosen D-Log M, use the conversion to Rec.709 tutorial before applying colour filters at random.
Record a test that teaches you something
- Choose a location where flight is permitted and prepare the operation.
- Set up the camera and note the values on the ground.
- Record a short shot with simple movement and a clear route.
- Review the original file on your computer, including the sky, shadows and movement.
- Change one setting and compare the results.
If playback seems jerky, use the video troubleshooting guide to distinguish between file, transmission and computer problems. Before taking off, complete the pre-flight checklist and check the conditions for capturing images at the location.
Official sources consulted on 10 October 2026. Test values are presented as suggestions, with no claims of testing conducted by us. Illustrative featured image.
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