Mini 4 Pro, camera settings

Best Camera Settings for DJI Mini 4 Pro (Social Media Landscapes & Real Estate)

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a powerful ultra-light drone that can capture crisp 4K video (up to 100 fps) and detailed 48 MP photos, with a special rotating gimbal for true vertical shooting. To make the most of this drone for landscape and real estate content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, you’ll want to use optimal camera settings. This guide breaks down the ideal photo and video settings, how to adjust for different lighting conditions, recommended accessories and shooting tips, and the best aspect ratios/export settings for various social platforms. Use the headings and tips below to get pro-quality results in an easy-to-read format.

Photo Settings for DJI Mini 4 Pro

For high-quality photos (whether sweeping landscapes or property shots), configure the Mini 4 Pro’s camera with these ideal settings:

• Image Format & Resolution: Shoot in RAW (DNG) for maximum flexibility in editing and highest quality. You can also save JPEG + RAW if you want quick shares and backups. Use the 48 MP mode in good lighting for extra detail, but stick to the standard 12 MP mode in low light (the 48 MP setting uses pixel binning and can get noisy in dark conditions).Tip: The Mini 4 Pro’s sensor is 4:3 aspect ratio at full resolution (8064×6048 for 48 MP). Set photo aspect to 4:3to use the full sensor and crop later as needed. Avoid using the in-camera 16:9 crop; capture more and reframe for vertical (4:5 or 9:16) or square posts during editing.

• Exposure (ISO & Shutter Speed): For the sharpest images, use ISO 100 whenever possible (the lowest ISO yields the least noise and highest clarity). In bright daylight, ISO 100 with a fast shutter speed will freeze motion; in lower light, you may need to increase ISO gradually (try to keep it ISO 400 or below to minimize noise). Adjust shutter speed to properly expose the shot:

  • In Auto mode, enable the exposure compensation and set it to –0.3 or –0.7 EV to prevent the DJI Fly app’s tendency to overexpose. This slight underexposure preserves highlights (like skies) that you can brighten later.

  • For manual control, it’s often best to lock ISO at 100 and let the shutter speed adjust for correct exposure (or vice versa in low light). The Mini 4 Pro can shoot long exposures up to 2 seconds if needed for night scenes. Just be mindful of drone movement – in very low light, consider using the automated Night Mode (which takes multiple frames to reduce noise).

• White Balance: Set white balance to match conditions so your colors stay consistent across shots. You can use Auto WB for convenience, especially if shooting RAW (you can always fine-tune in post). However, many creators prefer a fixed preset per scene to avoid shifts in video:

  • Sunny daylight: use the “Sunny” preset or ~5500 K for neutral whites.

  • Golden hour (sunrise/sunset): try a “Cloudy” preset or ~6000–6500 K to accentuate warm tones.

  • Indoors/night with artificial light: set a lower temperature (3000–4000 K) or use the “Incandescent”/“Manual” mode appropriate to the lighting.Tip: If shooting JPEGs, take a test shot and adjust WB so that whites look natural; if shooting RAW, you can leave WB on Auto and adjust later without quality loss.

• Focus & Other Settings: The Mini 4 Pro uses fixed aperture (f/1.7) and autofocus. Ensure your subject (e.g. house or landmark) is in focus by tapping on it in the DJI Fly app if needed. Turn on focus peaking (if available) to see what’s sharp. Enable the histogram and overexposure warning (zebra stripes) on your screen – these tools help you judge exposure in the field. If the histogram is bunched to the left (too dark) or right (too bright), adjust your settings or use exposure bracketing.

• HDR and Bracketing: Real estate and landscapes often have high dynamic range (bright skies and dark foregrounds). Use AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) mode to capture 3 or 5 shots at different exposures, which you can merge into an HDR image later. The Mini 4 Pro also has a SmartPhoto mode (on single-shot by default) that automatically uses scene recognition and HDR when needed – this is great if you want a quick in-camera HDR JPEG without manual editing. For critical shots (like a property at dusk where interior lights and sunset sky must both be visible), bracketing RAW images will give the best result in post-processing.

• Composition & Format: Use the drone’s “Portrait” (vertical) camera orientation for photos destined for vertical formats (Instagram stories/Reels, TikTok). The Mini 4 Pro’s gimbal can rotate 90° for true vertical photos, letting you use the full sensor without cropping. This is perfect for tall buildings or vertical panoramas of interiors. For wide landscape vistas, stick to horizontal orientation (you can always crop a horizontal photo into vertical later, but you can’t regain width from a vertical shot). Compose shots with social media in mind – for example, leave some space around your subject if you plan to crop to a different aspect ratio (so important parts don’t get cut off). Use grid lines (rule of thirds) to balance your composition, and keep the horizon level (the Mini’s gimbal can auto-level, or you can calibrate it if needed).

Video Settings for DJI Mini 4 Pro

When shooting video for social media, the goal is to get smooth, well-exposed footage that can be easily edited for vertical or horizontal viewing. Here are the best video settings and practices:

• Resolution & Frame Rate: Set the Mini 4 Pro to 4K resolution for maximum detail. Even if you intend to export at 1080p for social apps, starting with 4K ensures a crisper final video (and allows you to crop or stabilize with less quality loss). The Mini 4 Pro can shoot 4K at standard frame rates (24/30/60 fps) and even slow-motion 4K at 100 fps. For most social media content:

  • Use 30 fps as a baseline. Instagram Reels and TikTok require at least 30 fps and will convert lower frame rates to 30, so 24 fps footage may stutter after upload. Shooting at 30 fps with a 1/60 shutter gives natural motion and meets all platforms’ requirements.

  • Consider 60 fps if you want extra-smooth motion or the ability to slow footage down for dramatic effect. For example, you could film a sweeping property reveal in 60 fps and then play it at 0.5× speed for a silky slow-mo. Just note that 60 fps in low light will require more light (or higher ISO) per frame than 30 fps.

  • 24 fps can still be used for a cinematic look (especially for YouTube or films), but since mobile apps bump everything to 30 fps, it’s usually safer to stick with 30/60 for social. If you do shoot 24p for style, you might convert it to 30 before posting (to avoid Instagram adding duplicate frames).

• Frame Rate – Shutter Speed Rule: Maintain the 180° shutter rule for smooth motion blur: set your shutter speed to roughly 2× your frame rate. For example:

  • 30 fps → shutter around 1/60 sec

  • 60 fps → shutter around 1/120 secThis prevents choppy, “staccato” looking video and gives a natural motion blur (important for making movement look fluid). Tip: The Mini 4 Pro has a fixed aperture, so in bright conditions a 1/60 shutter will let in a lot of light. You will need ND filters to obey this shutter rule in daylight (details on ND filters in the Accessories section below).

• Color Profile: Choose the color profile based on your editing plans:

  • For maximum dynamic range and flexibility, use the 10-bit D-Log M (flat profile). D-Log M preserves more detail in highlights and shadows (no “baked-in” look), which is ideal if you plan to color grade your footage. This is great for challenging lighting (sunrises, sunsets) where you want to recover details in post.

  • If you prefer minimal editing and want ready-to-post footage, use the Standard (Normal) profile. It produces punchy color and contrast in-camera. Be cautious though: the Standard profile applies sharpening and noise reduction that can sometimes cause artifacts after social media compression. (Users have noticed direct drone MP4s look over-sharpened once Instagram compresses them.) To mitigate this, you might slightly lower sharpness in-camera (if the DJI Fly app allows via “Style” settings) or shoot in the flatter 10-bit HLG/D-Log and then export to a sharper look yourself. In short, Normal is fine for convenience, but for the best quality on social consider using D-Log M and then grading/coloring to avoid heavy compression artifacts.

• Exposure for Video: As with photos, keep ISO as low as possible for video. ISO 100 is ideal; avoid going above ISO 400 in daylight scenes. In low light, you can push ISO up (800 or 1600) but expect more noise – the Mini 4 Pro’s small sensor will show grain at high ISO. If you must shoot at dusk or night, try using the built-in Night Mode for video (this mode automatically reduces noise by stacking frames). It allows cleaner footage in very low light. Also monitor exposure with the histogram/zebra stripes while filming. It’s often better to slightly underexpose video (to save highlights like neon signs or sky) and brighten in post, rather than blow out important details.

• Audio: The Mini 4 Pro doesn’t record onboard audio relevant for landscapes/real estate (you mostly get propeller noise). Plan to either mute the video or add music/voiceovers during editing. For real estate videos, a narrated walkthrough or background music can be added later – focus on flying the drone smoothly rather than capturing audio.

• Quick Shot Modes: The Mini 4 Pro offers automated shots (QuickShots, MasterShots, etc.) that can add variety to your content. For real estate, a smooth orbit (Point of Interest) around a home or a rising crane shot revealing the property in its neighborhood can be very engaging. These modes use the same camera settings as above; just ensure you’ve set the resolution/frame-rate before triggering them. They can help you get professional-looking moves without manual flying complexity.

• Vertical Video: If your primary output is Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts, take advantage of the “True Vertical” shooting mode. By rotating the camera 90°, the Mini 4 Pro can capture full 9:16 video without cropping. This means you’re using the entire 48MP sensor for vertical footage, resulting in higher quality than cropping a horizontal 16:9 frame. Use vertical mode for content you know will be used vertically – for example, an Instagram Reel showcasing a tall building or a TikTok of a sunset over a beach. If you might use the footage for both vertical and horizontal, you have two options:

  1. Shoot horizontal 16:9 in 4K and crop to vertical in post (this gives you flexibility but slightly lower resolution for the vertical cut – e.g. cropping a 3840×2160 frame down to 1920×1080 vertical).

  2. Shoot separate takes – one in horizontal, one in vertical – to optimize quality for each format. Many social creators do a quick re-flight or reposition to get both orientations.

Adapting to Different Lighting Conditions

Lighting can dramatically affect your camera settings and the look of your footage. Below are recommendations for golden hour, midday, and low-light/night conditions, since each requires a different approach:

Golden Hour (Sunrise & Sunset)

Characteristics: Golden hour light is warm, soft, and highly photogenic – perfect for both landscapes and real estate. Shadows are long and gentle, and the sky often has gorgeous colors. This time is ideal for capturing dramatic, eye-catching visuals.

• Photo Settings: Use ISO 100 and a moderately fast shutter (depending on brightness). The light level is lower than midday, so you might get shutter speeds like 1/120s, 1/60s, or even slower as the sun gets very low – which is fine as long as the drone is steady. If you want lens flare or a warm glow, shoot toward the sun; for more even lighting, shoot with the sun at your back so it illuminates the subject property or landscape nicely. White balance can be set to “Cloudy” or around 6000 K to preserve that warm tone (auto WB might neutralize the warmth). Golden hour often has a high dynamic range (bright horizon, dark foreground), so consider AEB bracketing or ensure SmartPhoto (HDR) is on to capture detail in both sky and ground. The Mini 4 Pro’s D-Log profile is very useful here to retain highlight detail in colorful skies while keeping shadow noise low.

• Video Settings: Golden hour is when you can get truly cinematic footage. 4K at 30 fps is a good choice (with 1/60s shutter). The light is softer, so harsh shadows aren’t a big issue, and you likely won’t need a very strong ND filter – an ND8 (3-stop) might be enough in the soft sunset light, whereas at mid-day you’d need ND16 or ND32. If the sun is in the frame, be mindful of lens flare; a lens hood isn’t really available for the Mini, but you can adjust your angle to minimize direct glare. Color profile: D-Log M is recommended to capture all the hues of the sunrise/sunset sky. If flying toward the sun, slightly underexpose (e.g. use EV –0.3) to avoid clipping the highlights. Golden hour can fade fast, so have your drone up and ready – plan your shots to capture the peak colors. Many real estate photographers love golden hour for exterior shots because it bathes the home in a warm glow; use that to your advantage for a more inviting look.

• Tips: Golden hour is short. Plan your flight path and shots in advance (even consider using waypoints or predefined orbits) so you can hit the best angles during the limited window of perfect light. Also watch out for your drone’s collision sensors; at low sun angles, the obstacle sensors might be sensitive to the sunlight. It can help to set them to bypass mode if they start misdetecting (just be cautious). Lastly, stay after sunset – the period just after sunset (and just before sunrise) is the blue hour, which can also yield beautiful, cool-toned images of a property with lights on or landscapes with a glowing sky.

Bright Midday Light

Characteristics: Midday sun is very bright and harsh, with strong shadows and high contrast (especially on clear days). Colors can look a bit washed out under the intense overhead sun, and shiny surfaces may glare. This is a challenging time for photography, but sometimes unavoidable.

• Photo Settings: Definitely keep ISO at 100 here – you have plenty of light. Shutter speeds will be high (e.g. 1/1000s or faster) to avoid overexposure. You might find the drone’s auto-exposure chooses a high shutter on its own; just ensure it’s freezing motion (which it will at these speeds). If shooting JPEG or using auto, consider dialing EV –0.3 to protect highlights (clouds and building rooftops can easily blow out in noon sun). White balance: use the “Sunny” preset (~5500 K) to get accurate colors. If clouds are in the sky, you may need to adjust as they can be quite bright – again, bracketing can help if you want to capture cloud detail and shadow detail in one go. A circular polarizer (CPL) filter is useful for midday photography: it can cut through glare and deepen blue skies and greenery, making the scene more vibrant (just rotate it to find the best angle relative to the sun). Note that polarizers will cost ~1.5 stops of light, but at midday that’s usually fine.

• Video Settings: Midday is when ND filters become essential for video. To maintain 1/60s shutter at 30 fps (or 1/120 at 60 fps) under intense sun, you’ll likely need an ND16 or ND32 filter. For extremely bright environments (beach, snow) even ND64 might be needed. Start with ND16 and check your exposure; if you still have to use a shutter much faster than 1/60, move to a stronger ND. Color profile: You can use Normal profile if you want vivid colors, but be aware of strong contrast – it might crush shadows. Using D-Log M at midday can actually help tame the contrast, and you can add contrast back in post. Exposure tip: Midday scenes can handle a bit of underexposure to save highlights; if the ground is dark, it’s okay – you can brighten shadows later (the 10-bit footage handles this well). If the sky is completely clear and uninteresting, you might compose your shots to include less sky and more of the interesting ground subject (or wait for some clouds which always improve the look). Also, consider moving the drone so that the sun is behind the camera (lighting your subject) rather than shooting toward the sun which causes lens flare and silhouetting.

• Tips: Midday is not always avoidable (especially for real estate shoots on tight schedules). Try to position the drone such that the sun lights the face of the building or landscape you’re capturing (to avoid big dark shadowed fronts). For instance, if the front of a house faces north, shooting it at noon might put the front in shadow – instead, shoot from the other side or wait until later when the sun moves. If shadows are extremely harsh, one trick for photos is to capture a bracket and create an HDR that evens them out. In video, you could use slight HDR video if the Mini 4 Pro supports 4K HDR 60fps (it does support HDR at 60 fps) – this might help retain detail in shadows and highlights. Finally, monitor your phone/tablet screen brightness; midday sun makes screens hard to see. Using a tablet hood or the DJI RC controller with a high-brightness screen can help you compose correctly in bright outdoor conditions.

Low Light and Night

Characteristics: Low light (dusk, night, and dawn before sunrise) scenes can be beautiful – city lights, twilight skies – but are challenging for a small drone camera. The Mini 4 Pro’s 1/1.3″ sensor can capture night scenes but requires careful settings to avoid noise and blur.

• Photo Settings: Use a tripod mindset – the drone is your tripod in the sky. In low light, lower your shutter speedand keep ISO as low as you can to reduce noise. You can often get away with 1/2 second or 1-second exposures if there’s no wind (the Mini 4 Pro is pretty stable, but any drone will drift a tiny bit). If the scene has moving subjects (cars, trees in wind), long exposures will blur them – which can be a neat effect (light trails, smooth water) or problematic, depending on your goal. Start with ISO 100–200 and see how slow a shutter you can use without motion blur. The Mini 4 Pro also offers a Night mode for photos (in the shooting modes it might be labeled or auto-detected) – this typically takes multiple short exposures and blends them to reduce noise, kind of like a built-in HDR/denoise. If you shoot RAW, you can also do noise reduction in post (using tools like Lightroom’s Denoise). White balance: at night, if you have mixed lighting (street lamps, interior lights of a house, etc.), auto white balance might shift oddly. You may set a manual WB that reflects the mood: e.g. ~3200 K to keep tungsten street lights orange, or a bit higher if you want them more neutral. In RAW you can fine-tune later. Definitely shoot RAW at night – the flexibility to adjust exposure and color is invaluable, since small sensor images may need polishing (and JPEG noise reduction can smear details).

• Video Settings: For night videos, you often have to compromise on either clarity or motion blur. Some tips:

  • Frame rate: Consider shooting 30 fps at night (instead of 60), because 30 fps lets each frame gather more light (1/60s shutter vs 1/120s). That extra stop of light can make a big difference in image quality. Only use 60 fps at night if you absolutely need it for slowing down motion, otherwise it will force higher ISO and more noise.

  • Shutter and ISO: Use the 180° rule as a starting point (e.g. 1/60s for 30 fps). If the footage is too dark at ISO 1600 or 3200, you have two choices: slow the shutter more (e.g. 1/30s) or accept more noise by raising ISO further. Slowing shutter below the frame rate (e.g. 1/30 on 30fps) will introduce motion blur beyond normal – this can actually look okay for very static shots (it’ll look like a long exposure video, smoothing moving lights), but any quick motion will blur noticeably. Raising ISO will brighten the image but adds grain. Try not to exceed ISO 800–1600 if possible, as beyond that the noise might be significant. The Mini 4 Pro’s Night Mode (video) is highly recommended for very dark scenes – it will dynamically reduce noise, likely by stacking frames internally, and can produce a cleaner result. For example, users have had success shooting 4K/60 in Night Mode with Standard color and then lightly editing in post.

  • Color profile: At night, the Standard color profile might crush shadows to hide noise, whereas D-Log M will capture more shadow detail (and thus noise). If you plan to reduce noise in post with tools (Neat Video, etc.), using D-Log M is fine. If you want an out-of-camera useable clip and aren’t doing heavy grading, the Standard profile or even HLG might be preferable at night to get a bit of noise reduction and contrast baked in.

  • Exposure tip: Avoid overexposing highlights like street lamps, neon signs, or interior lights of a house. It’s better to err on slightly darker footage and brighten the shadows later, than to blow out a light that will just appear as a big white blob. Use the zebra stripes to see if any area is over 100% – if so, reduce ISO/shutter accordingly.

• Tips: Plan for still subjects at night. A night aerial of a city skyline or a home with all the lights on can be stunning, but rapid movement (fast cars, people) won’t capture well without blur. Also, check local regulations – often you need anti-collision lighting on your drone for night flights. If required (or just for safety), attach a small strobe light to the Mini 4 Pro so other aircraft or people can see it. This won’t directly affect your camera settings, but it’s part of night flying prep. Finally, be patient and take multiple shots or takes: small vibrations or gusts can spoil a long exposure or introduce jitter in video. You might need a few tries to get a tack-sharp long exposure photo. When you do, the results can be impressive for such a small drone.

Accessories and Shooting Tips for Social Media Content

Enhancing your Mini 4 Pro with a few accessories and techniques can significantly improve your footage and make it more suitable for social media. Below are key accessories and shooting tips that are especially useful for landscape and real estate photography/videography intended for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube:

• ND Filters (Neutral Density filters): These are must-haves for smooth video. ND filters act like sunglasses for your drone’s camera, reducing light intake so you can use slower shutter speeds without overexposing. By following the 180° shutter rule, ND filters give your video a natural motion blur that looks professional. For the Mini 4 Pro:

  • On bright sunny days, use ND16 or ND32 filters. ND16 is 4 stops and often enough for partly cloudy or morning/afternoon sun; ND32 (5 stops) is useful at high noon or very bright scenes (beach, snow). Some pilots even use ND64 (6 stops) in extreme brightness.

  • During golden hour or cloudy conditions, ND8 (3 stops) or ND4 (2 stops) might suffice. You always want to pick the minimal ND that lets you hit the shutter target (e.g. 1/60s). If you find you’re still at 1/1000s with ND8, go up to ND16, and so on.

  • For creative long exposure photography (blurred water, light trails), very strong NDs like ND1000 are available – these are specialty use and only for photos (since video at such low light would be impractical).Tip: The DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More kit may come with ND filters. If not, consider third-party ND sets (e.g. Freewell or PolarPro) that often include ND4 through ND64, and even a CPL. As one expert notes, DJI’s official kit might lack ND32, so a third-party kit can fill the gap.

• Polarizing Filter (CPL): A circular polarizer can be a game-changer for daytime shoots. It reduces reflections and glare from water, glass, and wet surfaces and boosts color saturation (making skies bluer and clouds pop, and greenery richer). This is especially helpful for real estate photos – e.g., reducing window glare so you can see interior details, or cutting reflections on a pool. Use a CPL when shooting midday landscapes or property exteriors for more vivid output. Note: You need to rotate the CPL to the optimal angle relative to the sun – this can be trial and error on a drone; some people set it while the drone is on the ground, pointing in the approximate direction of the shot, then take off. Also, avoid CPL in low light (it cuts light). Many filter kits bundle CPL with ND (e.g., an ND16/PL).

• Spare Batteries and Charging Hub: Social media content creation often means doing multiple flights to get various angles, retakes, and both vertical and horizontal shots. The Mini 4 Pro’s flight time (~34 minutes per battery) is good, but having at least 2–3 batteries ensures you don’t have to rush or miss the best lighting. A charging hub lets you top them up between locations. This isn’t a camera setting, but it improves your results by giving you the freedom to shoot longer and redo shots if needed without anxiety.

• High-Speed microSD Card: Use a UHS-I U3 or V30 rated microSD card for the Mini 4 Pro to ensure it can write 4K footage without buffering. A card that’s too slow can cause dropped frames or stop recording. For example, a Sandisk Extreme or Extreme Pro is a safe bet. This way, your 4K/60 video or 48 MP burst photos will save reliably. It’s frustrating to do a perfect golden hour orbit of a house only to find the video corrupted due to a slow card!

• Screen Hood or Bright Monitor: When shooting outdoors, especially under sun, seeing your screen is crucial for framing and exposure. If you’re using a phone with the standard controller, consider a sun hood attachment. Alternatively, the DJI RC 2 controller (with built-in screen) offers high brightness. This isn’t mandatory, but it helps you compose better (e.g., ensuring the house is centered for vertical shot, or checking that reflections aren’t obscuring the view) which results in better social media visuals.

• Pre-Flight Planning: Treat your drone shoot like a pro photo shoot:

  • Scout the location (even if virtually via Google Earth or a quick low-altitude hover) to plan your angles. Know where the sun will be (use apps like Sun Surveyor or PhotoPills if needed) so you can position the drone optimally (front of the house sunlit, etc.).

  • Check the weather and timing: If you want golden hour, arrive early to set up. For real estate, a slightly cloudy bright day can actually be ideal (diffused light, no heavy shadows), whereas pure overcast might be dull and pure noon sun too harsh. Plan for the best conditions when possible, but also be prepared to adapt if you have only midday available (maybe shoot detail shots that look good in any light, etc.).

• Smooth Flying Techniques: Jerky footage can ruin an otherwise beautiful scene on social media – viewers will swipe away if the video isn’t easy on the eyes. Use Cine mode (Tripod mode) on the Mini 4 Pro for slow, smooth movements when filming cinematic shots. This mode dampens stick inputs for gentler turns and tilts. Adjust the gimbal tilt speed and expo in settings so you can do slow, elegant tilts up/down (this is great for reveal shots, like tilting up to reveal a house or horizon). If you’re a beginner, practice a few basic moves and stick to them: e.g., a straight-line flight forward, a slow pan, an orbit, or a gentle pull-away reveal. Avoid rapid or random stick movements. Many real estate videos look professional with a simple slow fly-through or orbit that is steady. You can also use the Waypoint feature to program complex paths or repeat the same shot multiple times until you get it perfect.

• Use of Automation: Don’t shy away from the Mini 4 Pro’s intelligent flight modes:

  • FocusTrack/ActiveTrack 360°: You can highlight a subject (like a building or a particular landmark in a landscape) and have the drone circle it or keep it centered. This is useful for real estate to keep the house in frame while you fly a semi-circle around it.

  • MasterShots: This will execute a series of predetermined moves around a point of interest and create a quick-edit video for you. It’s a fast way to get multiple angles for an Instagram edit, for instance. Just make sure you have clearance around the subject for the drone to perform all moves safely (MasterShots on Mini 4 Pro uses its obstacle sensors, but always double-check).

  • Hyperlapse: A timelapse video can be a stunning addition – for example, a fast-forward sunset over a property or clouds moving over a landscape. The Mini 4 Pro can do automatic hyperlapse sequences (just set interval, route, etc.). Use this sparingly for social media (it can captivate viewers if done well, perhaps as an intro or outro to your video).

• Post-Processing for Social Media: After shooting, how you export and upload is key. (More details in the next section on specific export settings.) But as a tip: use editing software to trim and polish your content. For photos, even a quick edit in Lightroom or Snapseed to adjust brightness, contrast, and color can make them stand out on an Instagram feed. For video, apps like DaVinci Resolve (desktop) or CapCut (mobile) can be used to cut clips, add music, stabilize footage if needed, and color grade (especially if you shot in D-Log). Given that attention spans are short on social media, keep your videos concise – show the best clips in the first few seconds. One pro tip is to keep individual video shots 3–5 seconds long before cutting to the next angle, as this pacing tends to retain viewers’ attention. You can always speed ramp or trim clips to achieve this pace.

• Trending Social Formats: If your goal is to maximize engagement on platforms like TikTok or Reels, consider framing your content in a trend-friendly way. For instance, many real estate TikToks have text overlays highlighting property features, or quick transitions synced to music beats. While filming, you might capture some shots intentionally leaving space for text (e.g., house in one side of frame, empty sky on the other where you’ll put address/price text in editing). Similarly, capturing a mix of wide shots and some tighter detail shots (doors, landscaping, roof details) can be edited into a more dynamic video that plays well on social. This goes a bit beyond pure camera settings, but it’s a shooting tip to keep the final social media presentation in mind.

• Safety and Legal: Always follow local drone laws – not directly a tip for image quality, but nothing stops a social media project faster than an accident or legal issue. Use a landing pad if taking off from dusty areas to avoid kicking dirt onto the camera lens. And ensure any required permission for real estate shoots (some neighborhoods might require homeowner OK for drone flights). A clean, scratch-free lens is also critical – wipe your lens before flight (dust or smudges can cause lens flare or blurry spots, especially noticeable when the sun hits the lens).

By using the right accessories and techniques above, you’ll capture footage that is not only high quality but also optimized for the fast-paced, visual nature of social media.

Aspect Ratios and Export Settings for Social Platforms

Creating content for different social media platforms means you may need to output your photos/videos in various aspect ratios and resolutions. Below is a practical guide on how to export or crop your DJI Mini 4 Pro footage for Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with recommended settings:

1. Aspect Ratios & Resolutions: Each platform favors certain aspect ratios. Here’s a quick reference:

• Instagram Feed (Photo/Video Posts): Supports 1:1 square and up to 4:5 vertical (Portrait) without cropping. The maximum display size for vertical posts is ~1080×1350 pixels (which is 4:5). Recommendation: Crop photos to 4:5 (or 1:1 if you prefer square) for feed posts to take up more screen real estate. For example, a landscape drone shot can be cropped to 4:5 focusing on the subject – this will appear larger on mobile feeds than a wide 16:9 would. If uploading horizontal videos to IG feed, 16:9 is fine (1080p HD or higher), but remember they will appear smaller (or users have to rotate). For real estate, a vertical or square crop often showcases the home better in the feed. Resolution: Export at 1080 pixels wide (1080×1080 for square, 1080×1350 for vertical) to match Instagram’s standard; higher resolutions will be downsized by Instagram’s system. Ensure 30 fps for videos (Instagram will convert it to 30 anyway).

• Instagram Stories/Reels: These are full-screen 9:16 vertical experiences. The recommended size is 1080×1920(HD vertical). You can shoot in the Mini 4 Pro’s portrait mode to get a perfect 9:16 video. Resolution: Export at 1080×1920 (or you can do 2160×3840 if you captured in 4K portrait – some creators report uploading in 4K yields slightly better quality after compression, especially if “High Quality Upload” is enabled in Instagram settings). Frame rate: 30 fps is recommended and is the minimum, but you can upload 60 fps if you prefer extra smoothness (Instagram will accept it, especially if you’ve toggled high-quality uploads). Just be aware of file size – extremely large files might get compressed more. Bitrate: Aim for a bitrate of ~8–15 Mbps for 1080p video. For example, exporting a 15-second Reel at ~10 Mbps yields a good quality vs size balance. Use H.264 codec (MP4 file) – it’s universally supported. And double-check the “Upload at Highest Quality” setting in Instagram app to ensure the platform doesn’t throttle your upload.

• TikTok: TikTok also favors 9:16 vertical video for maximum impact. Resolution: 1080×1920 is the standard. As of 2025, TikTok does not truly support 4K uploads (it will downscale or heavily compress them). So you can safely export at 1080p. Frame rate: 30 or 60 fps. TikTok allows 60 fps uploads and will display them at 60 on capable devices, which can make your footage look very smooth (good for drone pans). If your content is cinematic, 30 fps is fine too. Bitrate: Keep it in the 5–10 Mbps range for 1080p. TikTok compresses videos a lot, so a higher bitrate from your side can help preserve quality through their processing. Also, in the TikTok upload settings (on the posting screen), enable “Upload HD”. This ensures the platform uses the highest available quality for your video. TikTok videos can be up to 10 minutes now, but for social media engagement, shorter (~15–60 sec or under 3 minutes for detailed tours) usually perform better.

• Facebook Feed: Facebook will accept various aspect ratios. You can post vertical 4:5 or square or horizontal. For efficiency, you might reuse the same cropped images or videos from Instagram. Vertical 4:5 (1080×1350) or square 1080×1080 tend to get more engagement on mobile feeds (they occupy more screen). If you post a 9:16 vertical video on Facebook, it will display with black bars or a cropped preview in the feed (Facebook often crops 9:16 to 4:5 in feed and users can tap to see full). So for Facebook feed, it’s safer to stick to ≤4:5 ratio. Resolution: 1080p is plenty; Facebook will compress anyway. Frame rate: 30 or 60 fps both work on FB. Facebook supports up to 4K uploads nowadays, but given their compression, 1080p is usually sufficient unless you specifically want 4K for large monitors. For real estate, if you have a longer video (say a 2-minute property tour), uploading to Facebook in 1080p 16:9 is fine – just choose a nice thumbnail. For photos, uploading high resolution JPEGs (say 2048 px long side, which is Facebook’s high quality size) can retain detail – Facebook compresses images too, but less aggressively if the dimensions aren’t huge.

• Facebook/Instagram Stories: These are essentially the same as Instagram Reels in dimensions (9:16 fullscreen). If you’ve prepared a vertical video for Reels/TikTok, you can cross-post to Facebook Stories with no changes. Just avoid critical details or text near the top/bottom edges – both IG and FB have UI elements (like profile name, buttons) that cover the top and bottom ~15% of the screen. Keep your subject centered safely.

• YouTube (Standard Videos): YouTube’s main player is 16:9 horizontal. For any longer-form landscape videos (e.g., a 2-3 minute cinematic drone tour of a property or a travel vlog style landscape reel), export at 16:9, 4K if possible. Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K) is ideal because YouTube will give your video a higher bitrate and better codec (VP9/AV1) when you upload 4K, even if viewers end up watching at 1080p. If you can’t do 4K, 1920×1080 is standard HD. Frame rate: 24 fps for a cinematic look or 30 fps for general, or 60 fps if you want ultra-smooth or slow-motion sections. YouTube supports all common frame rates. Real estate videos might be 30 fps for a “real-life” feel, whereas a landscape montage could be 24 fps for filmic quality – it’s up to your artistic choice. Bitrate:For YouTube 4K, an upload bitrate of 50 Mbps or higher (H.264) is good, or around 20 Mbps for 1080p – but if you use a modern encoder or YouTube’s own guidelines, even 8-12 Mbps for 1080p is sufficient due to re-encoding. Audio: use AAC 48 kHz, which is standard from the drone or your editor. If you have multiple short vertical clips (Reels/TikToks) that you want to compile on YouTube, consider using YouTube Shorts: in that case, treat it as vertical 9:16 same as TikTok.

• YouTube Shorts: These are YouTube’s version of vertical quick videos (60 seconds or less, 9:16 ratio). If you plan to repurpose your Instagram Reels/TikToks, you can upload those same 9:16 videos to YouTube. Shorts benefit from high quality too, but since they’re viewed on mobile mostly, a 1080x1920 export at 30 or 60 fps is sufficient. Use the same file you’d use for IG/TT.

• LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.: While not asked, just a note – other platforms have their own preferred formats (e.g., LinkedIn can use horizontal videos, Twitter often 1:1 or horizontal). If you’re sharing on those, you can usually reuse one of the above formats (square or horizontal works in most places).

2. Export Settings Summary: No matter the platform, some best practices for exporting your footage from your editing software:

• Format: MP4 container, using H.264 codec (widely compatible). If your software gives the option and you want slightly better quality at the same size (and you know the platform supports it), you could use H.265 (HEVC) – Instagram and others do accept H.265 uploads, and it can preserve quality better at a given file size. Just ensure your device can handle encoding it. H.264 at high bitrate is perfectly fine too.

• Resolution: As detailed above, match the resolution to the platform target (e.g., 1080p for most social, 4K for YouTube). Downscaling from 4K to 1080p during export can improve apparent quality (oversampling) – so even if you shot 4K, you can export a very sharp 1080p video.

• Bitrate: Aim for a mid-to-high bitrate to counter social media compression. For example:

  • 1080p (for vertical or horizontal) – target 8-12 Mbps. For fast-moving scenes (flying quickly over trees), go to the higher end (~12). For relatively static scenes, 8 is okay. Instagram’s own recommendations mention 5-15 Mbps as a good range.

  • 4K (for YouTube or other) – target 50-100 Mbps if high detail (YouTube will compress anyway, but feeding it a high quality file helps). If exporting H.265, you can use a lower bitrate (maybe 30-50 Mbps) because of better compression efficiency.

  • Use CBR (constant bitrate) if you want to ensure consistent quality, or high VBR with a high minimum. The key is avoid heavy compression artifacts before upload – give the platform the best file within reason.

• Audio: 128-320 kbps AAC is standard. Social platforms aren’t too picky about audio as long as it’s AAC stereo. If you add background music, just watch out for copyright issues on platforms (choose royalty-free music for commercial real estate vids or use the platform’s licensed music for Reels/TikTok).

• Length considerations: Instagram Reels can now be up to 15 minutes, but typically shorter is better (15-60 seconds for engagement). TikTok allows up to 10 min, but again, short and punchy often wins unless you’re doing a detailed house tour. For YouTube, you can go longer, but if you want to keep a general audience, a 2-3 minute highlight reel of a property might be more effective than a 10-minute uncut fly-through. Edit with your target platform’s audience in mind.

• Captions/Text: If you add text overlays or captions in your video (common for social), ensure they are within the “safe zone” for each format. For vertical video, keep text toward the middle vertically (avoid top/bottom 10% of frame) so UI elements don’t cover them. For horizontal, keep text within the title-safe margins as viewers on some platforms might have different screen cropping. This ensures your message (price, address, “Subscribe” callout, etc.) isn’t missed.

Below is a quick reference table for common platform specs:

Platform	Preferred Format	Resolution & Aspect	Notes on Settings
Instagram Feed	Photo: 4:5 or 1:1; Video: 4:5, 1:1, 16:9	Photos: 1080×1350 (4:5) or 1080×1080. Videos: up to 1080p (4K will be downsized)	30 fps for video minimum. Use vertical (4:5) to maximize screen space in feed.
Instagram Reels	Vertical Video (Reel)	1080×1920 (9:16)	30 fps (min); 60 fps allowed. ~5–15 Mbps bitrate. Turn on “Upload highest quality”.
TikTok	Vertical Video	1080×1920 (9:16)	30 or 60 fps. No true 4K support (will compress to 1080). Use “Upload HD” option.
Facebook Feed	Vertical or Square preferred in feed	1080×1350 (4:5) or 1080×1080; also supports 16:9	30/60 fps. Vertical 9:16 will show as 4:5 cropped until clicked. High quality 1080p is sufficient.
YouTube (Video)	Horizontal Video	3840×2160 (16:9 4K) or 1920×1080	Any fps (24/30 for standard, 60 for smooth). Upload 4K for better quality streaming. Use higher bitrate (50+ Mbps for 4K).
YouTube Shorts	Vertical Video	1080×1920 (9:16)	30/60 fps. Keep under 60s. Same file can be used as for Reels/TikTok.

(Sources: Instagram/Facebook help documentation, platform guidelines, and creator recommendations.)

Using the above guidelines, you can tailor your content for each platform without unpleasant surprises (like Instagram cropping your vertical photo, or TikTok muddying your video). Always do a final check after uploading – play the video on your phone within the app to ensure quality is acceptable. If something looks off (blurry or cropped wrong), you might need to adjust your export settings and try again. It may take a little tweaking to find the sweet spot for quality vs. compression for each platform, but the recommendations above are proven to work well in 2025.

By following this comprehensive guide to camera settings and best practices, you’ll be able to capture stunning drone photos and videos with the DJI Mini 4 Pro and present them optimally on social media. Whether it’s a golden-hour aerial photo of a home for Instagram or a smooth cinematic property tour for YouTube, the right settings (ISO, shutter, white balance, etc.) combined with good lighting and careful editing will make your content shine. The Mini 4 Pro is an extremely capable little drone – under 249g yet loaded with 4K60 HDR and even portrait shooting capabilities – and with the tips above, you can leverage its full potential. Now get out there, fly safe, and wow your social media audience with breathtaking landscape vistas and eye-catching real estate visuals!

Sources: The recommendations above were compiled from expert drone resources and official guidelines, including drone professionals’ tips on keeping ISO low and using ND filters, the DJI Mini 4 Pro user manual/specs, and social media platform requirements for video uploads. Following these will help ensure your footage looks its best when posted online. Enjoy your flying and filming!