DJI Mini 2 - Why Tight Spaces add Cinematic Value

[@OchoVerde]

I've had my mini2 about 10 days now. This was the first stuff that I practiced in my back yard...then yesterday, I flew it between some low trees out over the water and up... AND IT WAS BEAUTIFUL! It is a good skill to practice...so thanks for emphasizing it from a newbie drone owner.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Fantastic! I’m really happy you’re trying and loving this! It’s so important to know how to do this 🔥

[@XUltimatomX]

"This video is not sponsered by Dji Care" haha. I loved it. Merry Xmas!

[@PhillipSkraba]

haha, I thought I'd a little dry humour 😂 (DJI Care has saved my ass a couple of times though, bless them!)

[@Allisori]

@@PhillipSkraba just purchased the DJI care for Mavic mini, do you think it's worth the purchase?

[@PhillipSkraba]

@@Allisori DJI Care? Yes, Yes and Yes!

[@JeffreyMeyersAerialArt]

Your advice about visually lining up behind the drone is very helpful. Without the line-of-sight bead on the drone I find it almost impossible to judge where the obstacles are in relation to the drone using the camera alone.

[@PhillipSkraba]

For me it’s impossible unless I’m looking right down the barrel, I have to be totally straight with the drone, yep!

[@Chuck25o4m]

Really? I think the 9 "quadrant" guidelines that you can activate on the visuals help alot. Just image that the lines on the center square represent the outer edges of the drone. With the drone in Cine mode and obstacle avoidance turned off I am comfortable flying in super tight spaces as long as there is not too much wind. Just pay attention to the guidelines in the center square and you shouldn't ever have to be physically looking at the drone to fly in tight spaces.

[@doors2manual]

What would be great is if DJI opened the SDK for the sensors and then provided a sensor proximity graphic on the main screen (a bit like sensors on your car when parking). That way you can adjust the drone even if you cannot see a stray branch.

[@aras1588]

This is one of the 3 things I bought the Mini 2 for-- I'm even more pumped to get into it now! Beautiful coastline btw.

[@PhillipSkraba]

It's super fun sending it through tight spaces, have fun!

[@markgreenlees6406]

Love your videos, thank you so much! Just got my new Mini 2 less than a week ago. Can’t wait to head out tomorrow and practice. I was in the video business a decade ago. What production value I would had had with one of these drones!! Thanks again and keep up the great work!

[@Rheivax]

I found your channel for the Mini 2 videos but I'm thinking of using to replace my meditation playlist =D

[@PhillipSkraba]

haha, thank You Luis! I need to work on them a little more to make them more relaxing for everyone!

[@iwatchedthevideo7115]

I live on a tiny sailboat and practise several times a day with my mini 2 on tight indoor maneuvering no gps connection and clearances in the centimeters. Its such valuable practise and would recommend it to anyone who wants to become a better pilot. Remember prop protectors tho :)

[@PhillipSkraba]

No way, that sounds like an awesome place to live! I hope you drop what you do online for the rest of us to watch! All the best!

[@misteral1083]

Short version - another excellent vid. Subbed. Thank you. Longer Version I'm keen on cinematography (don't do as much as I should) and just bought myself a Mini2. Your videos are so absurdly valuable. Such good insight on cinematic footage and the possibilities this drone (or any drone) opens up. Compositional tips and consideration. How to actually fly, what to look for, how to practise (my studio is actually the only place I can fly at low altitude, I will totally be trying your reflector obstacle course!). You are really creating a KZbin based flying and filming school. I'm incredibly grateful for your generosity of knowledge, your clarity of instruction and the quality of the shots you are sharing with us. Huge thanks Phillip - I hope this new year sees your subscriber numbers blow up!!!

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You, I really appreciate that. I do what I can to try and share as much of my experience as I can. I love drones, and I really love the Mini 2, I take it everywhere with me. I'll continue dropping new content for you guys. Great to have you on board, look out for more!

[@Weedeogram]

just bought mini 2, your cinematic shot is next level

[@PhillipSkraba]

Why thank You!

[@califpv]

After doing alot of tight space flying, I've noticed that objects appear much closer than they really are

[@PhillipSkraba]

Much closer! It's a little freaky.

[@LouisLuzuka]

Literally insane the amount of perspective you have on this topic 💯

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You, it’s one of my favourite parts of drone flying, and I guess one of the most stressful.

[@surajsahoo649]

One thing I would like to say, that I really like your thinking and the way you portray ideas and lastly m able connect with your ideas

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You! That means a lot to me, I do all I can to keep it straight and to the point, sometimes I blabber on but I do what I can to connect my ideas with you guys 🔥

[@surajsahoo649]

@@PhillipSkraba My drone will reach me within few days, can I connect with you for tips n advise.....

[@PhillipSkraba]

Sure!

[@surajsahoo649]

@@PhillipSkraba ❤️❤️❤️

[@mohammedalikhan7245]

I fly a drone because of you. Thanks for great and simple to understand videos. Love from India and Saudi Arabia.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You! I'm glad I could inspire you. Right back at you from Poland!

[@Beccaswildlife]

I am getting the mini 2 and all your videos have really been helpful! Thank you for creating such helpful videos

[@PhillipSkraba]

You’re welcome Becca! I’m sure you’re going to love it!

[@tomnapier9924]

I love tight flying I have had a few mishaps but makes great vidios

[@PhillipSkraba]

I love it too! I’ve had a ton of mishaps, that’s the best way to learn though! Keep on flying 🔥

[@JTs3DPrints]

Another great lesson on flying and capturing close and tight subject matter which really gives video the extra flare. I posted short 12 second video up of something like this, I call it threading the needle, approaching house at fairly high speed than popping up and capturing the pop up at very close distance. Was able to get another flight in and used ND 8 filter for first time in some snowy weather, nice long flight but was very snowy and cloudy. Paying close attention to smooth movements of controls as you suggested in other video on filters. Progressing along nicely, looking forward to warm sunny weather. Like the not sponsored by DJI Care title. Lol.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You! Yes, this requires some balls and some smooth controls. Can’t wait for the sunny weather! haha I like a little humour 👌🏻

[@ichkankhatcheressian3454]

hi phillip I live in Savoy (France) and I really like your interventions. I invite you to my home to enjoy our mountains and exercise your talent for drones. I have had my mini 2 for 2 weeks and I think what you are doing is fantastic. excuse me for my English

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You! The Mini 2 is an excellent drone, if I'm ever over there I'll remember that! Your English is great!

[@Tankashes024]

I am going to incorporate this more in my next one. I always think I got more aggressive and come home and go oh yea. Kinda did the same except I added one more shot type.….

[@neiloakey5183]

Awesome... gonna add this style to my droning... I love slow climbing keeping the frame on same object.. but this ... this is awesome..

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You! Have fun, be careful and always line of sight Neil!

[@paulshipley5669]

Another great Mini2 video, thank you Philip! The latest firmware update gives us 60 fps in 2.7K video, what could could a newbie use this for? What should I try? Thanks again!

[@PhillipSkraba]

You're welcome Paul! Yes, what that will do it slow down your footage, so instead of cramming 25 frames into 1 second, it'll cram 60, so that's basically slow motion. If you want to slow down trees blowing, waves hitting rocks or snow falling, whatever you're into, then that's the way to do it. If you're shooting manual 60fps means 1/120th shutter speed for smooth motion blur.

[@fletcherbrown728]

Truly outstanding. Fabulous narration - Great tips. Thank you, thank you, for not succumbing to the trend to "enhance" your video with horrible, distracting, discordant music. I am on a roll watching your channel's videos. Question: Your audio is just as good as it gets. You are moving around the room and still have outstanding audio. Other than being blessed with a great voice, what are you using to record your audio? A video on that would be appreciated as you clearly have a great recipe for cooking up audio.

[@Wendy-st4il]

What? You live there? Being in North Pole and all the snow we have this April, that looks like heaven!

[@PhillipSkraba]

I wish I lived here! I live in Poland 😂

[@Wendy-st4il]

@@PhillipSkraba oooohhh! You said your house was on the mountain/hill so I thought you moved! Haha!

[@thedirtywoodsman604]

Great vid man. Just “squeezed” into my tightest bit yet. Only a green year in, but it was a downhill dock ramp to a narrow dock with a reverse(with railings) back up through the boat masts and into the air. Full disclosure, think I peed a little. Was white knuckling so hard my controller is probably smaller. Appreciate the content.

[@PhillipSkraba]

I'm afraid we all pee a little whilst doing these, it's completely normal.

[@thedirtywoodsman604]

Thought it might be natural, just needed some guidance from a credible source! 😂🤦‍♂️

[@PhillipSkraba]

Yep, happens to us all, just go with it.

[@jonnytacooutdoors]

Binging your mini 2 videos thanks for all you do

[@PhillipSkraba]

No, thank You Jonny! You're channel is looking great too! 1K rolling in, keep on going, it's looking great!

[@jonnytacooutdoors]

@@PhillipSkraba oh wow dude so great to hear back from you! I’ve been obsessing about KZbin lately. Your videos are seriously so amazing I’ve learned so much about my dji mini 2 and I’m going to be such a better KZbinr because of you. I also want that new new a7s iii :P one day though…. But yes I’m hoping to get to 1000 subscribers by the new year, I’m projected to. I just started posting weekly a few weeks ago. It’s a must. Keep up the good work! I’ll be watching more of your videos. Thanks so much from so cal.✌🏼

[@PhillipSkraba]

KZbin is great, sometimes quite stressful if you put all your eggs in one basket and use it as a full time job, but a super challenge which keeps you occupied 24/7. I highly recommend it to anyone who is creative and wants to earn their keep by doing what they love. The Mini 2 is great, but for what you do the Mini 3 Pro with it's tracking mode would be awesome, and an Action 3 for those tricky shots, time-warps and general messing around. Mix those in with a the A7S3 and you're on top of your game when it comes to production quality. I love how you mix drone footage with vlogging and car shots, 1K easy, I think what you're doing is interesting, I'd even say mesmerising, it's fun and it's very dreamy for a lot of people, a fantasy almost, so it's a great watch. It seems to come naturally to you, so keep it up, and before you know it you'll have sponsors coming your way from car stuff, to camera stuff, to projectors, drones, etc. It's amazing what KZbin will bring your way, I think you'll really enjoy it, just put your all in, be yourself and keep it up Jonny!

[@jonnytacooutdoors]

@@PhillipSkraba I do have a go pro I would use for time lapses but I forget to use the footage and I’ve been known to leave it on the trail and almost lost it a couple times. I don’t know what go pro it is but it shoots 4k time lapses. I’m have to use it next time I go out. I just looked up the action 3 and see it’s similar to A go pro I didn’t know they made cameras like that. Yes eventually I’m need a nice Sony camera like the a7s3! Hey thanks so much for your encouraging words it really means a lot! I see myself doing this for a while actually because I love the outdoors and I’ve actually really found that I do love putting videos together. It’s really fun hearing from people that my videos inspire them to go outdoors and explore. I’m doing this for fun right now with my job I have weekends and holidays off so I’m able to get out and explore very often. Keeping it super simple right now only shooting with the mini 2, and my iPhone 11(4k) and I got bring the go pro back into the mix I’m glad you brought it up. Oh forgot to add also to take my Instagram photos I’m using a canon rebel(lowest end) dslr which I paid $100 for 😆 I could also add I’m using iMovie to edit and only adjusting the saturation and making color a little more warm in some shots. And using thematic for free music(and the music sucks!!!!) Anyways I’m go add you on Instagram maybe we can chat there more sometime! Cheers!

[@dneira29]

Something that helped me with my mini 2 is turning on the grid mode on the view finder. I happened to notice that anything that was outside of the middle square es you are passing the object was unlikely to hit the drone

[@PhillipSkraba]

That's true to a certain extent but I wouldn't rely on it, after time and a few close calls it just becomes second nature.

[@heavymetalforever96]

I had a wide smile on my face when I saw the text at 1:54

[@PhillipSkraba]

haha, I like adding a bit of humour now and then Daniel 😂

[@heavymetalforever96]

@@PhillipSkraba Lovely that you do :D :)

[@pakngah6716]

This is a great video, lots of info and very educational. Thank you so much, Mr Skraba.

[@PhillipSkraba]

You're welcome Pak!

[@chrischristensen8516]

Nice video m8. Thx for sharing

[@PhillipSkraba]

You're welcome Chris!

[@ralphholmes6387]

This video gives me the confidence to try tighter spaces but still a bit scary 😳 For sure will practice like you said Thanks 😊👍

[@PhillipSkraba]

Oh it’s scary every time! I hold me breathe each time I do this!

[@kellyd6195]

Your videos are very helpful. I teach a high school Aeronautics STEM class where students primarily build and fly RC airplanes. I personally got a mini 2 so that my students can learn to fly and teach about the use of drones in various industries. I’m personally studying for my Part 107, so that I can teach my students. I’ve had my students watch your videos to learn the basics of smooth stick control when flying. It’s helped a lot! I haven’t tried it yet, but could you use just the lines on the screen to determine if it’ll fly through a gap? For example in the center cross-hair, if you keep that pointed at an open gap, while keeping the branches away from the 1/3 vertical lines as you approach the gap, wouldn’t that help to fly a gap (assuming you’re not drifting from wind or stick input)? Thank you again!

[@PBphotos]

Another excellent tutorial Phil, thank you and Merry Christmas!

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You Paul! Merry Christmas to you too 🎄

[@garycatlin4899]

Hi ya, fairly new to drone ing, just watched video of you going thro tight spaces ( the one where you previously crashed into swimming pool ) and you show going through the bushes etc, but not what you did then !, did u turn round, or just pull stick back towards you. Great vids by the way. Gary.

[@OggyGR]

Yes. Another one enlightening video for my new Mini 2!! Your channel is just perfect!! Please keep up the good work mate. (I think that the seperate 4 props guards are more than suitable in that case😅😅)

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You! Sure, you can use them for shots like this, I fly without but I love living on the edge, gives me that drone rush I need 😂

[@ronwess]

It's been a minute but hey ow are U hope fine I put down the mini 2 for awhile but have started flying again using litchi but really enjoy your videos.... so I'm getting back on the bike again ,PeaceLove&GodBless

[@PhillipSkraba]

Get back up there! It's a ton of fun, hell, I need to pick the Mini 2 up again too!

[@Pdeberar]

Thank you for the wonderful videos which you put together so elequantly and so captivatingly. They are very enjoyable to watch and very cinematic and so much fun. Keep up this great work! PS - I created a very short video myself flying low and close to objects and wanted to share for your objective feedback.

[@jimmyjamestreasurehuntinga1512]

I am just waiting for my new mini2 to come in, should be in a few more days. I have a bigger, heaver drone, but I find it bulky harder to transport. Watching some of your videos is why I chose the mini2 as it is so much more compact. I have learned a lot from your videos and I can't wait to try a few things I learned for you. I did Subscribe and have been smashing that LIKE button on every vid I watch. Thanks Phillip:-) 👍

[@TheGrandLifeAdventure]

I love how smoothly the DJI Mini 2 lands. I ran a parrot for years and it was nice, but the landing consisted of it hovering about 16” off the deck and the props just shut off... so the drone literally just drops over a foot onto the ground. So glad I switched.

[@PhillipSkraba]

hahaha, no way! That sounds like a fun drone!! I've landed the Mini 2 in funny ways a few times on purpose just to get a kick 😂

[@TheGrandLifeAdventure]

@@PhillipSkraba yeah! Look up how the parrot bebop 2 lands. It’s hilarious that they programmed it that way. It’s every single time.

[@cbmirada]

With flying thru tight spots what are your thoughts on prop guards, yay or nay? The FPV has them, but would you say that you need them for the Mini 2?

[@mikefarley4254]

You standing in front of the dji mini with your back turned in hopes not to step back and crush it brought more anxiety to me then flying in tight spaces. 😆

[@PhillipSkraba]

😂😂 I think I’ve stepped it twice already, seems fine 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@reestabor3657]

It is nerve-recking. Like you said, from the drone footage it looks like there is ample space but you don’t realise how close it really is! Good advice on the importance of being straight down the line of sight to help judge the distances.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Very much so! Yes, the lens is quite wide so you think you've got tonnes of space, but flying through there it's pretty stressful. Straight down the line really helps calm the nerves, sort of 😂

[@pectoralismajor1097]

Just watching a bunch of your videos right now in preparation of my first flight. You said before that we shouldn't flick the sticks when trying to get cinematic footage, but I guess it's fine if we have to stop suddenly?

[@PhillipSkraba]

Of course, that’s just in respect to flying whilst shooting cinematic shots, otherwise flick away 😂

[@AndrewThompson2Wheels]

Great videos. Well done. Love my Mini 2!

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You! I love mine too!

[@mouthymimesproductions9985]

Dude... you are awesome. Love it!

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You!

[@stx333]

Hi Philip, how are you Mate, can you talk some more on this topic please? For instance how to judge whether a certain gap is flyable, especially how to tell whether you can clear what’s beneath the drone or not.. Im currently trying to learn how to fly on the Mini 2. Thanks

[@PhillipSkraba]

Sure! This is quite hard and what I do is usually fly to that area, check it out, look at the screen very closely to see if there are no wires, branches or anything else. Wires are the worst, you see them at the last minute. I remember flying under the Bixby Creek Bridge, with little time to check it out and so I just flew the Phantom under it full speed, in the very last second I noticed cables, they came out of nowhere, and I barely missed them. So I recommend always flying through slowly, checking out the zone, seeing what you might hit, and when you know, then fly through. It's not easy, especially without line of sight, be sure to check and double check you can fly it.

[@stx333]

@@PhillipSkraba thanks for your reply - I appreciate it :)

[@elementalismproductions]

Whiskers

[@SatyawanRich]

nice footage and great tips Philips sir, thanks

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You!

[@ragndroneman]

#inspired Thanks for this vid. Definately gonna try getting some more shots like this now, been avoiding it for a while, like I lost my confidence somewhere! Thanks Phil, happy new year...... 👍😃👍

[@PhillipSkraba]

You do it! It's a lot of fun! Sometimes we crash and burn, but it's all part of learning. Check the area first, no cables, no hidden branches and then go fly it, nice and smooth. Happy New Year to you too!

[@gddutton1]

Great lessons. Thank you.

[@PhillipSkraba]

You're welcome, thank you!

[@elusivelectron]

If you want a backwards shot, you can often reverse the video in editing providing there aren't any animals or cars in the shot. You don't need to risk hitting anything by flying blind.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Sure, I do that a lot, mind you, sometimes rear up and tilt flying is a little easier to pull off that forward down and tilt, depends on the surroundings.

[@paulmiller7671]

Very useful and informative video, as I have just lost my first ever drone which was less than 3 weeks old mini 2 :( I was flying off a footbridge over quite a wide river and the intention was to fly it upstream for 50 metres, turn around and fly back under the bridge I was standing on. I never made it that far though. Flew out OK, but when I turned it and centred the camera on where I was standing and started to fly back, it started veering to it's right. I stopped it and tried to turn it, but it still seemed to be drifting towards the bank and overhanging trees even though it was calm. Maybe I panicked but it ended up colliding with tree branches and falling into deep water. I was devastated. Although I have DJI Refresh, I have a feeling that they won't replace it as I do not have a drone to send back to them :( I may have been too ambitious with what I was trying to achieve and will have to be more careful when I get a replacement.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Hi Paul! That sounds like quite a stressful situation and when your drone starts drifting when there is little space, plus wind, as well as having it facing you, it's so easy to go left and not right and totally loose direction of flight, been there, done that. Flying towards yourself in a tight space is very difficult, I usually fly backwards towards myself. I'm afraid DJI Care needs to physically have a drone sent to them in order for them to send you a new one, so yes, you're right in that them probably won't replace it. It's a good lesson, shame it cost so much, but I'm sure next time you'll be a lot more cautious, I know I am after so many of these accidents 🙈 All the best!

[@wilbertogil3257]

Thanks very helpful 👍 GB

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thanks!

[@danases2957]

Going to try more of that

[@PhillipSkraba]

I recommend it!

[@mikekelly814]

I've bookmarked you for follow up with your excellent videos and tutorials, and of course because you reference the DJI Mini 2, which I fly. This one on tight spaces begs the question of using the grids. Is there some kind of scale to them, or advice, like if the object's edges stay outside the center square, the drone will pass through without contact?

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You! I love the Mini 2, it's an excellent drone, especially for its size and price tag. When it comes to the grids, I use them to keep my drone straight, so I mainly use the center square to keep my shot in target. The other parts of the grid I use when tilting so I keep to the rule of thirds when looking up and down. There is really no measurement to it, that's why it's so important to be right behind your drone when flying tight spaces, so you can visually judge how much space you have.

[@aeronix21adventures51]

Do you use the thumbs only or two fingers combo while using the controller? Which is more easy to use?

[@PhillipSkraba]

I only use thumbs. Pinching isn’t something I like doing, especially on a cinema drone with a tilt wheel. Some fpv pilots prefer pinching, but I’m oldschool, I only use my thumbs.

[@aeronix21adventures51]

@@PhillipSkraba your videos are very informative...thank you... I just bought the DJI Mini 2 and I've learned the basics through your vids...

[@PhillipSkraba]

You’re welcome! Have fun with it and be safe 👌🏻

[@diegothewizard]

Super cool content. I can feel your authenticity and passion to share.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You, I do my best to share my experiences 🔥

[@diegothewizard]

@@PhillipSkraba That one is obvious. What strikes me the most are your "Unique-to-Phillip" inserts on your speech that you may or may not be fully aware of, that you sincerely care for your audience. No BS!

[@PhillipSkraba]

@@diegothewizard Thank You Diego! Yes, I really do. I love having contact with everyone in the community and audience. I think that's very important as I'm trying to share my experiences and do it in the way I know best. It's great to know someone is making use of what I say. I do all I can to not have too much BS, which isn't easy, but I try 😂 I love talking, so I limit the BS. I used to BS a lot in my KZbin videos but it became clear to me why people come to my channel, so I cut that out.

[@diegothewizard]

@@PhillipSkraba No Thank you Phillip. Learned a lot! Stayin a fan here. Cheers!

[@furistasTedis]

Damn Philip, every single vid im learning smthn new. Im downloading uav forecast app of which i never knew it exists 😂

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You! UAV Forecast is an excellent app, I use it when things look a little off 😂

[@munichl2]

Amazing shots! Do you think some branches or objects might trigger the downward sensor? I’m afraid the drone will suddenly fly up...

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You! Yes, they would, keep a safe distance away from them!

[@munichl2]

@@PhillipSkraba will do!

[@omarsepuan1678]

I really love your video...

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You Omar!

[@appleholic1553]

So coming back you can just go up and over right?

[@PhillipSkraba]

Sure, or you can follow the path that got you there, backwards 🔥

[@siskoDE]

can you tell me which animation package are you using for your videos? i love it! it‘s for fcxp?

[@PhillipSkraba]

Sure! I use MotionVFX, yes, it's a plugin for FCPX.

[@NJW1967]

Hi Phillip have you done a video to cover using the ipad with DJI Fly ?

[@PhillipSkraba]

I haven't Neil, no, but I will do very soon as I got a few things from PGYTech I need to try out, including the iPad holder.

[@NJW1967]

@@PhillipSkraba That would be great Philip look forward to it 👍

[@gudguy1745]

Do you think propeller guard is necessary? From Malaysia. ☺️

[@PhillipSkraba]

It depends on how confident you are, or how badly you fly. I used it a few times just to test it, but I don't actually use it because I need to.

[@gudguy1745]

@@PhillipSkraba thanks brother. Love your footage. damn superb

[@adrianedwards2084]

Great video... awesome drone skills

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank you!

[@HeartbreakFigureKid]

I like your videos very much. Keep it up 👍

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You Fabian, I'll make sure to keep them coming.

[@vexunaerials7185]

Found this trick really nice, but I always found myself hitting something every now and then. Flying in tight spaces needs you to be in the place at a VLOs. Am I saying it right? 😅

[@PhillipSkraba]

It's much easier, and less stressful being in line of sight of the space you're flying through, otherwise it could be hard to visualise distances.

[@vexunaerials7185]

@@PhillipSkraba Got it, and of course, as you said lots of practice since I found that my mini 2 does not fly stable when I let it fly straight forward on a whole, sometimes it sways just a little, enough to slam the props 😅

[@Dilshantraveldiaries]

Ohhh my for a moment I thought you will put your foot down on the drone when you were showing the demonstration 😂

[@PhillipSkraba]

haha, I was pretty close right 😂

[@andresesco620]

Hey buddy, first time here and your videos are amazing. Cheers. I got my mini 2 for Christmas and I love it. I want to try tight spaces but I'm not confidence at all. I wonder if you can give me an advice on the perspective on the phone. I mean, how can I calculate the distance base on what I'm seeing on my phone? How can I use the grid lines properly? I'll appreciate your reply. Thanks again.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Hi Andres, thank you! Sure, so I'd fine a spot between two trees, and start flying through it, but don't look at the screen, look at the drone, feel it out, you'll notice when you look at the screen the drone looks like it's right next to the trees, but in reality it's got a ton of space. I recommend always flying so you're directly behind the drone, otherwise judging is a really hard job, it's a Russian Roulette type of deal if you can't see the line the drone is flying.

[@andresesco620]

@@PhillipSkraba Phillip, I truly appreciate your reply. Exactly, that's what happens, man. When I look at the screen everything seems close and I get afraid of crashing. I was wondering if on the screen there is any signal or any guideline we can follow to have a reference of the distance. Thanks for your advice, I'll find the place and do it, for sure. Cheers.

[@PhillipSkraba]

I’m afraid not Andres. It’s all about practice. I’d find a couple of trees, close to each other and practice, see what the image looks like as you pass them, that should help you judge other tight spots.

[@andresesco620]

@@PhillipSkraba You're right, Phillip. I appreciate your help, man. Incredible channel, cheers.

[@johanlindh]

I found your channel a few days ago and I find your videos super informative. A question if you don't mind. I'm a drone beginner so this is likely a noob question but here goes. When you fly through tight spaces, do you fix your eyes on your drone alone or on the screen to see the footage? If the drone is near you I guess focusing on the drone makes sense but if it's far away and hard to see, would it be different? I really appreciate that you tell your stick maneuvers while filming. It helps a lot! Thanks in advance.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You Johan! Noob questions are more than fine, that's what I'm here for, to help. So, these tight spaces are tricky. I usually look down the line of my drone, and I check the path, being aware of stuff I could possibly drift into, as holding that right stick perfectly forward isn't as easy as it seems. When I start flying the corridor I concentrate on my phone screen, but every now and then look up quickly to check I'm not going to crash into anything and loose my drone. It's fun, you'll get the hang of it.

[@johanlindh]

@@PhillipSkraba Thanks so much! That's really helpful. I'll try it that way next time I'm out flying.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Anytime Johan!

[@riderbatang]

Thank u for this one phil

[@PhillipSkraba]

You're welcome! Fly them tight, it's way more fun!

[@riderbatang]

@@PhillipSkraba I will incorporate this shots to my Moto camping. Damn ur gud men. Vince here from the Philippines. U can also check ou my channel. Tnx men

[@michaeljohnson6473]

This skill carries over from FPV flying very good!! I am already shooting gaps that would proprably make most DJI pilots pee themselves.. Lol.. No accidents yet...

[@PhillipSkraba]

I can imagine. These ones makes me pee myself!!

[@appleholic1553]

You get me excited and anxious to get my mini 2. What about goggles? Are there any you would suggest? ✌🏽️

[@PhillipSkraba]

I'm glad you feel that way 😂 Well, apart from the anxiety, I get that, hate it. I have motion sickness, so I can't recommend any goggles I'm afraid, I film everything on my iPhone 8+.

[@appleholic1553]

I got the 12 pro max when it came out. It's gonna be fun watching the videos on it. If everything goes the way I'm hoping I'll have my mini 2 within two weeks. I've been researching drones almost a year now. I have a HS 270 and had a few others so I know a little bit. You are a great help for sure ✌🏽️

[@PhillipSkraba]

I wish I had a new iPhone, maybe this year if KZbin goes well. You'll love the Mini 2! They told me they want to send me a HS270S or something, I'll try it out, but I'm not 100% sure confident in it.

[@appleholic1553]

@@PhillipSkraba it's big!

[@PhillipSkraba]

Yeah?? 😂 Not sure I want it!

[@Mike-yq6jg]

phillip how does a incoming call to your mobile ,affect the drone flight ?

[@PhillipSkraba]

haha I always ignore incoming calls, I recommend you do the same.

[@garrettasper9329]

Did you film this at 60 fps and then slow down or smoothly at 24 fps? I am traveling somewhere tropical soon and I loved your flights through the palm trees. It looked like it was in slow motion but I couldn't tell.

[@PhillipSkraba]

I filmed everything in 25fps, using ND filters to be able to drop the shutter to 1/50th. I just fly slow and smooth, best way if you're close to trees, for safety and cool motion. Get some filters Garrett, they'll help out in the tropics. Have fun, any questions, fire away on a new comment as I sometimes miss the replies.

[@garrettasper9329]

@@PhillipSkraba Thanks! I can't wait to try out your tips!

[@glenfrechette5510]

this was great thanks

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thanks Glen!

[@jonhewitt3]

Is it best to film going forward them reversing the video, instead of trying fly the drone backwards?

[@PhillipSkraba]

I usually fly these forward and backwards. Having the motion go backwards is great though as it reveals the tight spaces in a surprise kind of way 🔥

[@arnoldherrera1432]

Love this kind of vídeos !!!

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You Arnold!

[@hawkeye19531]

I have found that if the crosshairs are going to miss or go through an area your drone will be OK.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Yes, that's more or less how I roll, not always easy or a sure thing, but it's a good way to think.

[@kxn928]

Hi Philip, have you ever done drone videos inside a house for real estate?

[@PhillipSkraba]

I find using a gimbal is a lot easier or even going handheld 👌🏻 a drone isn’t so easy to bend around corners.

[@willlodge5386]

Hi Phil, can I ask why you didn't use propeller guards on these shots? Presumably they will create more wind drag?

[@PhillipSkraba]

Honestly, I like living on the edge and packing them in my suitcase would have been super hard!

[@pavre69]

great video, thanks for showing this! i wonder.. if i only use the display, to fly true tight spaces.. is that not possible? ( PS i don't own a drone yet, i do a lot of virtual drone flight to get use to operate it.. i guess its kind of the same...but that mini 2 is on its way to me soon.. :) pozdrowienia z Holandii

[@PhillipSkraba]

Well, doing this more and more often, I actually now only use the display. The best way to do it is set your target in the middle, use the cross for where you want to be heading, and align it perfectly by looking 90 down and then 90 up again, then just go, any hesitation usually ends in a crash lol. I do it this way, and sure, I've had a few close calls, but 99% of the time it works. Pozdrowienia z Lodzi.

[@pavre69]

@@PhillipSkraba would the PGYTECH DJI Mini 2 cage not have a more secure flight? or is that not a good solution to avoid crashes in tight spaces?

[@PhillipSkraba]

That could get caught in a tree, but in theory it could help.

[@rickdraper2600]

Phillip another great video.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You Rick! All the best 🔥

[@samueltriggs]

I attempted a close tree top fly over on day one, smashed mine to pieces ...lol :D

[@PhillipSkraba]

Yep, been there done that! Keep on trying when you get a new one 👌🏻

[@mgw10s]

Hi Phillip, thanks for the fantastic videos, they have really inspired me to get a drone and learn to fly. I've just started flying my mini 2 over the past few days getting some confidence in the park. Yesterday I thought I would test my nerve and fly over water for the first time. I took my drone to the lake near me and the views were amazing, then the nerves kicked in, about 4 seagulls took interest in my drone then started aggressively flying at it. I did manage to get it back to land but I thought I was going to lose it in the lake. Do you ever have issues with birds? I was hoping to test out what I could achieve over the lake but I chickened out because it was so scary 😂

[@PhillipSkraba]

Hi Michael! Oh those damn seagulls! They love taking offence to drones, I've had a few close calls and had to fly back, sideways or through them. It's easier with the Mavic 2 Pro, I'm a little more scared doing it with my Mini 2, but sure, it's something to be wary of, birds. If you see them, just fly away quickly and they'll probably not follow you. Next time just power through, if you're flying forward you should be fine. It's a kind of Russian Roulette, it'll make your heart skip a beat for sure, it's a fun part of flying a drone.

[@WysekPL]

W pełni się z tobą zgadzam. Pozdrowionka, Fajne tipy

[@PhillipSkraba]

Dziekuje! Milej wigili 🎄

[@WysekPL]

@@PhillipSkraba Dziekuje. Nawzajem Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia.

[@tomiyourtradesguy6708]

LOL yeah nice disclaimer !!

[@PhillipSkraba]

haha, thanks!

[@alexgreer1479]

For the shot at 7:43 could you not film that flying forward so you don't have to fly backwards and reverse the video so you can see where you are going

[@PhillipSkraba]

Sure, I flew it forwards and backwards quite a few times. It’s all about practice, especially in high winds.

[@arnebostjancic2486]

Pretty sure the vid is reversed cuz of the bush leaves moving unnaturally at the end of the shot

[@PhillipSkraba]

@@arnebostjancic2486 Nope, that's actually me flying backwards. I flew that shot forwards and backwards about 10 times, not an easy one with so much movement, I was worried I'd loose my drone. I did loose it in the swimming pool later that day, salt water, so drone was dead in minutes.

[@arnebostjancic2486]

Damn my bad. All respect for that skillful flying. Keep up the good work!

[@PhillipSkraba]

@@arnebostjancic2486 Thanks! It's all about practice, my first few runs at that shot were terrible, but after I got the feel of it and how the leaves move, I finally got it down.

[@DroneTubeRO]

Very interesting!

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You!

[@droneggiando7764]

Amazing dude! Sweet video! I’m in Thailand! I guess you recorded that in Thai, isn’t? Where exactly? I’ll try to emulate you! Haha

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You! Thailand looks amazing, I’d love to see it one day. This was the Seychelles, but I’m sure you have lots of tight spaces in Thailand too 🔥

[@droneggiando7764]

@@PhillipSkraba alright! Amazing work ! I follow you, and can really learn a lot! I’m shitting my pants trying what you do lol still! Hope to get this good one day ! 💪🏼

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You! Have a go, do it slow, check the area first and you’ll be fine 👌🏻

[@droneggiando7764]

@@PhillipSkraba yeah I actually tried few times! Bloody heart attack every time 😂 keep posting bro! Love the contents!

[@PhillipSkraba]

hahaha I’ve been there, trust me 😂

[@omgbygollywow]

Will DJI Care Refresh cover for crashes while attempting these tight spaces flying?

[@PhillipSkraba]

Well, you're the only one who knows how tight a space is, if you crash by accident it should be covered. I crashed whilst flying a tight space and needed a replacement, it was fine, it counts as an accident. A drone isn't only made for flying up high, but for various situations. DJI even promotes flying inside, which is a very tight space, so I wouldn't think it would be a problem.

[@omgbygollywow]

@@PhillipSkraba Okay, thanks. I always want to do tight spaces flying, because the footage looks epic, but I am so scared. Heck, just flying regular in wide open spaces, my heart races.

[@PhillipSkraba]

haha I know the feeling! Practice and you’ll be fine 👌🏻

[@photographingdestinations4130]

Great work! 👍

[@PhillipSkraba]

Thank You!

[@davidwatkins7197]

Interesting thanks for sharing..

[@PhillipSkraba]

You're welcome!

[@EastAngliaUK]

prob best to use the guards for this

[@PhillipSkraba]

You can do but I never have space for them, plus the thrill makes me fly better 😂

[@DRONEALD]

Hi Phillip, Merry Xmas ! That being said, great video again. Love tight spaces :P hahaha I've been practising with my mini2 now a couple of times her up north in the Netherlands, but the last weeks its alway fog and rain so not much chance to check all the settings, but WHAT a difference flying this little quad compared to my old Yuneec q 500, man ! So quickly out of sight, i was used of a big square drone in the air with 4 bright LEDs blinking underneath it. How often i look around where it is now... i have to look on the screen most of the time now. That brings me to my question. Maybe you can and will answer that for me if you know, but when all the gridlines are ON, MAY I ASUME that the most centre square you see is 'the size' of the mini 2 - and if i manage to fly 'through' that square freely its possible to hit nothing ? So i mean aslong there's nothing in that centre square i probbably pull it off without crashing it ? I understand it's never 100 % sure ofcourse... :P Pardon my English. Nice video, Happy Holiday's. Looking forward to your next video.

[@PhillipSkraba]

Merry Christmas to you too! Thank You, I feel it's quite an important subject. What I recommend you do is fly to the tight area you want to fly through and check it out, there could be cables, branches or other obstacles. You also need to check you'll fit with no problems at all. The square in the middle of the frame will help you keep on course, but it doesn't represent the size of the drone in any way. Always check and double check the area you want to fly through, trust me, I've had a few close calls and a few accidents because I just flew without checking anything. It's better to be safe than sorry, especially with a drone that has no obstacle avoidance and also, as you say, is small and has no blinking lights you can see too well. Have fun, go out and create and have a superb 2021.

[@DRONEALD]

@@PhillipSkraba Thanks. I will. Yeah better safe than sorry, have crashed some stuff throughout tje years myself aswel 😅 as planes close to trees and just nót ended i the water. We'll see. Thanks for your answer 👍

[@PhillipSkraba]

Yes, be safe out there, as it's a little stressful when your drone gets into trouble! Have fun and keep it smooth.

[@DRONEALD]

@@PhillipSkraba Sorry to bother you with all these questions Phillip, but maybe you ca help me out with one more question/answer ? I'm just a dronepilot, like to fly , film and make photo's, but i'm not really into photoshop and stuff like that. I'm just cutting, splitting and copy paste stuff, add some music and most of the time thats it... The thing is, the video-editor i use right now on my laptop is simpling things down to just 1920 x 1080 For my self i did some testflights with the mini2 last month and was trying to put different film data in order so i could see if it works for me on my laptop, upload to youtube, or watch it on my tv. But also the 4K footage the maker degredes it to 1920 x 1080 Do you have an advise for me what i should use to make these simple films i do, without using a program what has way too many options for me to understand ? It frustrates a bit that i ca film in 4K but not be able to make it above 1920 x 1080

[@sk72]

Hi Philip! Another safety feature I’m always thinking about(haven’t tried yet) Let’s say I’m standing at a flat open field and I want to take the Mini 2 up a 400ft cliff to have a look. On the side of the cliff there are some trees. So when I needed to fly back to home point and decided to use RTH. Will the Mini 2 raise up to the 150ft RTH set height at its current position at the top of a 400ft cliff? Not sure if the question makes sense. Sorry...thanks!

[@PhillipSkraba]

Hi Sochea! So, when setting RTH the Mini 2 will rise 150ft from where you are standing. What I do is set it where I stand before I fly away, then when I'm next to the highest point and I know exactly what it is, I set it again higher than that point, so the cliff and the trees, doing it that way, I'm certain the drone will fly back to me above them in case it looses connection.

[@sk72]

Hi Phillip! Ahh, I get it, so from where I took off I set RTH at 150ft, then as I fly up and reached 400ft cliff I can set RTH again at 150ft or higher? Since I’m in the US I can’t set RTH higher than 400ft at the initial take off spot per FAA rules. Thanks for all the responses!

[@PhillipSkraba]

Well, that's kind of bending the rules a little haha. The drone will be using your take off spot as the measuring point, so it will be 400ft from that point. If that's as high as you can fly, then that's as high as you can fly, I'd keep to the rules so you don't get in trouble, however I've bent those rules a couple of times myself. Be careful, considerate and you'll be fine. It's all about safety, if you fly 400ft from the cliff edge, in my opinion that's safe as no aircraft will be potentially flying in that area as you're measuring from the cliff edge, it's a sticky subject. Here in Europe we now have a zone up and around the ground, so it differs depending on how high the ground is which is reasonable. I'm not sure how it works in America.

[@sk72]

Yeah, I’ve never gone higher than 150ft with the Mini 2. I was just curious if I or others may want to go up a cliff or hill higher than take-off point and couldn’t figure out the way to get home safely if using RTH was the only way.

[@rickdraper2600]

Phillip. Someone said that the newest firmware for the Dji mini. Has cause a higher rate of battery drain and reduced range. I was wondering if you have see this?

[@PhillipSkraba]

Hi Rick, no, I haven't noticed any difference at all, was in the air a little today, seemed fine to me.

[@fredstead5652]

Filming in higher frame rates will cause more battery drain but in general use it doesn't drain faster.

[@stx333]

Hi Phil, what do you think about the skydiving 2 autonomous drone? It’s supposed to have amazing obstacle avoidance - would be great for tight spaces.. wouldn’t it? Cheers

[@PhillipSkraba]

The Skydio 2, sure! However, it wouldn't be good for these types of shots, these are all manual with ALL sensors turned off. Sensors and obstacle avoidance wouldn't allow me to fly through these tight spaces, or even the wider tree shots I did here in the distance. The drone would stop. I need to control this manually, stressful as it is, but I have full control.

[@stx333]

@@PhillipSkraba Dude - check this out... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYnbmp2mfdamZ5I

[@PhillipSkraba]

Oh Yeah, I've seen a ton of Skydio 2 footage, I know it does a fairly good job, I'm guessing the Mavic 3 Pro will do too, but it's just so mechanical, so robotic. When I fly I need to full control of my aircraft and I can't have any hesitation, I need it to be smooth, cinematic and I need it to do exactly what I have in my head. Skydio is still far too hesitant, it's basically got a mind of its own which is great in certain situations, but not in cinema. I love technology and can't wait to see how far they can push this, but I'm afraid right now, good old human control works best.

[@Mike-yq6jg]

do any of the grids relate to the size of the drone ? . most times ive done similar flights (not as good ) i end up hold my breath till im through

[@PhillipSkraba]

No, none of them. Yep, best way is to pray and fly 😂

[@billaak417]

My drone Guru.

[@PhillipSkraba]

haha you guys 🔥

[@supernovaaudiovisual4471]

Hey Philllip, been looking through your content and its great!!!! id like to know , just to be sure: are those tight shots something that you only do as long as you have a straight line of sight or do you ever just try and gauge the distances whilst looking at your screen?, becuase when you did the indoor flight you never looked at your display so I wonder..? btw, my first drone is on the way (mini 2)... thanks in advance. greetings from colombia!

[@PhillipSkraba]

Hi! Thank You! So I usually have my eye on the screen, if it's more complicated I look up and down as I'm flying to check the screen and the corridor. I mostly fly having a straight line of sight, though I have flown higher or beside me, however I don't feel 100% comfortable doing that and don't feel how far the drone is from obstacles, so that freaks me out 😂

[@supernovaaudiovisual4471]

@@PhillipSkraba hahah, got you man... I guess I'll soon understand the thrill. I assume that its best to be able to watch both ways whenever possible... thanks for the reply, have a good one

[@PhillipSkraba]

Yes, eyes all around you when doing these shots, unless you're flying fpv, those guys are wild. With cinema drones it's a little different, they're not so swift.

[@supernovaaudiovisual4471]

@@PhillipSkraba Okay, thanks Phillip, you're the man

[@robenhenni8463]

as an fpv pilot i have the most trouble with the delay first time directly in the bushes 😁

[@PhillipSkraba]

haha I’ve been in the bushes a few times 😂