QuickShots are DJI's one-tap automated camera moves. You pick a move such as Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, Boomerang or Asteroid, select your subject on screen, and the drone flies the move, records it, returns to where it started, and makes a short video you can edit and share. In DJI Fly, tap the shooting mode icon on the right of the camera view and choose QuickShots. On the Neo and Flip you can also launch them from your palm with the mode button.
What each QuickShot does
Descriptions from DJI's Mini 4 Pro manual:
| QuickShot | The move |
|---|---|
| Dronie | Flies backward and up, camera locked on the subject |
| Rocket | Climbs straight up with the camera pointing down |
| Circle | Circles around the subject |
| Helix | Climbs while spiraling around the subject |
| Boomerang | Flies an oval around the subject, rising as it goes out, descending as it comes back |
| Asteroid | Flies back and up, takes photos, flies back; the video starts as a "tiny planet" and zooms in |
Space needed: DJI asks for a 30 m (99 ft) radius and 10 m (33 ft) above for Boomerang, and 40 m (131 ft) behind and 50 m (164 ft) above for Asteroid.
How to use QuickShots in DJI Fly
- Take off and hover at least 2 m (6.6 ft) above the ground.
- Tap the shooting mode icon on the right and pick QuickShots.
- Choose a move, then drag a box around your subject (or tap the plus icon).
- Tap Start. The drone flies and records, then returns to its start point.
- Open playback to preview the auto-edited clip.
To stop: press Flight Pause once or tap the stop icon. Touching a control stick also exits and the drone hovers.
From your palm: Neo and Flip
The DJI Neo and DJI Flip run the same kinds of moves without a controller. DJI calls them Smart Snaps on the Neo.
- Press the mode button to choose Follow, Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight or Custom.
- Hold the drone on your palm, camera toward you.
- Press and hold the mode button. After a countdown it takes off, flies the move and records.
On the Neo, Helix and Boomerang are set as the Custom mode in DJI Fly. In the album, tap Create QuickShots for an instant edit. Details: Neo QuickShots and Flip QuickShots.
When QuickShots go wrong
DJI says not to use them when:
- The subject is hidden for long, out of sight, or moving fast.
- The subject blends into the background, or is in the air.
- Light is very dark or very bright.
- You're near buildings or the GPS signal is weak.
The Neo has no obstacle sensing, so clear the whole flight path yourself. Even drones with sensors can miss thin branches and wires.
QuickShots vs MasterShots vs FocusTrack
- QuickShots: one move, one short clip.
- MasterShots: several moves around a subject, cut into one edit automatically (Mini 4 Pro, Mini 5 Pro, Flip, Air 3S).
- FocusTrack: follows or orbits a subject while you fly. It doesn't record by itself.
Which drones have QuickShots?
Most current DJI camera drones, including the Mini 4 Pro, Mini 5 Pro, Neo, Flip and Air 3S. The Avata 2 doesn't; it uses Easy ACRO flips instead. Model guides: Mini 4 Pro QuickShots and Mini 5 Pro QuickShots.
Rules still apply
Automated moves climb fast. Rocket and Asteroid can gain a lot of height, so keep under 400 ft, keep the drone in sight, and don't fly over people. New pilots should pass the TRUST test first.
Easiest way to try QuickShots: the DJI Neo from your palm. For more control and obstacle sensing, the DJI Mini 4 Pro, or the guarded DJI Flip.
Related guides
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