Optimal Camera Settings for Aerial Photography

Professional camera settings for stunning aerial footage:

Photo Settings:

• Format: RAW (DNG) for editing flexibility
• ISO: 100-400 (lower = less noise)
• Shutter Speed: 1/500s minimum (sharper images)
• Aperture: f/2.8 - f/5.6 (DJI fixed aperture)
• White Balance: Auto or Custom (5200K sunny days)
• Bracketing: AEB 3-5 shots for HDR

Video Settings:

• Resolution: 4K @ 30fps (cinematic) / 60fps (action)
• Frame Rate: 24fps (cinema), 30fps (standard), 60fps (smooth slow-mo)
• Shutter Speed: 1/60s @ 30fps (180° rule)
• ISO: 100-800 (keep as low as possible)
• Color Profile: D-Cinelike/D-Log (flat for grading)
• ND Filters: Essential for correct shutter speed in bright conditions

Best Practices:

• Shoot in Golden Hour (1h after sunrise/before sunset)
• Use manual exposure for consistency
• Enable overexposure warning (zebra stripes)
• Shoot multiple angles/altitudes
• Plan shots with sun position in mind

Post-Processing:

• Adobe Lightroom (photos)
• DaVinci Resolve (video color grading)
• LUT packs for quick color enhancement

Share your best shots and settings! ??