Mastering The Mavic Pro Camera: Focus Techniques

The DJI Mavic 3 camera has both autofocus and manual focus capabilities. The camera uses autofocus by default, automatically adjusting focus based on the distance from the subject. When autofocus is insufficient, users can switch to manual focus by tapping the AF icon in the live view of the DJI Fly app and dragging the parameter bar to adjust the focus.

The DJI Mavic 3 camera is also equipped with a Hasselblad camera and dual tele cameras, offering three different focal lengths. Users can switch between these focal lengths by tapping the display, allowing for diverse composition styles.

However, some users have reported issues with the camera's autofocus feature, with the focus randomly adjusting or remaining blurry. DJI has not addressed this issue, and it is unclear if it is a hardware or software problem.

Manual vs. Auto Focus

The DJI Mavic 3 camera supports both Auto Focusing (AF) and Manual Focusing (MF). By default, the camera uses AF to automatically adjust focus based on the distance from the subject.

When autofocus is not enough to get the desired shot, you can switch to manual focus. To do this, tap the AF icon in the live view of the DJI Fly app and then drag the parameter bar to manually adjust the focus.

In manual focus mode, the focus slider will appear on the right side of the DJI GO app. You can adjust the focus distance by moving the slider up and down, and the focus will change in real-time as you move the slider.

It is important to note that in some cases, users have reported issues with the autofocus function, with the camera producing blurry images even in AF mode. In such cases, switching to manual focus may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Additionally, when using the 7x telephoto lens, it is recommended to zoom into 28x to set the focus manually and then zoom back out to 7x to prevent focus hunting that can occur in autofocus mode. This technique is especially useful for nature and wildlife shots, where maintaining a fixed distance from the subject is crucial.

Focus calibration

If you are experiencing issues with your Mavic Pro camera's focus, there are several troubleshooting methods you can try. Firstly, ensure that your camera is set to autofocus (AF) or manual focus (MF). In autofocus mode, the camera will automatically adjust its focus based on the distance from the subject. If you need more control, you can switch to manual focus by tapping the AF icon in the live view of the DJI Fly app and then dragging the parameter bar to adjust the focus manually.

If the focus issue persists, try resetting your camera settings and updating the DJI GO 4 application. Calibrating the gimbal can also help fix focus issues. To do this, open the DJI GO 4 app, tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen, select the gimbal symbol, and then choose gimbal calibration. Make sure that the aircraft is level and nothing is obstructing the gimbal's range of motion before starting the calibration process.

Additionally, calibrating the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) may also help resolve focus issues. Place your drone on a flat surface with its arms folded, then follow the steps in the DJI GO 4 app to calibrate the IMU. It is important to follow the calibration steps exactly as they appear on the screen to ensure a successful calibration.

If none of these methods resolve the focus issue, you may need to try more advanced troubleshooting techniques, such as refreshing the firmware, updating the controller firmware, downgrading the firmware, changing the SD card, or performing a factory reset on your drone and controller. If the problem still persists, you may need to contact DJI support or send your drone for service.

Focus settings

The Mavic Pro camera has both Auto Focusing (AF) and Manual Focusing (MF) capabilities.

Auto Focusing

By default, the camera uses AF to automatically adjust focus based on the distance from the subject. When using the DJI GO 4 application, the AF mode can be activated by tapping the AF icon on the live view screen. The camera will then automatically focus on the selected area.

Manual Focusing

When autofocus is not sufficient to achieve the desired shot, manual focus can be utilised. To activate manual focus, tap the AF icon in the live view to switch to MF mode. This will allow you to drag the parameter bar and manually adjust the focus to the desired level.

The focus mode can be changed in the camera settings. The available modes are Auto, AFC, and Manual.

• Auto: The camera automatically adjusts the focus based on the distance from the subject.
• AFC: Continuous Auto Focus. The camera will continuously adjust the focus, searching for objects to focus on. This mode can be useful when the subject is moving or when there are multiple objects at different distances.
• Manual: The focus is manually adjusted by the user, allowing for precise control over the focus point.

Additionally, the focus can be set to Infinity in Manual mode, ensuring that everything in the frame is in focus.

It is important to note that some users have reported issues with the autofocus feature, with the camera failing to focus properly or producing blurry images. In such cases, it is recommended to reset the camera settings, update the DJI GO 4 application, or try other troubleshooting methods suggested by the manufacturer or other users.

Focus modes

The Mavic Pro camera supports both Auto Focusing (AF) and Manual Focusing (MF). By default, the camera uses AF to automatically adjust focus based on the distance from the subject. When autofocus is not enough to get the shot you want, try manual focus.

• Stay on autofocus and update it often by tapping the screen whenever anything changes.
• Assign the focus control to C1/C2 so the focus can easily be reset to the current location of the focus rectangle.
• Half-press the shutter button to focus the camera.
• Enable AFC mode, which will auto-focus when the object/drone stops momentarily.
• Tap on the screen where you want the focus to be.
• Set manual focus to infinity, which will ensure everything is in focus.
• Use the custom function "Focus to Infinity".
• Calibrate the lens before using the "Focus to Infinity" function for the first time.
• Use the DJI GO 4 application to adjust the focus.
• Make sure the application is updated.
• If the camera is blurry, reset the camera settings.
• Check if the camera is set to auto or manual focus.
• If the AF icon is not showing underneath the green box in the DJI GO 4 App, click on the box until it displays it.

Focus troubleshooting

If your Mavic Pro camera is not focusing, there are several steps you can take to try and resolve the issue.

Firstly, check that your camera is set to autofocus (AF) mode. In the DJI GO 4 App, look for the initials AF underneath the centred green box when viewing the camera feed. If you do not see AFC/MF, click on that box until it displays it, which should enable autofocus mode. You can also tap the screen to manually adjust the focus.

If the autofocus is still not working, try resetting the camera settings and updating the DJI GO 4 application. You can also try calibrating the IMU and gimbal, and resetting video parameters.

Some users have reported that the issue was caused by their SD card. Try removing the SD card and formatting it on a computer, then reinserting it into the Mavic and formatting it again using the DJI Go app.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to replace the camera and gimbal, or the lens barrel specifically.

Frequently asked questions