Tripod Mode is quite a useful intelligent flight mode on the Mavic Pro and you should definitely understand what it is, how to use it and when it's a great option.
It is mostly used for either flying indoors or flying in tight spaces or places with limited maneuverability.
What Is Tripod Mode?
Tripod Mode is a flight mode where the controls are dumbed down and the speed is severely reduced. Which means that everything you do on the controller is the same as usual, only way slower and you are speed limited. (imagine the opposite of Sports Mode)
According to the official specs from DJI, the maximum speed is 2.2mph (3.7 km/h). So pretty darn slow.
Here is a video to show you what Tripod Mode is, and how you can use it to fly indoors (carefully):
How To Enter Tripod Mode
Like most of the other flight modes on the Mavic Pro, you can enter the Tripod mode in the Intelligent Flight Modes menu.
DJI Mavic Pro - Tripod Mode
The following are the exact steps you need to enter Tripod mode
- Get Mavic Pro into the air
- Tap on the Remote Control icon on the far left of the DJI App screen (see image below)
- Select Tripod from the modes (remember you can swipe across to get to more modes)
- Check you are in Tripod Mode by looking at the top for the Drone symbol (now says "Tripod")
You can exit Tripod Mode at any time by hitting the STOP icon on the left (same location as the Remote Control icon - shown below, but only shown when you are in Tripod Mode).
Note: In case you have trouble finding the Intelligent Flight Modes the image below will help you find the Remote Control icon
How To Enter Mavic Pro Intelligent Flight Modes
How To Use Tripod Mode & Why
Once you are in Tripod Mode it is pretty simple. You just fly. Only a lot slower.
Which begs the question, what is the flight mode good for?
Well, here are a few scenarios you might want to use Tripod Mode in:
- Indoors where space is limited
- In areas outdoors where collisions are more likely (trees, rocks etc).
- Around people or buildings
- Times when you need a very smooth slow video
- When you are learning - the controls are the same, but you are less likely to crash :>
Other Settings While In Tripod Mode
One last thing you might want to consider when in Tripod Mode is turning off the collision sensors. Once you are super-confident of course.
DJI Mavic Pro Obstacle Avoidance
The reason is that often you are using Tripod Mode because you are in tight situations. And the sensors will often trigger, and stop the drone, more often than you might like.
And because you are quite safe flying so slowly it is usually fine to turn these sensors off.
Of course, it is completely up to you to decide and also to know what your situation is.