I've noticed that I can place the drone camera 90 degrees down, which can yield some great shots. However, I've noticed the drone will pitch the camera up a little bit on its own when I start flying.

Is this some security feature? If so, can this be disabled? If I know the drone is clear of any obstacles in all directions then I'd like to make use of the top-down view for some cool shots...

I've not noticed that but it may be to compensate for the drone itself pitching forward when it's moving, keeps the camera pointing straight down and not slightly behind

Are you flying slow?

itchyeyeballs Posted at 5-12 02:12
I've not noticed that but it may be to compensate for the drone itself pitching forward when it's moving, keeps the camera pointing straight down and not slightly behind

Good point. I'll check that out. Perhaps I was too strong on the controls.

I've yet to notice this,

that's normal if you start flying backward. The drone will tilt backwards and the gimbal won't have enough travel to compensate for this. You can get the same effect if you look upwards with the gimbal (not level, but upwards) and start flying forward.

I really like this kind of video and photo making, but for good videos or photos we need to go high! and with the mavic mini sensitivity to high winds makes me afraid to use it more like that!

Ice_2k Posted at 5-12 04:54
that's normal if you start flying backward. The drone will tilt backwards and the gimbal won't have enough travel to compensate for this. You can get the same effect if you look upwards with the gimbal (not level, but upwards) and start flying forward.

..totally agree with you, and it's possible to disable this in the gimbal options, I think..

Durlano Posted at 5-12 05:03
I really like this kind of video and photo making, but for good videos or photos we need to go high! and with the mavic mini sensitivity to high winds makes me afraid to use it more like that!

Define "high". I've noticed the Mini is quite resilient to strong winds (relative to the small size and weight of the drone at least). But I've also found it'll throw the "strong wind" warning even with a slight breeze.

Yes, of course wind speeds at higher altitudes can be significant, which is why I'm still somewhat curious as to what you mean by "high".

Given the context of this thread (top-down aerial shots) and what others have posted about the camera, wind could force the drone to tilt to compensate causing the camera to no longer be tilted 90-degrees down. I think this might be more of an issue than the wind itself...

The change in it's pitch has to do with protecting the gimbal operating at such an extreme angle. There is no way to turn it off.

Durlano Posted at 5-12 05:03
I really like this kind of video and photo making, but for good videos or photos we need to go high! and with the mavic mini sensitivity to high winds makes me afraid to use it more like that!

I don't usually press my luck on windy days but when I do I limit altitude to ~150 ft. and manually fly upwind a little ways using sport mode before attempting any photography.  If the wind is so strong that you can't make any progress upwind in sport mode then it's time to call it quits.

deathsquad Posted at 5-12 14:14
The change in it's pitch has to do with protecting the gimbal operating at such an extreme angle. There is no way to turn it off.

Just curious: how is the gimbal in any danger? I can see how the drone tilting (to fly / stabilize) can throw it off, but you seem to suggest there's a more important reason.

Can you elaborate?