I don't have tons of flying experience, but I found flights modes are not that intuitive when one tries to put them in practical use.
So I went to a park, and spend some time trying to use them different way and relate to footage seen. To narrow down from "unlimited possibilities" to simply "follow me"

I made a google document for anyone to comment and add suggest edits. So far it is simple as that:

Active Tracking

Typical use:

(1) Mavic is circling around the subject automatically at constant speed.

        (2) Mavic is tracking the subject and circling manually

        Controls working: Some yaw and some camera tilt to frame the subject. Mavic keeps the subject tracked keeping the frame set.

        Roll - circles the subject, resumes automatic circling after letting go.

        Notes: different from profile - if controls left alone, Mavic would trail the subject, keep the distance but fall trailing behind

Profile:

Typical use:

(1) Mavic is tracking moving subject from behind, ahead or a side.

(2) Mavic is circling the subject manually exactly as with Active tracking.

        Controls working: same as active tracking

        Notes: (1) When pitching (close up fall back), Mavic stops from moving with the subject. It still tracks the subject, only by rotating. (If you have Mavic on your side while moving, and start to close up/fall back, it will start trailing behind you while still keeping you framed.)

        (2) Speed Priority slider -WTF is that?

Spotlight:

        Typical use:

(1) Keep Mavic stationary while moving around it

(2) Fly in straight line single direction, while the subject is moving around while travelling same direction

Controls working: Yaw/Tilt same as active tracking

Pitch/Roll: Full control as in course lock mode

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G5WfW_Q6mDo6HTZz-0TreMeAj3GC82TjGUQoMJUbC9M/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks for your work!

Here's another one to play with - Tripod mode.  While the manual touts it for "dumbing down" the controls to give nice slow moves while shooting videos, another fellow posted that he uses it when flying in really tight places.  Because it limits sudden moves, it's good for manuevering around things that are close to your quad.   I agree - you can use it when flying low among obstacles.  Hope you get a chance to practice with that one.

StanfordWebbie Posted at 2017-9-18 16:22
Here's another one to play with - Tripod mode.  While the manual touts it for "dumbing down" the controls to give nice slow moves while shooting videos, another fellow posted that he uses it when flying in really tight places.  Because it limits sudden moves, it's good for manuevering around things that are close to your quad.   I agree - you can use it when flying low among obstacles.  Hope you get a chance to practice with that one.

I have seen some great tripod footage indeed here!