Course Lock
Also known as: course lock mode, direction lock
A drone mode that locks the flight direction so the drone keeps moving along a straight line while you rotate the camera freely, for smooth tracking passes.
Updated
What it means
Course Lock fixes the heading the drone flies along, regardless of where the camera points. You set a direction, and pushing the stick forward always moves the drone along that line, even if you rotate the camera to the side or behind. It separates flight path from camera aim, a bit like a camera car on rails.
It appears on several DJI drones, sometimes as a flight mode and sometimes inside hyperlapse options. The result is perfectly straight passes along a road, a beach or a ridge while the camera pans across the scene.
It is useful for both video and time-lapses, where consistent movement matters.
How it works in practice
Line up the drone along the path you want, such as a coastline or a straight road, activate Course Lock, then fly forward while slowly yawing the camera toward the subject. The drone keeps its line while the view turns, which looks like a professional tracking shot.
It suits side-on tracking shots of a car, a cyclist or a runner, and slow lateral moves past a landmark. Combine it with Cine mode for smooth speed.
For hyperlapses, Course Lock keeps the drone moving in a straight line between frames, creating a smooth, purposeful sequence.
What to watch out for
With the camera pointing sideways, you may not see obstacles in the flight path. Check the path visually before starting, and keep in mind that obstacle sensors may not cover every direction.
Wind can push the drone off its line, especially in lateral gusts. In strong wind, the result may drift or wobble.
Forgetting that Course Lock is active can be confusing: the drone no longer flies where the camera points. Exit the mode after the shot, and confirm the active mode on screen before maneuvering near obstacles or people, and watch the drone directly when the camera looks away from its path.
How RawClip handles it
Straight, smooth aerial passes make clean transitions in an edit. Upload your Course Lock clips with your riding footage, and RawClip uses the best moments from both for one highlight.