Point of Interest (POI)
Also known as: POI, Point of Interest mode, circle mode
An automated drone mode that flies a smooth circle around a chosen subject at a set radius, height and speed, keeping the camera pointed at it.
Updated
What it means
In Point of Interest mode, you mark a subject, such as a building, a rock formation or a person standing still, and the drone orbits around it automatically. You set the radius, altitude, speed and direction, and the drone keeps the camera aimed at the center throughout the flight.
It produces the classic orbit shot without the difficult manual coordination of three stick inputs at once. DJI drones have offered POI for years, and newer versions combine it with subject recognition so the subject can move a little.
Similar circling moves are part of QuickShots like Circle, though POI gives more control over the parameters.
How it works in practice
Pick a subject with clear space around it and no obstacles along the circle. Start with a large radius and slow speed for a calm, cinematic orbit, then experiment with tighter, faster circles for drama. Changing altitude slowly during the orbit adds a spiraling effect.
Use POI for lighthouses, mountain huts, a campsite, a summit with a person standing on it or a parked vehicle. It works well as an establishing shot or a dramatic ending.
Combine it with exposure lock, since the sun position changes as the drone circles and auto exposure can pump.
What to watch out for
Trees, poles and buildings on the circle path are the main danger. Obstacle avoidance may not cover sideways movement on every model. Walk or scout the path before starting.
Wind affects the drone differently around the circle, causing speed changes and small wobbles. Choose calm conditions for the smoothest result, or increase the radius so wind matters less.
A badly marked center makes the subject drift off-center during the orbit. Mark the subject precisely and check the framing in the first seconds of the flight. Stopping and restarting is better than wasting a battery on a crooked circle.
How RawClip handles it
Orbit clips around a summit or landmark make strong moments in a travel highlight. Upload them with your ground footage, and RawClip picks the best parts of each flight for one highlight.