If you're anything like me, you probably love few things more than capturing stunning aerial footage with your DJI drone.
But let's be real, even the most amazing raw footage can use a little editing before it's ready to share with the world. That's where mobile DJI editing apps come in, there are many apps out there that offer almost the same functionality as desktop software.
In this article, I’ll go over the top 5 mobile DJI video editing apps of 2023 that will take your footage from "meh" to "wow!" – let’s dive in!
First things first, let's talk about why you need to get good at one of the apps I’ll list below.
DJI is known for producing top-notch drones, but even the best cameras need a little help to produce truly stunning videos. That's where editing apps come in – they’ll allow you to easily edit and enhance your DJI footage on the go, without the need for a computer or any expensive software.
DJI offers a wide range of mobile applications designed to work in conjunction with their drones and other products. These apps provide advanced features for capturing and editing aerial footage, as well as managing and controlling your DJI devices. When you capture a video using a DJI app, it will be automatically saved to your phone's camera roll or gallery, depending on your phone's settings, making it easy to access and share your videos directly from your phone without having to transfer them from the app.
In addition to the official DJI apps, there are also many alternative apps that offer advanced features for capturing unique aerial footage. These third-party apps can provide additional creative options for your aerial photography and videography, such as automated flight paths, custom camera settings, and more. One of my favourite third-party apps include Litchi that offers advanced features such as waypoint navigation and 360-degree video recording and can save the videos directly to your phone's camera roll or gallery for easy access.
LumaFusion is a powerhouse of a video editing app and is loved by many DJI pilots.
It's packed with features like multi-track editing, audio mixing, and color grading that make it perfect for professionals too. But don't let that intimidate you – it's also super user-friendly, so even beginners can create amazing videos. Plus, it supports a variety of file formats and resolutions, so you can work with footage from all sorts of sources.
It’s available on both iOS & Android devices.
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Filmic Pro is another video editing app that works great for DJI drones.
It’s been getting a lot of bad rep online lately because of some issues on iOS as well as in-app-purchases (something you wouldn’t expect in a paid app), but it’s still a great editing app nonetheless.
It boasts a user-friendly interface and a ton of advanced features like adjustable frame rates and manual focus control. Plus, it has a variety of built-in filters and effects, and it even supports external microphones and other accessories. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Filmic Pro has something to offer.
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Chances are you’ve already heard of KineMaster. It’s a really popular choice for drone hobbyists thanks to its robust feature set and intuitive interface. It offers multi-track audio, Chroma key support, and a range of visual and audio effects.
Plus, it has a variety of built-in templates and design tools to help you create professional-looking videos with ease. While it’s great for beginners and professionals alike, I’d say it’s a little more geared towards beginners.
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This may be my personal favorite. We all know Adobe, and we all know the quality we can expect from their apps.
Adobe Premiere Rush has a simple interface and offers a range of features like motion graphics, audio editing, and color grading. Plus, it integrates with other Adobe products, so it's a great choice for those who already use Adobe software. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Adobe Premiere Rush has something to offer.
Below is a video of how you can use it to edit raw DJI Mavic Pro footage:
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A versatile video editing app that’s somewhat popular among DJI users due to its wide range of features and ease of use. It offers a variety of video and audio effects, as well as the ability to trim, cut, and combine video clips – which to be honest is all you need most of the time.
It also has a variety of built-in templates and design tools to help you create professional-looking videos with ease. Plus, it's super affordable, making it a great choice for beginners or those on a budget.
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So how do these 5 apps compare? And which of them should you end up getting…
In terms of features alone, LumaFusion and Filmic Pro both offer a ton of advanced options for professionals, like multi-track editing and manual focus control. They’re perfect for professional videographers who prefer to work from tablets.
KineMaster and Adobe Premiere Rush also offer a good selection of features, like visual and audio effects and motion graphics. InShot is a little more limited in terms of advanced features, but it still has a good selection of basic video and audio editing tools.
When it comes to user experience, all of these apps have relatively user-friendly interfaces, making them easy to use for beginners.
Of course, LumaFusion and Filmic Pro may have a slight edge in this regard, as they are specifically designed with a user-friendly interface in mind.
In terms of pricing, InShot is the most affordable option, followed by KineMaster and Adobe Premiere Rush. LumaFusion and Filmic Pro are the most expensive options, but they also offer the most advanced features.
So, which is the best DJI video editing app for 2023? It really depends on your specific needs and budget.
If you're a beginner looking for an affordable option with a good selection of basic features, InShot is a great choice. If you're a pro looking for advanced features and a user-friendly interface, LumaFusion or Filmic Pro might be the way to go.
KineMaster and Adobe Premiere Rush offer a good balance of features and affordability, making them a great choice for those in the middle.
A good idea is to read reviews and ask for recommendations from other DJI users to get a better idea of which app is the best fit for your needs.
In conclusion, no matter what app you get, you will still need to know your way around video editing.
Each of the apps I listed offers a unique set of features and capabilities, so the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
