DJI Mini 3 Pro at Night: Capturing Ecuador’s Most Dangerous Waterfall in ATTI Mode
By Rafael Suárez on May 10, 2025
Hello fellow drone enthusiasts! A while ago, I embarked on a journey to El Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron), which is renowned as one of the most stunning waterfalls in Ecuador. Initially, I was there to take real estate photographs in the city of Baños, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity to conduct a night flight at this breathtaking waterfall.
A Night Flight Over the Cauldron
Equipped with my reliable DJI Mini 3 Pro, I took to the skies. You might wonder, “Can a Mini drone be suitable for nighttime shooting?” Absolutely! These compact yet powerful drones can yield impressive results if you leverage their strengths and address their limitations creatively.
Handling a drone over waterfalls poses unique challenges due to wind currents that can easily lift your drone toward rocky edges, risking a destructive crash. I’ve witnessed this happen before, and trust me, seeing your drone plummet into the dark abyss of a raging waterfall is a memory best avoided!
Facing the Challenge of ATTI Mode
I took special care to gauge the height of both the trees and the waterfall to ensure I didn’t fly too low while still obtaining stunning images. After attempting to synchronize with enough GPS satellites for a safe flight, my drone unfortunately was unable to lock onto a signal, forcing me to operate in ATTI mode!
Have you ever flown in ATTI mode during nighttime? It’s akin to navigating a blindfolded maze! With no GPS help, any slight deviation or movements are sheerly your responsibility. Your control of the drone becomes critical, and every second feels stretched thanks to heightened awareness.
Recording Techniques to Surmount the Height
Given the Mini’s smaller sensor size and my preference against pushing the ISO levels too much, I recorded at 24 FPS in 4K. This approach allows for ample data for post-processing in DaVinci Resolve without excessive noise. Remember, it’s preferable to capture a slightly dark image you can brighten later than to end up with a noisy shot that’s beyond repair!
A small drone often means navigating unpredictable wind patterns, especially in areas with magnetic interference and unreliable GPS. During such circumstances, aim to record in 4K for editing down to 1080p, and always use common sense—avoid flying too low.
I’ve learned through my experiences that patience is vital during these tricky experiences. Plan your movements thoughtfully, take your time, and always have an exit strategy. Night flying can distort your depth perception, where what seems like plenty of clearance might actually be perilously close.
Composing your shots is equally crucial. Static footage of a waterfall lacks the allure of dynamic shots. Consider approaching while subtly rotating the drone or adjusting the gimbal angle. This storytelling style captivates viewers and makes every shot feel like a new discovery.
Avoiding Overexposure
Getting impressive footage of a waterfall under night lights is possible, but you must be cautious to avoid blown-out highlights that might be unrecoverable. When faced with such situations, consider recording in Log or set your exposure slightly lower.
Conducting several test flights before the main shoot is immensely helpful for grasping the wind patterns and spotting potential hazards. Additionally, always identify your home point using a visible marker, like a small LED, for easier navigation back through the night.
This experience exemplifies that remarkable video can be achieved with budget-friendly gear. You don’t necessarily need a Mavic 3 or Inspire; instead, vision, creativity, and the boldness to innovate are what matter!
Moreover, stay vigilant for any other drone operators in the vicinity. A collision during nighttime over a waterfall would undoubtedly be tragic.
Finding Inner Peace
Visiting waterfalls is often a serene experience, significantly impacting our mental well-being. The blend of rushing water, mist, and the thrill of capturing unique perspectives is truly magical. These challenging shoots recharge my creative batteries like nothing else.
Don’t forget to carry dehumidifier bags to protect your gear after flying in humid or dewy conditions. The camera components are particularly fragile, and condensation can lead to blurry, indistinct shots—a lesson I learned the hard way, dealing with foggy lenses for days!
Above all, enjoy the process. Being the first person to capture nighttime aerial footage over this waterfall was a tremendous honor and joy. Being a pioneer carries its weight but also brings incredible satisfaction, knowing you’re crafting something truly unique.
Was I Scared? Absolutely!
Yet, that same desire to explore, innovate, and share what I see through my drone compels me to move forward despite my fears. Isn’t this the essence of creativity? Pushing boundaries, unlocking new potential, and sharing wonderful moments with the world?
Have you flown over any exciting waterfalls? I would love to hear your tips—drop a comment below and let’s learn from each other!
