Drone Glossary: A Complete Beginner-Friendly Guide to Drone Terms

Drones come with their own vocabulary—gimbals, ESCs, flight modes, LiPo cells, and more. For beginners, the terminology can feel overwhelming. This glossary breaks down essential drone terms using simple explanations and examples from modern drones like the DJI Mini 4 Pro, DJI Air 3, DJI Avata 2, Autel Nano+, and BetaFPV FPV kits.

A

Accelerometer

A sensor that measures acceleration and movement. Works with the gyroscope to stabilize the drone.

ActiveTrack

DJI's subject-tracking system automatically follows a person or object. Found on drones like the DJI Air 3 and Mini 4 Pro.

Acro Mode

A full-manual FPV flight mode with no auto-leveling. Used for freestyle and racing. Featured in FPV drones like BetaFPV Cetus Pro and DJI FPV (Manual Mode).

Aerial Photography

Capturing photos and videos from above using a drone.

Altitude Hold

A feature that allows the drone to maintain a steady height automatically.

ATTI Mode (Attitude Mode)

Mode where GPS is disabled. The drone will drift with the wind but still level itself. Used for troubleshooting or cinematic shots.

B

Barometer

A sensor that measures air pressure to maintain a stable altitude.

Battery Cycle

One full charge and discharge of a battery. Most LiPo batteries last 150–300 cycles.

BetaFPV

A popular brand for beginner FPV drones and training kits.

Bind/Bonding

The process of pairing a drone with its controller or goggles.

Brushless Motor

Efficient, powerful motors are found in nearly all modern drones. Offer longer life and better performance.

Brushed Motor

Cheaper motors are used in toy drones. Lower performance and shorter lifespan.

C

Camera Sensor Size

Bigger sensors capture more light, improving image quality. Examples:

• DJI Mini 4 Pro – 1/1.3"
• DJI Mavic 3 – 4/3" Micro Four Thirds

 

Cetus

A beginner FPV drone kit system by BetaFPV.

Cinematic Mode

A flight mode producing slow, smooth movements ideal for filming.

Compass Calibration

Recalibrating the drone's compass to ensure proper navigation and stability.

Controller (RC)

The handheld device used to operate your drone.

D

D-Cinelike / D-Log

Flat video color profiles used for better post-production color grading. Found on drones like the DJI Air 3 and Mini 4 Pro.

DJI

The world's leading drone manufacturer, known for Mini, Air, Mavic, FPV, and Avata drones.

Dual-Camera System

A setup with multiple lenses such as wide and telephoto. Used on the DJI Air 3.

E

EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization)

Software-based stabilization. Less smooth than a physical gimbal.

ESC (Electronic Speed Controller)

An electronic component that controls motor speeds to maintain stability.

Evo Lite+

A well-regarded drone by Autel Robotics with strong low-light camera performance.

F

Field of View (FOV)

The width of the camera's view. Wider FOV shows more of the scene.

Firmware

The software running on the drone and controller. Updates can improve performance and add features.

Flight Time

The amount of time a drone can stay airborne per battery. Examples:

• Mini 4 Pro: ~34 minutes
• Air 3: ~46 minutes

 

FPV (First-Person View)

Flying using goggles that show the drone's live camera feed. Popular in racing and freestyle.

Follow Me

A smart mode where the drone tracks and follows a person automatically.

G

Gimbal

A mechanical stabilization system that keeps the camera level and steady during flight.

GPS Mode

Stabilizes the drone's position using satellites for precise hovering.

Geofencing

Prevents drones from taking off or flying in restricted areas.

H

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Improves exposure balance so bright skies and dark areas look more natural.

Home Point

The location to which the drone returns during RTH.

Hovering

Ability to stay in one place without drifting.

I

Image Transmission

Technology that sends live video from the drone to your controller or goggles. Examples: DJI O4, Autel SkyLink.

IMU

Inertial Measurement Unit combining gyroscope, accelerometer, and other sensors.

J

Jello Effect

A wobbly video distortion caused by vibration or low-quality cameras.

K

Kp Index

A geomagnetic activity measurement. High Kp levels can affect GPS accuracy. Stay below 5 when flying.

L

LiPo Battery

The powerful but sensitive lithium polymer battery type used in most drones.

Line of Sight (LOS)

A rule requiring you to keep the drone visible at all times.

M

Manual Mode (FPV)

A full-manual, acrobatic flight mode used by advanced FPV pilots. Found on DJI FPV and Avata systems.

Mavic Series

DJI's high-performance drones aimed at filmmakers and professionals.

Mini Series

DJI's compact drone line under 250g, including the Mini 2 SE, Mini 3, and Mini 4 Pro.

N

ND Filters

Neutral density filters that reduce light, allowing cinematic shutter speeds.

No-Fly Zone

Restricted areas where drones cannot be flown.

O

Obstacle Avoidance

Sensors that detect and avoid collisions. Found in drones like the DJI Mini 4 Pro and Air 3.

OcuSync / O4

DJI's digital video transmission system enabling long-range, low-latency video.

P

Propeller Guards

Attachable guards that protect propellers and walls. Useful for beginners.

Point of Interest (POI)

An intelligent flight mode where the drone circles a subject smoothly.

Q

QuickShots

Preset cinematic movements such as Dronie, Rocket, and Helix. Popular on the DJI Mini and Air series.

R

Return to Home (RTH)

A safety function that automatically flies the drone back to the Home Point if needed.

Roll, Pitch, Yaw

The three principal drone movements controlled by the user.

RTF (Ready to Fly)

A drone kit that includes everything needed to begin flying out of the box.

S

Stabilization

The methods used to keep video smooth, including gimbals and EIS.

Spotlight Mode

Keeps the camera focused on a subject without fully following it. Found on DJI Mini 4 Pro.

Sub-250g Drone

Drones under 250 grams often require fewer regulations and are easier for beginners.

T

Telemetry

Data sent from the drone including altitude, speed, battery, and position.

Tracking Modes

Automatic modes that track people or objects while flying.

U

Ultrasonic Sensors

Sensors that help the drone maintain altitude when flying low.

V

VPS (Vision Positioning System)

Downward-facing sensors that improve hover accuracy indoors or at low altitudes.

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

A regulation requiring pilots to maintain visual contact with the drone.

W

Waypoints

Pre-set flight paths that allow autonomous missions. Supported in the DJI Mini 4 Pro, Air 3, and Mavic series.

Wind Resistance Level

A rating for how well the drone can handle strong winds.

X

xZoom / Hybrid Zoom

Cameras that use digital and optical zoom for distant subjects.

Y

Yaw

The rotation of the drone left or right around its center axis.

Z

Zenmuse

DJI's line of high-end gimbals and cameras used in professional applications.

This glossary will help you understand essential drone terminology, whether you're buying your first drone, learning to fly, or exploring advanced features like FPV or waypoint missions.