How fast is too fast?

Blur (px) = speed (m/s) × exposure (s) ÷ GSD (m/px)

GSD is estimated from DJI’s published diagonal field of view and photo dimensions: GSD = 2 × distance × tan(FOV ÷ 2) ÷ image diagonal in pixels. Lower-resolution modes use half the full-resolution width and height. Published field-of-view values are rounded, so these are estimates.

Additional Air 2S, Air 3, Air 3S, Mavic 2 Pro and Mini 3-series presets use sensor width, focal length and image dimensions from Pixpro Photogrammetry Calculator 1.3: GSD = distance × sensor width ÷ (focal length × image width). These are workbook estimates. Published DJI FOV presets take precedence where available, and the two methods can differ. The Mavic 4 Pro keeps the FOV method to match the article table. The workbook maximum-speed examples allow 1 px; this app defaults to the article’s stricter 0.5 px.

This model assumes a static, flat subject facing the camera, with motion parallel to its surface and no camera rotation. Use distance to that surface, not altitude above takeoff. For nadir flights, use height above the local ground. Oblique scenes, changing depth and point-of-interest orbits have different image motion; orbit rotation can cancel motion at the tracked center but not across the whole scene.

Any nonzero motion produces some theoretical blur. “Within limit” only means the calculated smear meets your chosen pixel tolerance. Wind, vibration, rolling-shutter distortion, focus, lens softness and ISO noise are not included. A zero-speed estimate does not guarantee a sharp hovering exposure.

Presets use the main wide camera, uncropped landscape stills and no digital zoom. The shutter slider covers 1/30–1/8000 s; check your chosen camera mode’s supported settings. Maximum speed is an optical threshold, not an aircraft or flight-safety limit.

Based on Shutter Speed, ISO and Motion Blur in Drone Photogrammetry. The default 0.5 px tolerance comes from the article.