DJI Flip’s Dolly Zoom: A Cinematic Game-Changer for Creators

The dolly zoom is pure cinematic magic. First popularized by Alfred Hitchcock in 1958’s Vertigo, this technique creates a disorienting, perspective-warping effect by zooming in while dollying out (or vice versa), keeping the subject steady while the background stretches or compresses.

The Dolly Zoom: Hitchcock’s Legacy Takes Flight

I still remember watching the famous stairwell scene in Vertigo and feeling my stomach lurch as the world seemed to shift. Hitchcock, with help from cameraman Irmin Roberts, cracked this technique to evoke a sense of unease, and it’s been a staple in films ever since.

As a filmmaker, pulling off a dolly zoom on the ground is HARD—coordinating camera movement and zoom while keeping the subject in focus takes serious skill and gear. In the air? That’s a whole other beast.

I’ve admired how DJI made this effect accessible with the Mavic 2 Zoom, but seeing it now on the DJI Flip—a cheap $439, palm-sized drone—feels like a gift to creators like me who want Hollywood-grade shots without a Hollywood budget.

A Surprise Update That Elevates the Flip

When I got the DJI Flip to test it, I was already impressed by its portability (under 249 grams, no registration needed in many regions!) and ease of use. The palm takeoff and landing feature, paired with the DJI Fly App‘s intuitive controls, made it my go-to for quick shoots, besides the best of it was flying manually and find out how well this little bird flies.

But the latest Firmware Update (v01.00.13.00) has taken it to another level. When you update the drone via the DJI Fly app (v1.17.1) you will see the dolly zoom added to the Smart Snaps feature.

Seeing some tests, the Flip executed a flawless dolly zoom—zooming out while flying toward a subject: a shot that looked straight out of a blockbuster, all from a drone we can toss in our backpacks.

The fact that DJI added this feature post-launch via a free software update shows how committed they are to keeping creators inspired. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s a tool that opens up new storytelling possibilities.

Why This Matters for Drone Filmmakers

Beyond the dolly zoom, the update fine-tunes the Flip’s 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor for better skin tone accuracy in both 12MP photos and 4K video (up to 30fps). Now portraits shot in golden-hour light will look warmer and more lifelike, with no post-processing needed. The Flip’s three-axis gimbal and AI-powered subject tracking already made it a dream for dynamic shots, but these enhancements make it even more versatile.

As a drone pilot, I love how the Flip’s foldable design and integrated propeller guards let me shoot confidently indoors or out. The dolly zoom adds a layer of creative control that’s rare for a drone this compact.
Whether I’m crafting a dramatic reveal for a short film or capturing a vlog with a cinematic twist, this feature will let Flip owners stand out. With potential supply constraints looming, I’d urge any creator to grab a Flip and update it now. This drone, with its new dolly zoom superpower, is proof that big cinematic moments can come from small packages.

What software update would come next from DJI? Maybe something neo-related? We are on the lookout behind three new drones and one action camera!