Today DJI, has unveiled its latest drone, the ultra compact DJI Neo. While your initial impression of the small drone may be that it is simply a small toy, the features and versaitile nature of the DJI Neo mean that it is far more and offers what could be seen as the greatest potential of any drone yet released.
Check out the full DJI NEO review here..
As it stands the DJI Neo is the company’s lightest drone to date, weighing in at just 135 grams. DJI have outlined that this ultra-portable drone has been designed for everyday use with it’s simple to use features making it perfect for vloggers and anyone looking to capture high-quality videos and photos easily.
While the DJI Neo isn’t the only palm-sized done that can be flown without a a remote control, it manages to pack in a surprising amount of additional features that make it stand out – and if you don’t like the though of a controller less drone then you can hook in the app to take direct control through your mobile phone or use one of DJI exsisting controllers.
However, what’s the fun in that and DJI has designed this drone so that you can launch and land it directly from the palm of your hand, this makes it incredibly easy to use. Essentially the Neo brings advanced drone technology to everyday scenarios, helping you to capture everything from family moments and get togethers with friends to more creative projects.
DJI NEO Specifications
Weight: 135g
Flight time: Up to 18 minutes
Camera: 4K UHD at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, 12MP still photos
Gimbal: Single-axis mechanical gimbal
Storage: 22GB internal storage
Control options: Palm launch, DJI Fly app, DJI RC-N3 remote controller, DJI Goggles 3, RC Motion 3, voice control
AI flight modes: Follow, Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, Helix, Boomerang
Stabilization: RockSteady, HorizonBalancing
Connectivity: USB Type-C, Wi-Fi
Audio recording: Compatible with DJI Mic 2, smartphone integration via DJI Fly app
Safety features: Propeller guards, automatic motor shut-off, infrared and monocular vision positioning system
Cutting-Edge Features for Creative Freedom
When it comes to features despite the small size the DJI Neo is actually impressively equipped. Behind the small camera mounted at the front is a 1/2-inch image sensor that captures stunning 12MP still photos and 4K Ultra HD video at 30 frames per second. As we have seen with other DJI cameras, such as the excellent DJI Action this small drone features DJI’s advanced stabilization algorithms, RockSteady as well as HorizonSteady that both help to ensuring smooth, high-quality footage even when doing acrobatics with the drone. The stability that these option offer makes the Neo an superb option for capturing a variety of activities, from cycling and skateboarding to hiking and family gatherings.
One of the standout features of the DJI Neo is its AI-powered subject tracking, which automatically follows the subject within the frame, this feature again follows on from many of DJI’s other devices such as the DJI OSMO pocket that can track you around a room, albetit here the drone will fly around the room keeping you in frame. This feature is ideal if you want to capture action shots without needing to manually control the drone’s movements. The Neo also offers six intelligent shooting modes known as QuickShots, including Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, Helix, and Boomerang. These modes enable you to create cinematic effects and dynamic videos with the press of a button and take no prior experience to skill or master.
Flexible Control Options
While the DJI Neo has been designed to operate without a traditional remote, it offers several control options for depending on how you want to use the drone. The first option is controller less, just using the dircet buttons on the drone, these modes use AI to track you adn hand guestures to take off and land. All video is automatically instigated as soon as the drone lifts off.
If you’re looking for something a little more hands on then the drone can be controlled using the DJI Fly app via a smartphone this provides virtual joysticks and will enables you a control range of up to 50 meters. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience then the Neo can be paired with DJI Goggles or RC Motion, enabling you to experience a first-person view (FPV) and perform aerobatic maneuvers, which will be good practice if youre thinking of trying out the superb DJI AVATA 2.
The drone is also compatible with the DJI RC-N3 remote controller, extending its maximum video transmission distance to 10 kilometers, giving you plenty of options and making the DJI Neo adaptable to various flying styles, from casual to more advanced piloting.
Durable Design for Safe Flight
There’s no getting away from the small size and design of the NEO that is bound to appeal to the mass market. Because of this DJI has been careful to create a drone that is as safe to use as possible. Infact safety and stability are at the forefront of the DJI Neo’s design. Unlike many other drones the DJI Neo includes full-coverage propeller guards, which protect you and bystanders during indoor and outdoor flights – this is actually a feature that is common with these palm sized drones so is great to see that DJI has also gone down this route.
While the drones camera features the excellent digital image stabalisation that we’ve seem seen with DJIs other products it also fetaures a single-axis mechanical gimbal that is supported by RockSteady and HorizonBalancing technologies, this not only helps to reduce image shake and maintaining horizon alignment but also enables you to manually adjust the vertical tilt of the camera with the App or controller as needed if it’s isn’t being flown in the full auto modes where the AI will take control of the tilt.
One other feature well worth a mention are the infrared and monocular vision positioning system that help to enable the Neo to hover precisely in place, so while it doesn’t have GPS it does have many similar impressive features that we usually assosiate with GPS enabled drones. The drone also supports automatic Return to Home (RTH), which is frankly an essential for any drone.
Convenient Features for Everyday Use
As the DJI Neo is designed to make content creation as easy as possible DJI has ensured that the entire production process reflects this ease of use. Inside is 22GB of internal storage which is enough to capture 40 minutes of 4K video or 55 minutes of 1080p video. This footage can easily be transferred to your smartphones via Wi-Fi, essentially removing the need for extra data cables and simplifying the editing process with the DJI Fly app – if you do want to transfer video and images to your computer than a direct USB Type-C cable can be used.
One of the big features that we’re looking forward to checking out is that the DJI Neo supports audio recording through a smartphone connection, with the option to use the DJI Mic 2. The app intelligently merges the audio with the video footage and reduces propeller noise, ensuring clear and professional-quality audio recordings.
DJI Neo Availability and Pricing
The DJI Neo is available for purchase from DJI’s online store and authorized retail partners. It is priced at £169 in the UK and €199 in Europe for the standard package. A Fly More Combo, which includes additional accessories such as extra batteries and a carrying case, is available for £299 in the UK and €349 in Europe.
The DJI Neo will make its public debut at the IFA 2024 in Berlin from 6th to 10th September, where visitors can experience its capabilities firsthand at DJI’s booth (Hall 17-110).
URL: www.dji.com/neo
Price: £169 (Standard), £299 (Fly More Combo)
Price in €: €199 (Standard), €349 (Fly More Combo)
Availability: Available now