DJI has launched its latest and lightest drone. The new palm-sized DJI Neo is aimed at content creators and doesn’t need a remote control. It takes off from and lands in the palm of your hand.
Compact and lightweight
The DJI Neo is the company’s lightest and most compact drone to date. It weighs only 4.76 ounces (135 grams) and measures 5.3 inches (135 millimeters) by 6.2 inches (157 millimeters) by 1.9 inches (48.5 millimeters). The Neo’s lightweight design also means you don’t need to worry about FAA registration.
Camera
The camera on the DJI Neo has a ½-inch image sensor. Its lens has a field of view of 117.6 degrees, which equates to a focal length of 14 millimeters. The aperture is f/2.8, and it has a close focus distance of around 2 feet (0.6 meters). In addition, the camera has an ISO range from 100 to 6,400.
4K video
The DJI Neo can shoot 4K video at 30 fps or in 1080p at 30, 50, or 60 fps. With the electronic image stabilization off, the drone records 4:3 aspect ratio video, or 16:9 with the stabilization switched on. Video files are saved in MP4 format with a maximum bitrate of 75 Mbps. In addition, with 22 GB of internal storage, the Neo can save up to 40 minutes of 4K/30 fps video or 55 minutes of 1080p/60 fps video. You can also capture 12 MP still photos in the JPEG format.
Image stabilization
The DJI Neo camera features a single-axis mechanical gimbal. DJI says this is capable of handling high-speed flights with lots of maneuvers. The drone can also cope with up to Level-4 wind conditions. In addition, the Neo incorporates DJI’s RockSteady and HorizonBalancing stabilization for smooth video. However, when using the drone without a remote controller, only HorizonBalancing is available.
No remote control needed
The DJI Neo’s biggest selling point is that you don’t need a remote control to use it. You simply hold the drone on your outstretched palm and press the mode button to select the shooting mode you want. The Neo registers your image and runs an audible countdown before automatically taking off. Once in the air, the Neo performs the flight you selected before returning to a static hover. You then place your hand underneath the drone to make it land and automatically switch itself off.
Flight options
Once the DJI Neo registers your image, it uses AI subject tracking to follow you while flying one of six intelligent flight modes. These are:
Dronie: The drone flies backward and ascends, with the camera locked on the subject, and records a video.
Circle: The drone circles around the subject.
Rocket: The drone ascends with the camera pointing downward.
Spotlight: The drone rotates while keeping the object of interest within the frame.
Helix: The drone ascends and spirals around the subject.
Boomerang: The drone flies around the subject in an oval path, ascending as it flies away from its starting point and descending as it flies back. The aircraft’s starting point forms one end of the oval’s long axis, while the other end is at the subject’s opposite side from the starting point.
Using a remote control
Although the DJI Neo can fly from your palm automatically, you can also control it remotely via a range of options. For simple maneuvers, you can use the DJI Fly smartphone app and voice control. You can also use DJI’s RC-N3 controllers for traditional stick control and a video transmission distance of over 6 miles (10 kilometers). In addition, the Neo can be paired with DJI Goggles 3, RC Motion 3, or FPV Remote Controller 3 for an immersive flight experience.
Other features
The DJI Neo has a battery life of up to 18 minutes of flight time. It also features full-coverage propeller guards to ensure a safe flight experience indoors or outside. In addition, when connected to the DJI Fly app, you can record audio to the drone with the DJI Mic 2 or with your smartphone’s mic. One issue to be aware of is that the DJI Neo doesn’t support any form of obstacle avoidance. You, therefore, need to fly in an open area and be aware of hazards.
What we think
The DJI Neo looks like a lot of fun. It’s so small you can slip it into your pocket, and it’s ready to fly in seconds. Content creators can now add spectacular aerial shots to their videos without needing to learn to fly a drone. In addition, if you already have a DJI remote controller, you can access more advanced features and flight modes. The only real competitor to the Neo is HoverAir’s X1 Pro. However, at such a bargain price, the DJI Neo is sure to be flying off the shelves.
Pricing and availability
The DJI Neo is available now and retails for $199. It comes with an intelligent flight battery, a pair of propeller guards, two spare propellers, a gimbal protector, and a USB-C cable.
