DJI is going even smaller this time with the DJI Neo, a pint-sized drone that can take off from the palm of your hand. Weighing in at only 135 grams, the Neo is a small quadcopter primarily aimed at capturing selfies and cool images from tighter vantage points. It has the ability to soar fairly high at a maximum altitude of 2,000 metres and features different modes for real cinematic effect.
What you get with the DJI Neo
In a sense, the Neo is kind of like a miniaturized Avata 2. It’s the smallest DJI drone to date, measuring 15.7 x 4.85 x 13 centimetres (width/height/depth), and so light that you can fly it without registering it. It can record 4K footage at 30fps, which is a major plus for something this size. Additionally, you can start recording by pressing a button on the drone itself rather than doing it solely through the DJI Fly app.
You can pilot the Neo through the included controller or the app on your iOS or Android phone or tablet. That’s assuming you get the Fly More Combo, which includes the controller and two-way charging hub, whereas the standard package doesn’t.
What’s neat is you can takeoff and land it on the palm of your hand. With safety guards all around for the propellors, the Neo has protection in case it comes into contact with anything. It just doesn’t have obstacle avoidance sensors to steer clear of obstructions in its path, so you have to be mindful of where you’re flying. Modes like Selfie, Orbit, and Auto-Follow all work here. You also get Rocket, Dronie, Circle, Helix, and Boomerang automated focus tracking for real cinematic effect. AI Subject Tracking will stay focused on you or another person, while QuickShots gives you some creative angles to try out.
But with a top speed of 57 km/h, you may want to watch out for anything that might get in the way. Its smaller size makes it harder to see in certain conditions, which matters when you also consider its max 7,000-metre range (with the controller). The Neo is also compatible with the RC Motion and DJI Goggles for other piloting options.
Other features and battery life
You can capture footage with electronic image stabilization or without, though it changes the aspect ratio. Leave it off and footage appears in 4:3; turn it on and it’s 16:9. While 4K recording limits you to 30fps, you can record in 1080p at 30, 50 or 60fps. The same is true when taking 12-megapixel still photos.
Battery life is going to be modest at the best of times, going no longer than 17 minutes. You can swap out the 1,435mAh battery if you have extras, thereby increasing overall flight time. DJI also includes spare propellers and guard with a repair kit when you need to change them out.
The DJI Neo is available today at Best Buy
Ready to soar to new heights? The DJI Neo is available today at Best Buy as standalone drone or the Fly More Combo pack. For more information on DJI and other drones, check out the latest ones available now.
