Solo content creators and hobbyists- this one's for you: did you ever think you’d be able to get a 4K drone with AI-powered flying for under $200? DJI has just launched the ultra-affordable DJI Neo, and they haven’t skimped on features.
The DJI Neo is a compact, beginner-friendly drone that offers impressive features for its size and price. Weighing just 135g (about half DJI’s next smallest drone), it's extremely portable. It can shoot 4K video at 30fps and capture 12MP photos. The Neo can be launched and land on the palm of your hand. And, because of how small it is, you don’t need FAA registration to fly it.
Its standout feature is its multiple control options, including the ability to fly without a controller by using voice commands or the DJI Fly app. It includes six pre-programmed flight modes such as Follow, Circle, and Rocket, which are useful for getting dynamic shots without needing to manually pilot the drone. If you've flown a drone, you've learned that pre-programmed flight paths can be much smoother than manual operation. There are also many editing tools built into the DJI Fly app if you don’t already have a video editing workflow.
Content creators- if you aren't sold already, the AI subject tracking is going to eliminate your need to ever hire a shooter or hand your phone to someone again. If you want to follow a subject (or yourself), AI subject tracking takes care of your framing for you, and audio can be recorded wirelessly via the DJI Fly app using the DJI Mic 2 or your phone as an audio source.
AI Subject TrackingThe Neo uses a .5” sensor with a 14mm-equivalent lens with a f/2.8 aperture. There is 22GB of built-in storage, so you never have to worry about if media is loaded before taking off. An RC-N3 controller or the DJI Goggles can be used for additional flight control, but have to be purchased separately.
Record synced audio with your phone or the DJI Mic 2The Neo has a flight time of around 18 minutes per battery, with a top speed of 16 m/s. It’s ideal for close-range shots and personal vlogging, as well as landscapes or cityscapes. However, it doesn’t include obstacle avoidance, so flying within a line of sight is important.
This drone packs a ton of features into its $200 price point, but it is lacking some higher end specs creators may be looking for. There is no raw recording of either photos or videos, nor are there manual camera controls. Unlike the newest DJI Minis, the camera cannot rotate 90º for vertical video, so cropping needs to be done while editing. The built in storage is finite, so users should get in the habit of downloading and backing up footage as soon as possible after it’s shot. Because of its light weight, the Neo is going to struggle in windier conditions (though initially reports suggest it punches above its weight when it comes to stability). And to get such a small form factor, the batter life is only approximately half of other drones.
The Neo is particularly suited for beginners or those who want a simple, hassle-free way to capture high-quality footage. For content creators on the move who want synced audio, this is the perfect solution. For those who have been looking for the easiest possible way to incorporate drone footage into their content, this price point is too good to pass up. The DJI Neo is available for pre-order now (B&H), with an estimated shipping date of October 8th.
All images: Copyright DJI
