DJI Neo is a new, affordable hands-free drone that captures every moment. See what it can do and how much it costs.
DJI has released its latest drone offering, the Neo, an ultralight, hands-free and affordable drone that still packs everything you need to capture the moment without compromise. It is the first drone of its kind to directly compete with Hover Air’s X1 Pro and X1 Pro Max.
DJI Neo as a novelty
Unlike previous versions of these “flying camera” products, DJI has ingeniously created a drone to compete. The DJI Neo is packed with features and capabilities that the X1 lacks; however, we’ll have to get our hands on them to see how they really compare.
“At DJI, we’re constantly studying everyday camera use so we can help people take videos and photos in the most comfortable way possible,” DJI Creative Director Ferdinand Wolf said in a statement.
What sets the DJI Neo apart from all the other products the company offers is that the Neo is designed from the ground up to be flown without a controller. For the most part, DJI expects those interested in this product to use nothing but their phone to capture, edit and publish what they create.
With a command via your phone, the drone’s side button, or your voice using the phrase “Hey Fly,” the drone can take off from your palm, perform its shot, and return. The drone is programmed to perform all six of the basic quick shots we’ve come to love: drone, circle, rocket, spotlight, helix, and boomerang.
You’ll also be able to tell DJI Neo to follow you, or just fly up and take a photo or video. If you need more precise control, you’ll be able to control the drone using joystick-like controls in the DJI Fly app.
However, as mentioned earlier, DJI doesn’t just make ‘flying cameras’, it also makes drones. Connecting the new RC-N3 controller to the Neo gives you full manual control over the drone, so you can fly it like any other quadcopter.
What’s more, DJI Neo is compatible with the full range of DJI third-generation FPV devices. By being able to do almost everything the Avata can do, the Neo has now become DJI’s cheapest FPV drone in its range.
Here are the specs for those who care:
- 135g
- 1/2 inch image sensor
- 12 MP photo
- Video up to 4K/30 fps
- 22 GB of internal memory
- Flight time 18 minutes
- Compatible with DJI Mic 2
- Level 4 wind resistance
- Automatic return home
Yes, you read that right, 22 GB of internal memory. Something that will likely be controversial about the DJI Neo will be its lack of SD card support. That being said, DJI expects you to take video or photos, transfer them to your phone, edit them, and post them.
DJI Neo can be purchased at DJI website or in Czech stores for an amount starting at 5,500 CZK. In the case of the Fly More Combo version, it also includes a controller and two additional batteries for 9,500 CZK.
Both packages include:
- Propeller protectors
- Spare propeller
- Cable type USB-C
- Screwdriver
- Propeller screws
The DJI Neo is now the company’s cheapest drone, surpassing even the Mini 3. It’s perfect for first-time pilots or those who just want to have fun with their drone without worrying about paying a hefty price if it crashes.
