DJI Neo: New compact drone for vloggers and mobile content creators

DJI has launched its latest and most compact drone ever: the DJI Neo. Weighing just 135 grams, the DJI Neo is aimed at vloggers, travelers, and anyone who loves capturing special moments, both indoors and outdoors. Notably, the drone can be controlled in multiple ways: with a regular controller, with just a smartphone, with an FPV controller, or with voice commands.

Innovative features in a small size

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DJI plays with the Neo (from € 199,- at Chamberlain) to the growing demand for very compact and lightweight drones with great ease of use. With the Neo, it is even possible for the first time to operate the drone without a controller or smartphone: it is possible to easily let the drone take off and land from your hand, without the need for a remote control. DJI calls this Palm Takeoff.

The design of the DJI Neo is reminiscent of the TinyWhoop micro FPV drones. These are often used for indoor drone flights due to their maneuverability and small size, but outdoor flying is also possible. The propellers are fully shielded, which allows safe use of the drone near people. The very low weight of the drone is remarkable: 135 grams, including battery. To save weight, DJI has not added a mechanical gimbal or sensors for obstacle detection.

Once in the air, the drone can optionally use advanced AI algorithms to automatically track you, keeping you in frame during activities like cycling or skateboarding. Additionally, the DJI Neo features six smart QuickShots modes, including Dronie, Circle, and Rocket, making it easy to capture creative footage.

Thanks to GPS and the vision positioning system (VPS), the DJI Neo can determine and maintain its position both outdoors and indoors.

Multiple control options

The DJI Neo offers versatile control options. For example, you can choose to fly the drone manually via the DJI RC-N3 controller, which is part of the Fly More Combo. It is also possible to control the drone with just a smartphone via the DJI Fly app. Advanced flyers can opt for a full FPV experience with the DJI Goggles 3 and FPV Remote Controller 3 or RC Motion 3. The drone also supports voice control, so you can simply say “Hey Fly” to give the DJI Neo commands. This must be in English.

When you only use a smartphone for control, two virtual joysticks appear in the DJI Fly app with which you can control the drone. Communication is via Wi-Fi and the range is up to 50 meters. If you use the RC-N3 controller, the range is increased to several kilometers. Despite its low weight, the DJI Neo can be used outdoors in wind speeds of up to 4 Bft.

A target group that DJI specifically addresses with the Neo are vloggers. During a flight it is possible to record audio via the microphone of a smartphone or the DJI Mic 2. The sound of the propellers is then automatically filtered out.

It is possible to operate the DJI with just a smartphone.

Stabilized 4K video, 22GB memory

With its 1/2-inch sensor, the Neo can take 12 MP photos and record 4K videos at up to 30 fps. The camera can be rotated both up and down. Thanks to software stabilization technologies, the camera delivers stabilized video footage, even in challenging conditions.

The footage is stored on an internal memory of 22 GB. That is good for 40 minutes of 4K 30 fps video or 55 minutes of HD 60 fps. This footage can easily be transferred to a phone via the QuickTransfer function in DJI Fly. It is also possible to connect the DJI Neo to a computer via a USB-C cable and transfer the footage that way.

QuickShots and AI Subject Tracking make it possible to quickly record short action videos.

Relatively long flight time, easy charging

The DJI Neo comes with everything you need to fly right out of the box, including propeller guards for added safety. For those who want more, the Fly More Combo offers extra accessories such as extra batteries and a controller.

With a flight time of up to 18 minutes, the DJI Neo offers a relatively long flight time compared to other drones in this class. Charging is easy thanks to the Type-C connector and the optional Two-Way Charging Hub, which can charge up to three batteries simultaneously.

The DJI Neo Fly More Combo comes with a controller and 3 batteries.

Flight safety

The DJI Neo is equipped with a C0 label. This means that the drone can be used without a pilot’s license in Open subcategory A1. Due to the presence of a camera, it is mandatory to apply for an operator number and to display it visibly on the drone.

The maximum flight altitude of the DJI Neo is limited by software to 120 meters. The drone is also equipped with DJI’s own zoning system, so that it is not possible to take off near airports and other sensitive locations. The fully shielded propellers make it possible to use the DJI Neo safely near people and thanks to the low weight of 135 grams, flying over third parties is also no problem.

Another well-known safety function is the automatic return to home in case of signal loss or battery voltage becoming too low.

The DJI Neo can be taken off from hand and controlled with voice commands.

DJI Neo: Key Specifications

• Weight: 135 g, including battery
• Take-off and landing from hand
• AI subject tracking en QuickShots
• Multiple control options including voice control and full FPV
• 4K stabilized video
• Full propeller protection
• Internal memory of 22 GB
• C0-certified

Price and availability

The DJI Neo (drone only) costs 199 euros. The Fly More Combo, including charging hub, RC-N3 controller and 3 batteries, changes owners for 349 euros. The drone can be pre-ordered free of charge at Chamberlain. Soon you can expect an extensive review of the DJI Neo on Dronewatch, made possible by Cameranu.