Review: DJI Neo - A Mini Selfie Drone With FPV Capabilities
DJI has unveiled DJI Neo - a tiny, budget-friendly selfie drone that can be launched from the palm of your hand for a controller-free flight experience.
Equipped with propeller guards for enhanced flight safety, Neo is DJI's lightest drone to date, weighing just 135g - making it easy to transport, regulation-friendly, and able to navigate tight spaces, both indoors and outdoors.
Capture 4K ultra-stabilised video and benefit from AI subject tracking and QuickShots to streamline content creation and produce epic selfies.
A self-flying drone, Neo can take-off and land from the palm of your hand, and it can be piloted in multiple ways, including through voice commands or via the DJI Fly App for controller-free flight.
For a more traditional RC experience, use the DJI RC-N3, DJI RC-N2, or DJI RC 2 smart controller with built-in screen. Or pair DJI Neo with DJI Goggles 3, RC Motion 3, or the FPV Remote Controller 3 for immersive FPV flights, and use the motion controller to conduct aerial acrobatics.
Two DJI Neo options are available:
Standard Package: With the drone, basic accessories, and no controller. Fly More Combo: With additional accessories, including DJI RC-N3 controller, Two-Way Charging Hub, and extra flight batteries.The budget-friendly DJI Neo comes in at £169 for the standard package and £299 for the Fly More Combo.
DJI Neo is available from heliguy™ - the UK's number one DJI drone dealer with in-house training, repairs, and consultancy available.
Continue reading this blog to find out more about DJI Neo.
Key Specs At A GlanceBefore we delve into DJI Neo in more detail, let's take a look at its key specifications.
Feature Specification Take-off Weight 135g Dimensions (L x W x H) 130 x 157 x 48.5mm Max Flight Time 18 mins, or approx 17 mins with the propeller guards Sensor 1/2 inch Max Image Size 12MP Max Video Resolution 4K@30fps Max Transmission Distance 6km (CE) Wind Speed Resistance 8m/s (Level 4) Operating Temperature -10° to 40°C Internal Storage 22GB Price (as of launch September 5, 2024) Standard Package: £169Fly More Combo: £299 DJI Neo: Lightweight Selfie DroneOne of the key features of DJI Neo is its size. Indeed, it is the lightest DJI drone to date (not including the Tello as this was manufactured by Ryze) - weighing only 135g.
To put this into perspective, DJI's innovative DJI Mini Series drones tip the scales at just under 250g!
As for its footprint, Neo's dimensions are 130 x 157 x 48.5 mm (L x W x H).
While its weight is more akin to the DJI Mini Series, Neo looks like a baby Avata with its prop-guard design.
Neo's compact frame and prop guards make it extremely portable and safe - ideal for beginners and a great entry-level drone - and is ideal for navigating tight spaces - outdoors or indoors.
Neo's lightweight design also ensures it is regulation-friendly: In the UK, Neo can be flown in the A1 subcategory, enabling flights over people but not over crowds. You do not have to complete the UK CAA's Flyer ID test or undergo official drone training, like the A2 CofC - although we strongly recommend that you do.
Take-off And Land From Our PalmOne of DJI Neo's biggest selling points is the ability to take off and land on your palm.
To action this quirky feature, simply press the Mode button on the drone, select your desired shooting mode, and Neo automatically does the rest to capture footage, including selfies - all without requiring a remote controller.
With up to 18 minutes of flight time, DJI Neo can perform more than 20 excursions to and from your palm in succession.
To increase efficiency, the Two-way Charging Hub (available in the Fly More Combo) can charge up to three batteries simultaneously.
DJI Neo: Camera And Imaging SystemWith its 1/2-inch image sensor, DJI Neo captures 12MP stills and can produce 4K UHD stabilised videos, with recording up to 4K/30fps or 1080p/60fps.
To ensure smooth and crisp footage, DJI Neo is equipped with a single-axis mechanical gimbal, combined with RockSteady and HorizonBalancing stabilisation.
These algorithms reduce overall shake and correct horizon tilt within ±45°.
To aid content creation, DJI Neo offers a catalogue of intelligent shooting modes, such as Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, Helix, and Boomerang. The table below outlines these modes.
Feature Description Dronie DJI Neo will keep the camera facing the original position of the subject, record a video while flying backward, and then record another video while flying forward. Circle DJI Neo will keep the camera facing the subject, fly backward to the pre-set distance, and then begin circling the subject once, while recording automatically. Rocket DJI Neo will keep the camera facing the original position of the subject, record a video while ascending, and then record another a video while descending. Spotlight DJI Neo will hover after take-off and record a video with the camera facing the subject. Helix DJI Neo will keep the camera facing the subject, fly backward to a location 2m from the take-off point, and ascend while circling the subject once in a spiral curve while recording automatically. Boomerang DJI Neo will keep the camera facing the subject and fly around the subject along an oval path while recording automatically. It will ascend and then descend while flying along the oval path and will reach the max height when flying at the farthest point away from the take-off point.It also supports subject tracking - following the subject in the frame. This is particularly suited to dynamic selfies.
DJI Neo has 22GB of onboard storage - supporting up to 40 minutes of 4K/30fps video or 55 minutes of 1080p/60fps video. However, it does not support external SD cards for additional storage.
The table below shows DJI Neo's core imaging system in more detail.
Feature Specification Image Sensor 1/2-inch image sensor Lens FOV: 117.6°Format Equivalent: 13 mmAperture: f/2.8Focus: 0.6 m to ∞ ISO Range 100-6400 (Auto)100-6400 (Manual) Shutter Speed Video: 1/8000-1/30 sPhoto: 1/8000-1/10 s Max Image Size 12 MP Photo4000×3000 (4∶3)4000×2256 (16∶9) Still Photography Modes Single/Timed Shot Photo Format JPEG Video ResolutionEIS Off:
4K (4:3): 3840 × 2880@30fps1080p (4:3): 1440 × 1080@60/50/30fps
EIS On:4K (16:9): 3840 × 2160@30fps1080p (16:9): 1920 × 1080@60/50/30fps
Video Format MP4 Max Video Bitrate 75Mbps Supported File System exFAT Colour Mode Normal EIS Supports RockSteady, HorizonBalancing, and turning stabilisation off. DJI Neo: Control SystemThe quirky DJI Neo can be controlled in numerous ways, including support for controller-free flight.
It can also be deployed with a standard remote controller - in the form of the DJI RC-N3.
Or, it is compatible with the DJI Motion 3, DJI Goggles 3, and FPV Remote Controller 3 for an FPV flight experience.
The table below outlines the various control methods for DJI Neo, which supports the O4 video transmission system.
Control Method More Details Voice Control "Hey Fly"- Wake the DJI Fly App with these words to enable voice control and pilot DJI Neo with spoken flight directives. Mobile App Control DJI Neo supports Wi-Fi connection to smartphones, eliminating the need for an additional remote controller. Control Neo using virtual joysticks on the DJI Fly app interface, with a control range of up to 50 metres. Use the app to set the tracking angle and distance. RC Control When paired with the DJI RC-N3, DJI Neo can achieve a maximum video transmission distance of 6km (CE). Operate the camera using traditional RC control sticks when you need to capture professional level shots. Obtain a live view quality of 1080p/30fps. DJI Neo can also be used with the DJI RC 2 smart controller, or the DJI RC-N2. Motion Control DJI Neo can be paired with DJI Goggles 3, RC Motion 3, or FPV Remote Controller 3, with a video transmission distance of up to 6km (CE). When used with RC Motion 3, DJI Neo masters the art of one-press aerobatics and seamless indoor navigation to manoeuvre through tight spaces. Obtain a live view quality of 1080p/60fps wit DJI Goggles 3 plus RC Motion 3/DJI FPV RC 3. DJI Neo: Safety FeaturesDJI Neo features numerous safety mechanisms.
First off, it comes with those propeller guards. These are particularly important when navigating tight spaces.
DJI Neo also utilises an infrared and monocular vision positioning system, enabling it to hover steadily in the air and maintain stability.
Its downward visual positioning system has a precise hovering range of 0.5 to 10m.
However, DJI Neo does not have any obstacle avoidance capabilities.
DJI Neo supports automatic Return to Home (RTH) for convenient, worry-free operation. With this mode engaged, DJI Neo can automatically navigate back to its take-off point.
A hardy little aircraft, DJI Neo has a Level 4 wind resistance, handling speeds of up to 8m/s, and operates in temperatures from -10° to 40°C.
Streamlined EditingCombine DJI Neo and the DJI Fly app to streamline the editing process.
Use DJI Fly to capture audio: Connect Neo to your smartphone and tap the audio recording button in the app to begin recording through your phone's microphone. The app automatically eliminates propeller noise and merges the audio track with the footage.
The drone and app also support High-Speed QuickTransfer, enabling footage to be moved to the app via a WiFi connection, without requiring a data cable.
Once your content is in DJI Fly, the app offers simplified editing options. Utilise templates and sound and glamour effects to tweak your creations.
Create and share videos efficiently without needing to download the footage to edit, saving storage space on your phone.
DJI Neo: In The BoxTwo versions of DJI Neo are available at launch: A standard version and a Fly More Combo.
The table below shows the differences between the two DJI Neo packages.
In The Box DJI Neo (Standard) DJI Neo Fly More Combo DJI Neo Drone 1 1 DJI RC-N3 Remote Controller - 1 DJI RC-N3 RC Cable (USB-C Connector) - 1 DJI Neo Intelligent Flight Battery 1 3 DJI Neo Two-Way Charging Hub - 1 DJI Neo Propeller Guard (Pair) 1 1 DJI Neo Spare Propellers (Pair) 1 1 DJI Neo Spare Propeller Screw 4 4 Screwdriver 1 1 DJI Neo Gimbal Protector 1 1 Type-C to Type-C PD Cable 1 1The standard package is ideal for those who want to enjoy the controller-free experience or jump into FPV flight.
Meanwhile, the Fly More Combo comes with additional accessories, including the DJI RC-N3 - a controller which requires a separate smart device.
The table below highlights the key specifications of the RC-N3 controller.
Specification Value Max Operating Time Without Charging Any Mobile Device: 3.5 hours.When Charging a Mobile Device: 1.5 hours Operating Temperature -10° to 40° C (14° to 104° F) Charging Temperature 5° to 40° C (14° to 104° F) Charging Time 2 hours Charging Type 5 V, 2 A Battery Capacity 2600 mAh Weight Approx. 320 g Dimensions 104.2×150×45.2 mm (L×W×H) Operating Frequency 2.400-2.4835 GHz;5.170-5.250 GHz;5.725-5.850 GHz Transmitter Power2.4 GHz:< 33 dBm (FCC); < 20 dBm (CE/SRRC/MIC)
5.1 GHz:< 23 dBm (CE)
5.8 GHz:< 33 dBm (FCC); < 14 dBm (CE); < 30 dBm (SRRC)
DJI Neo: Who Is It For?With its small footprint, propeller guard design, and affordable entry price, DJI Neo is particularly attractive for beginners and entry-level flyers, while vloggers and on-the-go content creators will likely find a place for it in their line up.
With its FPV capabilities and low price tag, DJI Neo also provides an opportunity for pilots to dip their toe into the water of first person view flight.
DJI Neo: SummaryDJI has history of developing ground-breaking mini drones, and Neo is another example of pushing the boundaries - with that balance between size and functionality.
While DJI Neo isn't designed to go up against drones with more packed out specifications, it does offer some quirky features and unlocks an FPV flight experience.
And with its low price point, DJI Neo is a truly budget-friendly option that will likely appeal to beginners, vloggers, and travel content creators.
Buy DJI Neo from heliguy™, an industry-leading UK drone specialist and a true one-stop drone shop. We provide expert support to the drone industry including drone training, drone repair, consultancy, and next-day delivery.
