At simply $199, the DJI Neo is a game-changer within the funds drone market, particularly for content material creators and drone lovers who prioritize a easy flying expertise above all else — but in addition aren’t keen to sacrifice different important options like digicam high quality.
Weighing underneath 250 grams, it joins the ranks of ultra-light drones just like the DJI Mini 4K and HoverAir X1. However this one is available in at a much more accessible value level.
That mentioned, DJI Neo does lack some key options. Its battery life is brief. It’s not all that highly effective outside, even in average breezes. Its transmission distance is proscribed. This isn’t the drone for taking large sweeping landscapes. Should you’re flying a drone over a volcano in Iceland, undoubtedly don’t rely on the DJI Neo to do the job.
However with that in thoughts, right here’s my DJI Neo evaluate. Discover out why I find it irresistible, and precisely who’s finest fitted to this charming little DJI drone:
DJI Neo evaluate: Drone Woman’s information to this tiny DJI drone
- DJI Neo evaluate: the video model
- Design and portability: small however mighty
- Digicam: impressively good (for the value)
- Flight efficiency: greater than a selfie drone
- Good options permit Neo to nonetheless fly itself
- Different drones to think about moreover DJI Neo
- The underside line: a budget-friendly drone with large options
DJI Neo evaluate: the video model
Should you’re a vlogger, traveler, or simply somebody who likes to seize distinctive angles to your social media feed, the DJI Neo is a critical contender.
You possibly can watch me fly it right here alone social media feed, as shared by the Drone Woman YouTube channel. Or, maintain scrolling for my full, in-depth DJI Neo evaluate:
- Order DJI Neo now from Adorama for $199.
- Order DJI Neo now from Amazon for $199.
- Order DJI Neo now from B&H Photograph for $199.
- Order DJI Neo now from Drone Nerds for $199.
Design and portability: small however mighty
The DJI Neo stands out as extremely compact and transportable. It weighs in at a essential 249 grams, which makes it gentle sufficient to take with you wherever. However drones underneath 250 grams are actually an enormous deal as a result of they gained’t require FAA registration within the U.S., eliminating yet one more friction level for brand new pilots.
After all, checked bag charges (and even carry-on bag charges in primary economic system on some airways, like United) generally is a friction level for vacationers. This drone won’t have a problem there, both. Its design is modern, foldable, and straightforward to hold, even when taking your drone on an airplane. Whereas different budget-oriented drones such because the DJI Mini 4K and HoverAir X1 additionally fall into this light-weight class, the Neo’s $199 price ticket makes it one of many most inexpensive drones in its class.
Digicam: impressively good (for the value)
A transportable and inexpensive drone does no good if the digicam is unhealthy. Fortunately, the low value level doesn’t convey down the DJI Neo digicam tech.
The DJI Neo captures 4K video at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, together with 12-megapixel stills. That’s adequate to fulfill the high-definition necessities for sharing content material on mainstream social media platforms.
Whereas it doesn’t boast the 3-axis gimbal discovered on higher-end drones just like the DJI Mavic 3, its single-axis mechanical gimbal does an excellent job, particularly with DJI’s stabilization applied sciences—RockSteady and HorizonBalancing—that right horizon tilt and scale back shake. For a $199 drone, the video high quality is surprisingly sharp and easy, making it good for YouTube content material or social media posts.
And the post-flying expertise is handy, too. Sure, I’m speaking about really posting that footage. The Neo contains 22GB of inner storage, sufficient to retailer 40 minutes of 4K video or 55 minutes of 1080p footage, which is spectacular for such a small drone. You won’t even want a reminiscence card.
You undoubtedly gained’t have to fiddle with cords, as you may switch footage recorded in your drone to your telephone through the DJI Fly app and a Wi-Fi connection. It’s fairly quick, too, with a most obtain pace of as much as 25 MB/s.
Flight efficiency: greater than a selfie drone
The Neo is designed for hand-launch, very similar to certainly one of its closest opponents, the HoverAir X1. That makes it an ideal selfie drone for fast captures. Merely toss it within the air, and it’s prepared to begin taking pictures.
Battery life
With a most flight time of 18 minutes, the DJI Neo does considerably fall flat on battery life. It’s enough for brief vlogging periods or fast aerial captures. However, in case your love really is flying, then anticipate stocking up on spare batteries.
Fortunately, chating is considerably quick. When utilizing a 30W charger, Neo can get from a 0% to 100% cost in about 50 minutes.
With the Two-Approach Charging Hub (an extra payment), you may cost as much as three batteries concurrently.
Flying Neo indoors versus outside
Whereas it performs finest in calm situations, DJI does declare the Neo can deal with winds as much as Stage 4 wind resistance, which does make it practical outside for flying in average breezes. That mentioned, fly outside at your individual danger, and perceive what a “average breeze” entails. It may appear logical to take this drone out to spots like a seaside, however ocean breezes can typically be greater than average — and also you don’t need to get your drone carried out to see as a result of it caught a wind gust.
I discovered myself way more comfy flying this drone indoors. And sure, its small measurement and propeller cages completely permit for secure indoor flying. There are few drones I’d significantly advocate for indoor flying, however DJI Neo is certainly one of them.
Nonetheless, it’s vital to notice that the Neo lacks impediment avoidance, so that you’ll nonetheless must be considerate to keep away from crashes. For that cause, I’d not take into account DJI Neo a follow-me drone.
For vloggers and informal customers, the automated Return to Residence (RTH) function provides a layer of comfort, although the shortage of full impediment detection means it gained’t keep away from obstacles on its approach again. Fly rigorously.
Good options permit Neo to nonetheless fly itself
Although it’s not a real follow-me drone, this drone continues to be extremely good and might fly itself. It’s simply not wholly crash-proof, the way in which drones with sensors on all sides, just like the DJI Mavic 3, are.
DJI Neo comes geared up with a clever flight modes like QuickShots, which helps you to select pre-programmed flight paths corresponding to circling round you or zooming out for dramatic reveal pictures. These modes make it simple to seize cinematic footage with no need guide flight expertise. DJI Neo helps the next modes:
- Observe
- Expanse
- Circle
- Rocket
- Highlight
- Customized (Neo can hook up with the DJI Fly app through Wi-Fi to pick Helix or Boomerang)
It’s additionally suitable with DJI equipment just like the DJI RC Movement 3, DJI Goggles 3 and FPV Distant Controller 3 for extra superior controls. And sure, with sure equipment, DJI Neo helps extra modes.
Are you able to document audio on DJI Neo?
One standout function is the power to document audio by your smartphone through the DJI Fly app, syncing it together with your footage. Whereas the drone itself doesn’t document sound (you wouldn’t need propeller noise anyway), this can be a implausible addition for vloggers who need to seize commentary or ambient sound on the go.
Different drones to think about moreover DJI Neo
DJI is in one thing of a category of its personal. It’s tremendous inexpensive at simply $200. I’ve in contrast all of the finest DJI drones underneath $500. And although I do love the $300 DJI Mini 4K or the $419 DJI Mini 3, the DJI Neo is unimaginable worth for the low value level. Take a look at a comparability of these drones in my information to the finest DJI drones underneath $500.
However what different drones do you have to take into account moreover DJI Neo if value isn’t as a lot as a priority? The 2 different standout drones to think about are the HoverAir X1 and DJI Mini 4 Professional.
The DJI Mini 4 Professional has a small measurement, however has far more highly effective flight controls, a higher-quality digicam and impediment avoidance (which I take into account the finest drone insurance coverage coverage there may be, hah!). It’s additionally expensive, at greater than $700.
The HoverAir X1 might be the closest competitor to the DJI Neo, largely as a result of each supply the same hand-launch model. It’s dearer at $349, however some folks looking for a DJI various won’t be all that opposed.
Associated learn: DJI Neo versus HOVERAir X1: which hand-launch drone is finest?
Right here’s a comparability desk for the DJI Neo, HoverAir X1, and DJI Mini 4 Professional, outlining key options corresponding to value, weight and digicam high quality:
| DJI Neo | HoverAir X1 | DJI Mini 4 Professional | |
| Worth | $199.00 | $349.00 | $759.00 |
| Weight | 249g | 125g | 249g |
| Digicam High quality | 12MP | 12MP | 48MP |
| Gimbal | Single-Axis | None | 3-Axis |
| Max Video Decision | 4K/30fps | 4K/30fps | 4K/60fps |
| Battery Life | 25 minutes | 20 minutes | 34 minutes |
| Impediment Avoidance | No | No | Sure |
| Inside Storage | 22GB | None | None |
| Good Options | QuickShots, Observe Me, RTH | Auto-framing, Observe Me | Impediment Avoidance, Good Seize |
| Max Flight Peak | 120m (with controller) | 60m | 500m |
| Wind Resistance | Stage-4 (28 km/h) | Stage-2 (13 km/h) | Stage-5 (38 km/h) |
The underside line: a budget-friendly drone with large options
The tl;dr of this DJI Neo evaluate? For simply $199, this little DJI drone is difficult to beat. It’s not probably the most superior drone available on the market, however it strikes an ideal steadiness between value, portability, and performance. Splendid for content material creators, vloggers, and people new to the drone world, the DJI Neo presents spectacular 4K video high quality, good options, and ease of use—all in an ultra-light package deal.
As you’re evaluating it to others just like the HoverAir X1 or the DJI Mini 4 Professional, know that the Neo shines as the perfect funds possibility. It delivers DJI’s famend high quality and innovation at an unbeatable value. Should you’re in search of an entry-level drone that’s simple to fly however nonetheless presents pro-level video high quality, the DJI Neo ought to be on the prime of your checklist.
The right way to purchase your individual DJI Neo
The bottom mannequin prices $199 and will get you fundamentals just like the battery and propeller guards. There’s additionally a $289 DJI Neo Fly Extra Combo which throws in goodies like extra batteries and a two-way charging hub to cost all of them up in a single go.
- Order DJI Neo now from Adorama for $199.
- Order DJI Neo now from Amazon for $199.
- Order DJI Neo now from B&H Photograph for $199.
- Order DJI Neo now from Drone Nerds for $199.
Right here’s a take a look at what’s within the field of the Fly Extra Combo, by means of my unboxing video:
What’s your tackle the DJI Neo? Do you will have one but? Are you contemplating it? Depart your individual DJI Neo evaluate within the feedback under!
The submit DJI Neo evaluate: I’ve been eagerly awaiting this transportable and inexpensive drone, however is it nonetheless value spending $200 on? appeared first on The Drone Woman.