The DJI Neo is so new it wasn’t even discounted for Black Friday, and but some persons are already taking a look at rumors and seeing the subsequent drone – or what could be the subsequent one, apparently the DJI Flip – and asking themselves “Ought to I wait?”
First, in case you’ve not seen it, here is the rumor tweet on X (is that the way you say it?) from solidly dependable supply on DJI data Jasper Ellens…
One other unique video: My buddy YueYue confirmed me these early manufacturing facility #DJIFLIP components. They appear extraordinarily mild and robust. Why re-invent the wheel proper? Good to see some improvements at #DJI. Cheers Jasper pic.twitter.com/WkRVpytg0GDecember 3, 2024
That is fairly attention-grabbing, not least as a result of it reveals a rumor we have seen earlier than and many people had thought would possibly merely be an alternate design for what ultimately grew to become the very pleasant, soft-edged DJI Neo, the must-have drone this vacation season.
Then a fast look at simply the image and the body and also you would possibly suppose “Okay, this seems a lot smaller, like a form of tiny indoor toy – is DJI going for that market too now?”
Then you definately look a bit nearer and there appears to be a digital camera gimbal under the primary physique (fuselage) and while you see the components video within the leak the size is lots clearer; it is a bit larger than a toy.
So, if actual, how is the DJI Flip totally different from the DJI Neo?
For one factor, it does look to be a folding drone, extra like a HoverAir X1 in some respects. DJI did not copy the folding design when it did borrow sure different ‘observe me’ or ‘selfie drone’ elements for the DJI Neo, so that you would possibly suppose {that a} folding design could be the subsequent step within the evolution, however I do not.
I believe that the Neo was made to be further powerful and DJI appears to have taken the view {that a} inflexible design gave them extra potentialities (and fewer to interrupt) since additionally they endowed the Neo with the potential for FPV flight which, let’s face it, carries just a little extra threat.
The perfect digital camera offers, critiques, product recommendation, and unmissable images information, direct to your inbox!
So is the DJI Flip meant to interchange the DJI Mini 4?
Maybe, however I do not suppose so. The circulated specs counsel a battery with 3,110 mAh – suggesting an extended life than the Neo, and extra weight, however design (already controversial amongst followers on Twitter and Reddit) devotes weight dedicated to (admittedly strong-looking) propellor guards moderately than cameras. That may have a drag issue and price some flight time.
Assuming the Mini Professional line was not retired you’d nonetheless have amazingly high-spec drones just like the Mini 4 Professional which might be ultralight and technically subtle. There’s a marketplace for that and the higher-end customers are often ready to deal with propellors open to the air for the sake of higher flight occasions and manoeuvrability. Personally, I’ve a Mini 3 Professional in my arsenal. (I did not improve to the 4 and a Mini 5 Professional would wish to impress, camera-wise, for me to step up this quickly.)
I believe the reply ought to be clear from the emphasis on security, and one thing else…
The very fact the Mini 4K is obtainable at such an excellent worth now might be the important thing – the lower-end ‘Mini’ drones are literally those for the chop? In spite of everything, the Mini 4K is constructed on the identical body because the Mini 2 from 2020, offered in several variations with inner modifications (or restrictions) as dictated by worth level.
The odd factor is that, for some, the Mini 4K would possibly find yourself being the extra helpful drone, no less than purely from an imaging perspective, as it could keep aloft for half-hour and may be very simple to maneuver across the sky. The Flip could be extra family-friendly and enjoyable, and we’ve but to see the way it handles the drag of the guards.
When will a DJI Flip come out?
Not till early 2025 if the FCC submitting is going on round now, so you will not be capable to get it earlier than the vacations to interchange both the Neo or, extra seemingly, the Mini 4K.