DJI Flip – Six-Month Long-Term Drone Review

Good day, folks. Shawn here from Air Photography. The DJI Flip has been out for about six months, and I’d like to share my long-term review, detailing my user experience and new insights I’ve gathered.

Ease of Use and Autonomous Features

I’m a huge fan of autonomous, self-flying drones. The DJI Flip offers a simple, hassle-free way to capture clips for social media or B-roll for vlogs. You don’t need a controller—it takes off from the palm of your hand, performs intelligent flight tasks, and lands back in your hand.

The Flip powers on automatically when unfolded, making it quick to deploy. Unlike traditional drones, which require powering on the controller, connecting, and waiting for satellite signals, the Flip eliminates extra gear. This is ideal for quick hikes when you don’t want the hassle of bulky equipment, ensuring you’re more likely to bring it along.

Versatility and Flexibility

The DJI Flip is highly versatile. It can fly autonomously without a controller, but you can also connect it to one for a traditional drone experience, perfect for cinematic footage. This flexibility suits various flying styles. The Flip is a sub-250g drone, compact and foldable into a manageable size. Its lightweight design is crucial in many Countries, where drones over 250g face stricter regulations, making the Flip easier to fly legally.

Who It’s For

The DJI Flip isn’t for everyone. Some love it, others are on the fence, and for some, it’s a hard no. Traditional drones like the Mini 4 Pro or Air 3 series might be better for those focused on cinematic footage. However, for vloggers and social media content creators, the Flip is brilliant. Priced under $500 with a controller, it’s affordable, lightweight, and easy to pack. Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll use it, its portability makes it convenient to carry.

Beginner-Friendly Design

The Flip is perfect for beginners. Its autonomous flight modes are easy to use, requiring no prior drone experience to capture unique perspectives. Simply unfold it, select an intelligent flight mode using the side button, press and hold, and the drone takes off, completes the task, and returns. This simplicity allows anyone to get great shots without advanced skills.

Ideal for Outdoor Enthusiasts

As a drone enthusiast, I enjoy flying, creating, and practicing maneuvers. However, not everyone shares this passion. For those focused on hobbies like bushcrafting, camping, or outdoor activities, the Flip is ideal. It captures moments to share on social media without requiring flying expertise.

For example, it can follow you through a forest while gathering firewood or circle overhead for dynamic shots. Select tracking mode, press a button, and the drone follows you. When done, place your hand underneath, and it lands. This convenience makes it perfect for vlogs and social media content.

Video Quality and Features

The DJI Flip’s video quality is impressive, featuring the same camera as the Mini 4 Pro with a 1/1.3-inch sensor. It captures 4K 60fps video when flown with a controller and 4K 30fps in autonomous mode. The controller unlocks intelligent flight features in the Fly app, helping new pilots capture dynamic footage effortlessly. After six months, I’ve used the Flip extensively during hikes, walks, and bike rides, capturing my outdoor activities with ease.

Limitations of the DJI Flip

The Flip has limitations, particularly in windy conditions. Its built-in prop guards, designed for safe hand takeoffs and landings, act like sails, catching wind and reducing efficiency. Flying with the wind is fine, but returning against it can be challenging, especially at higher altitudes (100–200 feet) where winds are stronger. On calm days, the Flip performs beautifully, even at long distances or high altitudes. However, windy days require caution, which may limit its appeal for some users.

Final Thoughts on the DJI Flip Drone

Overall, I’m extremely pleased with the DJI Flip. It’s not for everyone—those prioritizing cinematic footage may prefer the Mini 4 Pro, Air 3, or Air 3S. However, for creators, vloggers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to capture their activities, the Flip is an excellent choice. Its ease of use, portability, and versatility make it a valuable tool. I hope you found this six-month Review of the DJI Flip helpful and informative.