DJI Neo: The Ultimate Palm-Sized Drone for Everyday Adventures

DJI has officially launched the DJI Neo, their lightest and most compact drone to date, weighing just under 5 ounces (135g). Designed to capture everyday moments with ease, the Neo is incredibly user-friendly, requiring no remote control and featuring a single “mode” button for QuickShots or voice operation.

The drone can take off and land from the palm of your hand and offers a flight time of up to 18 minutes. Despite numerous rumors and leaks, the official launch of the DJI Neo brings a sense of excitement and anticipation.

Palm-Sized and Remote-Free

The DJI Neo is designed to be ultra-portable, making it perfect for capturing everyday moments. With a weight of just 135g, it’s DJI’s lightest drone yet.

Despite its small size, the Neo packs a punch when it comes to features:

• 4K UHD video capture at 30fps
• 12MP still images from a 1/2-inch image sensor
• AI subject tracking for dynamic shots
• Six intelligent QuickShot modes for creative filming
• Up to 18 minutes of flight time
• Full-coverage propeller guards for safe indoor and outdoor use

The drone can be fully controlled without a remote, launched, and landed from the palm of your hand. This simplicity makes it accessible for users of all skill levels.

“At DJI we are always studying everyday camera use so that we can help people capture their videos and photos in the most convenient way possible,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director at DJI. “The DJI Neo strives to give people the latest tech in the smallest form factor so that they can capture their daily lives, saved as treasured memories, safely and with ease.”

AI Subject Tracking and QuickShots

One of the standout features of the DJI Neo is its AI subject tracking. The drone’s algorithms are designed to follow the subject within the frame, making it easy to capture dynamic shots whether you’re cycling, skateboarding, or hiking.

Additionally, the Neo offers six QuickShots modes, providing a variety of creative shooting options:

• Dronie: The drone flies backward and ascends, with the camera locked on the subject, and records a video.
• Circle: The drone circles around the subject.
• Rocket: The drone ascends with the camera pointing downward.
• Spotlight: The drone rotates while keeping the object of interest within the frame.
• Helix: The drone ascends and spirals around the subject.
• Boomerang: The drone flies around the subject in an oval path, ascending as it flies away from its starting point and descending as it flies back.

Versatile Control Options

The DJI Neo can be operated in multiple ways. While it’s designed to function without a remote control, it can also be paired with the DJI Fly App, remote controllers, RC Motion, DJI Goggles, and even voice-operated for increased flight and camera control.

The DJI Fly app allows for virtual joystick control with a range of up to 50 meters. When combined with the DJI RC-N3, the Neo can achieve a maximum video transmission distance of 6 miles or 10 kilometers, offering the opportunity to capture professional-level shots.

For those looking for an immersive drone experience, the DJI Neo can be paired with DJI Goggles 3, RC Motion 3, or FPV Remote Controller 3. When used with RC Motion 3, the Neo masters the art of one-press aerobatics and seamless indoor navigation, making it easy to maneuver through tight spaces.

Stabilization and Storage

Equipped with a single-axis mechanical gimbal, the DJI Neo ensures stable footage even in high-speed flights or windy conditions. The drone features RockSteady and HorizonBalancing stabilization, significantly reducing image shake and correcting horizon tilt within ±45°. This ensures smooth and stable footage that maintains clarity in both highlight and shadow areas.

Using an infrared and monocular vision positioning system, the DJI Neo can hover steadily in the air, maintaining stability even in wind conditions up to Level 4. It also supports automatic Return to Home (RTH) for convenient, worry-free operation.

With 22GB of internal storage, the Neo can save up to 40 minutes of 4K/30fps video or 55 minutes of 1080p/60fps video. Transferring footage is easy via Wi-Fi to the DJI Fly app, which also offers editing tools for quick and easy post-production.

The DJI Fly app provides a vast selection of templates, sound and image effects, allowing users to create and share videos efficiently without needing to download the footage to edit, saving storage space on the phone.

Audio Recording and Charging

Audio can be easily recorded by connecting the Neo to a smartphone. A simple tap of the audio record button on the DJI Fly app will start recording through the phone’s built-in microphone.

For those looking for additional audio quality, the DJI Mic 2 can be used via a Bluetooth connection. The app automatically eliminates propeller noise and merges the audio track with the footage, ensuring clear sound even when shooting low-angle vlogs.

The DJI Neo can be conveniently charged by connecting it directly to a power source using a Type-C data cable. Additionally, the Two-Way Charging Hub can charge three batteries simultaneously, increasing both charging speed and efficiency.

Presales and Availability

The DJI Neo will not be immediately available for sale in the United States, but presales are open. Visitors to IFA in Germany from September 6-10, 2024, can be among the first to experience the DJI Neo at DJI’s booth (Hall 17-110).

DroneXL’s Take

The launch of the DJI Neo marks another significant step in the evolution of Drone Technology. Its compact size, ease of use, and advanced features make it an ideal choice for capturing everyday moments. As drone technology continues to advance, we see more innovative and user-friendly features being integrated into these devices.

For more on DJI’s latest innovations, check out our recent articles on the DJI Air 3S and the DJI Avata 2. The future of drone technology is looking brighter than ever, and we’re excited to see what’s next.

What are your thoughts on the DJI Neo? Leave your comments below!