DJI Neo Drone Announced: DJI’s Lightest and Most Affordable Drone
DJI, a leading name in the drone industry, has just unveiled its latest innovation, the DJI Neo. Priced at an affordable $199, the Neo is not just another addition to DJI’s lineup but marks a significant step in making drone technology more accessible to the general public. Weighing only 135 grams (4.76 ounces), it holds the title of DJI’s lightest and most compact drone to date, yet it still packs a punch in terms of features and capabilities. This drone is specifically designed as a vlogging tool, ideal for capturing everyday life, leisure activities, family moments, and even your pets, all with professional-quality video.
One of the standout features of the DJI Neo is its ultra-lightweight design. At just 135 grams, this drone is so light that it can take off from and land in the palm of your hand without the need for a remote controller. This makes it incredibly easy to use, especially for beginners or casual users who may be intimidated by more complex drones. The ease of use doesn’t stop at takeoff and landing; the Neo is designed to capture cinematic footage effortlessly, allowing users to focus on their creative vision rather than the technicalities of flying a drone.
Despite its small size, the Neo is equipped with impressive video capabilities. It supports 4K video recording, ensuring that your footage is crisp and clear. The drone also includes DJI’s RockSteady and HorizonBalancing technologies, which work together to stabilize your video, even in moderately windy conditions. This ensures that your videos remain smooth and professional-looking, regardless of the environment in which you are shooting. Additionally, the Neo has AI subject tracking, allowing the drone to keep you in focus as you move, whether you’re skateboarding, cycling, or simply walking through a park.
The DJI Neo’s camera is no slouch either. It features a 12MP sensor with a Type 1/2 (6.4 x 4.8mm) sensor and a 14mm full-frame equivalent F2.8 lens. This setup allows the drone to capture high-quality still images in addition to its video capabilities. The camera can shoot in 4K at 30 frames per second or in 1080p at up to 60 frames per second. If you prefer a more traditional aspect ratio, the drone can shoot in 4:3, but when using electronic image stabilization modes like RockSteady or HorizonBalancing, the aspect ratio shifts to 16:9, which is more suited for widescreen viewing.
The Neo’s controls are designed to be as user-friendly as possible. A single button on the top of the drone allows users to switch between different modes. By default, the drone will follow you, using AI algorithms to keep you in the frame, even if you’re moving quickly. This makes it an excellent tool for capturing dynamic activities without needing a second person to operate the drone. The Neo also features a ‘QuickShots’ mode, where it will automatically perform specific camera movements, such as circling around you or zooming straight up into the sky while keeping you in the center of the frame. These modes are accessible through the drone’s app, which also allows you to control the drone with your voice or virtual joysticks on your smartphone.
For those who want a bit more control, an optional physical controller is available for purchase. However, it’s important to note that the Neo is not designed to replace more advanced drones like the DJI Mavic or DJI Mini. While the Neo is perfect for short-range, casual use, with a maximum range of 50 meters (164 feet), it doesn’t have the long-range capabilities or sophisticated gimbal systems found in DJI’s higher-end models.
The DJI Neo is more than just a drone; it’s a flying selfie camera that opens up new possibilities for creative content creation. Similar to other flying cameras like the HoverAir X1 or Snap Pixy, the Neo is designed to be a fun and easy-to-use tool for capturing life’s moments from unique perspectives. The removable propeller guards also make it safe to use indoors, though they do slightly reduce the drone’s flight time, which is up to 18 minutes on a single charge.
However, it’s essential to be aware of potential legal challenges that could affect the Neo’s availability in certain regions, particularly in the United States. Congress is currently considering the ‘Countering CCP Drones Act,’ which could effectively ban DJI products from the U.S. market due to concerns about national security. While DJI has responded to these concerns, the future of its products in the U.S. remains uncertain. For those outside the U.S. or willing to take a chance, the DJI Neo could prove to be an enjoyable and versatile addition to your tech arsenal.
In summary, the DJI Neo is a remarkable entry-level drone that offers a lot of value for its price. Its lightweight and compact design, combined with its ease of use and advanced features, make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to capture cinematic footage without the complexity of more advanced drones. Whether you’re a vlogger, a hobbyist, or someone who simply wants to capture life’s moments from a new perspective, the DJI Neo offers a fresh and accessible way to do so. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with local drone regulations to ensure that your flights are both safe and legal.
Press Release
DJI Makes Everyday Life Recording Fun and Easy with New Personal, Palm-Sized Videographer
New DJI Neo is light, compact, and makes capturing cinematic photos and videos effortless
DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and innovative camera technology, today announces the DJI Neo, a new personal lightweight and compact aerial videographer for taking cinematic footage of day-to-day adventures or having fun with friends. Weighing less than 5 ounces (135g), Neo can take off and land from the palm of the hand1. It can be flown indoors or outside for a flight time of up to 18 minutes1 and takes 4K ultra-stabilized videos via QuickShots. The propellers are fully enclosed to ensure the safety of users and their surroundings.
“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. 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,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director at DJI.
Into the Air at the Press of a Button
By simply pressing the mode button and selecting the desired shooting mode, Neo will automatically snap 12MP stills with its 1/2-inch image sensor or produce 4K UHD stabilized videos at 4K/30fps1 using DJI’s powerful stabilization algorithms. Upon completion, Neo will return to the user’s palm.
Tell Your Story with QuickShots
Neo’s AI algorithms have been created to keep the subject within frame. Whether cycling, skateboarding or hiking, captivating shots can be created with ease. Additional creativity can be achieved by taking advantage of Neo’s QuickShots, which has six intelligent shooting modes1, offering a range of different recording angles.
Expanse: Videographer flies backward and ascends, with the camera locked on the subject, and records a video.
Circle: Videographer circles around the subject.
Rocket: Videographer ascends with the camera pointing downward.
Spotlight: Videographer rotates while keeping the object of interest within the frame
Helix: Videographer ascends and spirals around the subject.
Boomerang: Videographer flies around the subject in an oval path, ascending as it flies away from its starting point and descending as it flies back. Its starting point forms one end of the oval’s long axis, while the other end is at the subject’s opposite side from the starting point.Control It Your Way
Neo has been designed to fly with style and capture hassle-free photos and videos. It can be piloted using one-button QuickShots or voice control1 which is enabled with the “Hey Fly” command. With a Wi-Fi connection, Neo can also be controlled using the DJI Fly app’s virtual joysticks on the app’s interface with a control range of up to 50 meters1. Within the app, the perspective and distance can be set, giving extra freedom to shoot from afar or up close.
Stabilization as Standard
Neo is equipped with a single-axis mechanical gimbal and is capable of handling high-speeds or flights with lots of maneuvers. When combined with RockSteady or HorizonBalancing stabilization, overall image shake is significantly reduced and horizon tilt is corrected within ±45°1, for smooth and stable footage that maintains clarity in both highlight and shadow areas. Using an infrared and monocular vision positioning system, Neo can hover steadily in the air, maintaining stability even in Level 4 wind conditions. It also supports automatic Return to Home (RTH) for convenient, worry-free operation.
Transfer Content and Record Sound Wirelessly
Using the DJI Fly app, phones and videos captured with Neo can be transferred instantly via high-speed QuickTransfer. This wireless transfer makes post production and sharing smoother. The DJI Fly app offers a vast selection of templates, sound effects, and image effects, for quick and easy editing.
Audio can also easily be recorded wirelessly with the simple tap of a button on the DJI Fly app, either through the smartphone’s built-in microphone or DJI Mic 2 via Bluetooth for even higher audio quality. The app automatically eliminates propeller noise and merges the audio track with the footage, ensuring a clear sound even when shooting low-angle vlogs.
For convenient charging, connect Neo directly to a power source using a Type-C data cable. Additionally, the Two-Way Charging Hub can charge three batteries simultaneously1, increasing both charging speed and efficiency.
Price and Availability
The DJI Neo is available for pre-order from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners, in the following configurations:
DJI Neo: 199 USD
DJI Neo Combo: 289 USD
Neo Debuts at IFA, 6-10 September, 2024
Be among the first to experience the groundbreaking DJI Neo at this year’s IFA, Germany. Visitors can try it out at DJI’s booth (Hall 17-110) from 6th-10th September.
DJI Care Refresh
DJI Care Refresh, the comprehensive protection plan for DJI products, is now available for DJI Neo. The replacement service covers accidental damage, including flyaway, collisions and water damage. For a small additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if an accident occurs.
DJI Care Refresh (1-Year Plan) includes up to two replacements in one year. DJI Care Refresh (2-Year Plan) includes up to four replacements in two years. Other services of DJI Care Refresh include official Warranty and free shipping. For a full list of details, please visit: https://www.dji.com/support/service/djicare-refresh.1All data was measured using a production model of DJI Neo in a controlled environment.
1For more information, please refer to https://www.dji.com/neo.
