When DJI released its compact $200 Neo drone, it was obvious that the thing was going to be a game-changer for content creators and social media influencers. Like the Mavic 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro, the Neo has much more high-end features from DJI but at one-third the price. Its spontaneous launch capability, palm takeoff, and voice control make it a fantastic, easy-to-use device for both those who have flown for the first time in their lives and veterans. Is it the best $200 drone ever built? Let’s take a closer look at this low-cost marvel and see how well it performs.
The Power of Palm Takeoff and Voice Control
One of the easy exciting features of the DJI Neo is that it is very user-friendly. Unlike its more sophisticated counterparts, the Neo does not demand extensive setup or planning. Spontaneous shots are greatly facilitated by the drone capability to launch from the palm of the hand through a simple press of a button. The new feature of voice control will be added to make it even more convenient for users, as they can change the settings of the drone hands-free through the Fly More app. Commands as “Hey Fly”, “dronie”, “land” activate flight patterns or the control of the drone so it creates a seamless experience.
For vloggers and influencers who want fast, dynamic shots minus the hassle of traditional controllers, the Neo’s palm takeoff and voice control make the creative process much easier.
DJI Neo on Amazon for just $199 or combo kit with extra batteries for $289.
Budget-Friendly High-Feature Drone
Of course, it is marketed as a beginner drone, but the DJI Neo packs some high-end punch. ActiveTrack, First Person View (FPV) capabilities, and QuickShots are just a few of the professional features that make the leap across DJI’s more expensive drones. This is why this makes the Neo appealing to those who already have premium drones but want something lightweight and easy to use for on-the-go shooting.
The Neo also supports DJI’s Mic 2, which allows creators to record high-quality audio while capturing video footage. In most cheap drones, no 4K video recording is possible, and the quality of video recorded by the Neo brings quality footage for content creators, vloggers, and influencers who need aerial shots at a moderate budget.
Browse on DJI’s Official Store for more about the Neo and its accessories.
Design and Durability: Safe and Portable
The DJI Neo boasts its lightest drone design yet, weighing only 135 grams, so you easily move it around and stash it anywhere without occupying too much space. You can actually shove it into a pocket or small bag and bring it around to move about at your convenience. Because it’s pretty small, it also falls under the licensing exemption for most regions, which is terrific for casual users and first-time flyers of drones.
Ironically enough, the Neo proves to be rather robust for all its lightweight thoughts. The drone comes along with propeller guards and robust construction, thus it can take minor crashes without major damage. Testing showed it survived several drops with no significant damage, at which point most would have expected DJI to aim higher with a product this compact in design. Moreover, with the propeller guards, the Neo becomes safe for indoor flights or shoots over packed areas like in events or weddings.
Tip: For only $22, add a one-year insurance plan to prevent accidents and losses, so your Neo stays in the best of shape. Buy it on Amazon.
Performance: Fast, Fun, and Perfect for Social Media
Expect a shocker if you anticipate limited performance on a drone priced at $200. The Neo goes at a pretty nippy pace, hitting 18 mph in sport mode and cutting its way past winds up to 18 mph. It doesn’t fare as well as its larger siblings in terms of performance, but otherwise looks the part in most shooting situations. Firmware update has even unlocked manual modes, making it pretty impressive with its reach set at 36 mph with FPV Controller 3.
The Neo is perfect as a learning drone for first-timers who have never attempted FPV. Maybe it does not have the agility of DJI’s Avata 2 may have, but it will definitely be fun and intuitive to fly. It also includes additional accessories like the RC Motion 3 and DJI Goggles 3 to experience a more immersive first-person flying action, which serves its purpose well for those into aerobatics tricks or aerial shots.
Camera: 4K UHD Video in a Compact Package
The Neo’s camera may not rank up there with DJI’s higher-end models, but it’s more than good enough for most social media users. It comes with a 12-megapixel sensor and 4K 30p video recording on board, which all result in very sharp and vibrant footage. Its gimbal offers both tilt stabilization and DJI’s RockSteady stabilization, so you can count on smooth video even in dynamic shots. It does lack a feature set for shooting vertically, but you can always crop 4K footage for social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Low-light performance is not a strong point of the Neo, and it doesn’t support DJI’s D-LogM color profiles for expanded dynamic range. But even with these minor drawbacks, the Neo outshines most other drones in its price category, and you’ll find this to be your all-time go-to platform for aerial photography and video shoots.
Pro Tip: Get correct audio quality by hooking up DJI Mic 2 together with your Neo to ensure that you eliminate ambient noise and amplify your voice when recording.
Battery Life and Range: Efficient, but Limited
The DJI Neo is equipped with a 1,435mAh lithium-ion battery that gives about 17 minutes of flight time in optimal conditions. In the real test, though, it averages around 13 to 14 minutes of flight time, which can do short flights and quick shots. Charging takes a little over an hour, but buying the combo kit gives you two extra batteries and a three-battery charger so you can power up more efficiently.
Range-wise, the Neo has an impressive 6.2-mile line-of-sight in the U.S. using DJI’s O4 transmission with a controller, or 165 feet when controlled via smartphone Wi-Fi. The range is shorter than some other models by DJI, but it’s certainly more than enough for most content creators.
The DJI Neo Combo Kit is available for order if you are going to do a lot of extended shoots, that includes extra batteries and a charging dock.
Conclusion: Is the DJI Neo Worth It?
For $200, the DJI Neo is an absolute steal for creators and influencers. Its portability, powerful features, and user-friendliness make it a perfect camera companion for shooting spontaneous moments and creating content on-the-go. It may not have all the fancy stuff the more advanced drones boast with, but its performance and 4K video capability are well beyond the price. Whether you’re just starting with drone photography or an experienced creator looking to add something nice and affordable to your stockpile, the Neo is a no-brainer.
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