New DJI Neo: Tracking with AI and 4K camera - is it worth it?

on September 5, the premiere of DJI Neo - new compact drone from DJI. We take a look at its key features from an expert perspective to assess whether it is worth considering. You'll learn about its performance, what sets it apart from the competition, and whether it's a good investment.

Building a drone DJI Neo

DJI Neo is the smallest drone in the range DJI, with dimensions comparable to two iPhone 15 Pro, weighing only 135 grams. The case protects it from all sides, which increases safety and allows for easy hand launching. It is equipped with a single downward-facing visual sensor for precise landing. This solution, however, raises questions about its ability to bypass obstacles. We will be testing this aspect in the coming days, and a full review will appear on our channel YouTube.

Great photo and video quality with 4k camera

The surprise is the presence of 4K/30 fps camera in such a small drone. Combined with a ½-inch sensor and f/2.8 aperture, it offers really good recording quality. The drone takes pictures at 12 MP resolution, however, it does not support RAW format, which can be a downside for professional photographers. DJI However, the Neo is mainly aimed at filming for amateurs, and the use of a 1-axis gimbal allows the camera angle to be adjusted vertically.

Instead of classic 3-axis stabilization, DJI has introduced algorithms known from sports cameras RockSteady and HorizonBalancing, which effectively stabilize the image and align the horizon, giving the recordings a professional touch.

Range and flight time DJI Neo

The maximum flight time of DJI Neo is 18 minutes, which is a very good result for its dimensions. It takes 50 minutes to charge a single battery, and with the hub you can charge three batteries in an hour. The range of the drone DJI Neo when using the camera is up to 6 km, which means that in the city, the real range will be about 1 - 2 km. When connected to the phone via Wi-Fi, the operational range is 50 meters. In sport mode, the drone reaches a speed of 57.6 km/h, which is impressive for this class of device. Automatic return to the user, in case of loss of signal, and wind resistance up to class 4 provide comfort and safety of flight even in more difficult conditions.

Ease of use and automatic functions

DJI The Neo is the brand's first drone to offer smartphone control and... voice! It does not require a controller and allows safe take-off straight from the hand. A unique feature of the Neo is advanced AI-supported tracking, which sets it apart from other models from this major manufacturer. The drone can follow a person on the move - whether walking, running or biking.

Voice commands can be issued in english and Mandarin. The control app allows full control of the drone, but for those who prefer traditional methods DJI offers a kit with the RC-N3 controller. The drone is also compatible with goggles DJI Goggles 3 and controller RC Motion, which allows you to control using motion, as in FPV drones.

Neo is equipped with the features of QuickShots, that automate shots. With a single button, for example, the drone will perform a smooth flight around the subject by itself, making it easy to create cinematic shots.

DJI Neo specification

Below you will find a table with the specifications of the drone DJI Neo, which will give you a quick and clear overview of the most important technical data of this model. It will help you more easily assess whether this drone meets your expectations.

*The price listed above is valid as of 05/09/2024 and is subject to change.

Perfect for vlogging

Drone connects via Bluetooth with microphone DJI Mic 2, which offers noise reduction, making it an ideal tool for vloggers. It comes with DJI Pocket 3, Neo becomes a complete tool for quality content production. The DJI application additionally offers editing templates, making it easy to create attractive videos without the need for advanced editing software.

You can fly it without training or certification

DJI Neo has c0 certificate, which means you can fly it legally in the European Union without the need for training. All you need to do is register as a drone operator and follow the rules, such as maximum flight altitude of up to 120 meters.

DJI Neo price and availability

DJI Neo is one of the cheapest drones in the company's range. It is available in both a basic version, which includes the drone itself with a battery, priced at £919. In turn DJI Neo Fly More Combo for £1,649 it offers a controller, 3 batteries as well as additional accessories. It is also worth considering insurance DJI Care, which provides protection against damage.

Is there anything better on the market at this price?

At this point DJI Neo has no direct competitor that offers similar features at a similar price. However, this may soon change, and you can find more information on competing models in our comparison.

Pros and cons of drone DJI Neo

Although it lacks additional sensors, which limits safety, the Neo's light weight and size justify this. Flight time could be longer, but the Combo version with additional batteries solves this problem. Overall, the advantages, especially the 4K Camera and tracking function make this drone definitely worth the price.

Disadvantages:

• No 3-axis gimbal
• No possibility to submit
• No support for memory cards
• Short flight time
• Limited sensors

Advantages:

• Low price
• 4K camera
• Long range
• AI tracking
• Fast charging via USB-C
• Compatibility with other accessories DJI

Summary

DJI has once again shown that it listens to its customers and tailors its products to their needs. DJI Neo is a drone for people who need a small device with 4K recording quality without having to spend a lot of money. It will work well as additional recording equipment, adding variety to both photos and videos. Ideal for travelers and family trips, DJI Neo can also be an interesting gift for those who have never flown a drone before.