DJI Launches Smallest, Lightest Drone for Indoor and Outdoor Use

DJI introduces its lightest and most compact drone, the Neo, aimed at making life recording easier for vloggers and hobbyists alike. Weighing just 135 grams, the Neo doesn’t require a remote control and comes with Ai-powered subject tracking, QuickShots, and the ability to shoot in 4K ultra-stabilised video. With a flight time of up to 18 minutes, it’s designed for both indoor and outdoor use, offering a safer experience with full-coverage propeller guards.

Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director at DJI, commented on the new release, saying, “At DJI, we constantly explore how everyday camera use can be made simpler for people. The DJI Neo offers cutting-edge tech in a small form, enabling users to capture their daily moments easily and safely.”

Ready to Fly with a Single Press

One of the standout features of the Neo is the ease of use. By simply pressing the mode button and selecting the desired shooting mode, the drone can fly without the need for a remote control. It captures 12MP stills with its 1/2-inch image sensor or records 4K UHD videos at 30 frames per second, using stabilisation algorithms developed by DJI. After recording, it automatically returns to the user’s palm.

Ai-Driven Subject Tracking for Effortless Creativity

The drone’s Ai algorithms allow it to follow the subject within the frame, making it ideal for activities like cycling, skateboarding, or hiking. Six intelligent shooting modes, known as QuickShots, add more versatility to how footage is captured.

Among the modes is Dronie, where the drone ascends and flies backward while keeping the subject in focus. Other options include Circle, Rocket, and Helix, each offering unique angles and paths to create engaging video content. These features make the Neo particularly appealing to vloggers and social media content creators.

Multiple Control Options

Although designed to be operated without a remote, the Neo can be paired with the DJI Fly app, remote controllers, or even DJI Goggles for enhanced control. A Wi-Fi connection allows users to operate the drone via virtual joysticks on the app, with a control range of up to 50 meters.

For those seeking more advanced control, the DJI RC-N3 enables a maximum video transmission distance of 10 kilometers. Traditional RC control sticks offer the opportunity to capture professional-level shots, even for beginners.

If an immersive experience is preferred, pairing the Neo with DJI Goggles or RC Motion 3 unlocks one-press aerobatics and seamless indoor navigation. The drone can even be controlled with voice commands.

Stabilisation for Smooth Shots

Equipped with a single-axis mechanical gimbal, the Neo can handle flights in windy conditions up to Level-4. When combined with DJI’s RockSteady or HorizonBalancing stabilisation, the footage remains smooth, reducing image shake and correcting horizon tilt. This stabilisation technology ensures clarity even in challenging conditions, allowing users to focus on creativity.

A combination of infrared and monocular vision systems helps the Neo hover steadily, maintaining stability even in windier environments. The drone also supports automatic Return to Home (RTH), which adds to the ease of use and peace of mind during operation.

Designed for Everyday Use

With 22GB of internal storage, the Neo can save up to 40 minutes of 4K video or 55 minutes of 1080p footage. Transferring this data is simple, as the drone connects to smartphones via Wi-Fi, allowing footage to be quickly shared through the DJI Fly app.

For vloggers who want clear audio, the Neo also offers an audio recording feature that connects to a smartphone’s built-in microphone. DJI Mic 2 can be connected via Bluetooth for higher-quality sound. The app automatically merges the audio with the video, eliminating unwanted propeller noise in the process.

Editing footage is made easy with the DJI Fly app, which provides templates, sound effects, and image filters. The footage doesn’t need to be downloaded, which saves storage space on the phone.

Charging the Neo is convenient as well, thanks to its USB-C port. The optional Two-Way Charging Hub can charge up to three batteries simultaneously, boosting both speed and efficiency for those longer shooting days.

Price and Availability

The DJI Neo is available starting today, and it retails for $299. A Fly More Combo, which includes additional accessories and batteries, is available for $539. The drone can be purchased from DJI’s online store or through authorised retail partners across Australia.

Neo’s Showcase at IFA 2024

Visitors to this year’s IFA in Germany can experience the DJI Neo firsthand. DJI will showcase the drone at its booth from September 6 to 10, offering attendees the opportunity to try out its features and see the new technology in action.

DJI Care Refresh

As with other DJI products, the Neo is supported by the DJI Care Refresh service. This plan provides coverage for accidental damage, including collisions, water damage, and flyaways. The one-year plan offers up to two replacements, while the two-year plan includes up to four replacements. These plans also cover free shipping for repairs or replacements.

For more details about DJI Care Refresh and its benefits, users can visit the DJI support page.

The Neo is an important addition to DJI’s lineup, offering ease of use and advanced features in a small package. With a focus on making content creation more accessible, the Neo is likely to attract both beginners and experienced drone enthusiasts.

Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by Nick Ross