DJI is renowned for its high-quality drones, like the Avatar, which capture stunning aerial photos and videos often featured on YouTube. These high-end gadgets can cost upwards of a thousand dollars.
However, DJI’s new NEO model is set to change the game with its ultra-portable, lightweight design. Weighing just 135 grams and priced at S$249 for the standard model or S$439 for the combo pack, the DJI NEO may look like a toy, but it offers essential drone capabilities, making it a fun and affordable tool for content creation.
The DJI NEO is designed for easy operation, even without an additional remote control. It can also be paired with the DJI Fly app, remote controllers, RC Motion, DJI Goggles, and even voice commands for enhanced flight and camera control.
Equipped with advanced AI algorithms, the NEO can effortlessly track subjects within the frame, whether you’re cycling, skateboarding, or hiking. Its QuickShots feature offers six intelligent shooting modes for creative video angles:
- Dronie: The drone flies backward and ascends while keeping the camera focused on the subject.
- Circle: The drone circles around the subject.
- Rocket: The drone ascends with the camera pointing downward.
- Spotlight: The drone rotates while keeping the subject centered in the frame.
- Helix: The drone ascends and spirals around the subject.
- Boomerang: The drone flies in an oval path around the subject, ascending as it moves away and descending as it returns.
This can be done with palm takeoff and landing. Just press the button at the front of the drone to select one of the six modes. The parameters of the distance and height can be adjusted through the app.
With this feature you no longer need a selfie stick or even a photographer when you vlog on the move. You can also record video of you jogging, cycling using the Dronie mode.
While these modes offer a range of creative options, I personally prefer using a remote control for full maneuverability.
The DJI NEO features a single-axis mechanical gimbal that handles high-speed maneuvers and wind conditions up to Level-4. With RockSteady and HorizonBalancing stabilization, it minimizes image shake and corrects horizon tilt up to ±45°, ensuring smooth and stable footage.
Thanks to its infrared and monocular vision positioning system, the NEO maintains steady hovering even in moderate winds. It also includes an automatic Return to Home (RTH) feature for added convenience and safety.
With 22GB of internal storage, the NEO can record up to 40 minutes of 4K/30fps video or 55 minutes of 1080p/60fps video. Transferring footage is quick and easy via Wi-Fi to the DJI Fly app, which also supports smooth post-production and sharing.
For audio recording, the NEO can connect to a smartphone, and for improved sound quality, the DJI Mic 2 can be used via Bluetooth. The app filters out propeller noise and merges the audio with the footage, ensuring clear sound for vlogs.
The DJI Fly app provides various templates, sound, and image effects for efficient editing, allowing you to create and share videos without the need to download and edit separately, thus saving phone storage.
Charging is convenient with a Type-C data cable or the DJI NEO’s Two-Way Charging Hub, which can charge three batteries simultaneously for faster and more efficient power-ups.
On page 2, we check out the package and take it out for a trial run.
The DJI NEO is available for S$249, with the DJI NEO Fly More Combo priced at S$439.