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DJI's 'Neo' Drone is $200 and made for taking selfies
DPReview News |
| Image: DJI |
DJI has announced a new drone called the Neo. It costs $199, weighs a mere 135g (4.76oz), can shoot 4K video, and can fly for up to 18 minutes. The company says it's designed as "a vlogging tool ideal for capturing everyday life, leisure activities, family moments, and pets."
In essence, it's a flying selfie camera, similar to the HoverAir X1 or Snap Pixy. It comes with removable propeller guards that allow it to be used safely indoors, though using them will slightly reduce its flight time.
The Neo can capture 12MP images using a Type 1/2 (6.4 x 4.8) sensor with a 14mm full-frame equivalent F2.8 lens. It can shoot in 4K/30 or 1080 at up to 60p. If you aren't using electronic image stabilization, the video will be 4:3; turn on the 'RockSteady' or 'HorizonBalancing' mode, and it'll drop down to 16:9. The drone also has a physical single-axis (up/down) gimbal to help keep footage steady, even if it's moderately windy.
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The DJI Neo can do 'Palm Takeoff' and automatically follow you around. Image: DJI |
The drone's controls align with its beginner and casual photographer-friendly nature. A button on the top lets you select what mode you want the drone to use; by default, it will follow you, using 'AI algorithms' to keep you in frame, even if you're moving quickly on a skateboard or bicycle.
From there, you can hold it out in your hand and it will automatically take off and start recording after detecting you as a subject. How you get it to land will depend on what mode it's in, but it can fly back and land in your palm as well.
The drone also has a feature known as 'QuickShots,' where it will automatically perform a specific movement such as circling around you or zooming straight up into the sky while keeping you in the center of the frame. You can select a QuickShot mode using the button, or the drone's app.
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You can essentially control the DJI Neo with one button, though the company says you should set up the app in case you need to take control of it while it's in flight. Image: DJI |
The app also lets you control the drone with your voice or with virtual joysticks on the screen. It's also how you preview the footage it's taking and export it to social media, and it even supports recording audio with your phone's microphone.
You can buy an optional controller for the Neo, but physical controls alone won't make it a suitable replacement for serious video drones like the DJI Mavic or even DJI Mini. Those drones have larger cameras, more sophisticated gimbals and ranges measured in kilometers, where the Neo can only be used up to 50m (164ft) away.
Of course, that's not what the Neo is designed for. As its product page says, it's made to 'capture cinematic footage with YOU in focus,' and to do that task with as little fuss as possible. And at that $199 price point, it seems likely it'll be a hit with consumers who want to spice up their social media feeds without really having to learn how to use a drone.
The Neo is for people who want drone shots without having to learn how to use a drone
With that said, there are potential dark skies in DJIs future that any Americans considering the Neo should be aware of. Congress is currently considering passing the 'Countering CCP Drones Act,' which could act as a de facto ban on the company's drones. If passed, "telecommunications and video surveillance equipment or services" made by DJI would be placed on a list of products that 'pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security,' according to the bill's summary. The company has published a document responding to 'inaccuracies lodged against DJI in the public domain,' but it remains unclear whether its products will be allowed in the United States in the future.
For those outside the US or who are willing to roll the dice, however, the Neo could turn out to be an extremely fun toy. If you get one, just be sure to be very aware of the rules around using a drone wherever you are. It may be small and light enough to take anywhere, but that doesn't mean it should be used everywhere.
Buy now:
$199 at Amazon $199 at B&HPress 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.
