DJI has thrown its hat into the ring with a game-changing device. Enter the DJI NEO, a compact drone that’s set to revolutionize how we capture aerial shots. This pint-sized powerhouse is bringing drone photography to the masses, making it as easy as snapping a pic on your phone.
The NEO takes its design cues from its bigger sibling, the Avata 2, but shrinks it down to a pocket-friendly size. Measuring less than 16 cm on its longest side, this little flyer fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. DJI’s engineers have managed to pack a lot of tech into this tiny frame, including an upgraded protective shield that fully encloses the drone.
What’s truly impressive is its featherweight construction. At just 135 grams—battery included—the NEO is lighter than most smartphones you’d find on the market today. It’s so light, you might forget you’re carrying it.
Don’t let its size fool you—the NEO can hold its own in the air. With a maximum flight time of 18 minutes, you’ve got plenty of time to capture those perfect shots. That said, it’s wise to plan for about 10 minutes of actual use, factoring in return time, battery reserves, and any environmental curveballs.
When it comes to video capabilities, NEO doesn’t disappoint. It shoots crisp 4K footage at 30fps, giving you professional-quality results from a consumer-grade device. And with 22GB of internal storage, you won’t have to worry about running out of space mid-flight.
The single-axis gimbal might raise some eyebrows among drone enthusiasts, but don’t knock it till you try it. This little stabilizer works overtime, delivering smooth footage and impressive horizon leveling that’ll make your shots look like they were captured by a pro.
It’s not all blue skies for the NEO, though. Its compact design does come with some trade-offs. The maximum takeoff altitude tops out at 120 meters, and it’s only rated to handle winds up to level 4. Its obstacle avoidance system is also more basic compared to some of the beefier drones on the market.
These limitations won’t be deal-breakers for most users, especially if you’re planning to fly in urban or standard outdoor settings. However, if you’re dreaming of capturing footage in challenging environments like gusty mountain peaks or high-altitude locations, you might want to look at more advanced options in DJI’s lineup.
Where the NEO really shines is in its ease of use. Once you’ve got it set up through the DJI Fly app, you can actually operate this little drone without reaching for your smartphone. It comes loaded with six preset flight modes that you can adjust right on the device itself.
The process is dead simple: press once to select a mode, hold to confirm, and off it goes. The NEO takes care of everything else—takeoff, shooting, return, and landing—all without you having to fiddle with extra settings.
In many ways, the NEO is bringing the point-and-shoot simplicity of smartphone photography to the world of drones. It’s all about those quick, low-altitude shots that capture a moment from a fresh perspective. No need to worry about powering on, pairing devices, or navigating complex controls—just a few seconds and you’re recording.
The NEO’s first mode will automatically track and follow its subject, while other modes like fly-away or orbit will execute their pre-programmed routines before returning home. And when it’s time to land? Just hold out your hand, and the NEO will gently settle into your palm.
For those who want more control, the NEO has you covered. You can connect to the DJI Fly app via Wi-Fi for more traditional drone piloting. Or, if you’re looking to extend your range and video transmission capabilities, you can pair it with accessories like the DJI RC-N3 remote or DJI goggles with the Motion Controller 3.
In these more advanced modes, the NEO can pull off many of the same tricks as its Avata series cousins, as long as you’re not pushing it to extremes.
The DJI NEO isn’t about pushing technical boundaries—it’s about breaking down barriers. It’s designed to let anyone, even complete novices, experience the joy of aerial photography without the usual headaches.
By making drone flight as straightforward as taking a smartphone pic, DJI has opened up a whole new world of creative possibilities. The NEO is more than just a new product—it’s a new approach to capturing the world from above.
In a market where drones often felt too complicated or “serious,” the NEO is a breath of fresh air. It’s not just a drone; it’s a NEO way of thinking about aerial photography.
