Although it can produce truly cinematic video footage with various interesting angles, I still see a drone as a gadget that is not suitable for ordinary people. However, my interest in trying out a drone only arose when DJI launched one of its latest options, the DJI Neo. Notabene being the cheapest DJI drone at the moment.
The cheapest, but claimed to be the easiest to use. Of course there are some “simplification”, such as a camera sensor that may not be as large as other drones. But, I thought, we use the drone in sufficient lighting conditions such as in daytime. Other features are still embedded, even compatible with DJI Googles and DJI Mic, plus complete with AI capabilities.
Within a week of trying out the DJI Neo, my impression of drones had changed completely. This is the right moment for Gizmo friends to buy a drone, because the convenience offered is very good. Here’s the full DJI Neo review.
Design
Before I opened the box and saw the physical device in person, I had already set my expectations when I learned that the DJI Neo is the lightest and most compact drone today, weighing only 135 grams. But still, when finally actually seeing the DJI Neo, picking it up and placing it on the palm of the hand, it still feels quite surprised.
Because the dimensions are really very small! Even when side-by-side with the controller, it looks smaller due to its slim profile. The body of the device feels like it uses a matte plastic material, and each of the four blades is integrated with a protective case. There are only two main control buttons on top.
Its small dimensions made me feel that when operating the DJI Neo, I was using a compact camera instead of a mirrorless when in public areas. It’s not as intrusive as other large drones, but it still can be “disturbing” thanks to the relatively loud propeller noise. So even though it’s small, make sure it doesn’t disturb others when operating it.
The practical design of DJI Neo, in my opinion, will provide enormous benefits, especially for travelers. It will be easier to fit into your backpack, go through airport security protocols and more. Plus, it’s easier to be active in areas that may be more “narrow” space to fly such as hiking in a forest with shady trees, or taking the PoV of a cafe or building that doesn’t have much open space.
Impressions regarding the design are really very positive. And this also continued into the operation section, where the DJI Neo really surprised me, who had never flown a drone before.
Operation
For information, the DJI Neo review unit that the Gizmology team reviewed, is a unit with the Fly More Combo package, containing extra accessories including the RC-N3 controller, additional batteries and others. Setup itself is quite easy, with DJI providing a very complete tutorial via their official YouTube channel.
Simply attach the battery, press and hold the button below the battery indicator, connect to your smartphone, remove the camera protector, and we’re good to go! For the application itself, simply download the DJI Fly application. If you’re using an iPhone, it’s on the App Store. Android users will need to download it from DJI’s website, as it is not available on the Play Store.
DJI also shows what series of devices are compatible or at least optimized. Although the Xiaomi 14T didn’t make the list, it connects quite smoothly to the DJI Neo, although there may be some annoying bugs later on. The pairing process is easy, and the smartphone app will provide all the tutorials you need to know.
The point is, just be patient, until you’ve gone through all the initial introduction stages, it’s easy. Then how to fly the DJI Neo? Apart from smartphones, it can also be done automatically from the palm of your hand-a method that makes you, again, surprised by its ease. Utilizing AI and Palm Takeoff & Landing mode.
As the name implies, you simply place the DJI Neo in the palm of your hand (with the camera facing your face), lift your palm slightly, hold down the button on the drone until the voice command sounds a countdown, and fly! DJI Neo will take footage according to the mode you choose. To return? Give it a palm, and the device automatically lands.
In other words, you can operate this drone even without a smartphone. There are six preset modes that can be selected directly from the DJI Neo, and each time you select a mode, the device will make a sound based on its name; Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, Helix, and Boomerang. Also Follow to follow us as the main object, utilizing AI Subject Tracking.
Camera
Given the small dimensions of the device, it is natural that the size of the DJI Neo camera sensor is smaller than other larger drones. Digunakan sensor 12MP f/2.8 1/2 inches with a 14mm wide angle of view, supports a closest focusing distance of 06m, and supports recording up to 4K 30fps or 1080p 60fps. Reinforced single-axis mechanical gimbal as a hardware-based stabilization solution.
Combined with the RockSteady and HorizonBalancing EIS stabilization solutions, the video captured from the DJI Neo is incredibly smooth, with the horizon automatically aligned to capture moments of expansive scenery. The photo and video quality, alone, is on par with mid-range smartphones.
It’s not the sharpest, or DSLR-level camera, but it’s still very good especially in daylight conditions-a more common time to operate a drone. During testing, I never felt that the video quality of the DJI Neo was disappointing, as it was at least socmed ready. Of course you can “beautified” after the recording process.
For those of you using DJI Neo as an auto vlogging camera, when footage is transferred to DJI Fly, the facial appearance can be enhanced in one touch, via the Glamour Effects option. Interestingly, not only skin color, but also body posture, utilizing AI processing.
Features & More
As mentioned earlier, there are many easy capture mode presets (QuickShots) to choose from including directly from the DJI Neo body. But through the DJI Fly app, you can use your own presets, or change the system for each mode. For example, during Dronie mode, you can choose that the drone will move away for a certain number of meters, before returning to the starting point.
If it can be operated directly or from a smartphone, then what is the point of additional accessories such as controllers? When paired with the RC-N3, you can operate the DJI Neo up to 10 kilometers away (vs 50 meters from a smartphone). Interestingly, this tiny DJI drone is also compatible with DJI Goggles 3, turning it into an FPV drone.
With no memory card slot, DJI Neo’s internal storage is 22GB. With that capacity, it can store approximately 40 minutes of 4K video, or 55 minutes of 1080p video. However, the process of transferring to my smartphone was quite fast and seamless, so it was not a problem for me. Now, what if you want to record a video with sound?
Since the baling noise is quite loud, you can utilize your smartphone’s microphone as the audio source of your DJI Neo footage, or pair it with DJI Mic 2. Later, the recorded video results will automatically reduce the noise from the fan, making it clearer and more suitable for vlogging content.
Battery
Again, dimensional limitations mean that the DJI Neo has a record time that may be shorter than other drones. One DJI Neo battery can be used to fly and record for up to 18 minutes-this is the official claim. In reality, it depends on the resolution, or other factors such as ambient temperature. From personal experience, it’s about 12-15 minutes.
DJI provides an additional accessory, the Two-Way Charging Hub, included in the Fly More Combo. This is a charging station that can charge up to three batteries at once, using a USB-C connection. It’s quite a must-have when you want to record a lot of footage at one time.
When the DJI Neo battery runs out, simply remove it, place it into the charging hub, and replace it with a new one. DJI Neo battery capacity of 1435 mAh. If charging directly via drone, maximum 15W, takes 50 minutes from depleted to full. Using a 60W charging hub, it can charge all three batteries from zero to full in just 60 minutes.
Conclusion
For DJI’s newest, smallest, and cheapest drone to date, there are so many positive factors that I can easily recommend it. Whether it’s a secondary drone, or a first drone for the uninitiated, the DJI Neo fits the bill perfectly. Easy to operate, but the potential is just as great.
If it’s really for casual use only, the standard package is suitable, considering that it’s so easy to operate that you don’t even need a smartphone at all times. But if Gizmo friends want to learn more seriously, or take more varied footage, the Fly More Combo is certainly better suited with a charging hub solution that is also practical. Re-adjust to your own needs.
