The DJI Neo is a fantastic starter drone for anyone looking to dabble in the world of FPV flying, while still keeping your wallet happy.
DJI just launched the Neo a few days ago to much fanfare. This is the new baby of the FPV lineup, and it lines up nicely against its Avata and FPV siblings.
Rumours were spreading far and wide on the internet about this drone; compact, powerful, and best of all, affordable. No seriously, the Neo costs just SGD $249, or $439 for the Fly More combo.
That is serious value for money.
but is it any good?
Oh yes it is. This drone brings 4K video at 30fps, AI subject tracking, palm takeoff and landing, and more; features you’d expect from higher-end models.
And the DJI Neo excels at simply how easy is it to operate out of the box. Whether you’re a seasoned drone pilot or a total newbie, the Neo is designed to make flying a breeze.
No controller? No problem. With the DJI Fly app on your smartphone (iOS or Android), you can take to the skies in seconds. No need to fiddle with the RC-N3 controller if you don’t want to. Once connected, you can either fly manually or dive into one of five QuickShot modes.
Of all the modes, Follow is easily my favourite. With AI subject tracking, the Neo reliably follows you as you move. Whether you’re walking, running, or doing something a little more adventurous.
DJI had a launch event in HomeTeamNS, where we could test out the drone in close-quarter obstacle courses. The Neo managed to keep me in its sights at all times, without assistance from a human.
And that’s just one of the many QuickShot modes the Neo offers. You’ve got Circle, Spotlight, Dronie, all of which work beautifully.
This is the kind of drone that’s not only built for the social media generation but also for anyone who wants an effortlessly enjoyable flying experience.
so, what’s the catch?
Honestly, none that I could find.
In fact, reviewing the Neo has been one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had with any gadget. I had my hands on an early sample version way before launch, so I could experience the magic DJI has injected into this.
With its 1/2-inch sensor capturing 12MP stills, even in windy conditions, the Neo’s advanced stabilization technology keeps your shots smooth and steady. It really is impressive how well this tiny drone handles turbulence.
And then there’s the Neo’s 4K UHD video at 30fps. Every shot I took came out crisp, vibrant, and absolutely beautiful. Best part? Everything is automated (exposure, ISO, shutter speed) so even beginners will find themselves recording professional-looking footage with ease.
Now, one feature I didn’t expect to be so seamless was the palm takeoff and landing. The Neo takes off with a gentle whirr and lands as soon as it detects someone’s hand underneath it. This is a feature you seriously need to try for yourself.
seriously, there are no downsides?
There is one. With only 22GB of internal storage, space runs out quickly when you’re recording in 4K. But with the DJI Fly app, you can offload footage to your phone in just a few minutes, allowing you to keep flying without a hitch.
I found myself naturally doing this every time I landed to swap out batteries, like a mini pit-stop for your drone. Although, having an external SD card slot would make things much easier.
go fly one today, you won’t regret it.
Look, I’m not usually one to anthropomorphize gadgets, but there’s something endearing about the DJI Neo.
It feels like a tiny companion, something that is always by your side to capture beautiful moments whenever the situation calls for it.
The Neo might be small, but it’s packed with features and fun, and if you give it a try, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it.
Oh, and by the way, “Neo” would make a great name for a pet, wouldn’t it?
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