DJI has officially introduced the Neo, a compact and affordable $200 drone that’s making waves among content creators and casual users alike. With its small size and beginner-friendly features like propeller guards, palm takeoff, and voice control, the Neo is designed for ease of use. However, don’t be fooled by its simplicity—this drone packs a punch.

Lightweight, Portable Design

Weighing just 135 grams, the Neo is DJI’s lightest drone yet. Its ultra-portable design makes it ideal for travelers and casual flyers, and it’s nearly small enough to fit in a pocket. Thanks to its lightweight frame, the Neo doesn’t require FAA registration or a drone pilot license, adding to its appeal for users looking for hassle-free flying.

Smart Shot Modes and Features

One standout feature of the Neo is the “Smart Shot” modes, which allow users to easily capture cinematic footage with the press of a button. These modes, which include Follow, Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, and Direction Track, make it easy to create dynamic shots without needing advanced piloting skills. The addition of a second button near the camera gimbal for switching between these modes makes it even more convenient for quick adjustments during flight.

Powerful Video and Camera Specs

The Neo boasts some impressive camera specs for its price range. It shoots video in 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, and its 12-megapixel sensor offers an ultra-wide angle with a 13mm equivalent focal length. While it doesn’t support vertical video mode—a downside for some social media creators—its overall video quality is sharp and vibrant. The Neo’s camera gimbal can tilt 60 degrees up and 90 degrees down, providing plenty of flexibility for creative shots.

Performance and Stability

Despite its small size, the Neo performs admirably in the air. It can reach speeds of up to 18 mph in sport mode and 36 mph in manual mode, making it surprisingly fast for a drone of this size. It handles light winds well, but for best results, it’s better to fly in calm conditions. DJI’s RockSteady and HorizonBalancing technologies ensure that footage remains stable and smooth, even in breezy weather.

Battery Life and Storage

The Neo’s 1,435mAh battery offers up to 17 minutes of flight time, though real-world usage will likely hover around 13 to 14 minutes. The Combo kit, priced at $289, includes two additional batteries and a charger, offering a more comprehensive solution for users who want extended flight times. In terms of storage, the Neo comes with 22GB of internal memory—enough for about 40 minutes of 4K footage. However, the lack of a microSD card slot could be a drawback for some users.

Control Options: Smartphone and FPV

For those who want to keep things simple, the Neo can be controlled via the DJI Fly app on your smartphone, eliminating the need for a separate controller. The app lets you tweak settings such as follow distance, video resolution, and flight path. For more advanced users, the Neo is compatible with various DJI controllers, including the RC-N3 model. The drone also supports FPV (First Person View) with DJI Goggles and the RC Motion 3 controller, offering an immersive flight experience.

Audio Recording Capabilities

A unique feature of the Neo is its ability to capture audio via your smartphone’s microphone while flying. Users can also enhance their audio with the DJI Mic 2, which filters out the drone’s propeller noise and delivers clear voice recordings. This makes the Neo particularly appealing for vloggers and content creators who want to capture both video and audio simultaneously.

Ease of Use: Ideal for Beginners

DJI has designed the Neo with beginners in mind. For instance, the drone can be launched simply by placing it in your hand and pressing a button. Once in the air, it can automatically execute pre-programmed Smart Shots, making it easy to capture professional-looking footage. Landing is equally simple—just hold your hand underneath the drone, and it will automatically descend.

Flight Range and Connectivity

When flying via smartphone, the Neo has a limited range of about 165 feet. However, with a controller and DJI’s O4 transmission system, the drone’s range extends up to 6.2 miles in the U.S. (or 3.7 miles in Europe). While its range is impressive for a drone of its size, users should be cautious not to let it fly too far out of sight, especially when relying on Wi-Fi controls.

Drawbacks: Noise and Limited Obstacle Detection

Though the Neo excels in many areas, it’s not without its drawbacks. The propellers are relatively noisy, emitting a buzzing sound that’s hard to ignore. Additionally, the Neo lacks comprehensive obstacle detection, only offering basic AI and downward-facing IR sensors for landing. This means users need to be extra cautious when flying in crowded or indoor environments.

Final Verdict: A Budget Drone with Serious Capabilities

For just $200, the DJI Neo is an incredible value. Its combination of portability, ease of use, and powerful features make it an excellent choice for both beginners and more experienced users. The Neo Combo kit, with extra batteries and a charger, offers even more bang for your buck. While there are a few limitations, such as noise and the absence of obstacle detection, the Neo’s performance far exceeds expectations for its price range. In short, this drone is a game-changer for anyone looking to get into aerial photography or videography on a budget.

Whether you’re a vlogger, content creator, or casual hobbyist, the DJI Neo is likely to impress. Its intuitive design, impressive camera specs, and smart features make it a standout option in the budget drone market. With pre-orders available now and shipping set to start soon, it’s poised to become one of DJI’s most popular releases in recent years.