The DJI Neo, the latest drone offering from DJI, caters to both hobbyists and entry-level enthusiasts looking for a relatively affordable yet feature-packed aerial vehicle. Known for their high-quality drones, DJI has once again designed a product that blends innovation, performance, and ease of use. However, like any device, the DJI Neo has its pros and cons. This review aims to provide a balanced perspective on the drone's strengths and areas where it could improve.
Design and Build Quality
The DJI Neo boasts a compact and sleek design, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize portability. Weighing in at under 600 grams, it’s light enough to take anywhere but sturdy enough to withstand mild knocks and bumps. The foldable arms and propellers add to the drone’s portability, allowing users to easily stow it in a small backpack. The material used feels durable yet lightweight, striking a good balance between ruggedness and portability.
In terms of aesthetics, the DJI Neo has a minimalistic yet modern look. The build quality is generally impressive, but there have been some complaints about the longevity of the propellers, especially under frequent or rugged use. While this is not a deal-breaker, spare propellers or protective accessories may be necessary for users who plan to fly regularly.
Camera and Imaging Capabilities
One of the standout features of the DJI Neo is its camera. Equipped with a 12 MP sensor and capable of shooting 4K video at 30 frames per second, it delivers crisp, clear footage that is impressive for a drone at this price point. The camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, which ensures smooth and stable video capture, even in windy conditions or when the drone is making sharp turns.
The Neo also supports HDR video, allowing users to capture vivid details in both bright and dark areas. The quality of still images is similarly good, with solid color accuracy and detail retention. However, the Neo’s camera struggles a bit in low-light conditions, with noticeable noise and reduced sharpness. For users interested in nighttime photography or video, this might be a limitation.
Flight Performance
The DJI Neo is designed for ease of use, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those upgrading from basic drones. The flight controls are intuitive, and the drone responds quickly to inputs, whether you’re using the dedicated controller or a smartphone.
In terms of flight speed, the Neo can reach up to 50 km/h (31 mph) in its fastest mode, which is sufficient for capturing dynamic shots or simply enjoying fast-paced flying. The drone has a flight time of about 30 minutes on a full charge, a respectable duration for a drone in this category. Additionally, the Neo’s range is around 5-7 km, thanks to DJI’s OcuSync technology, which ensures a strong signal and minimal latency between the controller and the drone.
One area where the Neo shines is its obstacle avoidance system. The drone is equipped with forward, backward, and downward sensors that help it detect and avoid obstacles in real time. This is particularly useful for beginners or when flying in tight spaces. However, some users have noted that the side sensors are absent, meaning lateral movement still requires careful attention.
Smart Features and Software
The DJI Neo comes with a host of intelligent flight modes, including ActiveTrack, which allows the drone to automatically follow a subject, and QuickShots, which provides predefined flight paths for cinematic shots. These modes make it easy for users to capture professional-looking footage with minimal effort.
The accompanying DJI Fly app is well-designed, offering easy access to all of the drone’s settings and features. The user interface is simple, even for those who are new to drones. There is also a suite of post-processing tools built into the app, allowing users to edit and share their footage directly from their smartphones.
On the downside, some users have reported occasional connectivity issues between the drone and the app, particularly when flying in areas with a lot of interference. Firmware updates from DJI may help alleviate this issue, but it can be a frustrating experience when it occurs.
Battery Life and Charging
The DJI Neo comes with a single intelligent flight battery, which provides around 30 minutes of flight time, as mentioned earlier. While this is competitive for a drone in this price range, heavy users may want to invest in spare batteries for extended flight sessions. Charging the battery takes about 90 minutes, which isn’t the fastest, but it is within the acceptable range for consumer drones.
Conclusion
In summary, the DJI Neo is an impressive drone that strikes a balance between performance, features, and price. Its camera quality, obstacle avoidance system, and intelligent flight modes make it a compelling option for both beginners and more experienced users. The flight performance and ease of use are particularly strong points, though the occasional app connectivity issues and the camera’s low-light performance are areas for improvement.
For its price, the DJI Neo delivers solid value and is a reliable option for anyone looking to get into drone photography or videography without breaking the bank. However, for professionals seeking top-tier features or nighttime performance, higher-end models like the DJI Air or Mavic series might be better suited to those needs.
£169
Visit dji.com