Skyports, SEA Milano and 2i Aeroporti Launch ‘VEGA’ Joint Venture

– Skyports Infrastructure along with SEA Milan, the owner of Milan’s airports, and 2i Aeroporti, the leading Italian airport infrastructure investment company controlled by F2i infrastructure funds, have announced the formation of VEGA, a joint venture company established to advance the AAM ecosystem across Milan and the wider Lombardy region. VEGA – Vertical Gateway – […]

Axon Completes Acquisition of Dedrone

– Dedrone is now officially part of Axon. The acquisition unites two companies with a shared mission to improve public safety and national security by staying ahead of persistent and escalating threats, enabling faster, more effective responses and ultimately protecting more lives in more places. Dedrone’s smart airspace security technology integrates with Axon’s public safety […]

Lithuania to Supply Thousands of GA-10-FPV-AI Drones to Ukraine

The Lithuanian government has announced that it will provide thousands of locally manufactured GA-10-FPV-AI first-person view (FPV) drones to the Ukrainian and Lithuanian armed forces as part of a major investment in a low-cost capability that transforms modern combat. The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense announced a $1 million contract with the Vilnius-based drone company […]

France Launches Development of New Stealth UCAV to Complement Rafale F5 Fighter Jet

Sébastien Lecornu, French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, announced the development launch of the unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) that will complement the future Rafale F5 standard after 2030. The announcement was made at a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the French Strategic Air Forces (FAS) at the Saint-Dizier air base, […]

TITAN Aerobatic Team at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh

Join AOPA’s Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President Mike Ginter as he flies with the TITAN Aerobatic Team at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Take a look at how the Titan Team safely and with precision execute their tight-formation aerobatics routine. Peak Performance videos explore high-risk, high-performing flight operations where pilots and crews push themselves […]

DJI Neo unboxing: The Drone Girl’s first impressions on this affordable, hand-launch drone

My YouTube subscribers already have seen it, but I’ll share it with you too, now: my latest YouTube video. It’s an in-depth DJI Neo unboxing, revealing my first impressions of the new, $199 DJI Neo.

DJI Neo has been one of DJI’s worst-kept secrets ever. Perhaps the launch of the HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX drones had something to do with it. Alas, the DJI Neo launch (which happened a month later in September 2024) was a surprise to just about no one. But what has been a surprise is how well it holds up after getting my hands on it in person.

Related read: DJI Neo versus HOVERAir X1: which hand-launch drone is best?

I outlined in-depth DJI Neo drone specs and details back when DJI first named the drone, but here are some key features:

  • 4K video: Footage is surprisingly clear and smooth — particularly considering the low price point.
  • Compact design: Despite its (mostly) powerful performance, the Neo is lightweight and portable. It comes in at just 135 grams, and it’s small enough to fit in a larger jacket pocket or purse.
  • Prop guards and hand launch: These two go, well, hand-in-hand. DJI encourages you to take this drone off from the palm of your hand. With the drone flying that close to you, this is a key safety feature for you (and your walls).

So with that, what’s inside the box? Don’t wait! Check out my unboxing video below:

My first impressions of DJI Neo

From the moment I powered it on after doing this DJI Neo unboxing video, the drone impressed me. The setup was super easy, and within minutes I was ready to fly. The hand takeoff and landing actually works, and the follow-me is quite responsive. I did try controlling it in manual mode from my smartphone, which was also very easy and intuitive.

Video quality is as sharp as you’d expect from DJI (join me next week for a look at the actual footage and flight).

The Neo is perfect for creators who are constantly on the go (like me!) or anyone looking to get started in the drone world with a reliable and easy-to-use device.

That said, it does have some initial drawbacks. It doesn’t do well even in a breeze, so count on making this an indoor drone or otherwise only flying it on calm days.

It also is not the drone for you if you’re seeking sweeping landscape shots. The drone’s maximum flight height is just 120 meters (that’s less than 400 feet) — and that’s when used with a controller (which requires an additional cost). When using just the hand launch or mobile or Mobile App Control, the maximum flight height is 30 meters (about 100 feet) That’s only about half as tall as Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World. And no, these limits can’t be overridden in the DJI Fly app.

The DJI Neo Fly More Combo includes a charging hub and batteries.

And the battery life is pretty short at just 18 minutes max. Given that, you’ll likely want to spring for the Fly More Combo, which adds another $125 to the price. (The DJI Neo Fly More Combo typically retails for $325).

I’ll put together a more complete review later, but for now, I wanted to share this DJI Neo unboxing video with you so you know what’s inside. In short, DJI Neo is packed with features that make flying fun and accessible, while still offering the high-quality footage and advanced tech that seasoned pros will appreciate.

The Drone Girl unboxes the DJI Neo drone, which is an affordable hand-launch drone from DJI.

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Starcopter Unveils Highdra: A Game-Changing Commercial Drone with Flight-Hours Pricing Model

With a Modular Design and Unmatched Battery Life, the Highdra Offers Cost-Effective Flexibility for Surveying, Filming, and Mapping Projects by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb German drone developer Starcopter recently unveiled the Highdra, a 6-rotor commercial-focused UAV sold via an innovative flight-hours pricing model that makes it one of the most cost-effective, powerful solutions […]

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Drones Install Powerline Sensors in Seconds as Heimdall Power Aims to Meet U.S. Grid Compliance

Heimdall Power’s Drone-Based Technology Helps Utilities Comply with FERC 881 Mandate and Prepare for Future Energy Demand As electricity demand rises and government regulations take effect, U.S. utilities are turning to innovative solutions to upgrade their grids. Heimdall Power has introduced a new plan that uses drones to install powerline sensors, helping utilities meet upcoming […]

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Aeros Unveils Airship-Based Drone Delivery System at Deliver America 2024

Zero-emission airborne warehouse and drone hub aim to transform last-mile package deliver Aeros, an airship-based logistics company, is set to introduce its innovative delivery solution at the 2024 Deliver America Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, from October 10-11. This event, which gathers leaders in retail, e-commerce, and supply chain industries, will be the platform for […]

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Skyfire is On the Ground for Hurricane Response: An Inside Look at the Mission

Drones are now a critical tool in disaster response – and as the US suffers a series of historic storms, drones are being deployed to help with search and rescue, road clearing, and recovery efforts. DRONELIFE is appreciative of Justin McCarthy and Matt Sloane for taking the time to provide this post from Skyfire Consulting, […]

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