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 […]
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.
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
– Anduril Industries has been awarded a $249,978,466 contract to deliver advanced air defense capabilities across services for the Department of Defense. This contract will deliver more than 500 Roadrunner-Ms and additional Pulsar electronic warfare capabilities, addressing the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) attacks against U.S. forces. Deliveries will begin in the fourth […]
Ukraine is capable of producing 4 million drones annually. 1.5 million drones have already been contracted, stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Second International Defense Industries Forum. “The total number of drones we are currently capable of producing annually in Ukraine is 4 million. Over 1.5 million have already been contracted,” Zelenskyy emphasized. He […]
– Steadicopter has announced the unveiling of the Golden Eagle HS (Heavy Strike) Rotary Unmanned Aerial System for heavy strike capabilities in collaboration with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. This collaboration expands the Golden Eagle family capabilities, adding a new attack capability dimension, expanding the system’s operational versatility and reinforcing its proven performance. The Golden […]
— Windracers, manufacturer of the low-cost self-flying cargo aircraft ULTRA, announced that it has contracted to provide NORCE, an independent scientific research institute based in Norway, two (2) Windracers ULTRA aircraft for use in scientific survey missions of the Antarctic. Windracers ULTRAs purchased by NORCE will support Troll Observing Network (TONe), a state-of-the-art, multi-platform, multi-disciplinary […]
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 […]
