This is not the first time we talk about DJI and given the virality of its latest drone model, the Neo, we had to test its virtues and also evaluate its defectsThe positive side is that, for a 135 gram device (less than many mobile phones) that fits in the palm of your hand, its positive side is noticeable.
The first thing that stands out is its price: €199. Considering the manufacturer, this is a very sweet gadget. DJI has plenty of experience in drones and the flight, stabilization and image recording software enters the podium for recreational drones.
For haters of manuals and configurations prior to “playing” with drones, it is a delight. At the top it has six Quickshots modes: Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, Boomerang and Dolly Zoom. You just press a key to select one of them and let it do its job. The most well-known is the tracking mode (it follows us wherever we go) and when we extend our hand, it lands quietly there. But there is a mode that circles around us, another that moves away from us at an angle and one that also takes off into the sky.
One advantage is that all the images are stored inside it and once at home and in direct connection with the mobile, it sends the recordings and photographs. Regarding this, it has a 12 MP camera and is capable of recording in 4 K. Stabilization is very good, as long as there is not too much wind.. And 20 km/h is already too much. Its weight is an advantage and also a disadvantage when taking into account the air currents. And the battery consumption.
Obviously, the drone’s consumption is not the same if we are in an enclosed space, without obstacles, as it is outdoors. We can go from almost 20 minutes to half that time very easily. Mobile and logistical advantage: the batteries (weighing just 45 grams) can be charged directly from the drone thanks to an accessible USB-C cable.
And regarding obstacles: it does not have an obstacle detector. The good side? The propellers are very protected and without the controller and the extra batteries (which add up to almost €150), it does not allow distances greater than 50 meters, therefore, the battery (fast and efficient charging) is not such a big defect. You just have to keep it in mind when recording content. The aspect less positive is that in somewhat more complex environments (cities, squares, trees, etc.) navigation is much more chaotic.
Considering its price without the remote control and that it can be controlled easily and effectively with the app on the mobile, we are going to focus on this option. In fact, weighing less than 250 grams, it is below (quite a bit) the regulations and restrictions on the use of drones.
The manufacturer’s experience means that, despite the construction materials (mainly plastic), don’t be weak.
Not being directly dependent on a controller is what makes the Neo so playful.The fact that it can also be controlled by voice on a mobile phone makes it more versatile. Its operation, although not very extensive, does allow for the basics thanks to the pre-programmed recording modes.
Logically, this mode has distance limitations and flight height (the aforementioned 50 meters) which with the remote control become 10 km. And a greater range in versatility of maneuvers. Even so, both modes are affected by the wind, the greatest enemy in such a light drone.
Verdict:
For this price and with these qualities, it is very difficult to do better. Yes, you can ask for more wind resistance, more range and higher camera resolution or battery, but the price would go up.