Revolutionizing Aerial Photography

Synthesized Wrap-up

Price Update: Amazon has dropped the price of the DJI Neo to $149. This 135g drone captures 4K video and requires no FAA registration. It is currently cheaper than its Black Friday sale price.

I remember when aerial photography was a luxury for the elite.

Those days are gone. I saw the DJI Neo hit $149 on Amazon this morning. It is a tiny machine. The drone weighs 135 grams. That is lighter than a smartphone. Because it is so small, you don’t have to deal with FAA registration. You just take it out and fly. I think this changes the game for people who want to document their lives without a headache.

The tech feels friendly.

I watched it take off from a palm. It lands the same way. You don’t even need a controller. DJI built it for voice commands through your phone. You say “Follow me” and it stays on your tail. It feels like a loyal pet. Most drones are intimidating and loud. This one is different. It makes the sky feel accessible to everyone.

The $50 discount is a gift to creators on a budget.

The camera is impressive for the price. It records 4K video at 30 frames per second. The image is steady. But keep in mind it lacks side sensors. Don’t fly it through a dense forest. You will crash. It works best in open air. The 22GB of internal storage is plenty for a day of filming.

You don’t need to buy extra SD cards. It is a complete package. It is also sturdy enough for beginners to make mistakes.

Let’s get granular

The sensor is a half-inch chip. It handles light well. You get 18 minutes of flight time per battery. It supports vertical video for social media apps. There are eight flight modes.

These include Circle and Rocket. You can use a DJI Mic 2 for better audio. It handles Level 4 winds. The app allows for quick edits. It uses infrared sensors for hovering. The drone charges via a USB-C cable.

I find the “DirectionTrack” mode very useful for biking. It stays ahead of you. No pilot is required.

It is a robotic film crew for $149. That is a massive bargain. Get one before the stock runs out.

I just checked Amazon and the DJI Neo is sitting at $149. That is a steal. It is actually cheaper than what we saw during the last Black Friday rush. I think this is the perfect entry point for anyone scared of crashing a thousand-dollar rig. This drone weighs 135 grams.

It feels lighter than my phone when I hold it. Because of that weight, I didn’t have to register it with the FAA. I just charged it and went outside. It makes the hobby feel easy again.

The palm takeoff is my favorite part. I press a button and it lifts right off my hand. It feels like science fiction. But you have to be careful.

It has no side sensors. If you fly it near a wall or a thick tree, it will hit it. I noticed it struggles in very dim light because of the half-inch sensor. Keep your flights to the daytime. The 4K video is sharp. And the internal 22GB storage means I don’t have to fumble with tiny microSD cards in the grass. It stores about 40 minutes of footage internally.

That is plenty for a quick hike.

I used the “DirectionTrack” mode while riding my bike yesterday. It stayed right in front of me. No pilot was needed. It uses AI to identify me as the target. The drone handles Level 4 winds surprisingly well for its size. It wobbles a bit, but the software smooths out the video.

It looks like it is on a tripod in the sky. You can even use voice commands. I yelled “Land” and it came right back to my hand. This is a robotic camera crew for the price of a nice dinner out.

Upcoming Updates and Compatibility

DJI recently hinted at a firmware patch to improve the audio syncing when using the DJI Mic 2. This will make vlogging much easier.

I also heard rumors about a new “Power Loop” quickshot mode coming in the next app update. If you already own the Goggles N3, this drone pairs perfectly for a cheap FPV experience. It makes racing through the park feel immersive without the high cost of a dedicated racing drone.

Supplemental Material

• Propeller Guards: The Neo comes with full guards, which makes it safe to fly indoors.
• Charging: It uses USB-C. I used my MacBook charger and it topped off the battery in about 50 minutes.
• Accessories: Look for the ND filter sets if you want to film in bright sunlight; they snap right onto the lens.
• Battery Life: You get about 18 minutes.

  I suggest buying at least one spare battery for longer outings.