The DJI Neo 2 has arrived, positioning itself as a top contender in the budget drone market. Building upon the foundation of the original DJI Neo, the Neo 2 boasts enhanced features and improved value, making it an attractive option for beginners, travelers, and casual content creators alike. Here's a detailed look at what the Neo 2 offers:
Design and Build:
Weighing in at a mere 151 grams (160g with the digital transceiver), the Neo 2 remains ultra-portable, fitting comfortably in hand. Its non-folding design with enclosed propellers emphasizes safety and ease of use. The drone's dimensions are 167 x 171 x 54mm (including propeller guards and the digital transceiver). DJI has incorporated omnidirectional obstacle sensing, complete with forward-facing LiDAR and a downward infrared sensing system, significantly enhancing flight safety. A matrix LED display on the front shows the current mode. The inclusion of dual antennas at the back ensures stable connectivity.
Camera and Image Quality:
The Neo 2 features a 12MP 1/2-inch CMOS sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, allowing more light than its predecessor. Paired with a 2-axis gimbal and RockSteady electronic image stabilization, the Neo 2 captures stable footage. It records 4K video at up to 60fps, or 100fps in slow-motion mode. It also supports 2.7K vertical video for social media. While the image quality isn't on par with more expensive drones like the DJI Mini 5 Pro, it offers a noticeable improvement over the original Neo, producing crisp, colorful results suitable for online sharing. The ISO range has been improved to 100-12800 in most shooting modes.
Flight Performance and Safety:
The Neo 2 shines in flight performance, offering versatile control options including gesture, voice, mobile app, traditional RC, and motion controller. Palm take-off and landing add to the user-friendly experience. The omnidirectional obstacle sensing, combined with full propeller guards, ensures a safe and confident flight, making it ideal for beginners. The drone has a level 5 wind resistance, withstanding winds up to 10.7 m/s. Its maximum flight time is approximately 19 minutes. The inclusion of smart Return to Home (RTH) functionality further enhances safety. The Neo 2 also boasts an enhanced ActiveTrack system that can follow subjects at speeds up to 12 m/s.
Key Features:
- Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing: Provides comprehensive obstacle avoidance for safer flight.
- 4K/100fps Video: Records high-quality video with smooth slow-motion capabilities.
- Multiple Control Methods: Offers various ways to control the drone, catering to different user preferences.
- Intelligent Shooting Modes: Includes Dolly Zoom, QuickShots, MasterShots, and SelfieShot for creative video capture.
- Palm Takeoff & Landing: Enables easy and intuitive launch and recovery.
- Gesture and Voice Control: Allows for hands-free control, adding to the convenience.
- 49GB Internal Storage: Provides ample storage for photos and videos.
- QuickTransfer: Ensures footage is available instantly with file transfer speeds up to 80 MB/s.
Pricing and Value:
The DJI Neo 2 (Drone Only) is priced starting at £209 / €239 / ~$259. The Fly More Combo, which includes the DJI RC-N3 controller and extra accessories, is priced at £349. The Motion Fly More Combo, offering an immersive FPV experience, is available for £509. While slightly more expensive than the original Neo, the added features and improvements justify the price increase, making it a worthwhile upgrade.
Alternatives:
Potential alternatives to the DJI Neo 2 include the HoverAir X1 and X1 Pro, which offer a folding design and strong tracking capabilities. The DJI Mini 5 Pro is another option for those prioritizing image quality. The DJI Flip also offers a safety cage.
Conclusion:
The DJI Neo 2 emerges as a compelling option in the budget drone segment. Its enhanced safety features, improved image quality, versatile control options, and intelligent shooting modes make it an excellent choice for beginners and casual users. While it may not match the image quality of higher-end drones, the Neo 2 provides a significant step up from its predecessor and offers exceptional value for its price.
