The DJI Neo 2 has arrived, and it's making waves as the latest contender for the ultimate budget-friendly drone. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Neo, this new iteration boasts enhanced features that solidify its position as a top choice for beginners and casual creators alike.
A Focus on Accessibility
DJI has clearly targeted ease of use with the Neo 2. Weighing in at a mere 151 grams, it's incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easily portable for any adventure. The Neo 2 also introduces intuitive features such as palm take-off and landing, gesture control, and voice control, offering a simplified and safe way for new pilots to capture stunning aerial footage without a steep learning curve.
Enhanced Safety Features
One of the most notable upgrades is the inclusion of an omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system, a feature rarely seen in drones of this size and price. This system, combining monocular vision, forward LiDAR sensing, and downward infrared sensors, provides real-time obstacle detection, significantly reducing the risk of collisions. A built-in propeller guard offers further protection, making it suitable for indoor use and low-altitude flights. DJI has also enhanced stability, which improves hovering precision in environments without GPS, such as indoors or over water.
Impressive Camera Capabilities
Despite its small size, the Neo 2 packs a punch in the camera department. It features a 12-megapixel, 1/2-inch CMOS sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, paired with a 2-axis gimbal for stabilized footage. The Neo 2 is capable of recording 4K video at up to 60fps, or even 100fps in slow-motion mode, as well as 2.7K vertical video ideal for sharing on social media. The faster frame rates and new gimbal contribute to improved image quality compared to the original Neo. Intelligent shooting modes like Dolly Zoom, QuickShots, and MasterShots add creative flair, while the new SelfieShot feature automatically adjusts framing for perfect solo shots.
Performance and Control
The Neo 2 offers a flight time of up to 19 minutes and boasts level 5 wind resistance, ensuring stable performance even in breezy conditions. It also supports intelligent shooting modes including Dolly Zoom, QuickShots and MasterShots. The enhanced ActiveTrack system can follow subjects at speeds up to 12 meters per second in open areas. For control, users have multiple options: gesture, voice commands, a smartphone app, or traditional remote controllers. When paired with the DJI RC-N3 remote controller, the Neo 2 can achieve a transmission distance of up to 10 kilometers. It also offers FPV capabilities when connected to a motion controller and goggles.
The Competition
While the DJI Neo 2 is competitively priced, especially the base kit, some alternatives exist. The HoverAir X1 offers a compact, foldable design, but at a higher price point with inferior features. Other DJI models like the Mini 5 Pro and the Flip offer larger sensors and potentially better image quality, but come at a significantly higher cost.
U.S. Availability and Pricing
The DJI Neo 2 is available for order in most of the world. Pricing for the drone-only version starts at £209 in the UK and €239 in Europe. DJI has not yet announced a U.S. retail release, which could limit access to authorized sales, support, and warranty service for U.S. buyers. An official listing through DJI's Singapore store shows a price of approximately $359 USD. The Fly More Combo, including extra batteries and a charging hub, is priced at £289 / AU$549, while the Fly More Combo with the RC-N3 controller is £349 / AU$709. The Motion Fly More Combo, which includes batteries, a hub, a motion controller, and an FPV headset, is priced at £509.
Final Verdict
The DJI Neo 2 emerges as a compelling option for anyone seeking a user-friendly, feature-rich, and affordable drone. Its enhanced safety features, impressive camera capabilities, and multiple control options make it an excellent choice for beginners, while its portability and intelligent features cater to the needs of casual content creators. Despite the uncertainty surrounding U.S. availability, the DJI Neo 2 is undoubtedly a strong contender in the budget drone market, offering exceptional value and performance for its price.
