In 2017, DJI made waves in the drone industry with the introduction of the Spark, a palm-sized drone with gesture control features and a sub-$500 price point. The Spark was targeted towards social media enthusiasts, positioning itself as the perfect selfie-drone. Despite gaining a fanbase, the Spark was quietly discontinued in 2019, making way for DJI’s Mavic Mini. Fast forward to 2021, and DJI is once again venturing into the small drone market with the launch of the new Neo at IFA in Berlin.
The DJI Neo, much like its predecessor, the Spark, boasts the ability to land in the palm of the user’s hand, a feature that sets it apart from other drones in the market. With a weight of just 135 grams (0.3 pound), DJI claims that the Neo is the “most compact and lightest” drone they have ever produced. This makes it significantly lighter than both the Spark (300 grams) and the Mavic Mini (249 grams). However, the lightweight design of the Neo comes with a caveat – limited battery life. The drone has a listed flight time of 18 minutes on a single charge, which may restrict the user’s ability to capture extensive footage.
While the Neo shares similarities with the Spark in terms of its compact size and palm landing feature, it is not meant to be a direct replacement for the Mavic Mini. The Neo is designed with remote-free control in mind, catering to the social media and influencer community that DJI aimed to attract with the Spark. With features such as subject tracking and AI functionality, the Neo offers various shooting modes including Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, Helix, and Boomerang. These modes enable users to capture dynamic and engaging shots effortlessly, making it ideal for creating content for social platforms.
One notable improvement in the Neo is the completely caged blades, a safety feature that prevents accidents during handling. Unlike the Spark, where injuries were reported due to exposed blades, the Neo’s design prioritizes user safety, making it a suitable option for beginners. The drone’s navigation heavily relies on AI functionalities, which simplify the flying experience for users of all skill levels.
The DJI Neo is set to launch with limited availability, with pre-sales starting in the U.S. The base configuration of the drone is priced at $199, and customers have the option to bundle it with three extra batteries for $289. While the exact shipping date is yet to be confirmed, the Neo’s competitive pricing and feature-rich offering make it an attractive choice for social media enthusiasts and content creators alike.
DJI’s Neo stands out as a compact and lightweight drone designed for capturing engaging footage for social media platforms. With its palm landing feature, AI functionalities, and competitive pricing, the Neo appeals to a niche audience looking for a portable and user-friendly drone for creative content creation.