The recent enhancements in DJI’s Neo selfie drone mark a significant evolution in the personal drone market, particularly for photography enthusiasts. Priced at an accessible $199, this lightweight gadget is establishing its presence among a sea of competitors, notably the Hover X1, which retails at $350. Historically, the Neo faced scrutiny for its shortcomings — primarily its inability to capture vertical video and its sluggish tracking capabilities. However, DJI has responded with firmware updates that bridge these gaps, bringing the Neo to the forefront of affordable tech innovations.
One of the standout features of the redesigned Neo is its remarkable advancement in tracking speed. Previously, the drone struggled to maintain pace with cyclists, capped at a mere 13 miles per hour (21 kph). Post-update, however, it now consistently achieves speeds of around 20 miles per hour (32 kph). This enhancement is especially crucial for those eager to capture dynamic and engaging content. In fact, this new capability allows for a more exhilarating shooting experience, with the drone outpacing standard manual controls. This remarkable performance redefines user expectations and positions the Neo as a formidable player in the selfie drone market.
One of the more thrilling additions to the Neo’s repertoire is its capability to shoot vertical video, a feature increasingly sought after by influencers on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The introduction of this aspect allows users to seamlessly share content tailored specifically for these popular social media channels. However, it is essential to note that the vertical video resolution is capped at 1080p, which, while still impressive, pales in comparison to the immersive quality of 4K. The ability to shoot at 60 frames per second, however, provides a smoother viewing experience that can partially offset the limitations in resolution.
Although these upgrades significantly improve the Neo’s functionality, there are still caveats that potential users must take into account. The requirement for an app update to access the new vertical video mode can be cumbersome, especially for Android users, as DJI has yet to make the app readily available on the Google Play Store. This extra layer of difficulty could deter users who are not tech-savvy or those who prefer a plug-and-play experience. Potential users need to navigate these challenges to enjoy the full potential of their drone.
DJI’s enhancements to the Neo selfie drone have dramatically improved its appeal among personal drone users. With increased speed and the sought-after vertical video feature, this drone addresses the needs of modern content creators while maintaining an accessible price point. Though some obstacles remain, such as app availability and the limits on video quality, the updates position the Neo as a viable choice for capturing high-energy, engaging content. As the drone landscape continues to evolve, DJI’s commitment to innovation places the Neo as a frontrunner in the race for drone supremacy.