September 6 (EDIZIONES/Portaltic) –
Finding a drone that has the three ‘B’s (good, pretty and cheap) is not easy. Until now we had professional drones, which required a significant investment from users, and other devices that could almost be classified as ‘toys’, with which to take some basic shots that were hampered by their low quality.
If anyone could offer an entry-level product in this category, it was DJI, and that’s how the DJI Neo has come to market: 199 euros, easy handling, compact size and 4K quality so that anyone can access the skies with their drone, focusing especially on content creators, who will no longer need piloting skills to take spectacular shots. We have been able to test it and these are our first impressions.
With DJI, it’s as simple as pressing a button, selecting the type of video you want to make, and placing the drone in the palm of your hand for it to rise and start recording. Although it has been designed to be used without an additional remote controller, it can also be combined with the DJI Fly app, remote controllers, RC Motion and DJI Goggles, and even used via voice control.
But what makes the difference are its six automated recording modes: Dronie, the aircraft flies backwards and ascends, with the camera fixed on the target, and records a video; Orbit, the drone flies in a circle around the target; Rocket, the drone ascends with the camera pointing downwards; Spotlight, the drone circles around the object of interest, keeping it in the frame; Spiral, the drone ascends and spirals around the target; and Boomerang, the drone flies around the target in an oval path; ascending as it moves away from the point of origin and descending as it flies back.
It will not reach the quality of its older brothers (like the DJI Mini, for example) in these shots, which, in addition, – in the case of the Dronie or Rocket modes – have much more limited height or travel distance (up to 10 meters), but it is an interesting solution for those content creators who prioritize simplicity and speed when recording this type of video.
SIZE, KEY TO POPULARIZING ITS USE
Another advantage for any user to start using this type of device is its weight and size, which make it easy to carry in any backpack (or even in a pocket): 16x13x4 cm and 135 grams in weight. In addition, since the propellers are protected by a plastic cover, it is very difficult for them to get tangled or hit.
Despite its size, the good stabilization it achieves in normal wind situations is surprising (we have more doubts on windy days), but it does not come close to the definition of the brand’s ‘top of the range’ drones. For social networks everything is fine, but the jump to YouTube or more professional productions can be a problem.
Also due to its size, the battery is somewhat compromised. According to DJI, we have about 18 minutes of autonomy and in the first tests we did get close to that time of use (let’s say between 15 and 18 minutes to be more specific). Therefore, it is advisable to have more than one battery and that raises the final price. 199 euros is a bargain, but the 349 euros of the DJI Neo Fly More Pack (with three batteries with a charging station and the RC-3 controller) make us consider whether it is worth investing a little more and going for a higher model.
Another thing that is missing are the collision sensors that other models from the company have and that prevent collisions with elements that may cross their path. Flying a drone is always a bit scary for non-professionals and, although the basic modes should not cause problems, if less experienced users start flying independently, it is possible that many more drones will end up trapped high in the trees.
Sending images from the drone to the smartphone is as simple as ever, and all you need to do is connect both devices via WiFi and open the DJI app. In addition, from the mobile app, users can record audio (which will automatically eliminate the noise from the propellers) and connect to the brand’s microphones for greater clarity.
To sum up and close this first review, we are looking at a device that is unique on the market for its quality, size and price. DJI has made a big bet on democratising the use of drones, reaching users who do not need to have any knowledge of the subject and with a very interesting price: 199 euros. With a good marketing campaign, it is possible that it will become one of the star gifts this Christmas. The problem? People will get tired of seeing and recording so many identical shots on social networks and it will end up lying around in a drawer at home. Time will tell.
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