With a single button click, the DJI Neo Mini Drone lifts straight out of your hand and lands safely back in it when it finishes filming. By removing the need for a controller, you can step away from the process entirely. Weighing only 135 grams, this drone falls below the FAA’s registration limit, so before you take flight, there are no requirements for paperwork or Remote ID. The camera captures 4K video at 30fps and uses RockSteady stabilization technology. This drone also features full-coverage propeller guards, allowing safe indoor use and operation near other people. Flight times average approximately 18 minutes per charge.
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A palm-sized 4K drone that flies itself with no controller needed
Its ability to launch from your hand sets this product apart from others in its class. Using the mode button on the drone itself, select your desired shooting mode, and the DJI Neo Mini will lift from your palm, capture your shot, and return to your palm when you hold it underneath. You don’t need a controller or a smartphone nearby, and no extra steps are required to start filming.
Although 135 grams does seem like a low weight by today’s standards, it plays an important role in the way you’re able to operate your drone. In the U.S., any drone weighing 250g or greater must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration and comply with its Remote ID regulations. Since the Neo weighs less than that, you don’t need to register with the FAA or provide proof of compliance before using your new drone. That eliminates any potential red tape associated with operating it.
The QuickShots feature lets you point your drone in the direction you want to film and choose from a variety of pre-programmed paths. Once selected, the drone automatically flies along these predetermined routes, capturing footage as it goes. Available options include Dronie, Circle, Rocket, and Boomerang. The drone also comes equipped with AI subject-tracking technology, allowing you to capture smooth, continuous shots of whatever activity you’re involved in, whether that’s walking, biking, or skating. Your footage will look intentional, even though you don’t need to learn how to pilot a drone.
Unlike many drones currently available on the market, the propellers on the DJI Neo Mini are fully covered by propeller guards. While partial guard systems may prevent damage to the propellers themselves, they do little to protect surrounding objects or people. If you want to use your new drone indoors or in areas where people are present, such as parks, full coverage provides peace of mind against damaging property or people.
For memory storage, the internal memory holds about 22GB of data, or about 40 minutes of 4K video. Because you don’t have to insert a microSD card before filming begins, you will never forget your card and lose valuable footage during a shoot. Level 4 wind resistance also keeps the drone stable in conditions that would push a lighter toy drone sideways, so a breezy afternoon doesn’t cancel the shot. Connecting to the DJI Fly app over Wi-Fi adds virtual joystick control and voice commands when you want more than the automatic modes.
