DJI's Neo 2: A Compact Follow-Me Camera Drone with Big Upgrades
DJI has unveiled the Neo 2, a lightweight and compact drone designed to make aerial filming easier for beginners. At just 151 grams, it's DJI's lightest drone with omnidirectional obstacle sensing, making it perfect for family outings, outdoor sports, and travel. The Neo 2 offers palm take-off, palm landing, gesture control, voice control, and improved ActiveTrack, allowing new pilots to capture video effortlessly without complex flight maneuvers.
Key Specifications and Features
The Neo 2 boasts a 12-megapixel, 1/2-inch CMOS sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, paired with a 2-axis gimbal for stabilized footage. It records 4K video at up to 100 frames per second and 2.7K vertical video for social media. DJI's enhanced ActiveTrack system can follow subjects at speeds of up to 12 meters per second in open areas, supporting eight-direction tracking. Users can control the drone with gestures, voice commands, or a smartphone, and it can achieve a transmission distance of up to 10 kilometers with the DJI RC-N3 remote controller.
For beginners, the Neo 2 includes omnidirectional monocular vision, forward LiDAR sensing, and downward infrared sensors for obstacle detection. A built-in propeller guard protects the drone during low-altitude or indoor use. The aircraft has level 5 wind resistance, a flight time of up to 19 minutes, and 49 gigabytes of internal storage. Files can transfer to a phone over Wi-Fi at up to 80 megabytes per second.
The Neo 2 also supports intelligent shooting modes like Dolly Zoom, QuickShots, and MasterShots. A new SelfieShot feature automatically adjusts framing for waist-up, full-body, or long shots without a tripod.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing varies by region. TechRadar reports that the drone starts at £209 in the UK and €239 in Europe. DJI has not announced a U.S. retail release, but it's currently available through DJI's Singapore store for approximately $359 USD.
What Reviewers Say
Major publications praise the Neo 2 for its meaningful upgrades. TechRadar writes that DJI has elevated selfie drones with the Neo 2, highlighting its combination of obstacle sensing, simple flight modes, and compact size. Engadget reports that the Neo 2 improves on the original model with better image quality and more reliable safety systems, suggesting it will have no competition at its price point.
Reviewers also highlight the value of omnidirectional obstacle sensing at this size and price, as well as the improved ActiveTrack system and gesture-based control, which make it easier to capture dynamic shots without advanced flying techniques.
Points to Consider
While reviewers are positive, they note a few limitations. The 19-minute flight time is shorter than larger consumer drones, requiring extra batteries for longer outings. The 2-axis gimbal provides stable footage but doesn't match the smoothing of 3-axis systems in higher-end DJI models.
Some reviewers mention that the Neo 2 isn't designed for advanced photo or video needs, and professionals may miss features like flat color profiles or manual controls. Availability is another concern, as DJI hasn't confirmed a U.S. launch, limiting access to official repairs and support.
Audience and Future Outlook
The Neo 2 caters to a growing market of users seeking simple, quick, and safe flight experiences. Its features make it more of a personal camera companion than a traditional aircraft, ideal for families, travelers, and casual creators. Improved safety systems and omnidirectional sensing make it easier to fly in various environments, reducing risks for new pilots.
As a lightweight, beginner-friendly drone with creative tools, the Neo 2 reflects DJI's commitment to bringing advanced automation to portable platforms. U.S. availability remains uncertain, but the drone is launching in other markets, and buyers should be aware of limited access to authorized sales and support.
