DJI has announced the Neo 2, a smarter version of its mini camera drone with more shooting options and better obstacle sensing.
Although DJI says the Neo 2 is its “lightest and most compact drone”, at 151g, it’s actually slightly heavier than the original Neo’s 135g weight. DJI justifies its claim with the added disclaimer that it is the lightest drone with an omnidirectional obstacle sensor, which the first model lacks.
DJI advertises this omnidirectional sensing as being able to detect obstacles from the front and sides. It’s a big change from the first Neo, which didn’t have any obstacle avoidance technology. It’s meant to make the new drone safer and easier to fly, even when navigating crowded spaces like a forest filled with dense trees.
Like the first Neo, DJI’s sequel uses a 1/2-inch image sensor. Though this time, it’s aided by improved subject tracking and a small built-in display that shows which shooting mode the drone is using. While the original Neo could only shoot in 4K at 30fps, the Neo 2 can record in up to 4K at 100fps.
With a bit more under the hood, the Neo 2 costs more, too; its $409 starting price is a decent jump from its predecessor’s $299 price tag.
But you also get a wider range of smarter features, like the ability to recall the drone to your palm just by holding your hand out. That, and more composition tools like ‘SelfieShot’, which can quickly frame different angles just by tapping different options in the DJI Fly app.
The DJI Neo 2 is available now in Australia, either as a standalone device or bundled with various accessories, including extra batteries, a remote control, and FPV goggles.
