DJI NEO - 10 WAYS TO IMPROVE IT

Summary

The DJI Neo, released at $199, is a unique, versatile drone that stands out for its ability to be flown with multiple controllers, including FPV and via phone. It’s praised for its small size, fun flying experience, and diverse control options. However, it has limitations such as poor wind resistance, a small camera sensor, and no obstacle avoidance. The video explores the potential improvements for a future Pro version, including better camera quality, improved wind resistance, longer battery life, and SD card support. The speaker suggests these changes could make it a strong competitor to other drones like the Hover X1 Pro Max.

Takeaways

• 😀 The DJI Neo drone, priced at $199, offers unique versatility and multiple controller compatibility, including phone-only operation.
• 😀 Initially thought to be a copy of the Hover X1, the DJI Neo has proven to be a completely unique drone with its features.
• 😀 The DJI Neo can fly in both cinematic and FPV modes, providing a variety of flying experiences.
• 😀 The DJI Neo is very small and lightweight, but this limits its performance in windy conditions, especially in FPV mode.
• 😀 The current camera on the DJI Neo is a 12 MP, 4K camera, but improvements like a larger sensor (similar to the Mini 3 Pro) and better low-light performance are desired.
• 😀 A pro version of the DJI Neo could offer improved wind resistance, battery life, and camera quality while staying under the 250g weight limit.
• 😀 The battery life of the DJI Neo is currently between 11-15 minutes, and a pro version could aim for 17-20 minutes of flight time.
• 😀 The DJI Neo lacks obstacle sensors, which increases the risk of crashes. A front sensor would improve the safety and usability of the drone.
• 😀 The DJI Neo’s internal storage is limited to 22 GB, and a pro version should include an SD card slot for additional storage.
• 😀 The DJI Neo is expected to be improved over time, with future versions offering better features, such as enhanced controllers and improved cameras.
• 😀 Despite the potential for competition from the Hover X1 Pro Max, the DJI Neo is a strong product in its own right and can surpass the competition with a pro version.

Q & A

What makes the DJI Neo unique compared to other drones?

The DJI Neo is unique due to its versatility, allowing it to be flown in cinematic mode, FPV mode, and even directly from a phone with no controllers. It also supports multiple controllers, making it a highly adaptable drone.

How does the DJI Neo compare to the Hover X1?

While the DJI Neo might appear similar to the Hover X1 at first glance, it is actually a unique drone with capabilities such as the ability to fly with multiple controllers, including FPV controllers and smartphones. Its functionality sets it apart from the Hover X1.

What are some of the challenges and limitations of the DJI Neo?

Some challenges include its limited wind resistance, with only a level 4 resistance, making it difficult to fly in strong winds. Additionally, it lacks obstacle avoidance sensors, which can lead to crashes if not flown carefully.

Why does the weight of the DJI Neo matter?

The weight is important because it impacts the drone's wind resistance, speed, and stability. A lighter drone like the DJI Neo has a harder time handling strong winds, which could be improved by slightly increasing its weight.

How could a future version of the DJI Neo improve its performance in windy conditions?

A future version of the DJI Neo could weigh around 249g, similar to the Mini series, which would improve wind resistance (level 5) and increase its top speed, making it more stable in windy conditions.

What improvements are suggested for the camera on the DJI Neo?

The current camera on the DJI Neo, with a half-inch sensor and 4K 30fps video, is considered basic. A pro version would benefit from a larger sensor, similar to the Mini 3 Pro, providing better low-light performance, RAW photo support, and 4K 60fps video.

What issues are there with the current camera on the DJI Neo?

The current camera has limitations in low light, where it performs poorly indoors or at night. It's also limited to JPEG photos and lacks 4K 60fps video, making it less suitable for professional-quality content.

What is the expected battery life of the DJI Neo, and how could it be improved?

The DJI Neo currently offers between 11 to 15 minutes of battery life, depending on weather conditions. A pro version with a slightly larger battery could increase the flight time to between 17 and 20 minutes.

Why is controller support important for the DJI Neo?

Controller support is crucial because it allows users to fly the drone in various ways, including hands-free mode, with a smartphone, or using the RC2 controller and FPV mode. This versatility is a key feature of the DJI Neo.

What feature is needed for the DJI Neo to enhance storage capabilities?

Adding an SD card slot would greatly improve storage options. While the drone currently has 22GB of internal storage, an SD card slot would provide more flexibility, especially for users who frequently fly the drone.