DJI Launches Neo 2 With Upgraded Specs Across the Board

DJI has launched the Neo 2, which at 151 grams / 5.33 oz is its lightest and most compact drone to date. Full omnidirectional obstacle sensing helps prevent it from mishaps.

One mishap it can't avoid at the moment is not being on sale in the US market. As ever, there will be some gray imports and possibly even suspiciously similar models marketed under other brand names. But in terms of being able to officially buy the new DJI Neo 2 in the US? Forget it.

Key Features

The Neo 2 has been out in China for a couple of weeks, and now gets a near global release. So, what does the rest of the world get to enjoy?

It features a 12 MP 1/2-inch CMOS sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, powered by a new image processor and stabilised by a 2-axis gimbal. It records 4K video at up to 100 fps for slow motion, or 2.7K vertical video, both significant bumps over the original's max 4K30, and vertical mode only at 1080p60.

49 GB of internal storage, over double the first generation,  allows it to save up to 105 minutes of 4K/60fps video, up to 175 minutes of 4K/30fps video, or 241 minutes of 1080p/60fps video. Given a flight time of 19 minutes — a mere one minute bump over the Neo — that accounts for a lot of missions before needing to offload.

As with the first Neo launched last year, the drone is all about the automatic features, expecially the new gesture control. DJI’s ActiveTrack and SelfieShot automatically frame subjects for hands-free shooting, while enhanced tracking improves response and stability, with tracking speeds up to 12 m/s in open areas. Eight-direction tracking (forward, backward, left, right, and diagonals) should enable more natural follow-shots. In tighter environments, a rear-tracking mode keeps the subject in view while maintaining safe positioning.

SelfieShot allows quick switching between waist-up, full-body, and wide shots without requiring a tripod.

And if none of that appeals and you want a bit more control, you can add the DJI Neo 2 Digital Transceiver, along with the designated remote controller and goggles to fly manually.

OmniDirectional Safety

A combination of an omnidirectional monocular vision system, forward LiDAR, and downward infrared sensing detect obstacles in real time. Of course, even this isn't totally foolproof, so the integrated propeller guards acts as a backup, improving safety for newbie pilots. What DJI refers to as 'enhanced hovering and positioning' should help make it easier to navigate indoors or near buildings, water, or snow.

Bundles, Pricing, and Availability

The DJI Neo 2 is available now from DJI’s online store and authorised retailers in the following configurations:

• Neo 2 (Drone Only): £209 / €239 - Includes the drone, one Intelligent Flight Battery, and propeller guards.

• Neo 2 Fly More Combo (Drone Only): £289 / €329 - Includes the drone, three Intelligent Flight Batteries, a Two-Way Charging Hub, and propeller guards

• Neo 2 Fly More Combo: £349 / €399 - Includes the drone, RC-N3 remote controller, three Intelligent Flight Batteries, a Two-Way Charging Hub, Digital Transceiver, propeller guards, and more.

• Neo 2 Motion Fly More Combo: £509 / €579 - Includes the drone, RC Motion 3, Goggles N3, three Intelligent Flight Batteries, a Two-Way Charging Hub, Digital Transceiver, propeller guards, and more. Billed as an easy introduction to immersive FPV flying