Days after the world admired their new Osmo Mobile 8, DJI has once again thrilled its fans by introducing the second generation of its ultra-compact selfie drone - Neo 2. This small flying machine is designed to be a literal extension of its owner's vision. Although its price is slightly higher than its predecessor, the added features make it an absolute must-have for any content creator.
The most significant improvement in the new Neo 2 is the integrated active obstacle avoidance system. Unlike the original model, where the pilot had to be extremely careful when choosing a route, now the drone protects itself!
This is made possible thanks to a forward-facing LiDAR sensor and downward-facing infrared sensors. This combination allows the drone to "see" and skillfully avoid hazards while following you in autonomous mode. Although its weight has increased by only 16 grams (to 151 grams), this small sacrifice is a small price to pay for the increased safety. In addition, the built-in propeller guards remain, making the Neo 2 almost indestructible in standard use.
DJI has responded to criticism related to the performance of the first model in windy weather. The Neo 2 is a real "tough flyer".
The maximum holding speed has jumped to an impressive 12 meters per second (about 43 km/h), which is a huge achievement compared to the modest 29 km/h of its predecessor. According to the manufacturer, the drone can maintain its stability even in strong winds reaching 10.5 m/s (about 25 mph). Goodbye to distractions!
The second version of the drone is designed primarily for autonomous and immersive video shooting. But if you want to take control, you no longer have to use complicated remotes. DJI has added gesture control!
You can adjust the position and distance of the drone with just hand movements while it is close to you – like a true Jedi. For convenience, there is now a small screen on the body that clearly shows the current mode, replacing the series of flashing LED indicators of the old model.
The improvements do not end there. Equipped with a larger battery (1606 mAh), the Neo 2 can fly for a full 19 minutes - enough time for the perfect selfie clip. The internal memory has more than doubled, reaching 49 GB.
Although the camera sensor remains half an inch, the stabilization has been significantly improved with the addition of a two-axis gimbal. The camera now supports 4K video at 60 frames per second or even 100 frames per second when controlled manually - perfect for slow motion.
These features make the DJI Neo 2 an extremely attractive and affordable alternative to competitors like the HoverAir X1. The only bad news is that, like the new Osmo Mobile 8, this smart drone is currently sold exclusively in the Chinese market, starting at approximately $ 211 (1499 yuan). Fans around the world are keeping their fingers crossed for a wider release!