Review DJI Neo review: The little drone that could

Giroro

Distinguished
Jan 22, 2015
9
0
18,510
To anyone in the US considering buying this drone, please be aware it is not Remote ID compliant, which makes the footage you shoot with it literally worthless. You cannot register a drone without Remote ID, so you can't legally fly it for commercial reasons, even if you are licensed. "Sponsored content" and Monetized content (including reviews) both count as commercial reasons.

If you post videos shot with this drone in the US to a blog or social media with the hopes it could make money someday, you would be subject to extremely strict fines. That $200 price tag is going to be a lot more expensive when you're in federal court, trying to defend yourself against a 5-figure citation.
Part 107 rules are a dystopian nightmare, and they get worse every single year. You are not prepared to deal with what it takes to legally post drone footage in the US.

Props to Tom's for at least bothering to shoot in the UK. I didn't know their particular rules, but I'll assume this kind of content is legal there. But there still should be some disclosure that many potential customers in the US will be ignorantly committing federal crime from the first time they take the drone outside to record a 10 second tiktok. The prices are being listed in USD, after all.

And to all the US based outlets and influencers giving this thing similar pre-release coverage, most if not all of whom are directly sponsored by DJI: Shame on them, and shame on DJI. They're posting in smug defiance of the law, and encouraging their viewers/readers to do the same. I hope the FAA acts fast against this product, and enforces the law without mercy.
 

USAFRet

Illustrious
Moderator
To anyone in the US considering buying this drone, please be aware it is not Remote ID compliant, which makes the footage you shoot with it literally worthless. You cannot register a drone without Remote ID, so you can't legally fly it for commercial reasons, even if you are licensed. "Sponsored content" and Monetized content (including reviews) both count as commercial reasons.

If you post videos shot with this drone in the US to a blog or social media with the hopes it could make money someday, you would be subject to extremely strict fines. That $200 price tag is going to be a lot more expensive when you're in federal court, trying to defend yourself against a 5-figure citation.
Part 107 rules are a dystopian nightmare, and they get worse every single year. You are not prepared to deal with what it takes to legally post drone footage in the US.

Props to Tom's for at least bothering to shoot in the UK. I didn't know their particular rules, but I'll assume this kind of content is legal there. But there still should be some disclosure that many potential customers in the US will be ignorantly committing federal crime from the first time they take the drone outside to record a 10 second tiktok. The prices are being listed in USD, after all.

And to all the US based outlets and influencers giving this thing similar pre-release coverage, most if not all of whom are directly sponsored by DJI: Shame on them, and shame on DJI. They're posting in smug defiance of the law, and encouraging their viewers/readers to do the same. I hope the FAA acts fast against this product, and enforces the law without mercy.
Add-on RemoteID modules are are widely available for under $75.
https://www.amazon.com/Ruko-Compliant-Identification-Broadcast-Regulation/dp/B0CYCBCZ9Q
https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Stone-Compliant-Identification-Regulation/dp/B0CGTTNJXL

I have one installed for my pre RID HolyStone HS720E.
Sticky Velcro, weighs a couple of ounces.
Fully registered with the FAA.
 
Oct 10, 2024
1
0
10
I’m not concerned about posting or monetizing drone footage—I’ve never posted any of mine on social media.

First, the article incorrectly states that the “fly more kit” includes a controller. It doesn’t. That’s a major omission and makes a big difference.

I’m getting the Neo tomorrow, and while I’m excited, I’m also frustrated for several reasons. I’ve owned seven DJI drones (including replacements) and currently have three, plus four DJI controllers—from the early ones that attach to a phone, to the built-in screen model, and the motion controller (2). I also own two DJI Goggles. Despite this investment, the only way I’ll be able to control the Neo is through my phone and the app, which I find both ridiculous and outrageous.

The more recent controllers and goggles I own were purchased within the past couple of years, new, from DJI. I have The controller with a built-in screen that came with my mini 3 pro. And the motion 2 and goggles 2 that I got as a combo package.

The Neo is *only* compatible with the goggles 3, the screen controller of the mini 4 pro, and the motion 3. Really? I’ve considered upgrading the goggles to the 3… but that wouldn’t be compatible with my mini 3 pro. Keeping 3 DJI goggles plus having to purchase yet another controller just feels unacceptable. While newer tech’s march in very real, DJI should do MORE to have its products better integrated. And reward loyal customers for their purchases. Sure, maybe you won’t get ALL the new features with a controller from a year or two ago, but let us at least get some compatibility/functionality out of them! Every drone with its own exclusive controller? Every goggles with its own generation drone, a one-two year window?

I refuse to believe this is due exclusively to tech limitations.

DJI claims the Neo’s Accusync 4 makes it incompatible with Goggles 2 and the motion controller, yet the Mini 4 Pro, with the same newer technology, works with the motion controller 2. This inconsistency is infuriating. The whole compatibility maze between DJI drones and accessories is confusing, and much of it feels unreasonable.

Also, while the Neo is quieter for indoor use, I’m disappointed it lacks obstacle avoidance—a feature DJI introduced with the Spark seven years ago. The Neo’s camera stabilization has improved, but it’s hard not to feel like we’ve lost some key functionality over the years.