At 151 grams, the Neo 2 brings advanced tracking and safety features to beginner-friendly flight
DJI has launched the Neo 2, a small and lightweight personal camera drone designed to make aerial filming easier for beginners. Weighing just 151 grams, it is the company’s lightest and most compact drone equipped with omnidirectional obstacle sensing. DJI calls it “the ultimate beginner drone,” built for family outings, outdoor sports, travel and hands-free follow-me shots.
The Neo 2 introduces palm take-off, palm landing, gesture control, voice control and improved ActiveTrack. These features aim to give new pilots a simple and safe way to collect video without learning complex flight maneuvers.
Key Specifications and Features
The Neo 2 includes a 12-megapixel, 1/2-inch CMOS sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, paired with a new 2-axis gimbal for stabilized footage. It records 4K video at up to 100 frames per second, as well as 2.7K vertical video for social media. DJI says the enhanced ActiveTrack system can follow subjects at speeds of up to 12 meters per second in open areas. The drone supports eight-direction tracking, including forward, backward, left, right and four diagonal paths.
Users can control the aircraft with gestures, voice commands or a smartphone. When paired with the DJI RC-N3 remote controller, the Neo 2 can achieve a transmission distance of up to 10 kilometers. For immersive flying, the drone can also connect to a motion controller and goggles.
For beginners, the Neo 2 includes omnidirectional monocular vision, forward LiDAR sensing and downward infrared sensors to detect obstacles. A built-in propeller guard protects the drone during low-altitude or indoor use. The aircraft has level 5 wind resistance, up to 19 minutes of flight time and 49 gigabytes of internal storage. DJI says files can transfer to a phone over Wi-Fi at up to 80 megabytes per second.
The Neo 2 also supports intelligent shooting modes including Dolly Zoom, QuickShots and MasterShots. A new SelfieShot feature automatically adjusts framing for waist-up, full-body or long shots without a tripod.
Pricing varies by region. According to TechRadar, the drone starts at £209 in the UK and €239 in Europe. DJI has not announced a U.S. retail release. A current official listing is available through DJI’s Singapore store at approximately $359 USD.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Major publications say the Neo 2 offers meaningful upgrades for its category. TechRadar writes that DJI “took selfie drones to new heights with the Neo 2,” noting the combination of obstacle sensing, simple flight modes and compact size. The outlet adds that it is a strong choice “if you want a simple, small drone,” especially since the controller-free options make flying less intimidating for new pilots.
Engadget reports that the Neo 2 improves on the original model with better image quality and more reliable safety systems. The review states that if the drone becomes widely available, “it will effectively have no competition at its price point,” pointing to the mix of tracking, video quality and ease of use usually reserved for larger aircraft.
Reviewers also highlight the value of omnidirectional obstacle sensing at this size and price. The added LiDAR and protection features reduce the risk of early crashes, which is often a concern for new pilots. The improved ActiveTrack system and gesture-based control also draw praise, as they make it easier to capture running, cycling or family-activity shots without learning advanced flying techniques.
Points to Consider
While reviewers respond positively to the Neo 2, they also note a few limitations. The 19-minute flight time is shorter than that of larger consumer drones, which means users will need to plan for extra batteries during longer outings. The 2-axis gimbal, while stable, does not offer the full range of smoothing provided by 3-axis systems found in higher-end DJI models.
Some reviewers also mention that the Neo 2 is not designed for advanced photo or video needs. Its 4K footage is sharp, but professionals may miss features such as flat color profiles or advanced manual controls. Availability is another factor. DJI has not confirmed a U.S. launch, so buyers in the U.S. may face limited access to official repairs or support.
These points do not diminish its appeal for beginners, but they help set realistic expectations for users coming from larger DJI drones.
A Closer Look at the Audience for the Neo 2
The Neo 2 fits a growing market of users who want simple, quick and safe flight rather than full manual control. Its palm take-off, gesture control and automated tracking modes let pilots focus on activities rather than flying. For families, travelers and casual creators, these features make the drone more of a personal camera companion than a traditional aircraft.
The improved safety systems also make the Neo 2 easier to fly in parks, open areas and mixed environments. For new pilots who may be nervous about obstacles, the omnidirectional sensing and integrated guards remove much of the risk that comes with early practice flights.
As a lightweight, beginner-friendly drone with creative tools, the Neo 2 reflects DJI’s continued push to bring advanced automation to small, portable platforms
U.S. Availability
DJI has not announced a U.S. release for the Neo 2. Reviewers at outlets including Engadget and The Verge note that the drone is launching in markets such as the UK, EU, Canada and parts of Asia, but not through official U.S. retail channels. As a result, U.S. buyers may face limited access to authorized sales, support or warranty service.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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