Why the DJI Neo Stands Out

The DJI Neo has become extremely popular for a couple of different reasons. First of all, this is an inexpensive drone that’s affordable for a lot of people, especially if you want to get into the hobby but don’t want to invest a lot of money. It comes in around the $200 mark, and you’re actually getting quite a bit of tech for that price. On top of that, I think a lot of people are really drawn to it for its flexibility.

Flexible Flight Options

It can be connected to one of the DJI controllers, such as the RC2 or RCN3. In that configuration, you have a more traditional drone flight with more precision and better range, allowing you to capture nice cinematic footage. But the big thing that a lot of people like is that it can be flown completely autonomously without a controller. That makes it super easy to deploy—you can take it out of your pocket, power it on, set what mode or intelligent flight feature you’d like, and it’ll take off from the palm of your hand, perform the intelligent flight task, and then come right back to you, landing in the palm of your hand.

Perfect for Casual Content Creation

If you’re a person who’s just capturing a little bit of B-roll or some content for your vlog or social media channels, there’s nothing easier than deploying a drone like this. You don’t have to connect a controller; you can just put it up, grab some interesting shots, and then continue on. For me, that’s what makes it so appealing. Quite often, when I’m out hiking or on an e-bike, I just want to capture a little bit of footage. Bringing a drone like this along with me is really easy. It does an incredible job when it comes to tracking and following, and you don’t have to worry about having a controller or what to do with it.

Tracking Made Simple

If you want to do tracking, you basically just hit a button, and it’s going to automatically start tracking you. Now, the image quality of the content captured on the DJI Neo is nowhere near the quality of something like the Mavic 3, Air 3, or even the Mini 4 Pro. That’s probably been one of the biggest complaints with it for some people. That’ll be very limiting for some, and for others, it’s not going to matter so much, especially if it’s just being used for social media.

Image Quality Considerations

If image quality is your top priority, there are definitely better options on the market—something like the Mini 4 Pro, which is another nice compact drone, or even the new DJI Flip, which has a lot of similar features to the Neo but offers much better video quality. But going back to the tracking, I think that’s probably one of my favorite features of the Neo. It’s just such an easy drone to get tracking footage with, whether you’re hiking or on an e-bike. It doesn’t fly super fast, but usually, it’s fast enough to get some interesting shots.

Durability and Ease of Use

What I really like about it is that I can put this up and have it start tracking me without the anxiety of having a more traditional drone track you—especially when you’re in something like a wooded area with a lot of trees and branches that can sometimes cause a drone to crash. When I’m hiking through a forest or on my e-bike, I very rarely track myself with an Air 3 or Mavic 3. Although they do an excellent job, there’s always that chance of a “ghost branch” that the obstacle avoidance can’t see. Those drones tend to crash if they hit a branch, and they’re quite a bit more fragile. So, for me, I just tend not to capture the content I want because I’m afraid of damaging my equipment.

With something like the Neo, though, due to its low cost, there’s not so much anxiety about damaging expensive equipment. Thanks to its ducted design, chances are when it does run into a tree or hits a branch, it’s just going to push on through. On top of that, it has an extremely robust build, and due to its light weight, if it does crash down to the ground, the chances of it being damaged are very minimal. I have crashed mine numerous times—I’ve flown it into things—and have not done any damage to it.

Confidence in Simplicity

When you take away that anxiety, you’re more apt to use it. I think for a lot of people, just because of its simplicity, durability, and the 信任 you have when it’s following you, you tend to use it more because you’re not quite so worried about damaging it. Now, that’s for me, anyway—I can’t speak for everybody—but I just have a lot of faith in it when it comes to tracking. It doesn’t have obstacle avoidance like a more traditional drone, but it does a pretty good job at tracking as long as you’re avoiding obstacles for the most part. It will avoid obstacles as well.

FPV and Versatile Features

Being able to fly it autonomously or with a controller is a great feature, but on top of that, we have the option of connecting it to DJI Goggles—either the Goggles N3 or Goggles 3. We can then use something like the DJI FPV3 controller or the Motion 3 controller, and now we have a drone fully capable of FPV flight. In fact, you can fly the DJI Neo in full manual mode if that’s something you wish to do. Obviously, it doesn’t have as much power as a traditional FPV drone or even the Avata 2, but for cruising through a forest or doing some intricate movements, it’s more than capable.

On top of that, it actually supports Easy Acro. So, if you don’t want to fly in full manual mode but still want to do some complex aerial maneuvers, it’s fully capable of doing flips, rolls, and even drifting. It’s a lot of fun and can help you get some really interesting shots. So, between manual flight with a controller, autonomous flight without a controller, the ability to connect it to a smartphone and use the smartphone as a virtual controller, and the ability to fly FPV-style, this is definitely one of the most versatile drones that DJI makes.

A Great Value Drone

For $200, you’re getting a lot of tech packed into it. You get all the safety features that come standard on most DJI drones, plus the incredible flight experience that we’ve become accustomed to with all DJI drones. For a lot of people, this is going to make the perfect travel drone to capture all their adventures while they’re out traveling. It’s extremely lightweight and fits in the smallest packs, so you don’t have to worry about being burdened with a lot of equipment. It’s just enough to get the shots you want to capture—whether it’s a smooth cinematic shot or an autonomous shot to get some interesting perspectives.

Final Thoughts

I’m really happy that DJI has introduced this new category of drone. We’ve seen them expand that even further with the DJI Flip. It’s going to be really interesting to see what they do with it in the future. Well, folks, those are my thoughts on the DJI Neo. I would love to hear what you think of it and what your user experience has been with it—let me know down in the comments. Want to thank you for taking the time to watch this video. Hopefully, you enjoyed it and found it valuable. Thanks a lot, and we’ll see you in the next one!

Setting Up for Auto-Editing

I’m demonstrating this on an iPad, but it works identically on phones, supporting both Android and iOS devices. The DJI Fly app is a robust editing tool—intuitive and feature-rich. Even if you use a controller like the DJI RC2 with the Fly app built in, downloading it to a mobile device is recommended for editing. To start, tap the “Create” button at the bottom. You’ll notice editing must be done in portrait mode on the device. You can output footage in 16:9 or 9:16, but on an iPad, it remains portrait. Launching the editor brings you to a screen with “New Project” and “One-Tap Edit” options. “New Project” is for timeline editing, as shown in my prior video.

Exploring One-Tap Edit

Today, we’re focusing on “One-Tap Edit.” There are two auto-editing methods: the “One-Tap Edit” button or pre-made templates—I’ll show both. Starting with “One-Tap Edit,” it displays all footage on your device. Footage must be in an album to be used. For example, iPhone footage isn’t automatically in an album, but transferring from a drone or action camera places it in the DJI album. Switch albums by tapping at the top, select one with your footage, and access your videos. Next, pick clips for your auto-edit. I’ll select a few here—it recommends at least five clips for optimal results. I’ve chosen eight.

Previewing and Customizing Clips

Before moving on, tap the expanding icon at a video’s top to preview it full screen and decide if it’s worth including. You can also add highlight markers to flag specific moments for the auto-edit. This is optional—the DJI Fly app analyzes footage to pick highlights—but it’s key if you want certain segments included. Markers appear at the bottom; tap “X” to remove accidental ones. Reorder clips by dragging them to set their sequence. Once clips are chosen, hit “Next.” The app analyzes the files to find the best parts, taking a few minutes—up to five—based on footage volume. My 20-30 minutes of footage was cut to one minute and four seconds. Preview it with added music and tweak as needed.

Fine-Tuning Your Auto-Edit

You can customize more. Set the aspect ratio—default is 16:9, ideal for platforms like YouTube—or switch to 9:16. To adjust audio, choose from templates like “Aerial” or “Nature” at the bottom and preview the new theme. Fine-tune music by tapping “Music,” then “More” for the full library. Under “Edit,” view all clips in the auto-edit. Reorder by tapping and dragging, then confirm. Select a clip, tap “Extract” to see its source, and adjust start/stop points or speed. Crop it to zoom in, or replace it from the gallery. Delete unwanted clips, or add text and effects—like “Drone Video“—and adjust its duration.

Converting to Timeline and Exporting

For greater control, convert the auto-edit to a timeline via “Edit More.” This offers a familiar timeline with standard tools. Set resolution (720p to 4K) and frame rate (30 to 60 FPS), then tap “Export” to save to your camera roll. The Fly app provides sharing options for social media, or you can share manually from your Photos app. On the main page, unfinished edits save to the “Drafts” folder. Tap a draft—like ours—to adjust and re-export.

Using Pre-Made Templates

Alternatively, use pre-made templates like “Hiking Adventure.” Preview it—it requires 15 clips for a 25.1-second edit. Tap “Use,” fill slots with clips (I was one short), and remove extras if desired. Hit “Next” to analyze and generate the edit, then refine it as before.

结论

That’s a quick overview of auto-editing with the DJI Fly app! It’s perfect for those short on time or uninterested in complex editing, producing shareable clips for social media, family, or friends. It lets you focus on flying and capturing with drones like the Mini 4 Pro or DJI Neo. Hope you found this video valuable—give it a thumbs up if you did; it’s much appreciated. Thanks for watching, and see you in the next one!

Comparing Skydio and Hover

The Skydio and the Hover differ quite a bit in performance and design. For some users—not everyone, but some—I believe the Hover could definitely replace their Skydio. One of Skydio’s standout features was its incredible obstacle avoidance. I still don’t think any drone on the market matches the Skydio’s obstacle avoidance capabilities. The Hover, on the other hand, has minimal obstacle avoidance—some at the back when flying in reverse, but it’s mediocre and doesn’t work the same way. However, when it comes to tracking, even though they approach it differently, I think the Hover is a solid contender. This is based on my personal experience and how I use my drones.

Tracking Performance

I can’t speak for everyone, but I had issues with my Skydio’s tracking. It was a bit unpredictable in its movements, and sometimes I felt I wasn’t in control. When tracking autonomously, you’re not supposed to be, but it could get erratic. The obstacle avoidance, while doing its job, made it jump around, often producing unusable footage. At times, it moved so quickly and unpredictably that it was almost scary, venturing into areas I didn’t want it to go. The Hover, lacking obstacle avoidance, follows your exact path. If you avoid obstacles, it does too, resulting in much smoother footage. It’s less aggressive, which I find better for my needs—tracking me on an e-bike, hiking, or riding a dirt bike.

Front and Side Tracking

The Skydio excelled at tracking from the front or side, while the Hover offers these options too, but they’re limited and less effective in some scenarios. For a casual hike through a forest, it works well, but at high speeds—like on a mountain bike or e-bike—front tracking struggles. However, the Hover’s caged design is a plus. The Skydio’s exposed blades made it prone to hitting small branches or wires it couldn’t detect, often leading to crashes in forests. The Hover’s enclosed props let it bounce off branches and keep tracking. Even if it hits the ground, it’s durable—I’ve crashed mine several times without damage, though it’s not indestructible, as posts on Facebook and other groups show.

Control and Safety

The Hover gives me more control, especially around people. You should never use autonomous tracking near others since you’re not in control, but the Skydio was louder and more obtrusive. On a bike path, if someone appeared, it was tricky to stop or land it safely. With the Hover, it follows right behind you—when you stop, it stops. You can hold out your hand, and it lands, making it feel safer and more manageable around people.

Ease of Use

The Hover’s ease of use and deployment stand out compared to the Skydio. The Skydio is significantly bigger and more cumbersome, harder to carry along. The Hover folds up, fits in your pocket, and requires no extra controllers. You pull it out, unfold it, press a button, and it’s tracking—no need to even get off your bike. This convenience matters; bulky drones tend to get left behind. Both drones offer beacons for enhanced tracking—the Skydio had one, and the Hover’s is more advanced with a preview window to ensure proper framing. The Hover beacon also supports a joystick for basic maneuvers or a second joystick for traditional control with a built-in screen, plus smartphone mounting for a larger preview.

Speed and Image Quality

The Skydio had an edge in tracking at higher speeds with obstacle avoidance, ideal for extreme mountain biking or fast activities. The Hover tracks at 42 km/h, sufficient for most uses, and has a speed boost up to 60 km/h briefly. For image quality, both do well, though they’re dated compared to modern DJI drones like the Air 3 or 4 Pro. They’re fairly equal, but the Hover Pro Max has a larger sensor and can film in 8K, which is impressive for its size.

So, folks, that’s my take on whether the Hover could replace a Skydio. It depends on how you use it, what you’re tracking, and your activities. For me—riding e-bikes, dirt bikes, and hiking around trees—the Hover performs better. Hopefully, you enjoyed this and found it valuable. Give it a thumbs up if you did; it’s always appreciated. Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you in the next one!

Front Camera Protector

The first item is a front camera protector. This protects the camera in case of a front impact, which can be especially useful if you’re using the Neo for tracking. What I really like about this one is that it clips right onto the front and is held on by friction. You don’t have to screw anything in or attach it permanently. As you can see, it provides a bit of extra protection if the drone bumps into a tree or a wall while tracking. It’s nice that it comes off so easily because that way, if you’re flying and don’t want it on, you can add or remove it as needed. It’s fairly inexpensive, so it’s something you might want to consider to give the camera a little extra protection.

Duck Guards

The next two items are duck guards, and they’re quite different. On one side, we have floating ones. When attached, if your DJI Neo happens to go into the water, these will keep it afloat so you can retrieve it and send it back for repairs or replacement if needed. The other ones are more minimal and just add a little extra protection. Now, I must say that the DJI Neo is probably one of the most durable drones DJI has built. This thing can withstand quite a few impacts, even from a great height, so an accessory like this probably won’t make a huge difference. However, one nice thing is that it adds some bright color to the drone. In the event of a crash, it’ll make it easier to spot. I lost mine in a tree last summer—or maybe it was last fall—and due to its color, it took me about half an hour to finally spot it. A bright color like this makes it much more visible. As mentioned, the floating set will keep your Neo afloat. They clip on easily, just like that. These foam ones, the ones that keep the drone afloat, add a little extra weight. The drone flies perfectly fine with them on, but it may not be as agile. So, if you’re flying in FPV style, you might not want them on. The minimal style, on the other hand, won’t affect flight performance at all. Both offer nice color that might help make the drone more visible if you crash it.

Propeller Guards

Another accessory you may want to consider, especially if you just want to add some color to the drone to make it more visible in a crash without adding extra weight or bulk, is third-party propeller guards. These are very similar to the default ones on the Neo. You simply remove the old ones, and the new ones clip right in. They won’t adjust the weight of the drone, but they will make it quite a bit more visible in the event of a crash.

Carrying Case for the DJI Neo

The last thing you may want to consider is a small case for it. This case is designed for when you’re using the Neo autonomously without a controller, and you don’t want to bring a big, bulky case along. As you can see, when we open it up, it has a spot for two extra batteries, plus a battery in the drone—a total of three batteries. The batteries fit down in the bottom, and the drone sits on top. Even if you have the bulkier bumpers on, it will fit inside and close up.

So yeah, folks, a few simple, inexpensive accessories you may want to consider for your DJI Neo. I want to thank you for taking the time to read this. Hopefully, you enjoyed it and found it valuable. Thanks a lot for checking it out, and we’ll see you in the next one.

Exploring Editing Options

There are many free apps for editing footage that you can download directly to your smart devices, like a tablet or phone. In this video, however, we’ll focus on the DJI Fly App.

All the tools you need to edit and share are built right into the Fly app. To begin, I’ll assume all content has been transferred from the drone to your device—whether a smartphone or tablet. If you’re unsure how to do that, I uploaded a video about a week ago explaining how to transfer content from your drone to your device. I’ll include a link to that video in the description below. To start, launch the DJI Fly app; in the bottom left-hand corner, you’ll find an icon called “Create”—that’s our editor.

Understanding the DJI Fly App Editor

That’s where we’ll do all our editing. One key thing to note—based on Apple devices like iPads and iPhones (I’m not sure about Android, as I’m not an Android user)—is that it can only read files stored in the Photos app. So, if your footage is in the Files app, you’ll need to transfer it to Photos first. A great feature of the Fly app is that you can edit footage beyond just DJI products. You can edit your drone footage, but also mix in clips captured on an action camera or smartphone. Let’s launch the editing tool. You’ll notice it edits in a vertical format. On a phone, that’s fine, but on an iPad, you’ll need to adjust to editing vertically.

Editing Options: Auto vs. Manual

There are two main editing approaches, which I’ll split into two parts. Auto editing lets the software handle cuts, transitions, and music—perfect if you’re not into editing and just want a quick, shareable result. I’ll cover auto editing in a separate video, so stay tuned. For this video, we’ll focus on traditional timeline editing, giving you full control over everything.

Navigating the Editing Interface

Upon launching, you’ll see the main interface. At the top, there’s “New Project,” “One Tap Edit,” and a “Drafts” icon on the right for accessing saved projects. There are also pre-made templates, but we’ll stick to timeline editing. Tap “New Project,” and you’ll see “DJI Album,” which is content transferred to the Photos app. I currently have three files there. Preview them by tapping the corner icon to scrub through and decide what to include. You can also change albums—any albums on your device will appear. If you’ve got smartphone footage in the main camera roll, the app won’t read it unless it’s in an album. Create an album, name it whatever you like, and add your clips there.

Building Your Project

I’ll select drone footage and some files for our edit, including one shot on the Action 5 Pro. At the bottom, selected clips appear in the order they’ll be added to the timeline. Adjust their order by pressing, holding, and dragging—either now or later during editing. Once your footage is selected, hit “Next” to create the timeline (skip “One Tap Edit” for now, as that’s for auto editing). Initially, my video is 27 minutes with raw footage, so we’ll trim it down—perhaps to 30 seconds for social media shorts or 2-3 minutes for a dramatic piece for YouTube or Facebook.

Refining Your Timeline

For a visual preview, pinch to zoom in or out on the timeline. Before editing, set your aspect ratio via the top button—16:9 for YouTube or 9:16 for social media. For 9:16, expand the video to fill the frame; for this video, I’ll use 16:9. Adjust clip order by dragging, or hit the plus button to add more footage. Now, use built-in tools to trim, add music, apply effects, and color grade. For the first clip—drone footage over water—I’ll trim it to under a minute. Cut unwanted sections by splitting and deleting, like the front part and excess after the opening.

Enhancing Your Clips

As you progress, cut where needed—e.g., keeping a drone rise with a boat appearing in the harbor. Use undo/redo if you make a mistake. You can also reverse clips or adjust speed (up to 8x or down to 0.25x). Slowing too much may look odd depending on frame rate, but 4K 60 footage halved looks natural. Variable speed allows speed ramping for dynamic effects—like reversing a drone rise to a descent. Trim each clip, monitoring the total length to stay under a minute.

Adding Finishing Touches

After trimming to about a minute from 27, enhance with effects, titles, and color grading. DJI’s auto mode footage often looks great without much grading, especially for beginners. Add music via the “Music” tab—mute original audio or blend it for effect. The Fly app’s library offers styles like “Cheerful”; preview and select one, noting copyright for monetized edits. Add music early to cut with tempo changes for drama. Import royalty-free music under “Local” if preferred. For visuals, apply 过滤器 (adjustable strength) or manual color tweaks (temperature, highlights, shadows). Glamour effects smooth skin, while Color Recovery revives flat profiles like DLog M. Aqua adjusts underwater footage colors.

Adding Effects and Text

Under “Effects,” add options like snow, autumn vibes, or falling leaves for flair—depending on your taste. For text, tap “Click to add text,” enter a title (e.g., “Drone Video“), and tweak font, color, and size with templates. Add stickers—like a DJI logo or emojis—for personality.

Exporting and Sharing

Preview your edit, refine as needed, then export. Set resolution (1080p, 2.7K, 4K) and frame rate—I’ll use 1080p here. Export time varies (30 seconds to minutes) based on length and resolution. Once saved to the camera roll, share manually or directly via the app to platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Unfinished projects auto-save under “Drafts” for later editing.

Final Thoughts

That’s editing with the DJI Fly app—a powerful, free tool included with your drone. It’s ideal for transferring and editing footage, especially with devices like the DJI RC2. Hopefully, you found this helpful—if so, give it a thumbs up! Thanks for watching, and see you in the next one.

The DJI Flip is a very versatile drone. It can be flown completely autonomously, taking off and landing in the palm of your hand with just the touch of a button. It can also connect to a smartphone, which unlocks enhanced features like virtual joysticks that let you fly it more like a traditional drone. On top of that, you can connect it to a controller—such as the DJI RC-N3 or the DJI RC2—for a more traditional drone flight experience with better precision and longer range.

Purchasing Options and Packages

When you purchase the DJI Flip, there are a couple of different ways to buy it—essentially different packages. You can buy a single combo that comes with a controller, the Flip drone, spare propellers, a screwdriver for changing the props, a USB-C to USB-C data cable (also used for charging), and a small information package.

With the base kit, you can choose either the DJI RC2 (the one with the built-in screen) or the RC-N3 (where you must mount your smartphone). Both are equally good, so it depends on personal preference.

If you want more, there is a Fly More Combo, which is the same but includes a few extra propellers, two spare batteries, and a charging hub that makes it convenient to charge multiple batteries. You also get a carrying case. If it fits your budget, the Fly More Combo is highly recommended because the case is handy and it’s very beneficial to have extra batteries. These batteries are rated for 31 minutes of flight time (though you won’t typically get the full 31 minutes).

Drone Hardware Overview

Before looking at the controllers, let’s explore the drone itself. At the front, you’ll see a gimbal guard. To remove it, press on the sides, and it will pull right off. When your drone is brand new, there will also be a rubber housing over the camera—keep it if you want extra protection.

This is a folding drone. We’ll unfold it shortly. On one side, there’s a USB-C port that can connect to computers for firmware updates and content transfers, and this is also how you charge the battery while it’s installed in the drone. Above that, there’s a memory card slot. Next to it is a button used when the drone is in autonomous mode (for cycling through flight modes and launching the drone from your palm, which we’ll demonstrate later).

On the other side, there’s a power button and LED lights. The Flip will automatically power on when unfolded, which makes it quick and easy to deploy in autonomous mode. You can also manually power it off or on using a short press followed by a long press of the power button.

At the top is where the battery is installed. To remove the battery, press the side buttons, and it will slide out. The camera and gimbal are at the front, along with a 3D infrared sensor that helps detect obstacles. While it doesn’t have full obstacle avoidance like some DJI drones, it does increase safety in certain situations. There are also small front-facing lights that illuminate symbols when flying autonomously without a controller.

To unfold the drone, pull out each arm, starting with the front. As you fold out the back arms, you’ll notice the drone automatically powers on. If needed, you can power it off by doing the short press and long press on the side button, and use the same sequence to power it on again.

Controller Options

DJI RC2 (Built-in Screen)

Let’s start with the DJI RC2, the controller with a built-in screen. At the top are fold-out antennas. The control sticks are stored in the back, and you can screw them on when you’re ready to fly. It’s a good habit to remove them when traveling to avoid damage.

On the front, there’s a power button. A quick press shows the current battery level, and powering it on or off requires a short press followed by a long press—just like the drone. In the middle is the mode selector: Cine, Normal, and Sport. Normal is for everyday flying; Sport increases speed but can be more abrupt; Cine slows everything down for smooth, cinematic shots.

The pause button next to the mode selector will stop any intelligent flight mode in progress, and if you press and hold it, the drone will initiate Return to Home. At the bottom is a USB-C port (for charging or firmware updates), and beside that, a memory card slot. You don’t need to use a memory card in the controller, but it’s handy for extra storage for tasks like screen recording.

On the back are two customizable buttons, C1 and C2. On top, there are two dials. The left dial tilts the camera gimbal up or down, and the right dial controls digital zoom (up to 3x, which can degrade quality slightly). There’s a record button (for video) on the right and a shutter button (for photos) on the left.

RC-N3 (Use with Smartphone)

Next is the RC-N3. It’s similar to the RC2, but you mount your smartphone to use it as the screen. The removable control sticks are stored at the bottom. On the front, there’s a power button (same short press + long press to power on or off), a mode selector (Cine, Normal, Sport), and the pause/Return to Home button. There’s also a function button (like the C1/C2 buttons on the RC2).

A switch on the right side toggles between photo and video mode. On top, there’s only one dial for adjusting the gimbal angle. Digital zoom is done via the app since there’s no separate zoom dial. There’s also a shutter button for starting/stopping video or taking photos, depending on the mode.

At the bottom is a USB-C port for charging or updates. This controller has no memory card slot. The antenna flips up from the top, and this is also where you mount your phone. A built-in cable (USB-C or Lightning, depending on your device) plugs into your phone. If your phone uses a different connector, DJI includes a suitable cable.

With the RC2, everything you need (including the DJI Fly App) is built into the controller, which can be more convenient. If you use the RC-N3, you’ll need to download the DJI Fly app from the Apple App Store or, for Android, directly from DJI’s website (it’s not on Google Play).

For this guide, we’ll continue using the DJI RC2, but if you have the RC-N3, the process is almost identical.

Charging and Memory

When you buy the DJI Flip, it won’t include a memory card. You’ll need to purchase a microSD card separately. DJI recommends UHS-I Speed Class 3 cards. A good choice is the SanDisk Extreme or Extreme Pro, often in sizes like 128 GB, though you can go larger if you wish.

Install the card by inserting it into the slot with the graphic side facing up. The drone does have under 2 GB of internal storage, but that won’t hold much footage. If you want a memory card in the RC2 controller, insert it into the slot at the bottom (again graphic side up).

The DJI Flip comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging, but no charging brick. Most modern USB-C chargers for phones or tablets will work. DJI also sells compatible chargers. You can use any reputable USB-C power adapter, like a 65 W Anker brick.

There are two ways to charge the batteries:

1. Inside the Drone
   Insert the battery into the drone and plug the cable into the USB-C port on the side. LED lights near the power button will show the charging status.
2. With the Charging Hub (if you bought the Fly More Combo)
   The hub can hold up to four batteries (two on each side) and charge two at a time. Plug the USB-C cable into the hub’s side port, and LED indicators will show each battery’s status. The hub can also act as a power bank if you need to charge other devices.

To charge the controller, simply plug the USB-C cable into the port at the bottom. The LEDs on the front will indicate the charge status.

Activating and Updating Firmware

Before your first flight, you need to activate your new drone and update the firmware. DJI regularly releases updates that fix issues and add new features.

1. Power on the drone by unfolding it (or using the power button).
2. Power on the controller using the short press + long press method.
3. Because the equipment is new, follow the on-screen prompts on the controller to choose your language, region, connect to Wi-Fi, and log in with your DJI account (or create one).
4. After logging in, you’ll be prompted to activate the drone. The process is straightforward.
5. Once activated, you’ll be prompted to update the firmware if any updates are available. It’s recommended to always install the latest firmware.

DJI Fly App Overview

The DJI Flip can be flown in three ways:

1. Completely autonomously without a controller.
2. Using your smartphone (virtual joysticks via the DJI Fly app).
3. Using a traditional controller (RC-N3 or RC2).

Even if you have the DJI RC2 with its built-in Fly app, you may still want the DJI Fly app on your phone to manage settings and transfer content when you’re not carrying the controller.

Using the App with Just a Smartphone

1. Power on the Flip by unfolding it.
2. Launch the DJI Fly app on your phone.
3. Tap “Connect” when it detects the Flip and join the drone’s Wi-Fi if prompted.

You’ll see a main screen with three tabs at the bottom: Control, Settings和 Album.

• Album: Previews the content on the Flip’s memory card. You can download photos or videos to your phone.
• Control: Lets you switch between autonomous modes (Follow, Circle, etc.) or select manual control for flying with on-screen joysticks. You can also toggle between photo/video modes, record, and enable/disable the microphone.
• Settings: Adjust parameters for each intelligent flight mode (distance, height, etc.) and camera settings (resolution, frame rate, normal mode or D-Log M, and codec). You can also format your memory card here.

This is also where you can enable voice commands. The Flip can respond to voice for tasks like recording, following, and some safety commands.

Using the App with a Controller

When flying the Flip with the DJI RC2 or the RC-N3, the Fly app looks slightly different but has the same core functions. You’ll see information such as satellite count, obstacle sensing status, RC signal strength, and battery level.

• The left side of the screen often shows the takeoff/landing button and a map.
• The right side shows camera settings like resolution, frame rate, and whether it’s in Auto or manual mode (where you can adjust ISO, shutter speed, etc.).
• Tapping the three dots at the top right gives you deeper settings, including Safety (Return to Home altitude, max altitude, etc.).
• Keep an eye on any error messages at the top center. If everything is good, it will say “Normal” or “Ready to Fly.”

Test Flight Demonstration

Now let’s head out and do a quick test flight. If it’s your first time, pick a wide-open area free of obstacles and people. Make sure you understand the drone regulations in your country.

Flying Autonomously (No Controller or Phone)

1. Unfold the Flip to power it on.
2. The camera must detect you for autonomous modes to work.
3. Press the button on the side once to cycle through modes (Follow, Circle, Rocket, etc.).
4. Hold the drone firmly from underneath, ensuring your fingers are clear of the propellers.
5. Press and hold the same side button to launch.

The drone will recognize you and perform the chosen flight mode (e.g., Spotlight, Circle). When you’re ready to land, move your hand underneath the drone and it will automatically land in your palm.

Flying with a Smartphone (Virtual Joysticks)

When you connect the Flip to your smartphone, you can adjust all settings and also fly manually:

1. Power on the Flip.
2. Open the DJI Fly app and connect to the drone.
3. In the Control menu, select an autonomous mode or tap Manual Control for virtual sticks.
4. For autonomous flight (e.g., Spotlight), tap Start in the app, and the drone will take off.
5. For manual flight, press and hold the Take Off button on the screen. Virtual joysticks will appear, allowing you to fly just like a regular drone.
6. To land, put your hand underneath it, and it will automatically descend.

Flying with a Traditional Controller

Using a controller offers greater precision and a better signal range due to DJI’s O4 transmission system:

1. Place the drone on a flat surface or hold it in your palm.
2. Power on the drone and the controller.
3. On the screen, tap the Takeoff button. Press and hold the pop-up to initiate takeoff.
4. Wait until you have a good GPS connection (usually at least 14 satellites) so the drone can set a home point.
5. Practice moving the sticks to get comfortable. The right stick moves the drone forward/backward and left/right; the left stick controls altitude and rotation.
6. When ready to return, you can manually fly back or use Return to Home by pressing and holding the pause button on the controller or tapping the on-screen RTH button. The drone will ascend to the preset RTH altitude and fly back to the home point. You can cancel at any time and resume manual control.
7. To land, either use the automatic landing on-screen or place your hand underneath the drone so it lands in your palm.

结论

That’s my beginner’s guide for the DJI Flip. If you’re interested in this drone, make sure you’re subscribed to the channel because I’ll be covering it in-depth over the coming weeks and months with many tutorials. This was a general guide, but stay tuned for more detailed videos on specific features.

Thanks a lot for watching my DJI Flip Beginners Guide, and we’ll see you in the next one!

If you’ve never flown a drone before, I do have a beginner guide for the Flip. In that guide, we go over all the hardware and basic functionality of the drone to help you prepare for your very first flight. I will put a link to that down in the description of this video as well.

Tip 1: Enable or Disable the Auto Power-On Feature

With the DJI Flip, when you unfold it, it automatically powers on. It will also automatically power off after 5 seconds when you fold it up. Now, if you’re not a fan of that feature and prefer to manually power it on and off yourself, you can go into the Fly app and disable it.

Just note that you can only adjust this setting when you’re connected directly to a controller. There’s no way to adjust it at the time of filming when connected only to a smartphone.

To change this, go to Settings, and under the Safety tab, scroll down near the bottom. You’ll see two options:

• Power on when unfolded
• Power off when folded

You don’t have to disable both. If you just want to manually power it on, leave the power-off option enabled so it still powers down when folded, or go ahead and disable both if you prefer.

Tip 2: Adjusting the Front-Facing 3D Infrared Sensing

You can disable the front-facing 3D infrared sensor right within the Fly app, whether connected to a controller or a smartphone. Most of the time, it’s a good idea to leave it on, but there are situations where it can become a hindrance—like low-hanging branches that aren’t actually an obstacle but cause the drone to hesitate or stop.

• When connected to a controller: Go to Settings and select the Safety tab. At the top, you can set obstacle avoidance to Brake (it will stop if it detects an obstacle) or Off.
• When connected to a smartphone: Tap on Settings at the bottom, then select More Settings on the right-hand side near the bottom. You’ll see the same obstacle avoidance options (to stop or disable).

Tip 3: Autonomous Flying Mode

The DJI Flip can fly autonomously without being connected to a phone or controller, simply by using the button on the side. It will perform the selected task and then return to you. However, make sure you connect to the app first to ensure all settings are the way you want them because the Flip will only use the last saved settings.

If you’re heading out and plan to fly autonomously:

1. Power it on before you go.
2. Adjust everything in Settings—for example, in Following, choose Close, Medium, or Far, and set follow height to Low, Flat, or High.
3. Go through each intelligent flight mode and set everything as needed.

Once set, the drone will remember these settings the next time you put it up without a controller or smartphone.

Tip 4: Customizing Quick Shots

By default, you can cycle through six quick shots using the button on the side: Follow, Drone, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight和 Direction Track. The last slot can be customized.

To do this, connect the Flip to your smartphone and open Settings. There you’ll see all the quick shots. The last one is labeled Custom, and if you tap on it, you can choose Direction Track, Boomerang, or Helix for that final slot.

Tip 5: Capturing Audio

The DJI Flip can capture audio from your phone’s microphone while you’re flying, and the software will automatically reduce background noise from the drone. To enable or disable this feature, tap the button on the right-hand side of the screen (in the middle), but you must first activate it in the settings.

• Go to Settings and select App Recording to toggle it on or off.
• Below that, choose Natural 或 Pure noise reduction. Natural preserves some ambient sound, while Pure isolates mainly the human voice. Test both to see which suits your needs.

Tip 6: Recording Audio with the DJI RC-N3

If you’re using the DJI RCN3 (the controller where you mount your smartphone), you can record audio through your phone’s microphone the same way. Unfortunately, if you’re using the DJI RC2, this feature isn’t available because that controller has no built-in microphone.

• On the RCN3, open Settings and go to Camera.
• Scroll down to find App Recording, then toggle it on or off.
• Select Natural 或 Pure for the noise reduction type.
• You can also pair a Bluetooth microphone to your phone for better audio quality.

Tip 7: Tracking

The DJI Flip is great for tracking, even in autonomous mode. It’s quick and easy to deploy, but you can also track while connected to a controller. With a controller, you have full access to DJI FocusTrack, allowing you to use ActiveTrack, Point of Interest, or Spotlight modes. Just select your subject on the screen and the drone will lock on and track.

Tip 8: Filming in Vertical Mode

The DJI Flip can film vertically whether you’re connected to a controller or directly to a smartphone.

• With a controller: Select your resolution in the video settings, switch to 2.7K, then set your frame rate. The maximum resolution in vertical mode is 2.7K.
• With a smartphone: Go to Settings, select Video, and choose 2.7K (9:16) at the top.

Remember, if you plan on flying without a smartphone or controller (autonomously), set this before you launch so the drone will remember it.

Tip 9: Using a Smartphone as a Virtual Controller

You can fly the Flip using on-screen joysticks when connected directly to your smartphone.

1. Select Manual at the top.
2. Launch the drone, and you’ll have two virtual sticks on your screen.
3. If you prefer to hold the phone horizontally, tap the icon at the top on the right-hand side to switch orientation.

This horizontal layout may offer a bigger preview and be easier for some pilots.

Tip 10: Adjusting the Frame Rate

When flying autonomously, the maximum resolution is 4K at 30 frames per second. However, if you want 4K at 60 fps, switch to manual control:

• In your Video settings, once in manual mode, you can select up to 60 fps at 4K.
• The same applies if you’re using the RC2 or RCN3 controllers. Just go into resolution settings and choose 4K 60.

Tip 11: Transferring Content

There are three ways to transfer the photos and videos stored on your memory card:

1. Memory Card Reader: Remove the card and use a card reader to copy files to your device or computer.
2. USB-C Port: Plug the Flip directly into a compatible device (phone, tablet, laptop). It will appear as a drive and you can copy files off that way.
3. DJI Fly App (Wireless): Go to Album in the app. You’ll see all files stored on the card. Select what you want and hit Download. You can cancel anytime, and there’s also a Beauty Effect option or a Trim Download feature, where you can select only the portion of the clip you want. This is useful if you’re limited on device storage.

Well, folks, those are my 11 tips for the new DJI Flip. As mentioned, if you’re brand new and have never flown a drone before, check out my full in-depth beginner’s guide covering hardware and basic functionality. I’ll include a link to that down in the description. Hopefully, you found these tips valuable. Thanks a lot for watching, and we’ll see you in the next one!

Now, with that said, flying these drones on a cold day in sub-zero temperatures does require extra precautions. It’s not the same as flying on a warm summer day. In this post, we’ll go over some tips to ensure you have a safe and successful winter flight.

Precipitation

On some days, like today, there’s no snow at all. However, there may be other days when it’s calm and not too windy, but there’s light snowfall. You might wonder if it’s safe to fly your drone in those conditions.

My rule of thumb for flying when it’s snowing is simple: if it’s really cold and the snow is light and dry, I usually fly. There’s typically no issue. If it’s milder and the snow is heavy and wet, I don’t fly. Wet, heavy snow can accumulate on your drone, and when you bring it back you’ll find it saturated. Electronics and water don’t mix very well, so I avoid it under those conditions. Think of it like driving in winter: dry snow just blows past your windshield, but wet snow sticks. The same logic applies to drones.

Ice Buildup on the Drone Props

Ice buildup on the propellers is another potential problem in winter, even if there’s no snow on the ground. If you’re flying in sub-zero temperatures or when the temperature hovers around freezing, there can be moisture in the air that forms ice on the props. It’s very important to bring the drone back regularly to check for ice.

Ice on the props can cause vibration, leading to jello-like footage. It can also weaken the props themselves. Spinning at high RPMs, a damaged or imbalanced prop can break or shatter, potentially causing a crash.

Consider a Landing Pad

With a drone like the Flip or the Neo, you can launch from the palm of your hand. For larger drones like the Mini 4 Pro or the Air 3, you may not want to place them directly on the snow. If you’re uncomfortable with hand launching or hand catching, a landing pad is a cheap investment. It helps protect your drone and allows you to take off and land on snowy or wet surfaces.

Keep Drone Batteries Warm

Keeping your batteries warm is as important as checking for ice. These drone batteries need to be at a warm temperature to function properly. If they’re too cold, they’ll lose power quickly, which can be dangerous.

You can simply keep your batteries in an inside jacket pocket. If you’ll be outdoors for a longer period, electronic hand warmers can be placed in your camera bag. They’re designed to keep your hands warm, but they also help maintain a more stable temperature for your batteries.

Keep Flights Short

On a nice summer day, you might keep your drone in the air for up to 30 minutes, depending on the model. In winter, it’s best to shorten your flights. This lets you bring the drone back more often to check for ice, and also to inspect the lens for any moisture or snow accumulation.

Another strategy I use in cold weather is to avoid flying below 45% battery. In summer, I might go down to 15% or even 10%, but in cold conditions, batteries can drop in voltage very quickly once they’re below 50%. I’ve personally seen it happen, and others have commented on similar experiences. The last thing you want is to be far away and realize your battery doesn’t have enough power left to get back.

Stay Close

In addition to keeping flights short, stay closer to your home point than you normally would. Of course, you should always follow visual line-of-sight rules, but this is even more important in cold weather. If your battery suddenly loses power or if ice builds up, you’ll want the drone within easy reach to bring it back safely.

Fly Drone Slower and Less Aggressively

While these drones can handle cold weather, the rubber dampeners inside the gimbal can stiffen up in extreme cold. This can lead to vibration or jello effects in your footage. By flying slower and avoiding aggressive maneuvers, you’ll reduce stress on the gimbal and get smoother video. It’s not always a problem, but something to keep in mind.

Bonus Tips

If you plan to fly a lot in winter, invest in a good pair of photography gloves. These gloves often have fingertips (thumb and index finger) that fold back, allowing you to operate your controller or touchscreens more easily.

Another tip is to fly from inside your car. Many modern drones have strong transmission systems (like DJI’s O4), which work fine through a windshield. You’ll stay warm, your flight will be more comfortable, and you won’t generally lose signal. Just remember you still need visual line of sight, so fly where you can see the drone through the windshield.

Those are some quick tips for flying the DJI Flip or the DJI Neo on a cold winter day. I hope you found this information helpful. Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you in the next one!

Method 1: Transferring Using the Memory Card

The way content is stored on the DJI Neo and the Flip differs. With the Neo, you have internal memory and no memory card, whereas the Flip has a small amount of internal memory but primarily stores content on a memory card. This method is my preferred way of transferring content:

1. Remove the Memory Card: Simply take the memory card out of your drone.
2. Insert into a Card Reader: Plug the memory card into a card reader. For example, I’m using the Apple USB-C card reader.
3. Connect to Your Device: You can connect the card reader to a smartphone, tablet, computer, or laptop.
4. Transfer Files: On an iPad, open the Files app. The SD card will appear on the side. Navigate to the DJI folder (e.g., DCI) to preview the content. Select the files you want to transfer, choose the destination folder, and tap “Copy.” This method works the same way on a laptop or desktop—just access the memory card as a drive and transfer your content.

Method 2: Direct Drone Connection

This method works with both the Flip and the Neo, as well as other DJI models like the Mini 3, Mini 4, and Air 3 series.

1. Connect the Drone to the Device: Plug the drone directly into your device using a USB-C cable. With the Neo and Flip, you do not have to power on the drone; your device will supply enough power to read the internal storage or memory card.
2. Access the Storage: For the Flip, which has both internal storage and a memory card, both storage options will appear. You can browse the files, preview them, select the ones you want, and transfer them over.
3. Compatibility with Computers: This method works similarly on a computer by plugging the drone into a USB-C port, which will allow the drone to appear as a drive.

Note: Some drones may require powering on to be recognized, so if your device does not immediately recognize it, try turning the drone on.

Method 3: Using the DJI Fly App for Wireless Transfer

This method offers some extra features and works with both the Neo and the Flip.

1. Power On and Connect: For this method, you must power on your drone (you do not need to unfold it). Launch the DJI Fly App on your smartphone or tablet, wait for the app to recognize the device, and connect.
2. Transfer Content: In the DJI Fly app, navigate to the “Album” section. Here, the app lists everything stored on the memory card. You can preview the files and select multiple files for batch download. Tap the download checkmark at the bottom. A progress bar will appear at the top.
   • Destination: Unlike the previous methods where files go into the Files app, using the DJI Fly app downloads everything directly to the Photos app.
3. Beauty Effect: By default, the DJI Fly app applies a beauty effect (skin smoothing, brightening, and body shaping) during transfer. To disable this:
   • Tap the three dots at the top of the screen.
   • You’ll see options for “Skin Effect” and “Body Effects.” You can toggle them off or on as desired.
4. Trim Downloads: The app also allows for trim downloads. For example, if you have a 2-minute and 7-second video but only need a 30-second clip:
   • Bring up the file and tap the button at the bottom.
   • A dialog box will appear, asking if you want a full download or a trim download.
   • Choose “Trim Download” and set the in-point and out-point. Only one section per video can be trimmed at a time, but you can download multiple sections sequentially.
5. Download Indicators and Sharing: Videos that have not been downloaded show a download arrow in the top left corner. Once downloaded, the arrow disappears. You can also tap the share icon at the top right to directly share the file to social media.

Note: The wireless transfer method via the DJI Fly app is available only on smartphones and tablets, not on full computers or laptops.

Those are the three methods to transfer the content captured with your drones to your mobile devices or laptops. Whether you choose the memory card method, direct drone connection, or wireless transfer through the DJI Fly app, each offers unique benefits to suit your needs.

Enjoy your editing, and thanks for watching!

DJI Flip’s Unique Features

The DJI Flip has several distinctive features. It can power on when unfolded, making it quick and easy to deploy. When folding it up, the aircraft automatically powers off in 5 seconds, though this feature can be disabled in settings. Perhaps its most notable feature is the ability to fly without a controller in autonomous mode. It can take off from your palm with a button press, perform the selected flight mode, and return to land in your palm.

This autonomous capability is particularly valuable for capturing content quickly while on the go. You don’t have to worry about powering on a controller or what to do with it if you’re doing vlogging or capturing quick b-roll. When hiking through woods, you can easily power it on, and it’ll start tracking you automatically with just a button press. You can power it off and store it away just as quickly.

You can also connect it to a smartphone for virtual joystick control. While this doesn’t offer the same precision as a controller, it’s convenient for capturing cinematic footage without carrying additional equipment. The Flip is compatible with DJI controllers like the RC 2, RC-N3, or RC-N2, providing O4 transmission system connectivity and access to more features in the Fly app.

Advanced Sensing and Safety Features

The DJI Flip features 3D infrared sensing. While it doesn’t have 360° obstacle avoidance like the Mini 4 Pro, its infrared sensor has its own light source and works well in low-light conditions and with backlit obstacles that have little texture, such as solid walls. The Visual obstacle avoidance on the Mini 4 Pro works extremely well but can struggle in low-light conditions or with textureless obstacles.

The built-in prop guards enable safe hand launches and landings, and provide protection during tracking shots. When props are fully exposed, clipping a tree branch can cause a crash, but with enclosed props, the drone is more likely to bounce off or push through obstacles, making tracking shots safer and less stressful. This feature gives users more confidence when tracking through challenging environments.

Audio and Control Features

The Flip includes voice control functionality, allowing you to command different tasks. For example, you can say “Hey, fly here” followed by “Drone, 3, 2, 1” to perform maneuvers. While not everyone will use this feature, it’s not available on the Mini 4 Pro.

The Flip can capture audio in videos when connected to a smartphone, intelligently removing drone noise for clean audio. While the audio is somewhat processed, it works well for social media content. For better audio quality, you can pair a DJI mic via Bluetooth to your smartphone.

One of the Flip’s biggest advantages is its ease of use and quick deployment. There’s minimal learning curve as the drone performs maneuvers automatically, making it perfect for sharing adventures and family vacations. For tracking shots, you don’t need to worry about controller handling – one quick button press starts tracking you automatically.

Video Quality Comparison

Both drones can film at 4K 60fps and in Dlog M, featuring the same 1/1.3-inch sensor. Sample footage from both drones shows comparable quality, though they differ in specific shooting capabilities.

Mini 4 Pro’s Advanced Features

The Mini 4 Pro offers several distinctive capabilities:

Obstacle Avoidance and Navigation

• 360° omnidirectional obstacle avoidance for detecting obstacles from front, back, top, and sides
• APAS system for finding safe routes around obstacles automatically
• More advanced obstacle bypass options compared to the Flip’s simple breaking response

Flight and Control Features

• Waypoint missions built directly into the Fly app
• Compatible with DJI Goggles and motion controller for immersive flight (not currently available on the Flip)
• True Vertical shooting at 4K resolution (compared to the Flip’s cropped 2.7K vertical mode)
• Higher flight speeds (16 m/s in sports mode vs. the Flip’s 12 m/s)
• Better wind resistance despite both having a level five wind rating
• Bottom LED light for easier night landing
• More comprehensive 360° tracking capabilities, allowing drone placement anywhere around you in space
• Night mode for enhanced low-light footage quality

Performance Characteristics

Flight Time

• DJI Flip: 31 minutes
• Mini 4 Pro:
  • Standard battery: 34 minutes
  • Larger capacity battery: 45 minutes (exceeds 249g weight limit)

Wind Performance

While both drones have a level five wind rating, the Mini 4 Pro handles high winds significantly better. The DJI Flip requires extra caution in windy conditions, while the Mini 4 Pro can power through challenging wind situations effectively.

Noise Levels

The DJI Flip produces significantly more noise than the Mini 4 Pro. While not excessively loud, the difference in noise levels could be important for users wanting to maintain a lower profile during flight operations.

Tracking Capabilities

Both drones support FocusTrack and Active Track, but the Mini 4 Pro offers more advanced 360° tracking. It allows users to position the drone anywhere around them in space and perform complete 360° movements using finger control, while the DJI Flip has more limited Focus Track functionality.

Price Comparison

The DJI Flip is significantly more affordable at $439 with the RC-N3 controller, while the Mini 4 Pro costs $759 with the same controller. This $320 price difference could be a decisive factor for many users.

结论

Both drones excel in different scenarios. The Flip offers exceptional flexibility with autonomous flight, smartphone control, and traditional controller operation. It’s quick to deploy, excellent for tracking shots, and ideal for users who prioritize ease of use and quick content capture.

The Mini 4 Pro serves as a more traditional drone with comprehensive obstacle avoidance, advanced features, and superior performance in challenging conditions. Its better wind handling, higher speed capabilities, and advanced tracking features make it more suitable for users who need professional-grade capabilities and don’t mind the additional complexity and cost.

Thank you for watching this video. Hopefully, you found it valuable. Thanks a lot, and we’ll see you in the next one.

"(《世界人权宣言》) DJI Flip weighs under 249g, which is extremely important for some users. Here in Canada, for drones over 249g, we need to get a drone pilot certificate and register it with Transport Canada. But because the DJI Flip is under 249g, we don’t need to register it and we don’t need the drone certificate. Just like the DJI Neo, it is an extremely easy drone to learn how to use and fly.

The DJI Flip is Easy to Fly

It can be flown completely autonomously, launching from the palm of your hand, performing the intelligent flight mode that you have set in the parameters, and then coming right back to you again, landing in the palm of your hand. This makes it a perfect choice for those looking for a drone that’s easy to use and quick to deploy.

When we unfold the Flip, you can see it powers on automatically. You can use the button on the side to cycle through the intelligent flight modes: Rocket, Spotlight, Direction Track, Follow, Dronie, and Circle. Press and hold the button, and the drone will take off from the palm of your hand and perform the task. When you’re done, you simply fold the Flip up – the aircraft will power off in 5 seconds automatically. Of course, there is a power button on the side so you can manually power it on or off if you wish.

DJI Flip Camera Specs

The DJI Flip features an upgraded camera with a 3-axis gimbal. In fact, the camera is very similar to that of the 大疆迷你 4 Pro. It features a 1/1.3-inch sensor, 48 megapixel capability, and can film in 4K at 60fps. You can film in both a normal color profile or, if you prefer, you can film in D-Log M if you’re a person who wants to do your own color grading. It has an aperture of f/1.7 and features dual native ISO fusion, so it’s going to be a good choice for those who need to film in complex environments. Complex lighting environments can sometimes be challenging, so if you’re a person who wants to fly at twilight, sunset, sunrise, or even at night, the DJI Flip is fully capable.

Controlling the DJI Flip Drone

For many people, the autonomous features of the DJI Flip are going to be exactly what they’re looking for. If you’re a vlogger or create content for social media, you can easily capture content without a controller, and for some people, that is going to make this the perfect choice. However, with the DJI Flip, just like the Neo, you can connect it to a smartphone that’s going to open up all the settings. You can adjust all the parameters of the different intelligent flight modes, and it also allows you to fly it in manual mode where your smartphone essentially becomes the controller.

Now that’s just going to be a Wi-Fi connection, so your range and signal strength will be limited, but for some people just wanting to grab a quick cinematic shot other than what the intelligent flight modes offer, it’s going to be a good choice. Again, it allows you to pack minimally since you don’t need to bring a regular controller with you.

What makes the Flip a really compelling choice is its versatility. As mentioned, you can fly it autonomously or with a smartphone, but you also have the option of flying with a controller.

At the time of filming this video, it’s compatible with the DJI RC-N3 and the DJI RC2 (the one with the built-in screen). There might be other controllers that are made compatible down the road, but at the time of filming, these are the ones I know are compatible.

With one of these controllers, it’s going to give you a more traditional drone flight. It uses the O4 transmission system, so you’re going to have good range – it’s rated for 13km. With a controller, you’re going to have more precision, and it’s going to offer some of the more advanced flight modes that aren’t capable when using it autonomously, such as MasterShots, Hyperlapses, and Panoramas.

AR Features on the Drone

The DJI Flip also has all the AR features that we’ve seen on other drones, such as the visual return to home that will display a green line when a return to home has been initiated, showing you the path that the drone is going to take. On top of that, it’ll also display the drone shadow when you’re landing, which can be very beneficial when you’re coming in and want to land in a very specific spot. It also has the virtual home point, which can make it easy to pinpoint where you took off from.

The front panel on the DJI Flip serves two purposes. First, underneath there is the 3D infrared sensing system. This system has better environmental adaptability – it can effectively detect obstacles in low light, backlit, and other challenging environments. Because the infrared sensing has its own light source, it’s really good at detecting in low light and obstacles that have very little texture, such as white walls.

Additionally, that panel serves as a display panel, so we know what mode we’re in when we’re flying it without a controller. Icons will appear at the front letting us know exactly what mode we’re in as we cycle through them. This does not have traditional obstacle avoidance and isn’t capable of bypassing, so if it encounters an obstacle, it’s just going to brake and come to a stop.

Memory Card for the DJI Flip

The DJI Flip features a memory card slot, which is an upgrade over the Neo which only had built-in memory, and it is capable of 31 minutes of flight time. The Flip is capable of vertical filming whether you are flying it autonomously or using a controller. Just like other drones in the past such as the Air and Air 3S, it automatically crops to vertical right within the software. The maximum resolution while filming in vertical is only 2.7K, but usually when you’re filming in vertical, it’s for social media, which is more than adequate.

Voice Control on the Flip Drone

When flying the DJI Flip with a smartphone, you have all the features that we had with the Neo, such as voice control – you’re able to perform various tasks just by speaking to the drone. The DJI Flip is fully capable of voice control just like the DJI Neo. For example, we can click on the talk bubble here, and now it’s going to be listening for commands. We can tap on check settings, and that’s going to give us a list of all the different commands we can say to it. We can even turn on the voice wakeup feature, so now we just have to say “Hey Fly” and then simply say “Dronie,” and it’s going to go ahead and perform the dronie.

Microphone Built-In

It also has built-in microphone capabilities where it will capture audio and embed it right into the video. The software will remove the sound of the drone. Now the audio it captures is heavily processed, so it’s not going to be ideal for every situation. By default, it’s going to use the microphones from your smartphone, but for better audio, you can do what I’m doing right now – I’ve got my DJI Mic 2 paired to my phone via Bluetooth, and that’s going to give you better audio.

There will be several different packages available for the DJI Flip. They’re going to offer a base kit that comes with the drone, one battery, and either the DJI RC2 or RC-N3. They’re also going to be offering a Fly More Combo that will come with the RC2, the drone, a total of three batteries, a carrying case, and this new charging hub.

This new charging hub is quite different than what we’ve seen in the past. As you can see here, this will hold a total of four batteries, and with it, we can charge two batteries at the same time. This is a parallel charger, so it’ll charge two batteries and then go ahead and charge the other two batteries.

For those who are going to be using the DJI Flip for capturing cinematic footage, ND 过滤器 can be very important to get that motion blur. There will be an ND filter kit available for it that has ND16, ND64, and ND256. Again, these can be very important to some users to help them get creative.

Wrapping Things Up

I think the DJI Flip is going to be the perfect choice for some people. If you’re a person who just wants an easy-to-use drone that you can quickly deploy to capture content for your social media, perhaps just to share some of your adventures with your family and friends, or perhaps you’re a vlogger and you just want an easy-to-pack, lightweight, easy-to-use drone that can help tell your story but can also be connected to a controller to capture cinematic shots for your vlogs, then the DJI Flip might be a great choice.

For others who are looking for a drone to track some of their activities such as hiking or biking, the DJI Flip might be a great choice just due to its new upgraded camera that’s going to offer nice video quality. It has AI subject tracking, DJI’s newly designed intelligent follow for human subjects, and it also has the enclosed props, which is going to make it safer for autonomous tracking. Just due to the props being completely enclosed, there’s less chance of it crashing if it happens to come into contact with an obstacle.

I’m really happy that DJI has been developing autonomous drones further. We first saw it with the DJI Neo, and now the DJI Flip. In some scenarios, of course, I like flying with my controller, but there are a lot of times when I’m just out for a quick hike and I just want to grab some shots. Pulling a drone like this out of a bag or your pocket, putting it up, grabbing the shot, putting it away is just so much more convenient. If you’re like me, you’ll probably find you’re capturing more content just due to its simplicity. You don’t have to worry about pulling out a controller and getting everything connected – you can just launch this from the palm of your hand and then land it just as easily and put it away.

So yeah folks, that is the new DJI Flip. If this is a drone you’re interested in, make sure you stay tuned and you’re following me as I will be covering it fully over the coming weeks and months. I have several videos planned where we’re going to be testing out some of the features more in depth.

I’ve got a full beginners guide coming for those who are going to be brand new and have never flown a drone before – it’s going to be an in-depth guide to help get you ready for your very first flight. I want to thank you for taking the time to watch this video. Hopefully you enjoyed it and found it had value. Give it a thumbs up if you did – it’s always greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot for watching, and we’ll see you in the next one.

Understanding Drone Laws

The most important thing you should do before you go for your first flight is get to know the laws and regulations in which the country you live in. Every country has different drone regulations, even a small inexpensive drone like the Neo here. In some Countries, they are heavily regulated, sometimes they need to be registered, there’s different locations that you can’t fly in. It’s a good idea to make sure you’re well aware of all these regulations. For example, here in Canada, sub-250g drones such as the Neo or the Mini series, you can just fly as is – you don’t need any type of registration, whereas something like the Air3 here in Canada, in order to fly it, you will have to get a basic pilot certificate and you will need to register it with Transport Canada.

Getting Familiar with Your Drone

Another thing you should do before you head out to take your first flight is get familiarized with the hardware. Most drones come with a basic quick start guide, but if you go to the manufacturer’s website, including DJI, they have a more thorough detailed user manual right on the DJI website. You can go right to the drones page, they have a download section, and there you can download the user manual. It’s a good idea to read through that to learn how the drone behaves in certain scenarios and go over some of the safety features.

I have several beginner guides for all the major DJI drones. They’re designed for people who have never flown a drone. We go over all the equipment, the hardware, and basic functionality of all the drones to help you prepare for your very first flight. I’ll include links to some of the beginner guides that I’ve made down in the description of this video.

Pre-Flight Preparations

Another thing you need to do before you take your first flight is make sure that the firmware for these drones is updated. When you purchase them brand new, there’s going to be firmware that needs to be installed. This firmware can correct problems, fix issues, and it adds more functionality.

It might seem like a given, but it’s a good idea to always double-check to make sure your batteries are charged, and that includes the battery for the remote. Nothing worse than getting out to location to have all your drone batteries charged but you forgot to charge the remote and you’re down to like 10%. If you’re using a controller that you have to use a smartphone with, again, make sure you have enough power in your phone.

It’s also a good idea to check the weather before you head out. There are apps designed specifically for that for drone flyers. The one I use is UAV Forecast. It’ll tell you whether it’s a good day to fly based on different criteria such as wind speed, satellites, and a few other factors.

Another thing you should do before you take your first flight is make sure there’s no calibration or compass errors with the drone. Usually, you will get a message on the screen before you take a flight if something needs to be calibrated. You can also double-check by tapping that little bar at the top, and if there’s any errors, it will be listed there. It’s a good idea to check your safety settings at this time as well – you can set your return to home altitude, your max altitude, and your max distance.

First Flight Tips

When you are ready to go out and take your first flight, it’s a good idea to pick a location that doesn’t have a lot of obstacles or not a lot of people. Most of these modern drones such as the Mini series or the Air series have obstacle avoidance, but that’s one less thing you do have to worry about. Spend some time on the sticks getting to know how the drone reacts to your input and really get a good feel of how the drone behaves up in the air. Once you’ve mastered that, then you can get into some more complex environments.

One last tip here for new pilots is not to panic when you’re up in the air. There can be a lot of anxiety associated with taking your first flight. Just keep in mind there’s a lot of fail-safes and safety features built into these drones. If you get out too far and you get disconnected, the drone is always going to come back to you. If you get into a situation where you’re getting too close to a tree, that’s where it’s important not to panic. These drones are all held in place by GPS, so if you get into a situation you’re not quite sure if you’re going to hit something, just let go of the sticks. The drone is going to stop right in place, it’s not going to drift around. That allows you to regain your composure, assess the situation, figure out the orientation of the drone, and decide what you should do to get it out of that situation. Sometimes when you get into those situations, we over-correct or we panic, and that can cause the drone to collide with the obstacle if you’re not quite sure of the orientation.

Well folks, those are a few things you should consider if you got a brand new drone this holiday season. You’re going to have a lot of fun with it as long as you take some precautions and really get to know the drone before you take your first flight. I want to thank you for taking the time to watch this video. Hopefully you found it had value – give it a thumbs up if you did, it’s always greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot for watching and we’ll see you in the next one.