DJI's palm-sized selfie drone with AI tracking and gesture control, no controller needed.
The DJI Neo was released in September 2024 as DJI's most affordable and lightest consumer drone, designed around controller-free operation: palm takeoff and landing, AI subject tracking, and QuickShots operate without a physical remote. At 135g it is substantially lighter than the Mini 2 and Mini 3 series and falls below the registration threshold in most major markets. A conventional DJI controller is available as an optional accessory for those who want stick control. It sits below the Mini range in DJI's consumer lineup on both price and specification.
The 1/2-inch CMOS sensor captures 12MP stills and records 4K at up to 30fps and 1080p at up to 60fps. A single-axis mechanical gimbal handles pitch stabilisation; RockSteady electronic stabilisation and HorizonBalancing supplement it for roll and yaw, producing usable footage in calm to light-wind conditions. Maximum flight time is approximately 18 minutes per battery in calm conditions. At 135g the drone falls below the registration threshold consistent with the Mini series. There is no obstacle avoidance system. Built-in QuickShots and subject-tracking modes operate autonomously without manual piloting input.
For casual content creation, vlogging, and social media the Neo covers basic aerial photography use cases — aerial selfies, panning shots, and subject tracking — without the learning curve of conventional drone operation. Palm takeoff and autonomous modes make it accessible to users with no prior drone experience. The single-axis gimbal with electronic stabilisation produces smooth footage in calm conditions; in moderate wind or with fast camera moves, stabilisation limits are more apparent than with fully three-axis mechanical designs. The absence of obstacle avoidance means the operator carries full responsibility for path planning near trees, structures, or other obstacles.
On the used market the DJI Neo is a recent product with limited availability. The standard package does not include a physical controller; for photographers who want conventional stick control, the RC-N1 or RC-2 controller is required separately — confirm whether any controller is included with a used example. Inspect the gimbal for level, stable operation and confirm the propeller guards are undamaged. Battery condition is the key durability check: DJI batteries degrade with cycle count and age. The DJI Mini 2 is available at comparable used prices with a three-axis mechanical gimbal, longer flight time, and OcuSync transmission — more capable for most photography applications.