Key Takeaways
- DJI is improving the Neo drone by adding quicker tracking speed and vertical video.
- Prior to this, the drone had slower tracking than its rivals and no vertical footage.
- To access new capabilities, users need to update the firmware on the DJI Fly app.
DJI has added additional features to its $199 Neo drone, such as faster tracking and vertical video shooting.
In the past, the drone had trouble recording vertical footage and following fast motions, like cycling or sports. These improvements increase the Neo’s adaptability by providing better tracking for action-packed events and smoother footage for social media creators.
To take advantage of new features, users must update the DJI Fly App’s firmware
Neo’s sophisticated capabilities provide tracking speeds that can equal or exceed riders’ speeds, and even faster in tracking mode than when using a manual controller, claims tech reviewer DC Rainmaker on YouTube.
Particularly useful for social media artists, the drone’s new vertical mode makes it simple to record 9:16 format videos that are tailored for TikTok and Instagram reels. Ideally, this eliminates the need for post-editing, making the filming process easier for creators. Users must upgrade the DJI Fly app in order to access these new capabilities.
According to DC Rainmaker, most flight modes won’t have vertical video options till the app’s software is updated. Since DJI hasn’t hosted the DJI Fly app on the Google Play store in a while, Android users must update directly through the app, which may require additional steps to allow the download.
Additionally, even in Sport mode, the drone’s improved capabilities allowed it to reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour (32 kph) in tracking mode, exceeding its manual control speeds.
The vertical video option is especially useful for content producers and influencers. DC Rainmaker notes that prior to this upgrade, the Neo could only shoot horizontally, which made it a less practical choice for people who were primarily interested in creating material for social media.
Creators may now record in a mobile-friendly format without cropping footage thanks to vertical capture, albeit this functionality is only available in 1080p HD rather than 4K.
Despite this drawback, DC Rainmaker thinks it will still meet the majority of needs because the quality is comparable to the Neo’s 1080p horizontal mode. DJI has also released the Air 3S, a mid-range drone that offers better image quality, particularly in difficult lighting settings, making it a dependable option for more experienced users looking for higher-end functionality.