DJI Neo 2 launches with LiDAR, 4K/60 FPS video support and other upgrades before global release
DJI has now introduced a new compact drone in China. As expected, the Neo 2 follows the company's recent releases by being presented in China before being offered in markets, whether that be the Osmo Mobile 8 or its Romo robot vacuum cleaner. Based on recent leaks, the original DJI Neo only has a fortnight or so before being replaced globally too (curr. $159 on Amazon).
In short, the Neo 2 is a fair bit heavier and larger than last year's Neo. On the one hand, DJI's new drone measures 147 x 171 x 41 mm, which expands to 167 x 171 x 54 mm with its Digital Video Transmission Module attached. On the other hand, the Neo 2's official take-off weight varies between 151 g and 160 g depending on whether the drone's video transmission module is attached. By contrast, the original Neo measures 130 x 157 x 48.5 mm and weighs approximately 135 g. Nonetheless, the Neo 2 matches its predecessor's flight speeds, range and flight times in most cases.
However, DJI has bumped the total built-in storage to 49 GB while moving from 1,435 mAh (10.5 Wh) to 1,606 mAh (11.5 Wh) battery technology. Surprisingly, the Neo 2 retains a 1/2-inch camera sensor, albeit with a wider 119.8° field of view (FoV), a 16.5 mm equivalent focal length, a wider f/2.2 aperture and 4K/60 or 4K/100 FPS video modes. DJI has improved the camera's light sensitivity from 100-6,400 ISO to 100-12,800 ISO, though.
Moreover, peak video bitrate has increased from 75 Mbps to 80 Mbps, which is joined by BeiDou, Galileo and GPS satellite navigation support. Also, DJI has added a dual-axis gimbal for improved image stability, as well as gesture control support and an omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system using a front-facing LiDAR sensor. The DJI Neo 2 starts at CNY 1,499 (~$211) in China, a CNY 200 (~$211) increase on last year's Neo. Alternatively, the new drone can be picked up for CNY 1,999 (~$281) with batteries and a charging case, CNY 2,499 (~$351) with an RC-N3 controller or CNY 3,699 (~$520) with the Goggles N3 and Motion 3 controller.
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