DJI’s latest innovation, the DJI Neo, has quickly become the go-to drone for those seeking a lightweight, easy-to-use flying camera for personal use. This drone stands out in the DJI product lineup as the lightest, smallest, and most intuitive drone to date. If you’re looking for a drone to capture low-altitude and close-range subjects, DJI Neo is a perfect fit. But while it excels in many areas, it’s important to note that DJI Neo is not programmable—unlike some of the programmable drones like Crazyflie and DEXI available from DroneBlocks.

What Sets DJI Neo Apart from Other DJI Drones?

The DJI Neo isn’t just another addition to DJI’s lineup—it redefines convenience and safety in aerial videography. Here’s what makes it stand out:

1. Lightweight & Portable: Weighing only about 135 grams, the DJI Neo is palm-sized, making it incredibly easy to carry anywhere. Its fully enclosed propeller guards ensure safe flights, making it one of DJI’s safest drones.
2. Intuitive Controls: With a simple press of the Mode button, users can switch between intelligent shooting modes or initiate palm takeoff. You don’t need any additional accessories—just your hand and the drone.
3. Palm Control: The DJI Neo takes off and lands directly from your palm. This feature, combined with multiple fun control methods, makes it ideal for vloggers or anyone looking for a personal, on-the-go videographer.
4. Close-Range Filming: The Neo excels at low-altitude flights and close-range human subject filming, making it perfect for capturing personal, intimate moments. From skateboarding to hiking, DJI Neo ensures immersive footage.

Note: The DJI Neo can be purchased directly from DroneBlocks, even though it lacks programmability like our other drones such as DEXI or Crazyflie.

Who is DJI Neo For?

If you’re looking for a drone to capture everyday moments, family gatherings, or vlogging content, the DJI Neo is a fantastic choice. Its portability and ease of use make it ideal for travel, camping, or even documenting your weekend adventures. The DJI Neo is suitable for users aged 16 and up, providing a seamless experience for both beginners and enthusiasts who want a hassle-free, high-quality flying camera.

DJI Neo’s Intelligent Shooting Modes

The DJI Neo doesn’t compromise on its intelligent shooting capabilities. Users can easily access a variety of modes, whether controlling the drone via palm gestures or through the DJI Fly app.

Some of the key modes include:

• Follow: The drone locks onto the subject and follows them with smooth, stable movements.
• Circle: Fly the Neo in a perfect circle around the subject.
• Rocket, Spotlight, and Custom: Capture creative angles and perspectives.

With certain accessories, additional QuickShot modes like Helix and Boomerang are available for even more creative options.

Is Palm Control User-Friendly?

Absolutely! One of the biggest draws of the DJI Neo is how simple and intuitive it is to control with just your palm. Even without prior drone experience, users can quickly master the palm takeoff and landing. The Neo uses visual algorithms to lock onto the subject for intelligent filming—all without needing extra devices.

Does DJI Neo Support Obstacle Avoidance?

One limitation to be aware of is that DJI Neo does not feature obstacle avoidance. To ensure safe flights, users should always keep the drone within a visual line of sight and operate in open areas. Flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) is possible but should be done with proper qualifications and adherence to local regulations.

Camera Performance of DJI Neo

When it comes to camera performance, the DJI Neo does not disappoint. Its 4K Ultra HD camera meets the everyday filming needs of users, whether capturing high-quality videos or stunning photos for social media. With the ability to shoot 4K/30fps videos and 12-megapixel photos, you can capture crystal-clear footage without the need for bulky equipment. Group shots are a breeze when using the DJI Fly app’s mobile control, making it an all-around vlogging tool.

What Image Stabilization Technologies Does DJI Neo Offer?

The DJI Neo offers two key stabilization technologies:

1. RockSteady
2. HorizonBalancing

While controlling the drone via palm gestures or the DJI Fly app, users can activate HorizonBalancing to ensure a smooth, level flight experience. This feature is perfect for achieving professional-looking footage even during fast movements or in immersive flight experiences.

Programmable Drone Alternatives: Crazyflie and DEXI

For those seeking programmable drones, DroneBlocks offers alternatives like the Crazyflie and DEXI. These drones not only provide robust flight capabilities but also allow users to program custom flight patterns using Block-Coding, Python, and more.

Crazyflie: A Lightweight and Open-Source Programmable Drone

The Crazyflie is a small, versatile, open-source drone that’s ideal for students, researchers, and developers looking to take advantage of drone programmability. Built by Bitcraze, this palm-sized drone offers an exceptional balance of simplicity and advanced features, making it a popular choice for anyone who wants to explore the deeper realms of drone coding and experimentation.

Key Capabilities of Crazyflie

• Open-Source Framework: Crazyflie is built on an open-source platform, allowing users to modify not just the software but also the hardware. This feature provides unparalleled flexibility for users looking to customize their drones.
• DroneBlocks & Python Support: The Crazyflie ecosystem integrates seamlessly with the new DroneBlocks App and Python, one of the most popular programming languages. This makes it easy for users to program flight paths, integrate sensors, and experiment with automation using familiar coding practices.
• Sensor Integration: Crazyflie’s open-source nature means users can integrate various sensors (e.g., distance, barometric, and environmental sensors) to collect data and analyze drone behavior in real-time.
• Modular Design: The modular design of the Crazyflie makes it easy to add accessories and expand its functionality.
• Lightweight & Portable: Similar to the DJI Neo, Crazyflie is incredibly light and portable, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor experimentation.

Who is Crazyflie For?

• Educators: Crazyflie is a great platform for teaching coding and drone automation in STEM education.
• Researchers: Its modular, open-source design is perfect for research projects in fields such as robotics, autonomous flight, and sensor integration.
• Developers: Those looking to explore drone coding in Python or experiment with autonomous swarm drones will find Crazyflie an excellent choice.

DEXI: The Flagship Drone from DroneBlocks for STEM Education and Programmability

The DEXI-5 PX4 STEM Drone Kit from DroneBlocks is the ultimate educational drone platform, designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world technology. Combining the robust capabilities of PX4, the industry-standard open-source drone flight control software, with a hands-on, programmable drone, the DEXI-5 is the perfect solution for teaching STEM concepts, coding, and autonomous flight in a fun and engaging way.

Key Features:

• PX4 Powered: The DEXI-5 runs on PX4, offering students and educators the opportunity to dive into industry-grade drone control systems used by professionals worldwide. This open-source platform allows for advanced customization, from flight control to mission automation.
• Fully Programmable: Ideal for both beginners and advanced learners, the DEXI-5 supports Block-Coding through the DroneBlocks app, while also offering advanced programming with Python and OpenCV for computer vision projects.
• STEM-Centric Learning: The DEXI-5 is built with education in mind, providing students with a hands-on experience in coding, robotics, and engineering. It’s perfect for introducing complex concepts like flight dynamics, autonomous systems, and computer vision in a classroom setting.
• Durable and Ready for Action: With a durable design that can withstand the rigors of student use, the DEXI-5 is ready for indoor and outdoor learning environments. The robust hardware ensures long-term use, making it a valuable investment for schools and programs.
• Curriculum-Integrated: Paired with the DroneBlocks curriculum, the DEXI-5 allows educators to easily integrate drone programming into their lessons, providing students with step-by-step projects that reinforce key STEM skills.

While the DJI Neo is an excellent option for those seeking a portable, user-friendly drone, it lacks the programmability that many educators, students, and developers require. For programmable drone alternatives, DroneBlocks offers the Crazyflie and DEXI, both of which support Block-Coding, Python, and more advanced SDK applications.

Whether you need a personal videographer or a drone to teach coding and automation, DroneBlocks has the perfect solution. You can purchase the DJI Neo or explore our programmable drone lineup, including DEXI and Crazyflie, to start your drone journey today!