DJI’s Flip combines the best of its lightweight drones for $439

DJI continues its innovative streak (and Extremely leaky) Drones with launch We standa lightweight, people-safe model that folds in a new direction – downward – to accommodate large covered fans. The new model should appeal to novice and experienced users alike thanks to features like a large sensor, 100p 4K video, security features, a 3-axis gimbal, and an affordable price.

The company says the Flip “combines simplicity DJI Neo With amazing photography capabilities DJI mini“, but it is better than both in many ways. It borrows the LiDAR system from Air 3S To detect obstacles, Flip fans are protected on all sides, making it impossible to hurt someone with them. DJI says the support structure for the protectors is made of a series of carbon fibers that are 1/60 the weight of polycarbonate and are just as strong. This made it possible to keep the weight below 249 grams, so buyers will be able to fly without a permit in most countries.

For starters, the Flip looks just like the Neo in that users can hold it in their hand and choose from one of six smart shooting modes like Dronie or Boomerang. It will then automatically take off and execute this flight mode, capturing high-quality video at up to 4K and 60p while avoiding obstacles using the LiDAR sensor. This will help creators who are new to using drones safely capture quick and interesting aerial shots.

More advanced users can also fly with a controller, either the RC 2 with a display or the RC-N3 without one. This allows full manual control and also unlocks DJI’s FocusTrack technology (with ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0 and Point of Interest 3.0), allowing you to automatically track yourself or another subject. Meanwhile, obstacles ahead will be avoided using LiDAR and objects below using the 3D infrared system. However, the Flip cannot track obstacles behind it, so users need to be careful when flying backwards.

If you were hoping to use the Flip as an FPV drone, you can forget about it. Unlike the Neo, it doesn’t support the Goggles N3 and Motion 3 controller set, and there’s no word on whether it will do so in the future.

The Flip can fly forward at up to 26 mph in Sport mode (with object detection disabled) — which is pretty fast for such a small drone. Due to the light weight and large surface area when unfolded, it will not be the best drone in high winds. However, the larger propellers also mean the Flip is much quieter than the Neo in flight, meaning it will be more practical for use at events such as weddings or concerts.

The batteries are lightweight at 83.5g, but pack 3110mAh, allowing the Flip to stay aloft for a maximum of 34 minutes (about 28 minutes in the real world). They can be charged either directly on the drone or more quickly using the four-battery charger in the Fly More kit (70 minutes for two 65W batteries). To reduce weight, the Flip doesn’t have built-in internal storage, so you’ll need a high-speed microSD card.

The Flip supports DJI’s O4 transport system with live video up to 1080p at 60 frames per second. This allows a maximum range of 8 miles in the US, or 5 miles in Europe – very good for such a small device. Like the Neo, the Flip can also be controlled with a smartphone over WiFi, but only up to a distance of 50 meters at most.

With the same 1/1.3-inch sensor as the Mini 4 Pro, you can expect to get the same (very good) video and image quality. The face supports 4K at up to 60fps or 4K at 100fps in slow motion mode, in either normal quality, HDR, or D-LogM. Unlike the Mini 4 Pro, the camera doesn’t flip sideways to allow portrait photography at full resolution, so that’s limited to 2.7K – which is a bit annoying for TikTok or Insta creators.

DJI’s latest drone appears to be partly a response to its competition Hoveraire. HoverAir also makes lightweight drones with covered propellers that fold down, while providing easy-to-use features for creators. However, the Flip has larger propellers and doubles the flight time.

One small downside I noticed is that the Flip propellers don’t have a lot of ground clearance, so they tend to get stuck even in short grass on takeoff. As such, you’ll generally need to take off from a flat, smooth surface or from your hand. For more detailed information, stay tuned for the full Engadget review coming soon.

Otherwise, the Flip feels like another solid drone from DJI, offering more benefits than the Neo (and much less noise) for just over $200 more. The face is Available now for $439 With RC-N3 controller, $639 with RC 2 display controller or $779 in the Fly More kit With RC 2 display controller, charging hub, carrying case, and 2 extra batteries.