Just a super quick note that, in between all the other reviews on the back burner, the winds picked up today, and I couldn’t resist taking out the brand new NEO 2 overwater for some high-speed wind testing. And then, on the way cycling back home, I got distracted and decided to add a quick jaunt down a hill, followed by some fun tracking down a trail through an abandoned resort to the sea.
Fear not, this doesn’t replace my full ActiveTrack Gauntlet test; rather, it’s a super quick wind test given the conditions that were presented.
In all my testing thus far, I’d say the NEO 2 might be the current tracking drone to beat. While the HoverAir X1 Pro/ProMax definitely delivers a bit better video/image quality, the NEO 2 is a bit more versatile in terms of longer-range remotes and such. However, it’s specifically the ability to use simple hand gestures to place it *exactly* where you want in the sky, lock it by simply making a fist, and then continue on running/riding, that’s so astounding. HoverAir can do some basic commands via hand gestures; however, this one is very unique and super practical. But, more to come there….
With that, thanks for watching!
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I’m not really much of a drone person, but that video was fun and entertaining.
I’m impressed with the capabilities of these budget-friendly drones.
I live in a quite windy place, and that’s definitely been a consideration against getting a drone.
Thanks Tyler!!!
And thanks for being a DCR Supporter!
Do you know when it will available in the us?
Realistically, never.
Or at least, not anytime in the next few years. And more specifically, not officially. You can order through various eBay places from South Korea (based on what I’ve seen), but then if you break it, you’ll have no support. Luckily, the NEO 2 is pretty hardy, whereas, inversely, I sure as heck wouldn’t want to spend $3K on a Mavic 4 with no DJI Care Refresh option.
The upcoming DJI ban on Dec 23rd is for all DJI products with a wireless chipset, including Bluetooth, WiFI, and other radio types. So everything and anything they make, short of some random mounts or spare props. There’s exactly zero chance that ban doesn’t go into effect. It requires (per congress) one of the intel agencies to ‘clear’ DJI of any security threat. There’s even less than a 0% chance they’re going to ever do so (a US intel agency isn’t going to ever do that for a Chinese company, and it never would have over the past few decades either, there’s no upside for a civil servant to do so).
While we’ve seen an assortment of companies effectively ‘compensate’ the current administration for various business favors, not a single one of those companies have been from China. That’s notable. Likewise, even setting aside the current administration, this ball got rolling under Trump 1, and then kept rolling under Biden, and now keeps on rolling under Trump 2. The bill in Congress had bipartisan support. There’s simply zero appetite in the US to help a Chinese company from either side of the aisle, especially with various US drone makers heavily lobbying various US politicians.
Finally, while DJI has tried recently to get around the ban with shell companies (like SkyRover), even those have been targeted by new rules in the last month or so, so that’s limited too. TLDR: DJI isn’t going to get around this ban, it’s just too big of a company in too open of a digital age to get away with anything.
Is that the Mediterranean “Ocean”? :)
sea…ocean…bay…lake…river….puddle…same-same. 😂
More room for crashed drones than the canals.
I did enjoy your Instagram story about recovering the array of action cams from the bottom.
Can you do a side by side size/”pocket-ability” comparison with the HoverAir? The Neo2 looks pretty cool but not sure how I would carry it during road cycling activities… I’m guessing it does not fit in a jersey back pocket (and also, not sure If I would like to carry it there…). I would probably need some sort of frame bag to carry it.
On the other hand, for trail running where I already carry a vest, the Neo2 seems perfect.
There’s also the price issue. The Neo2 is less than half of the HoverAir ProMax…
Thanks
I picked a Neo 2 up last week, because I just couldn’t wait for Ray’s review!
It will just about squeeze into the centre pocket of a three pocket jersey if the pocket is loose enough. Even then, it might limit what you carry in the other two pockets. And undoubtedly, this would disrupt my pocket “organisation” (gels and snacks – rear left; phone and pocket organiser – central pocket; pump and waterproof – rear right).
That said, I have an older Castelli Perfetto Ros jacket that only comes with two rear pockets, and it comfortably fit inside one of those when I took the Neo on a gravel ride at the weekend. And it felt very secure too. Super convenient to pull out, get a few minutes of footage, and then put away again.
You’re right that for running, it’s easy to drop into the rear pocket of a hydration pack, but in a quick trail test I did, I found I could actually run between shots with it sitting in a fairly spacious front pocket of my Lululemon shorts.
I think in both instances, I’d ideally like to put it in a minimalist softcase of some sort. Maybe I’ll get some microfibre material and dig out the sewing machine…
Indeed. I included some shots of that today when I shot my Gauntlet video. In short, zero issues putting in either back jersey pocket, or cargo bib shorts pockets. Likewise, I even got it in one of my running shorts pockets…go figure.
It takes about 2-3 seconds to get it into cycling jersey pockets, though if you leave the antenna on there, sometimes that adds an extra second or two. The antenna is only if you’re using one of the dedicated remote controls, so I’ll probably remove it otherwise.
As I’m watching this on this, your website’s page, I’m seeing an advert for When Winds Meet.
I’m assuming coincidence, but also : Perfect 😁
How does this compare to the mini 4k for a first time drive buyer? Black Friday prices currently put them mini4k fly more combo at less than the neo2 fly more combo. I’m not too bothered about the follow me, but which is best for a beginner?
The super short vresion here is:
A) If you plan to do primarily sports tracking, get the NEO 2.
B) If you plan to do primarily scenic shots (e.g. carefully controlled shots, etc…), then get the Mini 4K.
For a beginner though, I’d still go NEO 2, merely because it’s darn near impossible to break. I think I crashed it no less than 4-5 times today into trees, one time into a concrete bunker, and then (on-camera), I purposefully threw it at another few trees to demonstrate how solid it is.
Hi Ray,
My current opinion is that the neo 2 is a astonishing little machine with a superb price/quality. The “weakest” point seems to be de video quality. But is the video qualiy nog more then enough for average non professional sport related usage?
Peter
I think it’s pretty good for most people (including myself). It’s a big step up over the NEO 1.
Now, would I use it for more general scenic shots (e.g. no sports tracking)? Not unless I was prioritising weight/space. So for example, a short hiking trip, yeah I’d be happy taking the NEO 2 for most quick shots I might want (scenic shots), versus lugging a Mavic 4 around. Of course, as one that has lugged a heavy Mavic 3 Pro on long trips, there are some amazing shots it can take.