DJI has just released a new mini and foldable drone, what some are calling an ïdiot-proof” drone. It’s small, light, and folds in a different way, but it promises a lot of features that we have seen in much larger drones. What’s new, and should you get it?
DJI FLip Key Features
Below are the main features of the DJI Flip
Unique Design
The DJI Flip features a unique folding design, but not like the folding we are used to in other DJI drones. The Flip folds its arms under the body, forming a sort of bicycle poke or Star Wars AT-AT. This saves a lot of space and makes it a very portable drone. It also features carbon fiber propeller guards, which make it possible to be used around people or indoors since the guards shield the propellers from damage and shield anything the drone strikes from the damage the propellers can cause. While it’s considerably larger than some Mini drones, the DJI Flip weighs 249 grams, so you don’t have to worry about registering if you are in the USA or the UK.
Decent Imaging Capabilities
The DJI Flip features a 1/1.3 CMOS camera and is able to take 48 MP photos and record videos at 4K at 60 fps and 4K at 100 fps for slow motion, making it a decent traveling companion. You can also shoot vertical videos at 2.7K, making it a great addition to a creator’s arsenal. It also shoots in 10-bit D-Log M, which is great for professionals who want to experiment with a wider range of colors. While its footage quality may not match other pricier DJI models, it’s good enough for an entry-level drone.
Automatic Power On
DJI also introduced a new feature where the DJI Flip automatically powers on after you unfold it, allowing you to get it into the air in 30 seconds or less. This would be great when you really need to get that shot, but time is running out.
Flight Time
The DJI NEo’s flight time is 31 minutes, which is quite great for an entry-level drone. Issues like weather, temperatures, and battery health will affect the flight time, but if you fly in optimum weather and regularly maintain the batteries, you can always experience their full potential.
Safety
Besides the propeller guards, the DJI Flip also features a forward-facing 3D infrared sensor (works similarly to that on the DJI Air 3S) that detects obstacles and automatically breaks. This prevents it from crashing into them, even at night or in low-light conditions, keeping your drone safe. It also features GPS navigation and Automatic Return-To-Home in case of connection loss or low battery levels, which all enhance the safety of your drone.
Intelligent Flight Modes
The DJI Flip features intelligent flight modes like Dronies, Helix, Boomerang, and Circle, allowing users to create cinematic shots with the click of a button. The DJI Flip also features ActiveTrack, also known as Follow Me, where the drone automatically follows the subject while avoiding obstacles, creating hands-free footage of you engaging in your favorite activities.
Controls and Range
The DJI Flip comes with the basic DJI RC-N3 controller for $439. This is the same controller you will find in other DJI drones—it is easy to use, comfortable in your hands, and supports a range of up to 13 KM thanks to the inbuilt Ocusync 4.0 transmission. But if you want the DJI RC 2 smart controller with the integrated screen, you would have to pay $779. I find the RC-N3 adequate for use on your smartphone, and it is also budget-friendly.
Drawbacks of the DJI Flip
While the DJI Flip comes in a design we have not seen before, it does have some challenges;
- Wind handling – It weighs 249 grams, which is great for not registering but makes it less capable of handling strong winds.
- No FPV—While it does like a cinewhoop, the DJI Flip does not support FPV goggles, so you can forget viewing the drone’s footage like you are in the cockpit. Hopefully, DJI will make this feature available with a later update.
DJI Flip Vs. DJI Neo
A few months ago, DJI also released the DJI Neoz, a tiny drone designed for videographers and content creators. Below is how it compares to the DJI FLip
- Weight—The DJI Neo weighs 135 grams, which is much lighter than the DJI Flip. This makes it even more portable, but it is also more fragile in winds.
- Design – Both drones have propeller guards, but unlike the DJI Flip, the DJI Neo does not fold. However, it is much smaller and easier to fit in your pocket.
- Ease of use – Both drones are easy to use and feature the hand-launch feature for quick deployment.
- Intelligent features – Like the DJI Flip, the DJI Neo can follow you automatically or automatically execute Dronies, Boomerangs, Helix, and Circle with the click of a button.
- FPV – The DJI Neo works with the DJI Goggles 3, giving you an FPV view and feel even when you can’t fly the actual FPV drone. If you already have these goggles, the DJI Neo is a worthy consideration.
- Camera features – The DJI Neo has a 1/2.3 CMOS sensor, a little smaller than that on the DJI Flip, only shoots in 4K 30 fps, and only supports 1080 p vertical shooting. As far as imaging is concerned, the DJI Flip takes the day.
- Control options – The DJI Neo can be controlled through Voice Control through the DJI Fly App, joysticks on the app, the DJI RC N2, the Motion Controller 2, and the FPV RC 2. On the other hand, the DJI Flip supports Voice Control (thanks to a recent firmware update), DJI RC-N3, and RC 2.
- Voice recording—The DJI Neo also supports voice recording through DJI Mic 2, a feature we have not seen in other drones. DJI also enabled voice recording on the DJI Flip through Bluetooth devices or the app.
- Flight time—The DJI Flip’s flight time is 31 minutes, while the Neo’s is 28 minutes. Those extra minutes can make a difference but should not be a deal breaker.
- Obstacle avoidance—The DJI Neo lacks obstacle avoidance, which makes it riskier to use in areas with obstacles. However, it is also more applicable indoors as it doesn’t keep sensing obstacles, interrupting the flight.
- Price—The DJI Neo is slightly cheaper than the DJI Flip, making it more budget-friendly. However, it doesn’t come with a controller; you have to buy one separately.
DJI Flip vs. DJI Mini 4 Pro vs. DJI Mini 3
The DJI Flip joins a long line of DJI Mini drones, with the best mini drone from DJI being the DJI Mini 4 Pro. The DJI Mini 3 is a stripped-down and cheaper version of the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Let’s see how they compare to the DJI FLip.
- Obstacle sensing – The DJI Mini 4 Pro features omnidirectional Obstacle sensing, which is a plus since the DJI Flip only has forward obstacle sensing.
- Camera features – The DJI Mini 4 Pro features a 1/1.3 CMOS sensor with an F1.7 aperture, similar to that on the DJI Flip. It also captures 48 MP photos and 4K 60 fps videos, as well as 4K 100 fps for slow motion, similar to that on the DJI Flip. However, the DJI Mini 4 Pro does have a Night Mode that enhances night and low light shots, a feature the DJI Flip or Mini 3 lacks. The DJI Mini 3 is limited to 4K at 30 fps, but the sensor size and still image quality match the Flip and Mini 4 Pro.
- Vertical shooting—The DJI Mini 4 Pro and Mini 3 both have True Vertical shooting, where the gimbal changes to portrait position. On the other hand, the DJI Flip crops into the footage, lowering the resolution to 2.7K.
- Intelligent Flight Modes—All drones feature intelligent flight modes like Dronies, Boomerangs, Helix, and Active Track. However, the DJI Mini 4 Pro also adds Cruise Control and waypoints, which are also on more expensive DJI drones.
- Flight time—The DJI Mini 4 Pro can fly for up to 34 minutes with the standard battery and 45 minutes with the Plus battery, which makes the drone heavier than 250 grams. The DJI Mini 3 can fly for up to 51 minutes with the plus battery and 38 minutes with the standard battery. But to keep it under 250 grams, you must use the 38-minute battery.
- Price—At $759, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is more expensive than the DJi Flip ($439) and DJI Mini 3 ($559), making it ideal for those looking for more advanced features.
Final Thoughts
The DJI Flip caters to a broad audience, from beginners looking for an easy-to-use drone to content creators needing a portable and powerful aerial tool. Its folding design ensures portability, while its user-friendly features eliminate the steep learning curve often associated with drones. If you are considering the DJI Neo, the Mini 3, or the Mini 4 Pro, below is a verdict;
- DJI NEO – Ideal for those looking for an affordable, straightforward drone with basic features.
- DJI Mini 3 – Suited for content creators focused on social media, thanks to its True Vertical Shooting and extended flight time.
- DJI Mini 4 Pro – Perfect for professionals seeking advanced camera features, superior obstacle sensing, and cinematic-quality footage.