To capture the stunning landscapes of Southern Xinjiang with a drone, I decided to give drone photography a try. However, being a complete novice, I was hesitant to bring my Mini 4 Pro or Air 3 for fear of crashes and heartbreak. So, I opted for the Neo and embarked on a magical journey through Southern Xinjiang!
When I visited the official store, the salesperson dismissed the Neo as just a toy—poor video quality, short battery life, weak wind resistance, and shaky performance beyond 20 meters [Laughing Cry]. But then again, for $1299, what more could I ask for? I was curious to see how far this little Neo could take me!
With high hopes, it soared to incredible destinations: the westernmost border marker of China, the majestic convergence of the Kunlun and Tianshan mountains, the breathtaking Oytak Red Valley, the vast Taklamakan Desert, the serene Taheman Wetlands, the awe-inspiring Muzi Volcano, and even the towering peaks of Mount Muztagh and Khunjerab Pass at over 5,000 meters above sea level!
**Buying Experience [Proud]**
Uncertain about how long my passion would last and lacking any prior experience, I initially purchased just the drone itself for $1299. For casual users, this was sufficient—it can perform six pre-set actions and shoot aerial Vlogs without needing a controller. However, without a remote control, the flight range is limited to 30 meters, and it must remain within your line of sight; otherwise, relying solely on a phone signal increases the risk of disconnection.
Additionally, a single battery only lasts around 13 minutes under ideal conditions (no wind and moderate temperatures). After some practice, I borrowed an RC2 screen controller and bought a second battery on Xianyu before heading to Xinjiang. Once back, I confidently added the N3 controller via Xianyu, bringing my total investment up by another $700.
In hindsight, purchasing the Fly More Combo for $2299 would have been a much better deal—it essentially comes with a free charging hub.
**Video Quality [Sweating Smile]**
While it can’t compete with its bigger siblings in the DJI family, the Neo’s 4K 30fps footage is more than enough for social media. All the images you see here are straight from the Neo, with just a touch of editing on my phone. This little device will undoubtedly make your feed stand out!
**Wind Resistance [Disappointed]**
Officially rated for Level 4 winds (gentle breezes), the Neo struggles in stronger gusts. However, if you’re familiar with operating mini-series drones in Level 5 winds, you might manage to fly it even in Level 6 conditions. While it can handle taking photos in such winds, video stabilization suffers, and returning home can be quite nerve-wracking.
If you plan to push its limits, consider adding DJI’s Care Refresh service, which offers two opportunities to replace your unit for just $129.
**Important Tips ⚠️:**
1. **Return Home Early**: Aim to start your return when the battery is above 30%. Xinjiang’s unpredictable “devil winds” demand ample power for safe landings.
2. **Control Distance Wisely**: You can fly up to 120 meters in height but keep the distance within one kilometer.
If flying at maximum height and distance, switch to Sport Mode to ensure enough power for both flying and shooting.
3. **Avoid Water Hazards**: The Neo’s sensors are small, so flying too close to water surfaces risks a sudden dunk!
4. **Monitor Signal Strength**: On the Pamir Plateau, magnetic interference can disrupt navigation points.
If your Neo is over one kilometer away during such disturbances, recovery becomes extremely difficult [Crying]. (This happened once.)
5. **Use Custom Actions Cautiously**: Actions like large-scale (20-meter) orbits or comet-style flights can be risky since the Neo lacks obstacle avoidance. Without a controller, these maneuvers can easily lead to accidents [Facepalm].
(Another crash lesson learned.)
So don’t let others’ opinions discourage you—just go out there and fly! Let your creativity soar alongside your drone!
Ryan O'Brien 
Dorothy Soto 
Joshua Warren