DJI has launched the Flip, a new ultra-lightweight drone with smart folding and enhanced features. This model is an evolution of the DJI Neo and Miniseries and maintains a high-quality imaging while integrating ease-of-use. The drone is set to please both novice and seasoned flyer’s user, owing to its highly powerful sensor, four dimensional LiDAR based obstacle detection system, 4K 100p video capabilities, and a three-configuration gimbal; everything is packed together in an attractive price proposition.
Where Propeller Meets Camera: Innovative Safety Fusion
As described by DJI, the Flip model is the amalgamation of Neo’s simplicity and Mini’s imaging strength and still offers more than both. With the incorporation of a LiDAR sensor from the Air 3S, the obstacle detection plane is improved significantly, whereas the fully enclosed propellers provide safety during operation. Additionally, the drone frame is interlaced with carbon fiber which makes rotating obstruction, else known as propeller, safe. Like all innovation, this model maintains the threshold of being smaller than 249 grams, making it permissible in many nations without the need of a gray area permit.
Smooth User Experience
Beginners will benefit from the six smart flight modes available in the Flip, which include Dronie and Boomerang. Users can begin the drone flight by hand and the device is capable of capturing 4k at 60p from multiple angles while using its LiDAR system for obstacle avoidance. This makes it perfect for those looking to get amazing aerial shots without having to put in effort.
More experienced users can opt for manual control with the RC 2 controller (which has a built in screen) or the RC-N3 (which does not). Active Track 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0 all enable more advanced subject tracking and allow the user to navigate obstacles. The issue with this, however, is that users will need to be more cautious towards the Flip’s backward flying capability, as its hind side obstacle detector is absent.
Functionalities and Flight Features
The flip is able to achieve 26 MPH while in sport mode without having its obstacle detection system on. Although the Flip is fairly small, the drone is able to perform at great speeds. The drone’s lacking weight does make it more vulnerable to strong winds, additionally its bigger deep blade props result in a quieter operating drone which is perfect for public events like weddings and concerts.
The Flip has a battery life that puts it in a category of its own with an exceptional 31-34 minutes of usable flight time from its 3110mAh battery and a real-world average of around 28 minutes. Moreover, the drone itself has the capability to charge the batteries which means that you will not have to go out of your way to get them charged. The batteries also come with the device and can easily be charged in 70 minutes with a 65 W charger.
Camera and Video Capabilities
The Flip has a powerful processor which enables it to capture breathtaking pictures and videos using its 1/31-inch sensor integrated inside of it. Furthermore, the Flip is also able to record in 4K and 60 frames per second alongside supporting slow-motion recording at 100 frames per second. In addition to that, the user has the option of customizing the camera color and choosing from HDR and Standard, alongside D-LogM. However, one limitation still stands which is its hardware restriction as the camera needs to be rotated to full resolution and capped for shooting vertical videos beyond 2.7k resolution.
The DJI O4 transmission system is utilized within the Flip, allowing for 1080p high-definition video along with a 60fps frame rate to be viewed live together with an impressive range of 8 miles, although that number lowers to 5 miles in Europe. Furthermore, the Flip is also capable of connecting to WiFi, which makes it possible to control the smartphone from around 50 meters.
Trazo Zed’s Thoughts on HoverAir’s Possible Competition?
DJI below looks like he is challenging Hover Air’s range of drones that are small in size and have encapsulated rotors and palm take-off features. But the Flip has bigger propellers and rotates longer than the Flip.
DJI’s Final Words
One disadvantage I found is that the Flip’s propellers have poor rotar clearance and taking off from substard for overgrown plots of ground is difficult without significant wait times. Snug packing or belly launching is bet.
In general, the Flip greatly adds to the DJI range by bringing more sophistication and reduced noise operation compared to Neo. The best part is, it is already in stock where the Flip is marked at $439 with the RC-N3 controller, $639 with the RC 2 screen controller and $779 for the Fly More kit that has the RC 2 controller, charging hub, a travel case and two additional batteries.