Camera
Interview: Sony’s Masaaki Oshima – “The Alpha 1 is the first step towards the next decade”
| Masaaki Oshima, Deputy Senior General Manager, Camera System Business Division, at Sony Imaging Products & Solutions. Pictured holding the new Sony Alpha 1. |
Following the launch of Sony’s new Alpha 1 (a1) full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, we sat down (virtually) with Masaaki Oshima, Deputy Senior Manager of Sony’s Camera division. As well as discussing how the Alpha 1 came into being, we also discussed the changing camera market, and how Sony intends to meet the needs of a new generation of photographers.
This interview has been edited lightly for clarity and flow.
How long has the Alpha 1 been in development?
It’s very hard to answer that – I can’t give you the exact duration of time, but it did take longer than previous models. It was very hard to develop.
The main reason is that it has a totally new imaging sensor. This new sensor has incredible specifications, and integrating it into a camera body in a way that maximizes the power of the sensor was very difficult to achieve. That took a long time.
From the very beginning we’ve been developing this camera for professionals. We aimed to exceed the expectations of both stills and movie shooters. The Alpha 1 is developed with no compromise for top professionals, I think.
What is your wider strategy for growing your professional user-base?
We’re always listening to feedback from professional customers, and reflecting it in our development. The relationships we have with professionals now are very good, and we will continue [to develop] these relationships and create products and services based on their feedback. Professionals provide us with new insights into what they want and how we can improve, they also give us hints on things we have never thought about. I think that once professionals use the Alpha 1 they will love it.
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| Sony’s new Alpha 1 is a powerful, versatile mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with a cutting-edge BSI-CMOS sensor. We’ve exposed the sensor here, but normally, with the lens removed, it is protected by the blades of the newly developed mechanical shutter. |
Was 8K video part of the plan from the beginning?
Yes, we think that [the division between] stills and movies is less and less, nowadays. So we aimed to achieve both high quality video and high resolution photos in the same body.
Right now 8K isn’t widely popular, but we’re sure that demand will evolve, and 8K implementation is important in order for us to be successful in the future. And even now, some professionals will be interested in capturing 8K and cropping to 4K, for example. I think that the Alpha 1 is the first step towards the next decade. That’s one of the reasons why we named it ‘Alpha 1’, meaning ‘first step’.
We’ve been talking for a long time about the eventual development of global shutter technology in consumer digital imaging. Is that a technology that Sony is still interested in pursuing?
Sony already launched a global shutter sensor. It’s a small sensor, which is used in security cameras, machine vision and professional camcorders etc. We understand the advantages of global shutter, such as simultaneous data readout, but for commercial use in a full-frame format, there are some challenges around design and engineering, and also production issues. So right now, the new sensor in the Alpha 1 is the most practical.
The sensor in the Alpha 1 is so fast, why did you decide to include a mechanical shutter at all?
Well, thank you for saying so! But it’s not fast enough. Top photographers require a faster flash sync speed, of more than 1/300 sec. So we implemented a mechanical shutter with a totally new structure – a dual drive shutter system utilizing spring and electromagnetic drive actuators.
Are there any other technologies in the Alpha 1 which are completely new, and developed just for this camera?
The sensor and the shutter are both totally new [and unique to the Alpha 1]. The imaging processor and EVF are the same as the Alpha 7S III, but [we] built these into the Alpha 1 with the best tuning to maximize its performance.
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| The Alpha 1 and a7S III are the first in a new generation of Sony cameras which feature improved ergonomics, a redesigned body construction, and a new, highly detailed electronic viewfinder. |
Can you tell us more about the construction of the Alpha 1? How is it different?
We’re still using a magnesium alloy body, but the way the parts are combined makes it more rigid. I’m sure you’d like to know about the sealing, and that’s totally different to the previous models. Compared to previous cameras, the a7S III and A1 have a totally new body structure. I can’t give you details, but we’re using very advanced [sealing] technology with the Alpha 7S III and the Alpha 1.
Is the Alpha 1 your best constructed, and best-sealed camera?
Yes. And of course the mechanical shutter now closes when you change lenses, which will provide more durability for professional use. Another reason for a mechanical shutter!
Traditionally, it’s been understood that you can either have high speed, or you can have high resolution. It’s difficult to provide both. How did you achieve this combination in the Alpha 1?
We had to develop a new sensor, and we implemented our latest imaging processor as well as a totally new analog to digital conversion method. That’s how we achieved high resolution and high speed. I cannot give you any additional details, I’m sorry!
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| The Sony Alpha 1 (left) shown next to an A7R IV, showing the slightly redesigned top-plate, which now includes a drive mode dial. |
The Alpha 1’s imaging pipeline would appear fast enough to support some of the computational photography features that are becoming more common in smartphones and certain other imaging devices. Are you planning on introducing such features into the Alpha 1 and future cameras?
I watched your DPRTV episode recently about computational photography, and I know you’re interested in it. We haven’t implemented any so-called ‘computational’ photography features in the Alpha 1, but we do have features like Pixel Shift Multi Shooting, and long-exposure noise reduction, and they’re based on the same kind of idea.
In our Cyber-shot range we’ve introduced features for enhanced dynamic range and things like that. I can’t talk about plans for specific features in specific models but fast sensor readout is advantageous [for such features].
Do you have requests from customers for computational photography features? Things like Pro Capture in Olympus Micro Four Thirds cameras.
At the moment, no. We’ve not had those kinds of requests from top photographers. But we may consider it, if we get that feedback. I’m not sure.
What’s next for Sony in autofocus development?
We’ve evolved our autofocus functions, but we still think there’s room to improve. We will continue to strengthen our current technologies, but also will also [continue to develop] object and scene recognition – that will be key.
What do you see as the biggest unaddressed customer need in the consumer DI marketplace right now?
The demand for video, and [the needs of] young creators has not yet been addressed. The COVID-19 situation changed all of our circumstances, and also customers requirements changed, to everything being online. The creativity of young creators, and their desire to improve the quality of their pictures never stopped. So their demands are accelerating! And we have not yet addressed this yet. That’s why for example we’ve introduced concepts like the ZV-1.
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| Sony’s upcoming Airpeak Drone, which will be powerful enough to carry an Alpha-series full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. |
What is your strategy for bringing these young creators into the Sony ecosystem?
They want to shoot high quality pictures and video, but they might not know how to use conventional cameras. The key is to integrate our high technology in a simple, easy-to-use way. So the high-end technology that we developed for the Alpha 1 will be developed further and modified, simplified [and implemented in] ZV-1-type products.
How do you think content creation will be different in the future compared to now?
I think you want me to talk about computational photography again! But before that, as I said earlier, the boundary between stills and video will continue to be less and less [distinct]. So ‘hybrid’ shooters who create stills and movies will need to be satisfied. So we will [make devices] for them. And not only cameras, but the total workflow, from preparation onwards. This workflow is very important. So connecting, transmitting, and editing. That’s key for us.
We recently launched the new professional 5G device, Xperia PRO, and we’ve also announced our Airpeak drone. We will broaden our imaging world not only with cameras but also with smartphones and drones [all working together].
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Sony’s camera division in 2021?
Since we entered this industry and developed our first mirrorless cameras ten years ago, we have been in a leading position. So we’ll continue to focus on developing our mirrorless cameras and make the market bigger. That’s our biggest challenge, to maintain this position. We will launch other cameras this year, not just the Alpha 1. We’ll never stop innovating and developing, not only cameras but also lenses. We aim to be the leader of this industry, by continuing to offer the best customer experiences.
Editor’s note: Barnaby Britton
This interview was the first time I’ve spoken to Mr Oshima, and his pride and excitement following the launch of the new Alpha 1 was clear in our conversation. Sony has made significant inroads in recent years with professional photographers, getting its cameras and lenses into the hands of an increasing number of photojournalists and sports photographers, a process aided by the signing of deals with major organizations and agencies. These days, Sony’s mirrorless cameras can be found everywhere from sports stadiums to the White House, which is something that would have seemed like a pipe dream back when the original A7 and A7R were released almost a decade ago into a market dominated by Canon and Nikon DSLRs.
Sony hasn’t always had the best reputation for ruggedness, but according to Mr Oshima, durability was a major priority in the design of the Alpha 1
According to Mr Oshima, the Alpha 1 is the most ‘pro’ of Sony’s professional ILCs to date, and accordingly, it took longer to develop and more difficult to bring to market than previous models. It’s certainly a highly complex camera, which – along with the recently announced a7S III – represents something of a new direction for Sony in terms of ergonomics and build. Sony hasn’t always had the best reputation for ruggedness, but according to Mr Oshima, durability was a major priority in the design of the Alpha 1 (which helps to explain why despite its super-fast sensor it still has a mechanical shutter: to protect the sensor).
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| Sony sees the Xperia PRO smartphone as being a companion device to its high-end cameras for video professionals. |
Only time will tell whether the Alpha 1 ends up being regarded in the long run by photographers as ‘the first step towards the next decade’ but the depth of its feature-set (including 8K video) is certainly among the most future-proof of any full-frame camera that we’ve seen, including high-tech competitors like Canon’s EOS R5.
Curiously though, despite its high-speed sensor and formidable processing power, the Alpha 1 doesn’t offer much in the way of computational photography tricks. This is a shame, because assuming professionals could get used to a slightly new way of working, a feature like Olympus’s ‘Pro Capture’ in the a9 II and / or Alpha 1 would be quite something. We’re still waiting for Sony to get more confident about redefining traditional ideas of exposure, too, to help photographers make the most out of the company’s current-generation dual-gain BSI-CMOS sensors. Hopefully one day.
More new cameras and lenses are promised in 2021, and a continued commitment to innovation across Sony’s product lineup
So what comes next? Mr Oshima hints at an increasingly blurry boundary between stills and video imaging, and continued development of object and scene recognition. If that’s starting to sound like computational photography, well, we’ll see. Either way, he also promises more new cameras and lenses coming in 2021, and a continued commitment to innovation across Sony’s product lineup. As Sony builds out its high-end smartphones (and kudos to the company for finding a niche for that technology with the creator community) and drones, we’d also expect to see more of a focus on end-to-end workflow, and hardware integration across the company’s wider product portfolio.
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| Images: Dua Lipa, Three Legged Thing, Bandai Namco |
It’s the weekend, so that means we’re once again rounding up all the little accessories and gadgets that we heard about throughout the week. But first, let’s see what’s on sale this week…
Full Frame Gold
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The Sony a7R V.
Photo: Richard Butler |
The Sony a7RV, which has earned both a place on our best high-end cameras buyers guide and a gold award, is currently on sale for $500 off MSRP. It features a stabilized 61MP sensor, as well as Sony’s excellent autofocus system.
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The Nikon Z5.
Photo: Dan Bracaglia |
For those looking to spend a little less, the DPReview Gold-winning Nikon Z5 is also $400 off MSRP, which makes it just under $1,000 body only. It features a 24MP sensor, and while its autofocus and video are far from class-leading, its ergonomics and battery life help make up for those downsides – especially at this price.
Buy now:
You get a SmallRig, and YOU get a SmallRig
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The EOS R5 II is going into its cage, and it’s feeling just fine.
Image: SmallRig |
SmallRig has come out with a few new kits this week. The company has started selling versions of its ‘HawkLock’ quick-release cage and ‘Black Mamba’ ergonomic cage for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II now that the camera is starting to make its way to consumers. The company is also releasing a traditional basic cage for the EOS R5 II.
HawkLock cage kit for EOS R5 II:
Black Mamba cage kit for EOS R5 II:
The company has also released ‘Colorful Editions’ for the HawkLock cages for the Sony FX3 / FX30 and A7R V / A7 IV / A7S III. Similar to its last color event, it’s only selling a limited number of each, though there are fewer colors to choose from; you can only get the cages in red or orange this time around. They also come at a $5 price premium over their black counterparts.
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| Image: SmallRig |
On the other end of the photography/videography spectrum, SmallRig has also released a new kit for people serious about shooting video with their phones. Its ‘All-In-One Mobile Video Kit’ is a collaboration with YouTuber and filmmaker Brandon Li. It includes a cage, which you can attach to your phone using Apple’s Magsafe or a more traditional clamp, as well as a pair of handles, a 67mm filter plate, and a USB hub.
The handles have a few tricks beyond just giving you a place to grip your phone. One includes an m.2 SSD enclosure, which can be used for external ProRes recording on the iPhone 15 Pro. It also has an integrated Bluetooth remote, which acts as a wireless shutter and zoom control for Android phones and iPhones.
SmallRig is offering several different bundles of the video kit, and you can buy several of the components separately.
Buy now:
An always-with you card reader
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| Image: Anker |
If your phone is less of your main camera and more of an accessory to your photography, Anker’s latest MagSafe offering may be for you. It’s a puck that adds an SD and TF card reader to the back of your phone, so you can offload pictures from a dedicated camera to share on social media or upload to the cloud.
The MagGo USB-C Adapter has an integrated USB-C cable, which plugs into your phone to enable data transfer. It also has a USB-C port on the side, which allows it to also act as a pass-through charger if you connect it to a power adapter or battery bank. According to Anker it can output up to 42.5W, and supports data speeds up to 312MB/s (though the iPhone 15’s USB-C port is limited to much slower USB 2.0 speeds).
Of course, you can also connect the MagGo’s cable to a computer, which will let it act as a USB-C hub and card reader dongle.
Buy now:
The Desk Arm
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This could be an incredibly easy way to mount a camera and ring light to your desk.
Image: Three Legged Thing |
Three Legged Thing has announced a series of accessories called the ‘Camera Desk Mount System.’ At its heart is an extending pole that you can clamp to a table or desk with a ball head and 1/4″-20 thread on top. Also available is an accessory arm that clamps to the pole and that can be purchased in straight or articulating varieties.
The company is marketing the system towards content creators making videos for TikTok, Reels, and Twitch, but it could also be handy for photographers who often find themselves needing to get top-down shots of their desk (or for people who want a place to mount their extra-fancy webcam). It can hold items up to 1kg (2.2lbs).
The upright mount costs $35 on its own, and you can get a kit with a single accessory arm for $50 or the articulating arm for $60. You can also get the arms a la carte for $23 and $30, respectively.
Buy now:
Tiny Nikons
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| Image: Bandai Namco |
This next pick isn’t an accessory for your camera but rather a camera-shaped accessory for your desk, keychain, or bookshelf. Nikon has partnered with Bandai Namco to create miniature versions of the Nikon F, Z Fc, SP, and Z9, which will be sold through capsule vending machines known as gashapons.
Each plastic figurine comes with a specific ‘lens,’ though they are removable, so you might be able to mix and match them if you had multiple models. According to The Verge, they’re only available in Japan. Those of us elsewhere will have to be happy just knowing these exist in the world.
Radical optimism about film
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| Image: Dua Lipa |
The final piece of gear doesn’t come from a camera retailer but from a pop star’s merch shop. Dua Lipa, the artist behind hits like ‘New Rules’ and ‘Don’t Start Now,’ is now selling a ‘reusable 35mm underwater camera’ on her merch store (via Kosmo Foto). It has a 28mm F9 ‘focus free’ lens, according to the very colorful box.
The camera’s branded with the name of her latest album ‘Radical Optimism,’ and includes a lanyard and waterproof shell that’ll work down to 3m (approx. 10ft). However, the package doesn’t include any film, which is a bit of a bummer given its $40 price tag – you can currently get a 27-shot waterproof disposable for around $13, which is unfortunately cheaper than most rolls of color ISO 800 film these days. It’s also worth noting that Fujifilm and Kodak’s one-time-use waterproofs are rated to go over twice as deep as Dua’s.
However, it’s probably worth looking at this camera with some… optimism, for lack of a better word. If a Dua Lipa fan sees it, buys it, and has fun with it, that’s one more person keeping film alive. How’s that for Future Nostalgia?
| Image: DJI |
DJI has announced a new drone called the Neo. It costs $199, weighs a mere 135g (4.76oz), can shoot 4K video, and can fly for up to 18 minutes. The company says it’s designed as “a vlogging tool ideal for capturing everyday life, leisure activities, family moments, and pets.”
In essence, it’s a flying selfie camera, similar to the HoverAir X1 or Snap Pixy. It comes with removable propeller guards that allow it to be used safely indoors, though using them will slightly reduce its flight time.
The Neo can capture 12MP images using a Type 1/2 (6.4 x 4.8) sensor with a 14mm full-frame equivalent F2.8 lens. It can shoot in 4K/30 or 1080 at up to 60p. If you aren’t using electronic image stabilization, the video will be 4:3; turn on the ‘RockSteady’ or ‘HorizonBalancing’ mode, and it’ll drop down to 16:9. The drone also has a physical single-axis (up/down) gimbal to help keep footage steady, even if it’s moderately windy.
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The DJI Neo can do ‘Palm Takeoff’ and automatically follow you around.
Image: DJI |
The drone’s controls align with its beginner and casual photographer-friendly nature. A button on the top lets you select what mode you want the drone to use; by default, it will follow you, using ‘AI algorithms’ to keep you in frame, even if you’re moving quickly on a skateboard or bicycle.
From there, you can hold it out in your hand and it will automatically take off and start recording after detecting you as a subject. How you get it to land will depend on what mode it’s in, but it can fly back and land in your palm as well.
The drone also has a feature known as ‘QuickShots,’ where it will automatically perform a specific movement such as circling around you or zooming straight up into the sky while keeping you in the center of the frame. You can select a QuickShot mode using the button, or the drone’s app.
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You can essentially control the DJI Neo with one button, though the company says you should set up the app in case you need to take control of it while it’s in flight.
Image: DJI |
The app also lets you control the drone with your voice or with virtual joysticks on the screen. It’s also how you preview the footage it’s taking and export it to social media, and it even supports recording audio with your phone’s microphone.
You can buy an optional controller for the Neo, but physical controls alone won’t make it a suitable replacement for serious video drones like the DJI Mavic or even DJI Mini. Those drones have larger cameras, more sophisticated gimbals and ranges measured in kilometers, where the Neo can only be used up to 50m (164ft) away.
Of course, that’s not what the Neo is designed for. As its product page says, it’s made to ‘capture cinematic footage with YOU in focus,’ and to do that task with as little fuss as possible. And at that $199 price point, it seems likely it’ll be a hit with consumers who want to spice up their social media feeds without really having to learn how to use a drone.
The Neo is for people who want drone shots without having to learn how to use a drone
With that said, there are potential dark skies in DJIs future that any Americans considering the Neo should be aware of. Congress is currently considering passing the ‘Countering CCP Drones Act,’ which could act as a de facto ban on the company’s drones. If passed, “telecommunications and video surveillance equipment or services” made by DJI would be placed on a list of products that ‘pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security,’ according to the bill’s summary. The company has published a document responding to ‘inaccuracies lodged against DJI in the public domain,’ but it remains unclear whether its products will be allowed in the United States in the future.
For those outside the US or who are willing to roll the dice, however, the Neo could turn out to be an extremely fun toy. If you get one, just be sure to be very aware of the rules around using a drone wherever you are. It may be small and light enough to take anywhere, but that doesn’t mean it should be used everywhere.
Buy now:
Press Release
DJI Makes Everyday Life Recording Fun and Easy with New Personal, Palm-Sized Videographer
New DJI Neo is light, compact, and makes capturing cinematic photos and videos effortless
DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and innovative camera technology, today announces the DJI Neo, a new personal lightweight and compact aerial videographer for taking cinematic footage of day-to-day adventures or having fun with friends. Weighing less than 5 ounces (135g), Neo can take off and land from the palm of the hand1. It can be flown indoors or outside for a flight time of up to 18 minutes1 and takes 4K ultra-stabilized videos via QuickShots. The propellers are fully enclosed to ensure the safety of users and their surroundings.
“At DJI we are always studying everyday camera use so that we can help people capture their videos and photos in the most convenient way possible. The DJI Neo strives to give people the latest tech in the smallest form factor so that they can capture their daily lives, saved as treasured memories, safely and with ease,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director at DJI.
Into the Air at the Press of a Button
By simply pressing the mode button and selecting the desired shooting mode, Neo will automatically snap 12MP stills with its 1/2-inch image sensor or produce 4K UHD stabilized videos at 4K/30fps1 using DJI’s powerful stabilization algorithms. Upon completion, Neo will return to the user’s palm.
Tell Your Story with QuickShots
Neo’s AI algorithms have been created to keep the subject within frame. Whether cycling, skateboarding or hiking, captivating shots can be created with ease. Additional creativity can be achieved by taking advantage of Neo’s QuickShots, which has six intelligent shooting modes1, offering a range of different recording angles.
Expanse: Videographer flies backward and ascends, with the camera locked on the subject, and records a video.
Circle: Videographer circles around the subject.
Rocket: Videographer ascends with the camera pointing downward.
Spotlight: Videographer rotates while keeping the object of interest within the frame
Helix: Videographer ascends and spirals around the subject.
Boomerang: Videographer flies around the subject in an oval path, ascending as it flies away from its starting point and descending as it flies back. Its starting point forms one end of the oval’s long axis, while the other end is at the subject’s opposite side from the starting point.
Control It Your Way
Neo has been designed to fly with style and capture hassle-free photos and videos. It can be piloted using one-button QuickShots or voice control1 which is enabled with the “Hey Fly” command. With a Wi-Fi connection, Neo can also be controlled using the DJI Fly app’s virtual joysticks on the app’s interface with a control range of up to 50 meters1. Within the app, the perspective and distance can be set, giving extra freedom to shoot from afar or up close.
Stabilization as Standard
Neo is equipped with a single-axis mechanical gimbal and is capable of handling high-speeds or flights with lots of maneuvers. When combined with RockSteady or HorizonBalancing stabilization, overall image shake is significantly reduced and horizon tilt is corrected within ±45°1, for smooth and stable footage that maintains clarity in both highlight and shadow areas. Using an infrared and monocular vision positioning system, Neo can hover steadily in the air, maintaining stability even in Level 4 wind conditions. It also supports automatic Return to Home (RTH) for convenient, worry-free operation.
Transfer Content and Record Sound Wirelessly
Using the DJI Fly app, phones and videos captured with Neo can be transferred instantly via high-speed QuickTransfer. This wireless transfer makes post production and sharing smoother. The DJI Fly app offers a vast selection of templates, sound effects, and image effects, for quick and easy editing.
Audio can also easily be recorded wirelessly with the simple tap of a button on the DJI Fly app, either through the smartphone’s built-in microphone or DJI Mic 2 via Bluetooth for even higher audio quality. The app automatically eliminates propeller noise and merges the audio track with the footage, ensuring a clear sound even when shooting low-angle vlogs.
For convenient charging, connect Neo directly to a power source using a Type-C data cable. Additionally, the Two-Way Charging Hub can charge three batteries simultaneously1, increasing both charging speed and efficiency.
Price and Availability
The DJI Neo is available for pre-order from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners, in the following configurations:
DJI Neo: 199 USD
DJI Neo Combo: 289 USD
Neo Debuts at IFA, 6-10 September, 2024
Be among the first to experience the groundbreaking DJI Neo at this year’s IFA, Germany. Visitors can try it out at DJI’s booth (Hall 17-110) from 6th-10th September.
DJI Care Refresh
DJI Care Refresh, the comprehensive protection plan for DJI products, is now available for DJI Neo. The replacement service covers accidental damage, including flyaway, collisions and water damage. For a small additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if an accident occurs.
DJI Care Refresh (1-Year Plan) includes up to two replacements in one year. DJI Care Refresh (2-Year Plan) includes up to four replacements in two years. Other services of DJI Care Refresh include official Warranty and free shipping. For a full list of details, please visit: https://www.dji.com/support/service/djicare-refresh.
1All data was measured using a production model of DJI Neo in a controlled environment.
1For more information, please refer to https://www.dji.com/neo.
| Image: DJI |
DJI has announced a new drone called the Neo. It costs $199, weighs a mere 135g (4.76oz), can shoot 4K video, and can fly for up to 18 minutes. The company says it’s designed as “a vlogging tool ideal for capturing everyday life, leisure activities, family moments, and pets.”
In essence, it’s a flying selfie camera, similar to the HoverAir X1 or Snap Pixy. It comes with removable propeller guards that allow it to be used safely indoors, though using them will slightly reduce its flight time.
The Neo can capture 12MP images using a Type 1/2 (6.4 x 4.8) sensor with a 14mm full-frame equivalent F2.8 lens. It can shoot in 4K/30 or 1080 at up to 60p. If you aren’t using electronic image stabilization, the video will be 4:3; turn on the ‘RockSteady’ or ‘HorizonBalancing’ mode, and it’ll drop down to 16:9. The drone also has a physical single-axis (up/down) gimbal to help keep footage steady, even if it’s moderately windy.
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The DJI Neo can do ‘Palm Takeoff’ and automatically follow you around.
Image: DJI |
The drone’s controls align with its beginner and casual photographer-friendly nature. A button on the top lets you select what mode you want the drone to use; by default, it will follow you, using ‘AI algorithms’ to keep you in frame, even if you’re moving quickly on a skateboard or bicycle.
From there, you can hold it out in your hand and it will automatically take off and start recording after detecting you as a subject. How you get it to land will depend on what mode it’s in, but it can fly back and land in your palm as well.
The drone also has a feature known as ‘QuickShots,’ where it will automatically perform a specific movement such as circling around you or zooming straight up into the sky while keeping you in the center of the frame. You can select a QuickShot mode using the button, or the drone’s app.
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You can essentially control the DJI Neo with one button, though the company says you should set up the app in case you need to take control of it while it’s in flight.
Image: DJI |
The app also lets you control the drone with your voice or with virtual joysticks on the screen. It’s also how you preview the footage it’s taking and export it to social media, and it even supports recording audio with your phone’s microphone.
You can buy an optional controller for the Neo, but physical controls alone won’t make it a suitable replacement for serious video drones like the DJI Mavic or even DJI Mini. Those drones have larger cameras, more sophisticated gimbals and ranges measured in kilometers, where the Neo can only be used up to 50m (164ft) away.
Of course, that’s not what the Neo is designed for. As its product page says, it’s made to ‘capture cinematic footage with YOU in focus,’ and to do that task with as little fuss as possible. And at that $199 price point, it seems likely it’ll be a hit with consumers who want to spice up their social media feeds without really having to learn how to use a drone.
The Neo is for people who want drone shots without having to learn how to use a drone
With that said, there are potential dark skies in DJIs future that any Americans considering the Neo should be aware of. Congress is currently considering passing the ‘Countering CCP Drones Act,’ which could act as a de facto ban on the company’s drones. If passed, “telecommunications and video surveillance equipment or services” made by DJI would be placed on a list of products that ‘pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security,’ according to the bill’s summary. The company has published a document responding to ‘inaccuracies lodged against DJI in the public domain,’ but it remains unclear whether its products will be allowed in the United States in the future.
For those outside the US or who are willing to roll the dice, however, the Neo could turn out to be an extremely fun toy. If you get one, just be sure to be very aware of the rules around using a drone wherever you are. It may be small and light enough to take anywhere, but that doesn’t mean it should be used everywhere.
Buy now:
Press Release
DJI Makes Everyday Life Recording Fun and Easy with New Personal, Palm-Sized Videographer
New DJI Neo is light, compact, and makes capturing cinematic photos and videos effortless
DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and innovative camera technology, today announces the DJI Neo, a new personal lightweight and compact aerial videographer for taking cinematic footage of day-to-day adventures or having fun with friends. Weighing less than 5 ounces (135g), Neo can take off and land from the palm of the hand1. It can be flown indoors or outside for a flight time of up to 18 minutes1 and takes 4K ultra-stabilized videos via QuickShots. The propellers are fully enclosed to ensure the safety of users and their surroundings.
“At DJI we are always studying everyday camera use so that we can help people capture their videos and photos in the most convenient way possible. The DJI Neo strives to give people the latest tech in the smallest form factor so that they can capture their daily lives, saved as treasured memories, safely and with ease,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director at DJI.
Into the Air at the Press of a Button
By simply pressing the mode button and selecting the desired shooting mode, Neo will automatically snap 12MP stills with its 1/2-inch image sensor or produce 4K UHD stabilized videos at 4K/30fps1 using DJI’s powerful stabilization algorithms. Upon completion, Neo will return to the user’s palm.
Tell Your Story with QuickShots
Neo’s AI algorithms have been created to keep the subject within frame. Whether cycling, skateboarding or hiking, captivating shots can be created with ease. Additional creativity can be achieved by taking advantage of Neo’s QuickShots, which has six intelligent shooting modes1, offering a range of different recording angles.
Expanse: Videographer flies backward and ascends, with the camera locked on the subject, and records a video.
Circle: Videographer circles around the subject.
Rocket: Videographer ascends with the camera pointing downward.
Spotlight: Videographer rotates while keeping the object of interest within the frame
Helix: Videographer ascends and spirals around the subject.
Boomerang: Videographer flies around the subject in an oval path, ascending as it flies away from its starting point and descending as it flies back. Its starting point forms one end of the oval’s long axis, while the other end is at the subject’s opposite side from the starting point.
Control It Your Way
Neo has been designed to fly with style and capture hassle-free photos and videos. It can be piloted using one-button QuickShots or voice control1 which is enabled with the “Hey Fly” command. With a Wi-Fi connection, Neo can also be controlled using the DJI Fly app’s virtual joysticks on the app’s interface with a control range of up to 50 meters1. Within the app, the perspective and distance can be set, giving extra freedom to shoot from afar or up close.
Stabilization as Standard
Neo is equipped with a single-axis mechanical gimbal and is capable of handling high-speeds or flights with lots of maneuvers. When combined with RockSteady or HorizonBalancing stabilization, overall image shake is significantly reduced and horizon tilt is corrected within ±45°1, for smooth and stable footage that maintains clarity in both highlight and shadow areas. Using an infrared and monocular vision positioning system, Neo can hover steadily in the air, maintaining stability even in Level 4 wind conditions. It also supports automatic Return to Home (RTH) for convenient, worry-free operation.
Transfer Content and Record Sound Wirelessly
Using the DJI Fly app, phones and videos captured with Neo can be transferred instantly via high-speed QuickTransfer. This wireless transfer makes post production and sharing smoother. The DJI Fly app offers a vast selection of templates, sound effects, and image effects, for quick and easy editing.
Audio can also easily be recorded wirelessly with the simple tap of a button on the DJI Fly app, either through the smartphone’s built-in microphone or DJI Mic 2 via Bluetooth for even higher audio quality. The app automatically eliminates propeller noise and merges the audio track with the footage, ensuring a clear sound even when shooting low-angle vlogs.
For convenient charging, connect Neo directly to a power source using a Type-C data cable. Additionally, the Two-Way Charging Hub can charge three batteries simultaneously1, increasing both charging speed and efficiency.
Price and Availability
The DJI Neo is available for pre-order from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners, in the following configurations:
DJI Neo: 199 USD
DJI Neo Combo: 289 USD
Neo Debuts at IFA, 6-10 September, 2024
Be among the first to experience the groundbreaking DJI Neo at this year’s IFA, Germany. Visitors can try it out at DJI’s booth (Hall 17-110) from 6th-10th September.
DJI Care Refresh
DJI Care Refresh, the comprehensive protection plan for DJI products, is now available for DJI Neo. The replacement service covers accidental damage, including flyaway, collisions and water damage. For a small additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if an accident occurs.
DJI Care Refresh (1-Year Plan) includes up to two replacements in one year. DJI Care Refresh (2-Year Plan) includes up to four replacements in two years. Other services of DJI Care Refresh include official Warranty and free shipping. For a full list of details, please visit: https://www.dji.com/support/service/djicare-refresh.
1All data was measured using a production model of DJI Neo in a controlled environment.
1For more information, please refer to https://www.dji.com/neo.
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