Camera
Software review: DxO PhotoLab 4 brings several small improvements – and one big one
Introduction
First launched in early 2004 under the name Optics Pro, DxO rebranded its Raw processor as PhotoLab back in 2017 to better reflect that its capabilities now go far beyond just lens corrections, and simultaneously absorbed the popular Nik Collection plugins from Google for integration into its own software. It has also shuttered its nascent hardware business altogether, and spun off its DxOMark camera, lens and smartphone testing lab as a separate company in 2017.
Now entirely focused on software development, DxO has nevertheless stayed the course with a perpetual licensing model for PhotoLab, eschewing the controversial subscription-based pricing that rivals like Adobe have used to increase revenues.
Since it’s a comprehensive digital darkroom application, I’m not going to aim to cover every feature of PhotoLab in this review. Instead, in the interest of readability, I’ll aim to hit the highlights while comparing improvements versus the previous release, and against its still-dominant Adobe rival as appropriate.
Key Takeaways:
- Competitive pricing, no subscription
- Class-leading (but slow) DeepPRIME noise reduction filtering
- Friendly and easy-to-learn user interface
- Great automatic lens and image quality corrections
- Good to great performance in most areas
- No support for multi-shot imaging or Fujifilm X-Trans images
DxO PhotoLab 4 is available immediately priced at US$129 for the Essential edition or US$199 for the Elite edition; the extra cost gets you PRIME / DeepPRIME ‘denoising’, batch renaming, moiré removal and more. There’s also upgrade pricing if you have a previous version of PhotoLab or OpticsPro.
What’s new in DxO PhotoLab 4
Compared to the preceding major release, PhotoLab 4 has several significant new features and a raft of more minor ones. Key among these is the new DeepPRIME denoising engine, an artificial intelligence-based evolution of DxO’s already-impressive PRIME noise reduction from earlier versions. DxO has also introduced a selective copy-and-paste function which allows you to take just your chosen parts of the recipe you’ve applied to one image, and apply those to as many other images as you like with minimal fuss.
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| PhotoLab 4’s user interface now allows searching, filtering and customization. At left, I’ve clicked the “Color” button (marked in blue at the top) to filter to color-related tools, then started to type “saturation” in the search field, and after two letters my chosen tool was already located in two different palettes. At right, I’ve made my own user palette called “Optics”, and populated it with copies of DxO’s popular lens correction tools. | |
Also new are a history palette that allows you to see and quickly revert processing changes, and a DNG export option that lets you save images either with all corrections, or optical corrections only. There’s also a batch renaming function and the ability to add either text or image-based watermarks to your images. And DxO has also made PhotoLab’s user interface more approachable, allowing more advanced controls to be hidden, individual controls to be rearranged or added to your own user-created palettes, and available controls searched or filtered by type (see above images).
Finally, support has been added for a raft of cameras including all of the following: The Canon EOS R5, R6 and Rebel T8i (EOS 850D); DJI Mavic Air 2; Nikon D6, Z5 and Z6 II; Olympus E-M10 IV; Panasonic Lumix S1H and S5; Sony A7c and A7s III. A full and searchable list of supported cameras can be found on DxO’s site.
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| The new Advanced History palette tracks your changes to images, allowing you to roll them back or see exactly what changes you made later. Here, I’ve tweaked color, exposure and perspective, then cloned out a number of distracting leaves in the temple’s courtyard. |
The basics: DxO PhotoLab’s feature set
At its core, DxO PhotoLab is a full-featured Raw processor that offers a range of quick-and-easy automatic corrections based on lab testing of camera bodies and lenses, as well as a profusion of manual controls allowing you to tune the look of images to match your artistic vision. Camera body and lens corrections are contained in profiles which the application prompts you to download as required.
As well as global adjustments to variables like exposure, contrast, white balance and the like, PhotoLab also allows for local adjustments that can be brushed into specific areas of your image, overlaid as graduated filters or attached to specific areas with control points. Based on U Point technology first developed by Nik Software, these are a clever way of creating masks to select specific areas of the image without needing to resort to hard-to-master tools like Photoshop’s magic wand or lasso.
Your edits can be stored in two ways, neither of which alters the original file itself so there’s no risk of corruption and edits can easily be undone. Firstly, DxO stores these edits in its own database, much as does Adobe’s rival Lightroom app. On top of this, PhotoLab can also write sidecar files in the same folders as your edited images, either automatically or manually. These sidecars can be copied between computers to make your edits portable, and if that machine already has its own edited version of the same image, PhotoLab will intelligently create virtual copies for you.
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| As well as global adjustments, DxO PhotoLab 4 also allows for local adjustments that can be brushed onto and erased from your image, as well as graduated filters like the one I’ve applied here, and also more selective filters set using the U Point technology bought from Google and originally developed by Nik Software. |
Images can also be keyworded and rated, and again, these changes aren’t saved into the original file itself, but rather the database and sidecar file, although exported versions of the image will have this metadata baked-in. PhotoLab can also read IPTC metadata added to images at the time they were captured, if your camera supports this. Support is also provided for both printing and export to Flickr.
Modern features like high-resolution 4K displays, touch-screens and pens are all supported. So are multiple monitors, allowing you to use one display for editing and another for file browsing.
PhotoLab 4’s newly-customizable Smart Workspace can be rearranged to mimic that of other applications as closely as possible. Here, I’ve tried to make its layout (left) match that of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom (right). There are obviously differences in the tools that each offer, but you can still get fairly close.
Editing controls can also be moved to the secondary display if first docked to a user palette, allowing near full screen preview on the primary display. And most adjustments can be previewed in almost real time, although previews for some more computationally-intensive adjustments such as curves or noise reduction can take a little longer.
If you prefer to use another app to manage your catalog, DxO PhotoLab can function as a plugin for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic. It can also export processed images to Photoshop or Lightroom, and its functionality can be extended by DxO’s own ViewPoint, FilmPack and Nik Collection plugins.
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| PhotoLab can function as a plugin for Lightroom, and accepts several plugins such as the popular Nik Collection suite itself. |
ViewPoint and FilmPack integrate into PhotoLab’s own interface, while the Nik Collection suite is accessed via a popup menu. On choosing a Nik plugin, PhotoLab exports your image as a TIFF file, and this is then opened in your chosen plugin. Since this takes you out of the Raw workflow and bakes in your prior PhotoLab edits, it makes sense to do it as a last step before final export.
How DxO Photo Lab 4 compares to Adobe Lightroom
So what’s missing when compared to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom? Quite a few things, although many are fairly obscure features that many photographers won’t need. There’s no import/ingest function to copy images from your camera or flash card to local or network drives, or tag them in the process. Multi-shot editing functions like panoramas, focus stacking, resolution enhancement or HDR are not supported.
Less significant omissions include tethered shooting or a mapping / GPS module, although PhotoLab can recognize and display location info in its metadata panel. Nor can it create slideshows, and other than Flickr support it provides no built-in photobook or web gallery creation functionality.
DxO PhotoLab 4 offers most Lightroom / Photoshop features that photographers regularly need, while foregoing some of their lesser-used, more obscure functions
DxO’s software also tends to support fewer cameras than does Adobe, especially for older and more obscure models. Particularly noteworthy is a lack of support for any camera using Fujifilm’s X-Trans sensors, something that seems unlikely to change in the near future. And just as it lacks support for multi-shot imaging, PhotoLab also doesn’t fully support single Raw files based on multi-shot techniques like Pentax’s Pixel Shift Resolution and Raw HDR, or Canon’s Raw Burst format. These files will typically open, but are treated as if they were standard single-shot Raws.
Great image quality and true-to-life color
Much like its Adobe rival, DxO PhotoLab is capable of providing excellent image quality, with pleasing color and loads of detail. There are some interesting differences in the two companies’ approaches, however, that become apparent when comparing their automatic corrections side-by-side. For the below images, PhotoLab 4 is on the left, Adobe on the right.
Where Adobe tends towards a consumer-friendly look with higher contrast and much punchier color: sometimes almost cartoonishly so. DxO PhotoLab’s automatic results tend to feel more convincing and realistic, if perhaps a little muted.
And the situation with exposure adjustments is similar. PhotoLab’s automatic corrections tend to use a softer touch, whereas Adobe typically makes bigger changes to exposure. With scenes where the camera missed the mark on exposure, I found Adobe’s algorithms tended to do a better job, but with more challenging scenes they sometimes yielded rather unnatural results. DxO comes closer with challenging scenes simply by dialing up its Smart Lighting correction from the default Slight mode to Medium or Strong, however.
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| DxO’s algorithms (left) typically don’t make huge adjustments to exposure by default, whereas Adobe (right) seems to give more free rein to correct difficult images. | |
Of course, should their automatic corrections miss the mark, both companies’ results can be tuned to match your tastes. In terms of detail, I found little to choose between the two, although Adobe’s apps default to higher levels of sharpening by default, sometimes leaving noticeable haloes when viewed at 1:1. And while PhotoLab and Lightroom’s automatic lens corrections do vary somewhat, neither program seemed consistently better in my testing.
Compare the default PhotoLab result with Smart Lighting set to strong instead of light (left) versus Adobe (right).
The story is very different when it comes to noise reduction, however, where even DxO’s base HQ noise reduction seems to do a better job both of squashing noise and holding onto finer details at higher sensitivities, where Adobe’s results are typically grainier. And enabling DxO’s PRIME or DeepPRIME noise processing puts it in a different ballpark.
| 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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