With the announcement of the Flip, DJI turns in yet another entry into the sub-250g mass-market drone category, but this time with a highly unorthodox and novel design. The Flip slides in neatly between the Neo and Avata, borrowing a bit from each drone’s feature set. The Neo is pure entry-level fun, the Avata is FPV-focused, and the Flip is the ideal mobile aerial solution for casual and professional mobile content creation. Released in three configurations, there’s the Flip with RC-N3, Flip with RC 2, and travel-ready Flip with RC 2 & Fly More Combo.
The similarities to the Neo and Avata at first glance are clear: it’s a palm-sized drone with quad propellers safely within integrated propeller guards. When you get your hands on it, the Flip’s uniqueness becomes apparent: it folds. A feature found in many drones, but not those with propeller guards. Where each propeller meets the body of the Flip, the joints twist and fold each motor until all four are neatly in a row, tucked under the drone, maximizing portability.
It's designed to be taken with you anywhere to open, fly, and record when the mood strikes or project dictates. Unlike the Neo and Avata’s single axis, the Flip takes content creation seriously with a 3-axis gimbal that houses a high-end camera system. The 1/1.3” CMOS sensor can snap 48MP still images, traditional horizontal video at 4K60 with HDR, and social media-ready 4:3 vertical video at 2.7K. In horizontal mode, 100 fps slow motion video in 1080p full HD is also available, which is perfect for capturing the nuances of fast-paced action.
Some other similarities include smart AI tracking and a variety of intelligent flight modes, because like the Neo and Avata, one of the Flip’s primary goals is ease of use. Flip can track subjects with FocusTrack, automate photo capture with MasterShots, or fly an assortment of complex maneuvers with QuickShots. Other creative modes include Hyperlapse, Panorama, and Cruise Control.
Activating these modes and flying the Flip couldn't be easier. Palm takeoff is possible without a remote and your voice can engage flight directions. For more traditional control, select the RC-N3 configuration to use your smartphone and the DJI Fly app, or grab the RC 2 configuration for an all-in-one controller featuring a built-in 5" display. For the total experience, the RC2 Fly More Combo provides a travel bag, additional batteries, and more.
Other enhancements of the Flip include an increase in flight time up to 31 minutes when compared to its pint-sized partners, and a transmission range of up to 8 miles thanks to DJI’s O4 technology. The Flip is a welcome addition to DJI’s camera drone family and continues to open up the drone category to the masses.
The three DJI Flip configurations, in addition to essential accessories like the Intelligent Flight Battery, ND Filter Set, Parallel Charing Hub, and propellers can be found at B&H.