What the FLIP? (off topic news from DJI )

[Chrislaf]

I don’t really understand the purpose of the Flip. Is it the new mini form factor? Is it a NEO pro?

One things for certain, I probably won’t be getting one unless it offers some amazing feature that no other drone has that I could use.

I have been spoiled by the NEO’s versatility and ease of deployment - no unfolding/folding, super easy hand launching/landing from anywhere, and variety of control methods.

Chris

 

[Kilrah]

Some have suggested "<250gr with prop guards" is the key, allowing some operations where both of these are required, on the Minis if you add the guards (that aren't that good) you exceed the 250gr.

 

[ryguy80]

I’ll be curious to see if RID is built-in. If so, it would be the first Cat 1 OOP drone out of the box from DJI for U.S. pilots.

 

[Chrislaf]

Some have suggested "<250gr with prop guards" is the key, allowing some operations where both of these are required, on the Minis if you add the guards (that aren't that good) you exceed the 250gr.

I considered getting prop guards for the reasons you mentioned but the way the NEO protects the props is 100% better.

The Flip looks to have well protected props, a better camera on a 3 axis gimbal and likely under 250g. Maybe it will have different control modes as well.

Other than enclosed well protected props, what really differentiates it from the current minis?

Chris

 

[NeoNeo]

Maybe the FLIP will be attractive to those who's first image capture UAS is the Neo? Maybe a MiniPro quality image capture platform at a reasonable price, with prop guards, sub250 option? Yes, seems a bit of an overlap with Mini4 Pro. Price and maybe image capture specs, but with propeller guards and guessing use with N3, Goggles3, MC3, FPV RC3. Basically the 04 "replacement" of the Mini series? While back someone somewhere noted the DJI has more or less stopped production and restocking inventory of 03 system. Maybe 03 is now done for?

Definitely zero interest for me as just an immersive flier. Friend who flies the MiniPro4 see no need. Thinking more opposite end. Mavic, Air series.

If DJI continues to introduce new models at the rate they have been over the past couple years. Personally I sure hope the next model is a sub250 replacement for the DJI FPV. 3-4s, sub 250, Neo footprint sized, with completely removable propeller guards...... If it could deliver real world ~10 minutes flying times all for sub $250 (bnf quad), $500 Fly More kit(charging hub + 3 batteries +....)....That would drain the UAS funds for '25.

 

[Kilrah]

Other than enclosed well protected props, what really differentiates it from the current minis?

We'll know tomorrow, maybe nothing. The Flip might be the "Mini 5" with the mini name being abandoned, who knows.

 

[ryguy80]

The one thing that the Flip lacks that the Mini series has, is the full obstacle avoidance. The Flip only appears to have avoidance from the front, but perhaps the official launch will clarify that.

The Flip fits in similar to the Air. The Flip is a more featured Neo, but it’s not quite a Mini. The Air series is a more featured Mini, but it’s not quite a Mavic. It’s sort of an “in between” product.

 

[ryguy80]

First look video from someone with a Flip already:

 

[Chrislaf]

Seems to have the controller-less tracking modes of the NEO and front obstacle avoidance similar to Spark. Almost seems like this is NEO pro. We will see tomorrow for sure. Will be interesting to see if there will be an option to just purchase the drone only. The inclusion of the RC 2 is going to increase the base price.

Chris

 

[RcHawks]

Just got the email about the flip from DJI, but I have 5 drones already, lol.
No stand alone option here.