Should you buy the DJI Flip?
The DJI Flip is an excellent drone for beginners. There is a lot to love about this new drone, but it could certainly be improved. Here are five things we really like about it and ten things that DJI could improve upon.
The Good
Compact, lightweight, and foldable, the DJI Flip is easy to carry and store. Its durable build ensures it can withstand minor bumps, making it a reliable choice for outdoor adventures. Because it weighs less than 250 grams, it doesn’t have to be registered with the FAA and isn’t subject to remote ID.
The DJI Flip is equipped with a high-quality camera capable of capturing stunning 4K video and sharp, vibrant stills. Its 3-axis gimbal ensures smooth footage, even during complex maneuvers or in moderate wind conditions. The 1/1.3″ sensor will do better in lower light situations than most mini drones and is on par with the best, the Mini 4 Pro. This makes it an excellent choice for hobbyists who want professional-looking results without breaking the bank.
With up to 31 minutes of flight time on a single charge, the DJI Flip provides ample opportunity to explore and capture the perfect shot. While this might be a little bit less than the DJI Mini 4 Pro it is on par with most sub-250 gram drones. Keep in mind that 31 minutes is under ideal conditions, you will likely get closer to 25 minutes or so. The drone boasts an impressive range of up to 13 kilometers (8 miles), allowing users to explore vast areas without losing connection. The signal strength remains reliable, thanks to DJI’s advanced O4 transmission technology.
The DJI Flip offers exceptional value for its features, making it accessible to a wide range of users. It’s a budget-friendly option for those looking to break into the world of drones without compromising on quality. It isn’t cheap with a starting price tag of $440 but it is less expensive than the DJI Mini 4 Pro which is $750 and has the same camera.
Ten Things That Would Make the DJI Flip Better
While the DJI Flip is an excellent drone in many respects, there are several areas where it could improve. Here are ten things that would make the Flip even better.
1. No Remote ID Compliance
The DJI Flip lacks Remote ID capability, which is fine for casual flyers but a significant drawback for Part 107 pilots who need compliance for commercial operations. If the Flip had remote ID it would be the first consumer drone that qualifies as a Category 1 drone and would make it legal to fly over people. Perhaps DJI will push out firmware to address this, or they will likely introduce a Flip Pro version with remote ID.
2. Weight Limits Prevent Adding Remote ID Module
The drone’s lightweight design is an asset but also a limitation. Adding a Remote ID module would push it over the legal weight of 250 grams, complicating its compliance for professional use.
3. Rear Motors Lack Ground Clearance
The rear motors sit too close to the ground, making takeoffs and landings challenging. Grass, dirt, and snow become a hazard to this little quad. A slight redesign to elevate the motors would prevent damage and improve usability. Handcatching or a landing pad are two easy alternatives.
4. No FPV Goggles Compatibility
The inability to use FPV goggles limits the immersive flying experience for enthusiasts. Adding FPV compatibility would greatly enhance the drone’s appeal. The DJI Neo can be used with the DJI goggles. It would be great to fly this like a cinewhoop. The absence of acro (aerobatic) or manual flight modes limits the footage pilots can capture. An acro mode would be great. It doesn’t need to be able to do flips and rolls, but the FPV footage and the tilting horizons would be great for those who know how to capture cinematic footage in manual mode.
5. Cannot change camera settings with the phone app
You can change camera settings when you fly the Flip with your RCN-3 or RC2 remote, but you cannot when flying with your phone. Why can’t I adjust the ISO or the shutter speed? There are many scenarios where flying with the phone might be more convenient but without the ability to lock the exposure or adjust settings, you won’t be able to capture shots with the correct settings.
6. No Included Charger
The DJI Flip only comes with a USB-C cable, requiring users to purchase a separate charger. Bundling a charger would save buyers time and effort while ensuring optimal charging performance. You’ll want at least a 65W charger or you’ll be waiting all day for your batteries. Also the included bag with the fly more combo is fairly large. The Fly More Combo comes with a large bag, which is practical for extensive trips but inconvenient for quick outings. Including a smaller, portable carrying case would cater to casual flyers. I want something to throw the drone in and then drop it in my backpack. Why not include a small sleeve, similar to what the Hover Air comes with?
7. Limited Internal Storage
With just 2 GB of internal storage, users must frequently rely on external memory cards. Expanding the built-in storage to at least 8 GB would make it more convenient for on-the-go use.
8. Lacks “true” obstacle avoidance
The Flip does have front obstacle avoidance, the only two settings the drone has are stop or off. With other drones we have the ability to actually avoid and go around obstacles. With the Flip it simply slows down or stops. I want to avoid and evade the obstacle. I don’t want to stop in front of it.
9. No Waypoints Feature
The lack of waypoint functionality limits the ability to pre-plan complex flight paths. Adding this feature would enhance the drone’s utility for photographers and videographers.
10. Flying in the wind
This is probably the biggest issue with the DJI Flip. While it claims to have the same wind flying capabilities as the DJI Mini 4 Pro, it certainly does not. Yes, you can fly it in windy conditions, but do so at your own risk. The propeller guards catch a lot of wind and can act almost like sails in windy conditions. You will need to put the drone into sport mode to handle the windy conditions and when it is in sport mode the LIDAR sensor won’t help you.
Conclusion
The DJI Flip is an impressive drone that offers excellent value, particularly for casual users. However, addressing the above shortcomings would make it a more versatile and appealing option for a broader audience, including professionals and advanced hobbyists. With these improvements, the DJI Flip could set a new standard in the mid-range drone market.
| Buy the DJI Flip | Buy a DJI Neo |
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