The DJI Neo records video automatically in palm-launched Smart Snaps: pick a mode with the mode button, launch from your palm, and it films and lands back on your hand. To record by hand, connect DJI Fly, choose Manual Control, tap the photo/video toggle, and tap the shutter or record button. With the RC-N3, press Photo/Video to switch modes and Shutter/Record to shoot.
Recording with Smart Snaps (no phone needed)
- Press the mode button on top to pick Follow Me, Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight or Custom.
- Hold the Neo on your palm, camera toward you, and press and hold the mode button.
- It takes off, confirms you as the subject, and records automatically.
- Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Helix and Boomerang stop by themselves when the move is done. For Follow Me and Spotlight, walk up and palm-land it, and recording stops.
Smart Snaps track people only. Set distances, heights and camera settings for all modes in DJI Fly before you fly.
Taking photos
- Spotlight photo trick: in DJI Fly, set Spotlight's camera mode to Photo. Then hold a fixed pose for 3 seconds and the Neo snaps a picture.
- In the app: in Manual Control, switch to Photo with the photo/video toggle and tap the shutter.
- With the RC-N3: press Photo/Video to switch, then Shutter/Record.
Photos are 12 MP JPEG (4000×3000 at 4:3, or 4000×2256 at 16:9). Modes are Single and Timed. There's no RAW.
Recording manually in DJI Fly
- Connect via Connection Guide > Connect via Mobile Device.
- In the Controls view, choose Manual Control from the mode list.
- Tap and hold takeoff. The Neo rises to about 0.6 m.
- Tap the photo/video toggle, then the record button. Tap again to stop.
- Tilt the camera with the slider on the right of the live view.
Video settings to know
| Setting | Options |
|---|---|
| 4K | 3840×2160 at 30 fps (16:9, stabilized) or 3840×2880 at 30 fps (4:3) |
| 1080p | 60, 50 or 30 fps |
| Vertical | 1080×1920 at 60, 50 or 30 fps |
| Stabilization | RockSteady, HorizonBalancing, or off |
| Bitrate | Up to 75 Mbps, MP4 |
For vertical video, pick the 9:16 ratio in the resolution settings. See Neo vertical. In 4:3, footage isn't stabilized in camera, but works with Gyroflow later.
Recording sound
To add sound, record it through DJI Fly. In the app's Controls view, enable audio recording. It uses your phone's mic, a DJI Mic 2, DJI Mic or Bluetooth earbuds, and merges the sound into the video when you download it. With the RC-N3, turn it on under Camera settings. More in Neo audio.
Where files go
The Neo saves to its internal storage; there's no microSD slot. Download with QuickTransfer or a USB-C cable: Neo transfer.
Tips for better clips
- Shoot a quick test clip first, as DJI recommends.
- Fly in good light. Indoors, DJI says the sensors need more than 15 lux.
- Use Cine mode on the RC-N3 for slow, smooth moves.
- Power off properly so the last clip and settings save.
More in Neo best settings. Want physical record buttons? Add the DJI RC-N3, or shop the DJI Neo.
Related guides
- How to record video and take photos with the DJI Flip
- How to record video and take photos with the DJI Avata 2
- How to record video and take photos with the DJI Mini 3
- How to record video and take photos with the DJI Mini 4 Pro
- How to record video and take photos with the DJI Mini 5 Pro
- How to transfer DJI Neo photos and videos to your phone or computer
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