DJI Flip Full Review - What to Know Before You Buy

[@PilotInstitute]

For those wondering why DJI didn’t put remote ID in this drone, here’s more info. The FAA doesn’t require RID in sub-250g drones flown recreationally. This IS a recreational drone. If DJI adds remote ID, it would force users to broadcast RID when it’s not required by law. DJI tried that months ago with the Mini series and received a lot of backlash from the recreational community. In this situation, either DJI pisses of recreational pilots (the intended target for this drone) by adding RID, or they piss off Part 107 pilots (not the intended target) by not adding RID. Lose/lose situation. And no, DJI can’t have an ON/OFF switch for RID in the drone, that’s not allowed by regulation. If you are a part 107 operator who wishes this drone was category 1 compliant, politely message DJI and tell them you would be interested in a Pro version of this drone.

[@samwarren1429]

I am not sure I follow the logic here. "This IS a recreational drone." Why is it a recreational drone? Because it does not have Remote ID enabled although onboard, the feature set or DJI marketing of sub .55 lb drones? I suspect by asking for a Pro version, it's DJI marketing (ie don't piss off some group of content creators monetizing on youtube (I am NOT including @PilotInstitute in THAT group). The video states that all DJI drones under 249 gm will be Recreational. Doesn't that imply DJI will never make a Cat 1 drone? What would the PRO version look like? Turn on the RID and remove the controller less operation?

[@markkempton4579]

I'm sorry. I still don't understand why is pisses anyone off. There are features on my car/cameras/etc that I don't need or want, but I just ignore them. They don't hurt anything.

[@scottwilkins]

Personally I believe that all drones going forward should have Remote ID, recreational or not, no matter the weight. RID radios in a drone are only a small chip, that should weight nothing. All the other items needed for control radio are already in the drone, so it should not add weight. And, I see no need to fly autonomously other than something not good.

[@Curtis-Randall]

The best video on the flip. Cheers!

[@scottwilkins]

Just ordered one :)

[@BlueDroneBlues]

I am sorry.

[@a_peter_johnson]

Thanks for the overview! Not having Remote ID (or the weight allowance to accomodate a separate module) seems like a real missed opportunity.

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

No remote id is a missed opportunity. Also its a weird looking drone isn't it. Looks like it has bicycle wheels on it lol

[@RebelByNature]

It's a big plus for recreational pilots

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

@RebelByNature yeah, I thought about it more, and it being under 249 grams plus having prop guards and some ai and phone functionality makes it the best drone for beginners right now. Not to mention the atrocious noise level of the neo is now lowered for this drone. I do wonder if in the future, the one guy that crashed his mini into the Canadian plane will have impacts on future legislation for 249g and under drones. There are always politicians and lobbiests angling against DJI

[@RebelByNature]

@ The arguments against DJI in the US are based on national security, not RID (not that I buy into them). There will be more accidents with small drones. There are accidents in all human endeavors weather, planes, trains, automobiles etc. Logically, they should be more concerned about 26 lb geese flying around as a hazard to aircraft. The Canadian plane had some damage, but did not crash. A goose or two around down a commercial airliner some years back and forced it to, famously, land in the Hudson River.

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

@RebelByNature I hear you. Drones are powerful tools, especially with what we have seen them capable of doing in certain countries, and should definitely be regulated. I would say that most of the community adheres to the rules, its just a few bad actors with the potential to ruin the hobby for everyone. I was apposed to RID when it was new, but honestly, its not such a bad thing to have so people are held accountable. The main opposition to it from civilians, businesses, and law enforcement alike was the fact that the controller location was broadcasted and there were fears that people could be harrassed or their gear stolen if you are alone in say, a nice trail or something. But in practice, the signal is too weak to pick up by most phones anyway. I agree that birds are a big problem, but as humans, we ought to know to follow the rules and not have a drone flying over a restricted airspace with low flying planes. Its just common sense, and I hope they do find whoever hit that plane. Had it hit a different area, or the battery ignited, those pilots could have been killed

[@aef6259]

No RID makes no sense in this current ecosystem. I was actually interested in this until the 4:19 mark.

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

Nice drone cool set up

[@RonMac08]

People complaining about no remote ID miss the point. This isn't for you. It's more of a beginner drone to get people into the hobby. Then DJI can sell the more expensive drones for those who want to get more into the hobby or go pro.

[@markkempton4579]

But RID wouldn't hurt anything. There's no cost to add it internally. It just uses the wifi radio. I assume this is targeted for creators based on their promotional videos. They need RID.

[@Virus1024x]

Ya but with remote id this drone would qualify for OOP

[@RebelByNature]

@@markkempton4579 RID is a big no no for recreational pilots. They, myself included, don't need it, are exempt from it, don't want it. Think of that what you want, its a market reality and that is what DJI is responding to. Keep in mind mind that that recreational pilots out number 107 pilots something like 10 to 1 (taking a guess here).

[@Braddeman]

Those of us want a CAT 1 drone to fly over people and need remote ID with part 107. However I doubt they could add it as it doesn’t need a remote and this couldn’t comply with remote id since you don’t have to use a remote and thus can’t identify the position of the PIC.

[@markkempton4579]

@Braddeman I hadn't thought about the position of the RPIC. Then again, add-on modules do not broadcast that either, since there's no concept of the remote, so it's not like they all do that.

[@paulkovacs6654]

Still holding out for a Mini 5 Pro. Hopefully something along that lines will be released right before NAB in April.

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

I like it great information cool channel

[@HikeFly22]

Awesome review

[@pacospete4299]

will this pair with any fpv goggles ?

[@stevengeorges9046]

No one needs Remote ID and RTH more than recreational flyers.

[@scottwilkins]

A bit incorrect on "reflectivity" on the IR obstacle avoidance. 10% reflectivity doesn't actually mean glass or water. It means return of IR signal. Glass may return an IR signal quite well, but a tree branch is too small to return more than 10% of the signal so the drone will run into small tree branches.

[@davidgeyer1929]

Very good informative video. I bought the Neo mainly because it does meet the requirements for Category 1 if I add a RID broadcast module (Method 2). Frankly I can't see much point in this one at all. Turn on RID in the USA and I'll consider it.

[@paulweatherman4027]

There are some very small RID modules out there. cut those peg legs off the front. Mount the module. Still might be under 250g. Yes you would have to hand land/TO

[@Charles64]

Is DJI Flip 3Axis?

[@PilotInstitute]

3 axis gimbal? Yes.

[@VicMossPhotography]

Best part of this video was watching Jason run. And don't forget to remove the gimbal guard before you unfold it if you have the battery in. But no RID.😢 Yes, Flip Pro w/ RID. Turn it on please DJI! We need a Cat 1 drone. Also, have Jason fly FPV through that white house.

[@Montsterr]

If the Neo and Mini 4 Pro had a child it’s the Flip. An upgraded Neo while being a watered down M4P. For my needs it fits. I have the M4P but it’s a pain to have to bring a controller with me every time I’m on my bike trying to get some footage or setting up to catch moments with my family as we’re out and about. I’ve had the Neo, too , and felt it’s potential but it missed the mark for me while my Pro is more drone than I need. My Flip will be here in few days. Looking forward to see if it will replace my M4P.

[@theperl9663]

Always the best info, guess I will stay with the Minis.

[@wclugston]

Basically a social media drone.

[@treadwaysl1]

DJI TECH support has confirmed to me that the DJI FLIP does indeed have RID built into it. According to DJI Tech Support, as an operator in the U.S., they said that the RID will automatically be on when you launch the drone. I saved screenshots of the chat. I just ordered the Flip, so ill confirm later.

[@PilotInstitute]

That is unfortunately incorrect. Our DJI contact has confirmed before we published the video that it will not have RID in the United States. This is in line with DJI's policy on not having RID on sub-250g drones.

[@bgboydphoto]

@@PilotInstitute Dang, I just bought mine after DJI confirmed to me it does have RID in the US and that is the only reason I purchased it

[@BlueDroneBlues]

@@bgboydphoto No RID was a big no for me. Just waiting to see what the future Mini 5 Pro will have. Being patient.

[@bgboydphoto]

@@BlueDroneBlues such a disappointment. I thought we were gonna get a cat 1 drone. Sometimes I just don't understand why they make the choices they do.

[@treadwaysl1]

@PilotInstitute thanks for the reply and clarifying. I ordered the FLIP after DJI Tech Support told me it came with RID. Since I'll be operating under Part 107 (passed the exam studying pilot institute courses) I'll just add a RID module to the FLIP. No biggie.

[@williamschwartz9283]

Need to upgrade my Mini-2. Flip? Mini 4Pro? or hold out for the Mini 5? Too many choices!!!

[@Dartheomus]

It's a mini 3 with auto-follow like the Neo. Can this be hooked up to the Goggles 2? (I would hope so.)

[@scottwilkins]

FAA Categories need a little work in my opinion. The FAA needs to step it up.

[@Bill-uz2mr]

Which is better value: DJI Mini 4K or DJI Flip? I hope you can list the difference so that I could decide.

[@876silvera]

Wonderful design ❤ I need one 😅 Thank for the info 🙏💯

[@OnlyTheDronie]

Why did they not use the mini 4 batteries for the Flip, there would not be much difference in flight time and it would have been great for existing customers?

[@Virus1024x]

Do you know the actual weight of the drone? I wonder if adding a light rid module to it would still make it sub 250

[@PilotInstitute]

Ours is 247g. So no possibility of a module.

[@Virus1024x]

@ bummer. Oh well.

[@StellaDavila]

Nice!

[@theskybutlerllc]

@Pilotinstitute, the requirement for having a controller connected also applies to recreational flights thru CBO safety guidelines. It is illegal to operate any drone in the U.S. using the feature you mention at 5:30. Both under Part 107 and under USC 44809. It will only become an issue when a flyaway occurs similar to what happened at the drone show in FL, but I'd rather not have another issue that can impact our industry. Always have your phone or a controller connected!!! Thanks for reading.

[@RebelByNature]

is that true for all 4 CBO's?

[@theskybutlerllc]

@@RebelByNature the only one where it's stated more indirectly is FPV Freedom Coalition. The other three all state "Assisted flight modes are allowed, and should only be used, provided the pilot remains in direct connection to the system and flies within visual line of sight; and must be able to override any automated and programmed features at all times." So, the answer is yes, all CBO safety guidelines have a requirement to be in control of the drone always. Just fyi, 107.19(e) is the FAA regulation that requires a controller or phone connection: "The remote pilot in command must have the ability to direct the small unmanned aircraft to ensure compliance with the applicable provisions of this chapter." This has been verified with the FAA.

[@markkempton4579]

Why would you not include RID?! There's no cost from a weight perspective and no drawback. This seems catered to content creators, and flying over people would seem to be a fantastic selling point.

[@vonheise]

I don't think you mentioned the gimbal however I will assume that it is similar to the Neo. I will pass on this one and hope that they will bring out an upgraded Neo this year.

[@jcvdo8455]

Looks like a super upgraded DJI Spark with the front sensor and downward sensor

[@avianorobc8847]

How is that any different then the Neo?

[@KaneLono]

Takes up more space.

[@SecretAgentBond]

It might be mentioned already, two things I’d like to correct you on: 1) non-HDR 4K video goes up to 100fps (slow motion). 2) It is NOT “Lidar” that DJI uses on the front, it is “Infrared”.

[@rexweatherford8386]

This is a good candidate to upgrade from a Mini2

[@williamhesbach4072]

Thanks. That's a great review and precisely what's needed to determine a purchase. DJI may be producing cross-elastic products to fill market niches. Either way, it's an excellent drone for some folks. I do believe these products will encourage questionable flying behavior, but I'm a biased 107 pilot.

[@StellaDavila]

I prefer 12mp. Don’t need the 48mp. I’m not a fan not so much sharpness. I like smoothness.

[@jasonwalker927]

That is a nice drone and I just passed 44809 yesterday and I have a question on 44809 and make a fishing video I not sure if you can answer that

[@jasonwalker927]

I love to go fishing for fun for my KZbin channel can I use my drone just for fun as I use my drone a few fishing videos

[@psoon04286]

Deep sea fishing or off a pier?

[@jasonwalker927]

@ just off the fishing pier in Ocean City Maryland I just love to make some good fishing for KZbin just for fun with my drone on 44809

[@psoon04286]

@@jasonwalker927 sounds cool, don’t think there’s any real problems other than annoying the other fishermen there. You still want to be paying attention to the drone’s whereabout and I say this because you are doing more that an one thing at the same time and it’s very easy to loose track of where exactly the drone is from the pier side. Finally, fishing piers are notoriously popular with seabirds and they’ve been known to pick a fight with drones! Good luck😄

[@jasonwalker927]

@ I not here to make any money I just love to make some fishing just for fun with my GoPro camera and with my drones

[@StellaDavila]

Pricey😮

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

Decent price

[@chris]

SUPER disappointed DJI didn't bother adding RID to this drone. WHYYYYYYYYY. It was set up to be the perfect category 1 drone. Skipping the Flip.

[@PilotInstitute]

Don’t blame DJI… if they put RID on a recreational drone that’s sub 250, they force rec pilots to broadcast RID when it’s not required by law. They used to do that with Minis and they stopped because rec pilots complained. So either they piss off part 107 pilots (not the intended target for this drone) or they piss off rec pilots, the intended target for this drone.

[@markzanetti6228]

other reviewers of this flip drone say it Does have panoramic image capture

[@PilotInstitute]

Yes. So did we. You can do panoramas.

[@SmokyMountainBlessed]

I would like to see it compared to the new Hover Air cam, I do have the DJI mini 4 but want something easy for me to use rather than have my hubby fly it

[@markzanetti6228]

this is a better version of the DJI Neo. pull this out of your bag. fly it with no controller or just your phone. share the video you just took with your friends. that and the prop guards (mother's feel it's safer for their children to be around) are big attractions for this drone.

[@chrisgavlik]

It's like they combined the worst parts of the Neo and Mini 4 pro. No obstacle detecting cameras from the neo. Too heavy to fly over people from the mini 4.

[@chrisgavlik]

I'd be willing to bet you also can't fly it in the dark like the neo.

[@ChristianThroop-s9w]

Just because a company releases a new product does not mean it is worth buying, this is such an example.

[@WilliamDaugherty]

Thanks Greg. I appreciate the impartial review. Honestly, I don't see what purpose this thing serves for most people. It's almost like they are just trying to saturate the price points.

[@ChrisCoombes]

I know it’s small but it somehow looks bulky.

[@aleckson]

No RID? No point in even looking at this one. The most common request from US drone pilots is a sub 250g drone with built-in prop guards and RID to make it Cat 1 for flying over people. And once again, DJI just falls short.

[@RebelByNature]

I think it would be falling short if that was the market they were going for, but don't think it is. Its an entry level hobby drone, so no RID, no need to register and no need for OOP.

[@jeremydenief]

Was hoping this would be the perfect over-a- crowd drone with those prop guards and the weight, but no remote ID and no RTH is a hard pass for me. Great review, thanks!

[@PilotInstitute]

It has RTH...

[@jeremydenief]

@ oops! I must have misheard while I was getting ready for work lol. Thanks!

[@dmacnet]

At 5:54 Greg says there is no RTH available, but only when using it without a controller. I almost missed the qualifier also.

[@jeremydenief]

@@dmacnet thanks

[@BlueDroneBlues]

The DJI NEO and now this? DJI sure is starting to put out some garbage drones lately. No RID and basically hand launched only is a no for me. Looking forward to the DJI Mini 5 Pro! That should be a sweet next gen drone! Thanks for the review.

[@fez3606]

No RID = NO DEAL! Thanks anyway, DJI.

[@tcz7742]

It looks good, but unless they make it so I can fly with my goggles, it's a no sale.

[@harrisongould9460]

I just left a "NO SALE SIGN" on Billy Kyle's review. Something must be up with DJI. It's either DJI being in the dog house with the US or they have plans with a further update...DJI Flip II, where they include it. There is no reason for this. Wouldn't it be a pisser if Remote ID in the drone already and all they have to do is 'hit a firmware update' button. With that said..."NO SALE". UPDATE: You did find the remote ID...nice find. We need to find a 'HACKER'. Still not buying it...wake up DJI.

[@stevengeorges9046]

No remote ID and no RTH?!?!? Pass.

[@PilotInstitute]

It has RTH.

[@DixieAerialPhotography]

A sub 250 gram drone will probably never be considered a pro level drone. That doesn't mean it can't be used in limited pro applications to be utilized as a category 1 drone. I just deleted this from my Amazon cart.

[@markkempton4579]

It cannot quality for Cat 1 b/c no RID. Adding external RID puts it over 249, so still not Cat 1.

[@DixieAerialPhotography]

@@markkempton4579 .... I deleted it from my cart because of that. I was replying in regard to his comment stating that DJI sees it as just a recreational drone.

[@TheEditingResource]

No remote ID or category 1 capability means I’m not interested… hopefully DJI fixes that

[@ymbrox]

especially because he said that in a different country set up it was broadcasting remoteID

[@DixieAerialPhotography]

@@ymbrox maybe it can be fixed with a firmware update like when RID first came out.

[@aaron6516]

Nice prop guards, too bad we don't just have a cat 1. I really wish we had one. That would make it a plus for commercial operators.

[@blacksheepdino]

Want me some Mini 5 Pro! C'mon leakers!

[@omarjason1255]

TODOS los drones, Industriales, Comerciales y Civiles tienen ID (RID in Ingles) . Period!

[@N3CR0LICH]

That makes no sense. Why turn of the RID for a country that uses it?

[@PilotInstitute]

Because the FAA does not require RID for sub 250g drones. So either DJI pisses off all rec flyers because they force them to broadcast RID, or they piss of part 107 pilots because it doesn’t have RID. At the end of the day, this is a rec aircraft so they are pleasing the people it’s made for.

[@photony]

Are there ND filters available?

[@markkempton4579]

@@PilotInstitute why would anyone be pissed off b/c the drone includes a feature they do not use? Just ignore it.

[@RebelByNature]

@@markkempton4579 I think you know the answer to that. This is not a new topic. Continuation of the same discussion that took place before and after DJI changed the behavior of the mini 3, mini 4 pro to no longer broadcast RID when non PLUS batteries are in use (i.e. sub 250 gram drones).

[@markkempton4579]

@ Again, it's been shown there's no drawback to having RID enabled. All those "someone is gonna find me" claims (including my own) were FUD now that we see how little info is available and how very few people can even access it and know what to do with it.

[@ThumbDrone]

No RID is, in fact, a con

[@shermangomez1154]

I’ll pass

[@RR-zq3mk]

😂😂😂😂😂@those who want remote ID 🙄

[@PilotInstitute]

🎉Free DJI Flip Deep Dive 🎉 pilotinstitute.com/course/dji-flip-deep-dive/

[@dougbarnowski5224]

HARD PASS