DJI Neo vs The Gauntlet (Autonomous Tracking Test)

Here's a real-world test of the DJI Neo and it's ActiveTrack/Follow-Me feature, and how it actually works. I test it out in cycling, and running, across a variety of both easy and hard conditions to see how it compares, and talk a bit about my experience with it and the Hover X1 in these types of challenges.
DC Rainmaker Cycling & Running Kit: www.ciovita.co...
#DJINEO #NEO #DJI

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The best part about DCR drone videos is when you talk to them like they’re toddlers “c’mon little buddy! You can do this!”

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Dave!!!

[@dazzman555]

Absolutely it’s so adorable

[@Hawaaaiii]

Just super funny review, I like it 😂 hopefully they can make it faster for MTB trials.

[@catfisher420]

​@@Hawaaaiii I'd love to see a followed drone on megavalanche

[@jhoff80]

This was definitely the only review I was waiting for.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@Waterocketindustries]

Agreed

[@Mauronic100]

💯

[@gfsnunes]

Same

[@miami3863]

Are you seeing other reviews? Because I’m only seeing a bunch of influencers regurgitate a script that came with their free NEO. I’ve been waiting for this video!

[@stevenlay2379]

DC Rainmakers reviews are by-far the comprehensive and well researched! Massive respect for you man! 🙏

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@viruslib]

Saw many reviews of neo and you’re the only one to mention the speed and follow issues, great efforts as usual, ray, thx

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks! The benefits of not being a sponsored review!

[@TwistedShrapnel]

Holy crap, that running follow me was incredible

[@Dcrainmaker]

Indeed, super impressive when in follow me mode. Now, we just need the same for in-front mode (direction mode), which is the mode that tends to look best for faster moving running shots.

[@driewiel]

@@Dcrainmaker It's not follow me. Follow me is GPS. This is visual tracking.

[@Dcrainmaker]

​@@driewiel It's literally titled 'Follow' by DJI. Sure, a decade ago DJI used the term "Follow Me" for GPS tracking, but that's hardly some unique marketing term to DJI. Other companies have used that term to cover any scenario where the drone...follows me.

[@driewiel]

@@Dcrainmaker Then DJI got it wrong. Follow-me is considered by pretty much everyone as GPS tracking. Even by DJI themselves, like on the Inspire. Hence their own term active-track which is visual. OK it's not the end of the world. I guess someone new worked on the Neo. It does matter of course to distinguish one from the other. Now we got this far; I really hope there will be third party apps soon for the Neo. So that we will also have follow-me, GPS. I love active-track. But it is not a replacement for follow-me. With follow-me you can put the drone anywhere you want. Maybe you never had a drone that had the follow-me programmed correctly? My Fimi A3 is for 99%. The controller has built-in GPS and that makes it super accurate and responsive. But my funny L109 Pro does a great job following the phone. It stays perfectly north south east west, I can use the sticks anytime and it will keep following, and it even auto-updates homepoint! And since you live in the Netherlands perhaps I should send you my Fimi A3 and the L109 Pro? So you can experience the feature yourself? But Maven, Dronelink and Litchi ( in that order) got it right too. Again, visual tracking can be great to get certain shots. But people cycling around the world never use it! It's too unreliable and time consuming. While follow-me is one push on the button and that's it. All you have to do is keep in view and you won't even need obstacle avoidance. A hiker/biker drone without GPS follow-me is a crippled product clear and simple.

[@Thekidisalright]

@@driewielhey it’s the fun guy at the party! 😂

[@edittide9842]

As a cyclist Ray’s review was the one I waited for. Needing to know the max speed the Neo can realistically follow, extent of its ability to avoid crashing without obstacle avoidance, quality of footages and ease of use from a cyclist standpoint. Based on what I have seen here the I will wait for Ray’s review of the Hover Air Max Pro before deciding on my selfie drone👍

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks, much appreciated!

[@batchboy999]

What is Hover Air Max Pro?

[@bigglyguy8429]

@@batchboy999 An even better version of the Hover X1 (see a couple of silly vids on my channel) with 8K and obstacle avoidance

[@flyeatlove]

Most honest, comprehensive and funny review of Neo I've seen so far, great job!

[@申花是冠军-m3h]

You are definitely the most athletic blogger in DJI Neo test! You're incredible！

[@DMProductions]

Love these tests - for $199 I think it’s great

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!

[@darrenowens1543]

Probably better to spend a bit more and get the better hover x1pro or max

[@joshgolo]

Dc rainmaker is my go to guy for tech testing. Really appreciate your methodical testing. Thanks im waiting to see the new hover airs 😊

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@lugucupu]

The most comprehensive and fun drone review EVER!🎉

[@spicygaming8779]

I liked that you're calling it like a pup and I also loved the drone for following in that many Thick bushes without almost losing you ❤

[@BikingBadwithTC]

Subject tracking is impressive, better than most costing many times more. Well done DJI! Now couple improvements for v2: faster speed when subject tracking (ex, for skiing, MTBing,..) and improved video quality (4K 30 looks like 1080 30). Helpful in-depth review, thanks!

[@scoro3]

New camera sports tech comes out, first and best place to check is DC Rainmaker. Thanks for another good test video.

[@orvillealdrich7601]

As always, crazy informative and so entertaining to watch - best of both worlds in my opinion. Well done 👏

[@TroyKasper]

Like others, I really don’t watch other drone reviews unless they’re pretty short. DC’s are far and away the best. 👏🏼

[@willsintheair]

I just let out an audible "yes!" and fist pumped when I saw you uploaded. These tests are THE standard in follow-me testing.

[@into-the-mild]

I was looking forward to someone who runs to review this. Thanks Ray!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@seanp401]

Honest and good review, also highlighting the drone’s limitations

[@didusmiletoday]

the most honest review so far

[@mlegrand]

I was hoping to hear your opinion on this little guy. Thank you for making this one. 👍

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Matt!

[@mtbohana]

Another awesome review with all the facts that people need and want.

[@kyojin45]

Great test and thorough review. I appreciate the time you spent running and cycling to try all of the tracking features. 👍👍👍

[@FrankNeulichedl]

It's so refreshing to see a video about the Neo that acknowledges that there are other drones (the Hover) that are in this space :) and don't gush over like they are new, if we have seen them for a year now :D thanks DC I knew you are the one I was waiting for :)

[@user-jo7nv6ew5n]

OUTSTANDING vid Ray! Congrats on 530k. Stay true to the truth brotha

[@RabbyCalicdan]

this is an impressive test, this is definitely under my radar, maybe I'll hold off after the first major firmware update

[@shadowbliss07]

It feels perfect for someone who's a solo vlogger or for someone who wants BTS of something they're doing but doesn't have another person to follow them around.

[@KrulKrulSprietSpriet]

Or when you’re hiking and just want to get a cool different shot from your environment. :j

[@Steve-cc8zg]

I love the "Labrador Mode", where it doesn't do anything until it recognizes you and then just bolts at you with no regard. That's funny.

[@Dcrainmaker]

😂😂😂😂

[@KainniaK]

Can't wait for all the prank videos with this in russia

[@condesabeatriz9303]

😂😂😂

[@trancendedmindpalace]

Too soon 😆

[@alwaysyouramanda]

I’m terrified with my long hair 😂

[@robbart7599]

Buying a product definitively change the point of view, i do appreciate your work and have suscribed 😊

[@Knypsterino]

Excited to see Hoverair PRO Max in action - and DJIs answer.

[@sumboWong]

this is a very quality review video telling the truth. now that it couldnt even catch up bike traveling more than 20 kmh, it is questionable for me as a cyclist to get one of these. really looking forward to the hover air pro.

[@bartderlokomotiv6326]

Best review of the drone. Good fun 🎉

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@NullGlina]

Fun video! I love seeing you treat it like a pet.... Handled the running better than I expected. Thanks!

[@gama45]

Wow, I'm really impressed with that little drone! That's so cool how it will look for you after losing yo, then start following you without you controlling it! It even did great, for the most part, avoiding all those trees while jogging through the gauntlet! Great testing & demonstration video! 👍

[@neilfpv]

WOW, even if it failed to track, I'm still quite amazed that it didn't decide to turn off itself and go down. My DJI Mini SE does it. Awesome video!

[@kismuk1]

Thanks for the video! This is the best test I've seen of this little machine so far! Thank you!

[@abuibu]

Great review. It's crucial to see how it's used in action by someone after watching their slick beautiful trailer that makes this look incredible.

[@fernando_dominguez]

As soon as I saw the DJI neo launch I was pretty skeptical about its tracking abilities. Had to see your review... Thanks for keeping reality in check and saving me $300 bucks!

[@zenmototv]

What an impressive drone..mine just arrived today. I sold my mini 2 last year because of the hassle but I feel I am going to enjoy this drone. Thank you for the awesome review!

[@liquidalloy]

you do the best reviews for drones and GoPro. Ty!

[@Dcrainmaker]

THanks!!!

[@vickygunawan8775]

Your living environment is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. 🌿🏡it's awesome!

[@DamianSheesh]

This is a great video showing how well this thing does for how little it costs. I'm impressed. I also saw another video where the reviewer showed off how the app can just delete the drone noise from the audio and it was practically magic. If I had any use for a drone, I'd totally pick this thing up.

[@brilliantlights]

The best and most honest review so far

[@PercyDeSaint]

I didn't want it, but with your review I do now! Your review is right one point, the good the bad, everything. It is crazy how Ai tracks your route instead of you, really cool

[@sir.otitablu951]

love you put to the max use of the drone

[@dazzman555]

Ray this is one of your best videos. It’s like your taking a small child out for a ride with you 😂😂

[@fokkewdm]

Thanks for the tour and run you made, it shows perfectly the limits of the NEO But also the great technic of this gear, I'm happy I bought it yesterday.

[@JakeOski]

Dude, watching you run on double speed made my day 😂

[@Skreamies]

Honestly a great reviewer, love the humour in this as well as genuinely showing us everything so clearly! Is there any chance of seeing some indoor footage, such as the starting procedure/settings ?

[@lon]

Actual rugged tests are always appreciated. Great review.

[@antongazaryan2532]

I’m impressed with an algorithm. It doesn’t just fly straight where you are, but it follows your track.

[@tomahawker1]

Great review! New subscriber to your channel. The Neo feels close to fulfilling the extravagant (and ultimately fraudulent) promises of the ZANO Kickstarter project almost 10 years ago. It's exhilarating to see how far drone technology has come since then.

[@mack_solo]

The term "next level" is usually overused when describing the new tech, but I'm happy to apply it here - the curved follow path was impressive considering there's no onboard obstacle avoidance assistance. Also the "happy to see you again!" visual re-aquisition was comical every time, as was the unwillingness to come out from behing the stinging nettles 😄 I thought the video data rates were pretty low, at times the picture looked like that of a dashcam. Overall high Fun Factor, just get that insurance cover with it at the purchase time. 😀

[@Cervin_Suisse]

I fully agree with you. At this price point and without hardware obstacle detection it is truly impressive. I have no doubt that DJI will improve it down the road. I saw a comment saying that this drone was just good enough for people who run in the desert. Totally unjustified and absurd remark.

[@Brad1961]

Excellent review as always, seems like it would be great for kids. Might be showing my age here but re-watching oneself walking/riding or running along seems a bit sad. Kids would love it.

[@19ab59]

Just what I was looking for. I mostly use it for cycling and owned the X1. Sold it and ordered the Pro version because of the speeds an d some other specs of course. Looking forward to your review of the new Hover drones. The only thing that I think what makes the Neo appealing is the fpv possibility. Thanks a lot and greetz from the Netherlands.

[@tonytypes]

Thanks. You save me some $$$ was thinking about getting one for my bike rides, but doesn't look like it will keep up

[@davepratt9909]

The best part was Ray talking to the drone.

[@MicheIIePucca]

There's a cuteness with the Neo.. its like a nervous little puppy trying to loyally follow its owner :)

[@jetskiwillywilly7970]

last 5 years of drone tech is amazing.

[@laurelsudeep]

Thanks for making this. Was evaluating this from these exact use cases

[@jsb13x13]

That running test was amazing. I have been searching for an inexpensive drone to take on trips and use to follow me, but I am usually in wooded areas and places with many trees. This looks like it would be perfect for this.

[@Life_of_John]

That follow mode at 13 minutes thru the trees is truly impressive!

[@lailanrogerio]

Thank you for the review! Awesome! I will await the next version, maybe Neo 2 or 3. I practice biking trails in the middle of many trees, and I believe it will be more trouble than a solution.

[@rockkin09]

Thank you for this review! I was hoping you would test it while cycling, which was something no one else has really done. I have to say I'm disappointed in it's top speed... just way too slow to be really useful for cycling in my opinion. Maybe they'll up the speed limiter value in the future, it seems like it definitely has the capability.

[@AndrewVanBeekOttawa]

These abilities when combined with a drone with better video quality, will be great. I’d love to see a Mini 5 like this.

[@Briehaze]

From an editing standpoint I’m really impressed lol syncing with that much footage is a huge pain and putting it into a way that is followable is also time consuming, very nice

[@alainbrouillaud484]

Thank you for making the video. DJI (I’m sure) thinks they have come along way, after seeing this I know this isn’t for me. I am interested in the HOVER X1 PROMAX but I know I can’t ski as fast as I would like to. The technology we all are looking for is years away.

[@bharatthapa2736]

I watched this video as if I am watching comedy movie. I enjoyed to full while laughing every now and then. Thanks for your effort to test all those features. Loved it. Never seen your video before by the way. I will be watching regular now.

[@veryboringname.]

Had the Neo in my cart last night but didn't check out as I couldn't find a DCR review yet. Now that I've watched it I'll probably wait till the end of the year to see how it goes and stick with my original Hover X1 for now.

[@SteveMartinUSA]

It’s very entertaining watching you take these drones through your courses and talking to the drone too. Come on little buddy…!

[@DoryAbelman]

Literally best review on this drone out there. Thanks for sharing!

[@RonaldBrown59]

Great testing, I love when you test a new drone through the Gauntlet. Thanks for sharing.

[@cameronparry562]

Has to be some of the best content!! I dont want to buy it, but feel I would do everything you would do so been a great experience watching!! #keepgoing

[@asifmohamed5348]

Really appreciate your effort for putting it to proper testing. Thank you

[@catfisher420]

It's crazy to think what the cost of footage like that would have been just a 10 years ago or 20 years ago. We are definitely getting closer to the sci-fi future that was pictured throughout my '80s childhood.

[@dam7886]

I’ve really enjoyed your review! Thanks for your effort and your dedication!

[@harvzaraza]

Waiting for this type of review!

[@JerseyStyle7]

💯👍🏽 you definitely do the best follow test for the drones the king of the follow test, even though I ordered the hover air max. I’m going to get one of these also because I have the controller with the screen, and I just found out it will work with this drone👍🏽

[@swash55]

Once again, an awesome review regarding tracking features.

[@noorieks009]

Thx for the honest review…most of the KZbinr bloggers got this for free and now would show all of the issues and some of them even used other drone to make picture quality better and show that as dji neo……😂 loved it you are the best

[@darrenowens1543]

Hi, great really life testing, unlike 90% of the others , really informative, can't wait to see you testing of the hover x1pro max I think that will definitely set the standard, keep up the great content 👍😊

[@dustinkim8077]

Awesome.. I already ordered one myself and can't wait for using it!

[@stanvisualseychelles932]

This is what Skydio could have done after their Skydio 2. Mini Skydio was what most of us wanted and if they do this they would win back their consumers and take over the market.

[@Errr717]

DCR takes his little buddy through the gauntlet so we don't have to. Hilarious as usual. 😁

[@Chia288]

One the best review it showcase the market of this drone which is the beginner and tech friendly. Those who really into drone would not be thrilled about this drone

[@GetUrOwnHandle]

Not true. You might want to look at the reviewers putting this thing thru its paces in Acro / manual mode... Super impressive when paired with the Goggles 3 & controller 3. Video quality is the only real compromise, but price factor offsets that!

[@bonn1771]

So good dc... Love this. Watching this a second time

[@PepperLim]

The best DJI Neo review.

[@quadroneld]

For me, it would not be the way I would want to use the drone, but still I find it interesting to see where the possibilities, but also where the limits are of this fantastic new drone!

[@robcarver6319]

Excellent review. Very helpful. I'm a mountain biker and would love to have videos of me jumping. I look forward to what the future holds for these drones.

[@RomanoCortesJorge]

Really helpful video. I hope you can make a comparison video with DJI NEO vs Hover Air PRO X1 DJI Mini 4 Pro in terms of direction tracking (front and side) on a bicycle, manual control via remote, and value for money/price with combo deals that include controller and spare batteries. Looking forward to such a video. Thanks 🙂

[@jamesr633]

Love this video. Super interesting. Im going to make a sprinting video later see how it looks

[@panosfpv]

Definitely the best review not like the ones from the DJI golden boys...

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@kensou2828]

this test is comprehensive and very solid. thx for sharing !

[@tuvichuanhangngay]

best real review

[@Dcrainmaker]

THanks - that's what I'm here for!

[@Cervin_Suisse]

Great test as usual, thank you Sir. Personally I'm impressed by what this USD 200.- tiny drone can do. Besides it it the 1st released firmware version. It achieves all that without hardware obstacle detection. As you said it does behave better, by not cutting corners, than much more expensive and mature drones of the DJI line. I hope those algorithms will " trickle up". What personally holds me back purchasing that "little buddy" is the camera's capabilities. I will wait a bit to see whether the manufacturer deems necessary to improve it. Keep up the great work.

[@sibertiger17]

Yeah looking forward to more direct comparisons with the X1 to see which truly stands out...of course firmware upgrades will eventually make the Neo closer so we'll see

[@kl9794]

Thank you for making this video, keep up the good work!!

[@filipkavan]

WOW, what a review! Great job.

[@SimoWill75]

I'll be honest, was expecting a bit more from DJI. Think I'll stick with the old Hover X1 for the time being. Cheers for the exceptional review (as always)

[@SteveSegura]

Great video. Answered a lot of my concerns. Ordered one.