The DJI Flip marks an exciting step forward in the world of entry-level drones, blending innovative design with powerful features. With a unique folding structure that integrates propeller guards for added safety, this compact drone aims to offer an all-in-one camera and vlogging solution for beginners. Positioned between the DJI Neo and the Mini 4 Pro, the Flip brings impressive 4K video capture, intuitive flight modes, and portability at an affordable price. In this review, we’ll dive into its performance, camera quality, design, and overall value to see if it lives up to the hype.
Table of Contents
Design and Built Quality
The DJI Flip introduces a fresh take on drone design, featuring a unique folding mechanism that integrates enclosed propeller guards instead of traditional propeller arms. This approach prioritizes safety, making it ideal for beginners and vloggers who need a reliable, easy-to-use drone. The guards unfold in a specific sequence—front first, followed by the rear—automatically powering on the drone when fully deployed.
Despite its sub-250g weight, which keeps it compliant with most drone regulations, the Flip is larger than DJI Mini models when folded and has a significantly larger footprint when unfolded. Its dimensions shift from a compact 136 x 62 x 165 mm when folded to 233 x 280 x 79 mm when expanded. The propeller guards are constructed from polycarbonate with lightweight carbon fiber reinforcements, ensuring durability while maintaining a lightweight structure.
The drone’s tall airframe houses a 3D infrared sensor above the gimbal, aiding in obstacle detection and subject tracking. A black plastic panel on the front displays the active intelligent shooting mode, making it easier to operate independently without a controller or smartphone app. The Flip can be flown using the DJI Fly app, voice commands, or traditional controllers like the DJI RC-N3 and DJI RC 2.
Overall, the Flip’s design emphasizes portability, safety, and ease of use, making it a standout choice for beginners and content creators looking for a versatile, lightweight drone.
Camera Capabilities
The DJI Flip is equipped with a 1/1.3-inch Quad Bayer sensor capable of capturing both 12MP and 48MP photos in JPEG and raw formats. This sensor, combined with Dual Native ISO integration, enhances low-light performance, ensuring better image quality in various lighting conditions. However, while the Flip delivers decent image quality, it does not match the sharpness and clarity of more advanced models like the DJI Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro. Images tend to be sharpest in the center, with some softness at the edges.
For video, the Flip supports up to 4K at 60fps, with additional options such as 4K at 100fps in Slow Motion mode and 1080p at 100fps for smoother playback. A 4x digital zoom is available, though its effectiveness varies depending on the resolution. The drone also supports vertical video capture in 1080p and 2.7K at 30fps, though this is achieved through cropping rather than a physically rotatable camera, unlike the Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro.
The Flip features a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, which helps stabilize footage and ensures smoother shots, particularly for vlogging and action-oriented content. Users can choose between the Normal color profile for straight-out-of-camera results or the 10-bit D-Log M flat profile for more advanced post-production color grading. The maximum video bitrate is 150Mbps, providing sufficient detail for high-quality footage.
With its versatile shooting modes and solid stabilization, the DJI Flip offers a good balance of usability and performance, making it a capable option for beginners and vloggers who prioritize ease of use over professional-grade image quality.
Features
The DJI Flip is packed with intelligent flight features and AI-powered capabilities, making it a versatile and beginner-friendly drone. Despite its compact size, it offers an impressive range of functions designed for both casual users and content creators.
One of its standout aspects is the inclusion of multiple intelligent flight modes that automate cinematic shots. These include Follow, which allows the drone to track and follow a moving subject, and Dronie, where the Flip flies backward and upward while keeping the subject in focus. The Circle mode enables the drone to move in a circular path around the subject, while Rocket makes it shoot straight up while keeping the subject centered.
Other creative modes include Spotlight, which locks onto a subject while the user manually controls the drone, and Helix, which spirals around the subject for a dynamic effect. Boomerang mode adds another layer of creativity by simulating the flight path of a boomerang. For users who prefer manual control, the DJI Fly app allows for direct on-screen piloting without the need for a physical controller.
AI-powered subject tracking enhances the Flip’s ability to keep moving subjects perfectly framed during both photo and video capture. Using DJI’s ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0, the drone can intelligently follow a subject while maintaining smooth and stable framing. Its 3D Infrared Sensing System further improves tracking accuracy and allows the Flip to navigate complex environments while following a subject.
Although the Flip does not have traditional obstacle avoidance sensors like higher-end DJI models, its forward-facing 3D Infrared Sensing System provides a limited form of collision avoidance. This is particularly useful when using the Return to Home function, as the planned flight path is displayed as a green overlay on the controller screen. DJI also claims that this system improves flight safety in low-light conditions.
Designed as a vlogging drone, the Flip takes a step beyond traditional camera drones by offering audio capture. When enabled in the DJI Fly app, users can record their voice while flying, using either the built-in microphone on their smartphone or the DJI Mic for higher-quality sound. To further enhance the vlogging experience, the Flip intelligently filters out propeller noise, ensuring cleaner audio in recorded footage.
The drone also features Hyperlapse functionality, providing creative options for time-lapse video capture. Available modes include Free, which allows full manual control while capturing hyperlapse footage, and Circle, where the drone moves in a circular path. Course Lock keeps the drone moving in a set direction for cinematic time-lapse shots, while Waypoint mode enables pre-programmed movement between multiple points for more complex sequences. Additionally, the Flip supports basic Panorama photo capture, though manually stitched panoramas often yield better results.
Battery and data transfer features further enhance the Flip’s usability. Its charging hub can charge two batteries simultaneously, making it easier to stay powered during longer sessions. For quick media transfers, users can move footage directly to their smartphone through the DJI Fly app at speeds of up to 30MB/s. Alternatively, the drone can be connected via USB-C, allowing data to be transferred from its 2GB internal storage or microSD card without needing to be powered on.
With a combination of intelligent automation, AI tracking, vlogging-friendly features, and efficient power management, the DJI Flip is a well-equipped drone for beginners and casual users who want to create high-quality content with minimal effort.
Flight Performance
The DJI Flip delivers a smooth flying experience in ideal conditions but struggles in windy environments. DJI did not specify an official wind resistance rating before launch, but real-world use shows that even a moderate headwind significantly slows the drone down. This is likely due to the unique enclosed propeller design, which increases drag and reduces aerodynamic efficiency. However, in calm conditions, the Flip can reach a top speed of 27 mph in Sport Mode, while Cine and Normal modes provide slower, more controlled flight speeds.
The Flip’s flight time is notable for a drone of its size, with each battery providing up to 31 minutes of flying time. When bundled in the Fly More Combo, you get three batteries, which extends the overall flying time for more extensive sessions. Battery life is an important consideration for longer shoots, and the Flip’s ability to stay airborne for up to half an hour at a time is competitive in its category. The charging hub that comes with the combo set also allows you to recharge multiple batteries consecutively, ensuring that you’re always ready for the next flight.
When piloted with a controller, the Flip offers a stable flight experience similar to other DJI drones, though it is not as agile as the Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro. The controls remain intuitive, and takeoff and landing are made easier by the ability to launch from the palm of your hand, eliminating the need for a landing mat.
The 3D Infrared Sensing System plays a role in flight performance by enabling limited obstacle detection. This system provides forward-facing sensors that assist in navigation, particularly when using Return to Home, where the planned flight path is displayed on the controller screen. DJI also claims that this system enhances flight safety at night.
Despite being a lightweight and compact drone, the Flip maintains stable flight in most conditions, except for wind-related challenges. While it lacks the same level of agility and precision as higher-end models, it remains a capable drone for general flying and capturing steady footage in favorable weather.
Controller and Pricing
The DJI Flip is compatible with two controller options: the DJI RC-N3 and the DJI RC 2. The standard kit includes the DJI RC-N3, a simple yet effective controller that requires a smartphone connection to function. For those looking for a more convenient experience, the DJI RC 2 features a built-in 5.5-inch display, eliminating the need to attach a phone. Both controllers provide intuitive handling, but the RC 2 offers a more seamless and immersive experience thanks to its bright, clear screen.
In terms of pricing, the DJI Flip comes in three different packages. The base kit, which includes the drone, one battery, the DJI RC-N3 controller, and essential accessories, is priced at $439 / £369 / AU$699. For those who prefer the DJI RC 2 smart controller, the package costs $639 / £549. Additionally, DJI offers a Fly More Bundle that includes the RC 2 controller, two extra batteries, a four-battery charging hub, a shoulder bag, and extra propellers. This more comprehensive package is priced at $779 / £659, making it a valuable option for users looking for extended flight sessions and greater convenience.
Alternatives
The DJI Flip sits between the DJI Neo and DJI Mini 4 Pro, offering better versatility than the Neo but falling short of the Mini 4 Pro’s superior camera and flight performance. Other competitors include the Autel EVO Nano+, which provides strong imaging capabilities in a compact form, and the Ryze Tello, a budget-friendly option for beginners. While the Flip excels in safety and vlogging features, those needing better wind resistance and higher-quality footage may prefer the Mini 4 Pro or Autel EVO Nano+.
– 4K video at 60fps.
– Voice command.
– 31 minutes of battery life.
– AI tracking & intelligent flight modes.
– vlogging features.
Final Verdict
The DJI Flip is a unique entry in DJI’s lineup, blending a beginner-friendly experience with innovative design elements tailored for vlogging and casual aerial photography. Its enclosed propellers enhance safety, and the intelligent flight modes make it easy to use, but its wind resistance and camera performance fall short of more advanced models like the Mini 4 Pro. While not the best choice for professional videography, the Flip is a solid option for those seeking a fun, compact, and safe drone for social media content and everyday flying.
