DJI’s New Flip Drone is a Foldable Quadcopter That’s More Than Just a Toy

Hit the Skies with the DJI Flip

What’s perhaps most noteworthy about this new DJI Flip, at least when compared to other affordable DJI drones like the Neo, is its foldable design. Each arm, motor, propeller, and propeller guard is one piece, and each twists and folds underneath the Flip for a huge amount of portability.

When unfolded, the DJI Flip can take off from the palm of a hand without requiring a remote, although DJI does include an RC-N3 controller with models. Once in the air the DJI Flip is actually quite capable too, which is where its content creation possibilities really come into play.

The DJI Flip for Content Creation

And that’s the angle DJI seems to be taking. The Flip features a surprisingly sophisticated camera system: a 1/1.3" CMOS sensor that can capture 4K horizontal video with HDR and 2.7K vertical video, as well as high-resolution 48MP stills.

Alongside this versatility, the DJI Flip also offers flexibility based on the kind of content you're trying to create. For example, if you’re looking to capture high-speed action, such as animals or sports, the Flip can capture fast-paced action with 100 fps slow-motion video in Full HD 1080p.

Alternatively, if you’re just looking to record clips ready-made for social media, users can switch to a 4:3 vertical mode capable of 2.7K quality content. If you want to maximize the quality, you can also utilize the 10-bit D-Log M color mode to retain highlights and shadow details.

Intelligent Flight Features

As is the case with most drones these days (at least DJI ones), the Flip comes with some sophisticated pre-programmed intelligent flight features. These controls can give creators greater command of their recordings while not taking too much time or energy to set up.

Here are some of the intelligent flight features that the DJI Flip is capable of performing:

• FocusTrack: This mode consists of Spotlight 2.0, Point of Interest 3.0, and ActiveTrack 4.0. Each mode tracks a subject while filming. Spotlight always faces the subject while letting you manually fly around it. Point of Interest flies around a set radius and flight speed. ActiveTrack follows a moving person at a specific distance and altitude.

• MasterShots: Select your subject, and Flip will fly a preset flight route, automatically taking several aerial shots. These shots can then be edited into a final cinematic composition with effects and music.

• QuickShots: Press the mode button on the Flip to select which mode you want, and Flip will do the rest, automatically flying the maneuver and recording a short video. You can select from six maneuvers: Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, Helix, and Boomerang.

• Hyperlapse: Set a time interval, and Hyperlapse mode will take a certain number of photos at each one, then stitch them together into a video. You can select from four types of Hyperlapse: Free, Circle, Course Lock, and Waypoint. Each horizontal video can be saved at 4K resolution, and vertical videos at 2.7K.

• Panorama: Capture sweeping natural and urban landscapes with 180°, wide angle, vertical, and sphere modes.

• Cruise Control: Just like your car, when you have Flip at a desired speed, activate cruise control to automatically fly and film at that speed for shake-free results compared to manual piloting.

Price and Availability

The DJI Flip is available now. The full specs and a link to review the different purchase options are here:

• Built-In Full-Coverage Propeller Guards

• Portable Design with Folding Propellers

• Up to 4K60 Horizontal Video

• Up to 2.7K Vertical Video

• 48MP Still Images

• AI Subject Tracking & Auto Flight Modes

• Up to 31 Minutes of Flight Time

• O4 Transmission with up to 8-mile Range

• 10-Bit D-Log M Color Mode

• RC-N3 Remote Controller Included

Price: starting at $439