Chinese drone-maker DJI on Tuesday launched the DJI Flip, a foldable drone equipped with a 1/1.3-inch image sensor capable of shooting 4K/60fps HDR videos. Weighing under 249 grams, the foldable model features a protective cover, 31-minute flight time, AI smart tracking, and hand-launch capability without a remote.
Why it matters: The DJI Flip combines portability, advanced imaging, and AI technology, making it an accessible tool for vloggers and hobbyists seeking aerial footage with minimal effort.
Details: DJI Flip’s protective cover uses a carbon fiber support structure that is only 1/60th the weight of traditional engineering plastic (PC) while maintaining the same stiffness, according to DJI.
- The DJI Flip is DJI’s first aerial drone featuring a foldable, fully enclosed propeller guard. With a weight under 249 grams, similar to an apple, it can be flown in most countries without the need for training or exams.
- Equipped with AI-powered smart tracking, the DJI Flip can keep subjects centered automatically. The company claimed that the DJI Flip’s 3D infrared sensing system allows it to automatically stop in nighttime environments when it encounters obstacles.
- The drone offers controls including easy takeoff without a remote, single-handed operation via the DJI Fly app, and voice control activated by the wake word “Hey Fly.” When connected to a phone, it records audio with intelligent noise reduction for vlog recording.
- The new drone features a 1/1.3-inch image sensor with 2.4μm Quad Bayer pixels, offering up to 4x zoom, dual native ISO fusion, and 48MP photo capture. It supports 4K/60fps HDR video recording, 100fps slow motion in 4K, 2.7K vertical shooting, and 10-bit D-Log M color mode.
Context: The US Commerce Department is considering new rules to restrict or ban Chinese drones in the US, citing national security concerns, according to Reuters. Public comments on the measures are being accepted until March 4, with a decision by the incoming administration expected soon after.
- In December 2024, President Joe Biden signed legislation that may ban China-based DJI and Autel Robotics from introducing new drone models in the US. A designated US agency has been tasked with evaluating whether drones from these companies present significant national security threats, with a report expected within a year.
- DJI, the global leader in drones, currently accounts for over half of all commercial drone sales in the US.
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