Flip is Here!

[Chrislaf]

Will you be getting one?

It's listed on DJIs site now. Prices seem reasonable for what you get - USD$419 for Flip/RC-N3, $579 Flip/RC2, $699 FMC. It seems to be positioned between the NEO and the Mini 4 since it has features from both drones.

One thing I noted is that goggles are not noted in the control methods so I am wondering if it will not be compatible with FPV. This seems strange since I believe the Mini 4 can be controlled via goggles.

Chris

 

[ryguy80]

From what I have read/seen, the Flip doesn’t work in FPV.

 

[FLIP 317]

A FLIP only would be nice since I have a controller that works for the NEO.

$64 USD for an additional battery seems reasonable.

The NEO @ $39 with 15 minutes of flight versus 30 minutes of flight from the FLIP.

.

 

[ryguy80]

Got the Fly More Combo. I didn’t need another controller but wanted the extra batteries and carry bag. The combo unit looked like a reasonable price for what’s included.

 

[Chrislaf]

From what I have read/seen, the Flip doesn’t work in FPV.

Yes, there is no indication of goggles in the listed control methods on DJI's site. I imagine it is because the folding props might not be sturdy enough to support the type of flying FPV demands..

Chris

 

[Chrislaf]

Got the Fly More Combo. I didn’t need another controller but wanted the extra batteries and carry bag. The combo unit looked like a reasonable price for what’s included.

Congratulations! Let us know what you think when you get it.

From the looks of it, it improves upon many of the limits of the NEO and has many of the features that the Mini 4 has. I don't intend on getting a Flip but if I was in the market for a new sub 250g camera drone I would get the Flip over the Mini 4. Aside from the full omnidirectional obstacle avoidance and vertical shooting there is not much else that the Mini 4 does over the new Flip and the Flip has some great features from the NEO which is going to make it a versatile drone.

Chris

 

[Chrislaf]

A FLIP only would be nice since I have a controller that works for the NEO.

Yah, that would be nice. That's how I bought my Mini 3 Pro. They offered the NEO that way as well and the Flip has similar controller options to the NEO so I don't see why they don't offer it as a drone only purchase.

Chris

 

[ryguy80]

I do think not offering the Flip as a standalone option was a miss by DJI. I think they are targeting the first time drone buyers.

 

[ryguy80]

For FPV, I think DJI is trying to differentiate its products itself but not having every drone have the same features. They seem to market the Flip as a vlog drone, and vloggers wouldn’t be doing FPV.

I guess my question to those that want FPV, why not something like the Avata?

 

[mavic3usa]

Not going to buy this right away but maybe later; just not exactly feeling it right now.

 

[Chrislaf]

I do think not offering the Flip as a standalone option was a miss by DJI. I think they are targeting the first time drone buyers.

Me too! So many people already have the required controllers to fly the drone so why not give people options. They could even offer a combo pack with the 2 extra batteries and the charging hub but no controller like they did with the NEO in the US when it was released.

Chris

 

[Chrislaf]

For FPV, I think DJI is trying to differentiate its products itself but not having every drone have the same features. They seem to market the Flip as a vlog drone, and vloggers wouldn’t be doing FPV.

I guess my question to those that want FPV, why not something like the Avata?

Also, the Flip design may not be able to handle the stress of typical FPV flying.

Chris

 

[MARK (LI)]

Although not FPV right now, could it be upgraded with a firmware update?

 

[Droning on and on...]

A FLIP only would be nice since I have a controller that works for the NEO.

$64 USD for an additional battery seems reasonable.

The NEO @ $39 with 15 minutes of flight versus 30 minutes of flight from the FLIP.

.

We need a combo like the US Neo FMC... drone, batteries, hub. No controller.

 

[ryguy80]

Also, the Flip design may not be able to handle the stress of typical FPV flying.

Chris

That’s a good point. I wonder if the legs could accidentally fold in while in flight?

 

[FLIP 317]

We need a combo like the US Neo FMC... drone, batteries, hub. No controller.

Agreed.

 

[Droning on and on...]

Although not FPV right now, could it be upgraded with a firmware update?

Easily.

What we don't see as the customer is the additional support load incurred with each item they add to the list. I'm guessing that, on balance, the support headaches this would add are not offset by additional sales, so won't happen.

If someone wants FPV there's the Avata 2, or on the cheap the Neo.

 

[Chrislaf]

That’s a good point. I wonder if the legs could accidentally fold in while in flight?

Maybe that’s why no FPV support for it. Time will tell.

Chris

 

[Droning on and on...]

That’s a good point. I wonder if the legs could accidentally fold in while in flight?

Upside down? Absolutely. Flip it (oh, the irony!) and drop the throttle to idle, and I'll bet those hinges fold.

 

[mavic3usa]

To be honest, this is too beginnerish for us; maybe the Flip2 with fpv capabilities is the one to wait for. I see too many things in Flip1 that look "old" and somewhat dated as if a better version is already in the works. Don't get me wrong, the drone is nice but it just looks a bit too plain. Size and 2GB and no PFV and sensors for example. We'll have our answer if a Mini 5 launches in a few months.