DJI Flip: Full Review and Hands-On Experience

DJI Flip is a compact, foldable drone with a 48MP camera, 4K60 video, obstacle sensors, and up to 31 minutes of flight time.

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DJI Flip ($439) is a small drone that records 4K60 video without the need for a smartphone app or remote control. It has effortless palm launches and landings, 10-bit color and smooth stability. It is less appropriate for expert pilots because, in contrast to the Mini 3, it lacks Remote ID but features forward obstruction sensors. However, for recreational flyers, it’s a top choice and our Editors’ Choice for entry-level cinema drones.

DJI Flip Specification

📌 Feature	📋 Details
📏 Size	3.1 × 11.0 × 9.2 inches
⚖️ Weight	8.8 oz (249g) – No FAA registration required
🚁 Rotors	4
🚧 Obstacle Detection	Forward & downward sensors for safer flights
📷 Camera	48MP with a stabilized gimbal
🎥 Video Resolution	4K at up to 60fps
💾 Storage	1.9GB internal + microSDXC support
🎮 Controls	Smartphone app or LCD-equipped remote
📡 Live View	1080p real-time transmission
🔋 Flight Time	Up to 31 minutes per charge

DJI Flip: A Compact Drone with a Unique Design

DJI Flip stands out from traditional folding drones with its circular airframe, offering built-in propeller guards for added protection. When folded, it has a compact, squarish shape, making it easy to carry, though it doesn’t fit camera kit bags as neatly as the Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro.

Weighing under 250g, the Flip avoids FAA registration requirements for recreational pilots in the U.S. It includes forward and downward obstacle sensors to prevent collisions but lacks automatic navigation around obstacles. However, it performs well in windy conditions, matching the wind resistance of DJI’s Mini, Air, and Mavic drones.

A microSD card is necessary for longer recording because the device’s 1.9GB of storage can only keep a few minutes of footage. The RC 2 remote with an integrated screen is included in the $639 package, while the standard model costs $439 with the RC-N3 remote. The Fly More Combo ($779) adds a charger and additional batteries for additional attachments.

Compared to other entry-level drones, the Flip offers strong flight performance, solid stabilization, and an easy-to-use design, making it a great option for recreational pilots and content creators. However, professionals may need to look elsewhere due to its lack of Remote ID.

DJI Flip: Flight Experience: Easy and Beginner-Friendly

With three control options—a smartphone app, a dedicated remote or on-drone buttons— DJI Flip provides a seamless flying experience. While it can be flown without the app or remote, the DJI Fly app is needed for setup and activation.

On-drone controls allow for simple flight paths like Follow, Dronie, and Rocket, which are great for quick shots like selfies or reveals. You can cycle through these modes with a button, and when you’re done, the drone lands right in your palm.

For more control, the DJI Fly app provides features like manual flight, camera adjustments, and sound recording. However, using the app limits the drone’s speed and range. For a smoother experience, it’s better to use the included remote, which also unlocks additional features like Hyperlapse and MasterShot video.

The drone has three speed modes: Cine for slow shots, Normal for regular use, and Sport for high-speed flight. Keep in mind that obstacle sensors are disabled in Sport mode.

While the obstacle avoidance works well, it’s not as advanced as some higher-end models. The Flip will stop when it detects an obstacle but won’t automatically navigate around it.

DJI Flip offers a solid flight experience whether you are a beginner or a more experienced pilot.

DJI Flip: Video Quality: Smooth Footage with Audio Support

DJI Flip’s camera is one of its key features; it takes better pictures than entry-level Neo. Unlike the Neo, it avoids over-sharpening and uses cinematic frame rates.

It can record in 1080p and 4K at multiple frame rates (24-60 fps) with 10-bit color and features a 4K100 slow-motion mode. It lacks the adaptability of the Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro, which can switch between horizontal and vertical shooting, but it does provide 1080p and 2.7K vertical recording options.

With a 24mm wide-angle lens and a bright F1.7 aperture, the Flip performs well in low light. It also supports digital zoom up to 3x, though the image softens at maximum zoom. For smoother cinematic shots in bright conditions, neutral density filters are available.

A three-axis gimbal stabilizes footage, ensuring smooth motion and a natural-looking video without excessive processing. The gimbal has modes for static or dynamic first-person shots, and it tilts from -90° (downward) to +35° (upward).

The Flip can take 12MP or 48MP pictures in 12-bit RAW or JPG format. While the 48MP option offers greater cropping freedom, the 12MP setting is excellent for social media. RAW provides complete control over color and exposure while editing, whereas JPGs have a set color profile.

DJI Flip: Pros & Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
🎥 Smooth, stable video (3-axis gimbal)	💾 Limited storage (1.9GB)
📷 4K60 HDR video, 48MP photos	🚫 No Remote ID (not for commercial use)
🎨 10-bit color for better editing	🚫
📦 Compact, foldable design	🚫
🚀 Obstacle sensors for safer flying	🚫
⚖️ Lightweight (249g) – No FAA registration	🚫
🔋 Long battery life (31 min)	🚫

Conclusion

With its distinctive folding style and remarkable performance, DJI Flip stands out. Its 4K60/48MP camera is among the best in its class, and it offers flexible controls—on-drone buttons, a smartphone app, or a remote—making it ideal for both quick social media shots and manual flying. While it lacks Remote ID for commercial use, it’s a top choice for recreational pilots. With a high-quality camera, built-in propeller guards for easy hand launches, and basic obstacle detection, the Flip packs everything you’d want in a beginner-friendly 249g drone.