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DJI Neo

The DJI Neo weighs just 135 g and carries a C0 class mark — no A1/A3 exam is mandatory, but the camera still means operator registration. Specs and an honest verdict.

Certificate and registration

Certificate: No A1/A3 exam required
A C0 drone (under 250 g) may fly in A1 — you may overfly uninvolved people, but never assemblies of people. No A1/A3 exam is required — but you must still register as an operator if it has a camera and isn't a genuine toy.
Registration
Operator registration at e.caa.gov.lv is required — this drone carries a camera and is not a toy.

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Key specs

ManufacturerDJI
Takeoff weight135 g
EU class markC0
CameraYes
Sensor1/2-inch image sensor
Release year2024

Specs verified against: www.dji.com, www.dji.com

The Neo is DJI's cheapest and lightest camera drone, and it is best understood as a flying vlog camera rather than a small aerial platform. At roughly 135 g it launches and lands on your palm, tracks you with its automated shot modes, and can be flown entirely without a controller from the phone app.

Regulation is the easy part. As a C0-class drone the Neo needs no A1/A3 exam and flies in subcategory A1 — over individual bystanders if it happens, never over crowds. The one obligation people miss: it carries a camera and is not a toy, so operator registration at e.caa.gov.lv is still mandatory in Latvia, and the operator number goes on the airframe. Five euros a year and ten minutes of paperwork — but skipping it is the single most common beginner violation.

Who is it for? Runners, cyclists and creators who want hands-free selfie footage; families who want a first drone the cautious way; anyone testing whether the hobby sticks before spending Mini money. The propeller guards and palm takeoff make it unusually forgiving around people.

The honest caveats: the 1/2-inch sensor is fine in daylight and visibly ordinary at dusk, wind tolerance is modest at this weight, and range without a controller is short. It will not replace a Mini 5 Pro for landscapes — it is not trying to. As a low-risk way into the hobby, and a reason to finally learn the A1 rules properly, it is hard to beat.

Frequently asked questions

+Does the DJI Neo need an A1/A3 licence?

No. The Neo is a C0-class drone (135 g), so the A1/A3 exam is not mandatory — it flies in subcategory A1. Because it has a camera and is not a toy, UAS operator registration at e.caa.gov.lv (5 EUR per year) is still required.

+How much does the DJI Neo weigh?

Takeoff weight is approximately 135 g per DJI's official specs — one of the lightest camera drones on the market.

+Do I have to mark the DJI Neo with an operator number?

Yes. The UAS operator number you receive after registration must be displayed on the drone — the same as for any registrable drone in Latvia.

+Can I fly the Neo in a city?

Subcategory A1 allows flying in populated areas if you follow the basics: within visual line of sight, up to 120 m altitude, and never over assemblies of people.

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