DJI launches Neo 2 drone: Specs, pricing, and U.S. availability

Following an earlier launch in China, DJI launched a new follow-me style mini drone, the Neo 2, in other markets around the world. The new drone is a follow-up to the popular Neo drone, and it offers 4K video recording at up to 100 frames per second, 19 minutes of flight time, and 49GB internal storage.

In a press release, DJI wrote, "Easy to fly for beginners, Neo 2 is ideal for family outings, outdoor sports, travel and FPV experience, always capturing best moments as a personal follow-me camera drone."

We're breaking down everything we know about the new DJI drone, including whether it will be available for American flyers.

DJI Neo 2: When will it be available?

If you live pretty much anywhere but the United States, the DJI Neo 2 is available now. It's available for sale on Amazon Canada for $309.

However, if U.S. shoppers go to Amazon or DJI's online store, the Neo 2 is nowhere to be found, and there's a reason for that. While it's not yet official, DJI faces an impending ban on its drone products here in the United States, and the company has said it's having trouble importing its other products. So, while you can find some DJI products for sale from third-party sellers at sites like Amazon, the company's products are getting increasingly hard to find for U.S. shoppers.

At its official website, virtually the entire DJI product line is listed as out of stock for U.S. visitors. A page for the Neo 2 on the DJI website returns a 404 error, as of this writing.

Unfortunately, this drone may never be available in the United States, unless there's a sudden reversal in U.S. policy toward the Chinese company. As Mashable has reported before, all drones manufactured in China must undergo a national security risk assessment by Dec. 23. In its last official update in July, DJI said there was no indication this assessment had begun.

For hobbyists and professionals alike, DJI is pretty much the only name in drones. While the company is best known for drones like the Neo, Mini, and Mavic 3, the New York Times reported that many U.S. farmers actually depend on DJI's commercial drones for pest management and other purposes. Yet a ban is looking increasingly likely.

Many DJI products are still available through unofficial channels and in most international markets. So if you're interested in the new flying machine, check out its specs:

• Level 5 wind resistance

• Up to 19 minutes of flight time

• 49GB internal storage (save up to 105 minutes of 4K/60fps video)

• Record 4K video at 100fps

• 12MP, 1/2-inch CMOS sensor

• f/2.2 aperture

• 151 grams

This follow-me style drone can take off from your palm, and it has a lightweight, portable design, although it is about 20 grams heavier than the original Neo. It offers a number of “intelligent shooting modes,” including dolly zoom and slow motion. The SelfieShot mode lets you capture still photographs or 4K video.

Overall, it’s designed with beginners in mind, making it a smart pick-up as an entry-level drone — if you can get your hands on it.