DJI Neo or Mini 4K for boat fishing and farm work?

Hey folks,

I’m looking to get a straightforward drone mainly for filming some boat fishing trips and also to use for farm advertisement videos.

I’ve been going back and forth between the DJI Neo and the Mini 4K. Wind isn’t really an issue for me since I won’t be flying in anything above 15KPH.

The Neo really appeals to me because it’s small and easy to use, which is perfect when I’m on my inflatable boat or even kayak. I know the battery life isn’t great, and the 4K video is upscaled—not quite as crisp—but for quick launches it feels ideal.

The Mini 4K, on the other hand, has better video quality and longer battery life, which is a big plus when flying over farms. But the setup takes longer, and without ActiveTrack, it’s not as hands-free when I’m fishing.

Anyone else been in the same boat (literally)? Which one would you pick for this combo use?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

DJI Neo Pros:

  • Super compact, easy to launch from a kayak or boat
  • Has ActiveTrack (though not perfect over water)

Neo Cons:

  • Battery life isn’t great for covering big farmland
  • The 4K is upscaled so the footage might not look as sharp

Mini 4K Pros:

  • Better build and native 4K video (great for your farm content)
  • Battery lasts longer

Mini 4K Cons:

  • Slower to set up, which could mean missing cool fishing shots
  • No ActiveTrack, so you’d have to fly it manually

If quick, easy filming on the water is your main goal, the Neo might be the better fit despite the trade-offs. For more polished footage on land, the Mini 4K wins.

Personally, I’d go with the Mini 4K—but based on your fishing needs, the Neo sounds like the one.

If ActiveTrack is a must-have, then go with the Neo.

Neo plus a floaty mod instead of the prop guards could be perfect for your boat setup. Keeps it under 250g too.

The Mini 4K is honestly an insane deal at $250. Great for beginners and super solid for the price.