DJI has announced the launch of its latest consumer drone, the Flip, just four months after introducing the palm-sized Neo. The new drone continues the company's interest in foldable form factors, with a quartet of propeller guards that stack up for maximum portability.

The Flip drone is positioned to blur the lines between DJI's existing consumer portfolio, combining the simplicity of the DJI Neo with the stunning photo capabilities of the DJI Mini. With a price tag of $439, the Flip is closer to the Mini 3 ($419) than the Neo ($199), indicating that DJI is targeting photographers and videographers looking to streamline their outdoor shooting.

In terms of features, the Flip drone is capable of shooting in 4K at 60 frames per second, as well as 100fps slow motion video. For still photography, the camera can capture 48-megapixel shots with up to 4x zoom. These features make the Flip an attractive option for content creators who want high-quality output without the bulk of larger drones.

At 249 grams, the Flip weighs the same as the Mavic Mini, but is notably heftier than the Neo's 135 grams. However, the increased weight comes with a significant advantage - a longer battery life. The Flip has a listed 31 minutes on a single charge, compared to the Neo's 18 minutes. This extended battery life will be a welcome feature for users who need to capture extended footage.

In addition to its impressive specs, the Flip drone also features automatic braking to avoid high-altitude collisions, as well as improvements to charging and data speeds. DJI has also introduced a new Local Data Mode, which allows the system to disconnect from the internet while in flight, similar to a smartphone's airplane mode.

The Flip drone starts shipping on Tuesday in the U.S., but the company's ability to continue selling in the States over the next four years remains uncertain. Despite this uncertainty, the Flip is an exciting addition to DJI's consumer portfolio, offering a unique combination of portability, features, and price.

With the Flip, DJI is likely to continue its dominance in the consumer drone market. The company's ability to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible with drone technology has made it a leader in the industry. As the drone market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how DJI adapts and responds to changing consumer needs and preferences.

Overall, the DJI Flip drone is an impressive addition to the company's lineup, offering a unique blend of portability, features, and price. With its launch, DJI is likely to continue its dominance in the consumer drone market, and it will be exciting to see how the company continues to innovate and push the boundaries of drone technology in the years to come.