When it comes to finding the best pocket-sized drone for travelers, the Holy Stone HS720E stands out as a top contender. With its impressive 4K camera, extended flight time, and user-friendly features, this drone promises to elevate your aerial photography and videography to new heights. In this detailed review, we'll explore the key aspects of the Holy Stone HS720E, including its portability, battery life, camera quality, ease of use, and durability.
Portability
One of the most crucial factors for travelers is the portability of their gear. The Holy Stone HS720E excels in this area with its compact and lightweight design. Weighing just 1.09 pounds and measuring 13.3 inches in length, 9.5 inches in width, and 2.3 inches in height, this drone is easy to carry around. The included carrying bag adds an extra layer of convenience, making it a breeze to transport and store the drone when not in use.
The foldable design of the HS720E further enhances its portability. You can easily fold the drone's arms, reducing its size and allowing it to fit comfortably in your backpack or travel bag. Whether you're hiking through rugged terrain or exploring bustling cityscapes, the Holy Stone HS720E is a reliable companion that won't weigh you down.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical consideration for any drone enthusiast, and the Holy Stone HS720E doesn't disappoint. The drone comes with two intelligent batteries, each offering a flight time of approximately 23 minutes. This gives you a total flight time of 46 minutes, allowing you to capture more footage and explore your surroundings without constantly worrying about recharging.
The batteries are easy to swap out, ensuring minimal downtime between flights. Additionally, the drone's brushless motors contribute to its efficient power consumption, extending the overall battery life and providing a more enjoyable flying experience.
Camera Quality
The Holy Stone HS720E is equipped with a 4K camera featuring Electric Image Stabilization (EIS) technology and a Sony sensor. This combination ensures that your videos are crystal-clear and free from blurring, even in challenging conditions. The camera's 130° field of view (FOV) allows you to capture wide-angle shots, making it perfect for scenic landscapes and group photos.
The drone's camera supports both JPEG and RAW formats, giving you the flexibility to edit your photos with professional-grade software. The 5GHz FPV transmission ensures a stable and lag-free live feed, allowing you to see exactly what the drone sees in real-time.
Ease of Use
The Holy Stone HS720E is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced pilots alike. The drone features several intelligent flight modes, including Follow Me, Tap Fly, and Point of Interest. These modes allow the drone to autonomously follow you, fly along a predetermined path, or circle around a specific point, giving you the freedom to focus on capturing stunning shots and videos.
The GPS location and Auto Return to Home functionality provide added peace of mind. If the drone loses signal or its battery runs low, it will automatically return to its takeoff point, ensuring that you never lose your valuable investment.
Durability
Durability is another area where the Holy Stone HS720E shines. The drone is built with high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The brushless motors not only provide powerful and stable flights but also have a longer lifespan and require minimal maintenance compared to traditional brushed motors.
The drone's air optical flow and air pressure altitude control system contribute to its stable flight performance, even in windy conditions. This stability is crucial for capturing smooth and professional-looking footage.
Special Features
The Holy Stone HS720E comes with several special features that set it apart from other drones in its class. These include:
- FAA Compliance: The HS720E meets the FAA requirements, and you can obtain the Holy Stone Remote ID Module to ensure compliance. This is particularly important for travelers who plan to fly their drone in different regions.
- Whisper-Quiet Power: The brushless motors provide virtually noiseless flights, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of flying without the distractions of motor noise.
- Integrated Camera: The 4K camera with EIS technology and a Sony sensor ensures high-quality footage, making it ideal for both amateur and professional photographers.
- User-Friendly Controls: The intuitive controls and intelligent flight modes make it easy to operate the drone, even for beginners.
Benefits and Issues
Benefits
- High-Quality Camera: The 4K camera with EIS technology and a Sony sensor delivers stunning image and video quality.
- Extended Flight Time: With two batteries providing a total of 46 minutes of flight time, you can capture more footage without frequent recharges.
- Portability: The compact and foldable design, along with the included carrying bag, makes it easy to transport the drone.
- User-Friendly Features: Intelligent flight modes and GPS functionality enhance the overall flying experience.
- Durability: High-quality materials and brushless motors ensure long-lasting performance.
Issues
- Price: At $299.99, the Holy Stone HS720E is on the higher end of the price spectrum for consumer drones. However, the features and performance justify the cost.
- Learning Curve: While the drone is user-friendly, beginners may still need some time to get accustomed to the controls and features.
Conclusion
The Holy Stone HS720E is a top-tier pocket-sized drone that offers exceptional value for travelers. Its combination of portability, extended battery life, high-quality camera, ease of use, and durability makes it a standout choice for capturing breathtaking aerial footage. Whether you're a seasoned drone pilot or a beginner looking to explore the world of aerial photography, the Holy Stone HS720E is a reliable and feature-packed option that won't disappoint.
If you're in the market for a versatile and high-performing drone, the Holy Stone HS720E is definitely worth considering. Its impressive specs and user-friendly features make it a worthy investment for any traveler looking to elevate their photography and videography game.