Introduction
The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) drone has recently entered the market, competing with various other products in its price range, including the DJI Mini 2 SE. Priced at around $400, the Atom offers 2.7k recording, while the DJI Mini 2 SE provides 4K 30 FPS recording. DJI has strategically priced their products to make consumers question their buying decisions. In this article, we will explore whether the Potensic Atom has what it takes to compete with DJI drones.
DJI has long been a dominant force in the drone industry, but with the emergence of new competitors, such as the Potensic Atom (3-Axis) drone, the question arises: can DJI even compete? In this article, we will delve into the features and capabilities of the Potensic Atom drone and explore how it stacks up against DJI’s offerings.
Improved Design
The Potensic Atom drone, a potential competitor to the popular DJI Mini 2, comes with a flymore package that offers several improvements in design and functionality. The drone itself has an updated gimbal design and high-quality plastic gimbal cover, enhancing its overall durability and stability. Moreover, the package includes a battery charger that allows for simultaneous charging of all three batteries, a convenience that surpasses that of DJI. Additionally, three different batteries are included, ensuring extended flight time for users.
Complete Package
When purchasing the Potensic Atom drone, customers can expect to receive not only the drone and charger but also the controller and a variety of cables. In addition, the package comes with extra propellers, providing a backup option in case of any crashes or damages. Paired with a screwdriver and a set of new screws, users have the ability to easily replace any damaged parts as needed. This comprehensive package ensures that users have everything required to fully enjoy their drone experience.
Familiar Appearance
Upon initial inspection, the Potensic Atom drone closely resembles the DJI Mini 2 and its previous versions. The airframe is almost identical, giving users a sense of familiarity and ease of use. However, notable changes have been made to the internal structure and circuit boards. With the addition of a stabilized gimbal, the Potensic Atom drone addresses one of the biggest complaints about its predecessor. The previous version lacked a gimbal, relying solely on electronic image stabilization. This resulted in jerky and unsatisfactory footage for certain shots. The inclusion of a stabilized gimbal in the Potensic Atom drone significantly improves image quality and overall flying experience.
The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) Drone: A Competitor to DJI
Comparison with DJI Mini 3
While the Potensic Atom is a formidable drone, it falls short in comparison to the DJI Mini 3. Although the author does not have a Mini 3 for a direct comparison, they do have a Mini 3 Pro. The camera quality on the Atom is similar to that of the Mini 3 Pro, lacking the obstacle avoidance features. However, one advantage of DJI drones is their log recording functionality, which allows for color grading and stunning images. The Atom does not offer this feature, making it less suitable for commercial use, especially if you want to explore the highest paying skills in the drone industry.
Considerations for Commercial Use
If you are planning to use a drone for commercial purposes and want to learn advanced skills such as color correction, it might be worth considering a DJI drone instead of the Potensic Atom. DJI drones are compatible with various photography and videography software, including photog gamry, which is highly regarded in the industry. By choosing a DJI drone, you can expand your skillset and take advantage of higher-paying opportunities.
The Importance of Commercial Use
For many drone enthusiasts, the ability to use their drones commercially is a significant consideration. With the Potensic Atom drone, obtaining a Part 107 certification is crucial for those who want to take advantage of its full potential. This allows pilots to fly their drone for commercial purposes and opens up opportunities in various industries.
The Gyro Data Dilemma
One area where the Potensic Atom drone falls short is the absence of gyro data. This omission raises questions as to why the manufacturer did not include this feature, as it is not technically challenging. However, for those who prioritize gyro data in their aerial photography or videography, this could be something to consider.
Low Light Image Quality
One of the major concerns with the original Potensic Atom drone, the Atom SE, was its poor low light image quality. However, with the new camera assembly in the latest version, there have been noticeable improvements. While the overall image quality has improved, there is still some distortion around the edges when capturing photos. This could be attributed to a focusing issue or the gimbal setup.
Blurring and Detail
When using the Potensic Atom drone, blurring around the edges of the image can be a challenge. This means that only the central portion of the frame maintains high detail, while the rest of the image may appear blurred. This limitation should be taken into account, especially for those seeking high-detail imagery throughout the entire frame.
ISO and Noise Cancellation
To address the blurriness issue, Potensic has developed a firmware update aimed at tackling ISO-related problems. This update aims to reduce the blurriness caused by high ISO settings. In dark situations, the noise cancellation and reduction software may play a role in the quality of the image. It is worth exploring these settings to optimize the drone’s performance in various lighting conditions.
The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) Drone: A Competitor for DJI?
Improved Picture Quality
With the latest update, the Potensic Atom (3-Axis) drone offers better white balance, resulting in improved picture quality. While the issue with blurry photos still persists, this update is a significant step forward in making the photos more usable. One piece of advice would be to manually adjust the ISO settings to a known value, as the drone tends to allow a higher ISO than necessary, resulting in dark photos. However, be cautious when using the auto white balance feature, as there are still occasional issues that need improvement.
Flying Under Trees
One important aspect to consider when flying the Potensic Atom drone is its behavior under tree cover. When flying under trees, it is common for the drone to lose satellite lock momentarily. Once it regains satellite lock, it will accelerate, but if the lock is lost again due to a satellite signal bouncing off objects, the drone may become disoriented and lose track of its location temporarily.
The Performance of the Potensic Atom (3-Axis) Drone
The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) drone offers a decent performance, especially considering its affordable price point. However, there are a few areas that could use improvement.
Optical Flow and Satellite Lock
One notable feature of the Potensic Atom drone is its use of optical flow technology. This allows the drone to maintain a stable position even when flying at slower speeds. This is a positive aspect as it ensures smoother and more controlled flights.
However, there are instances where the drone starts moving rapidly when flying forward and temporarily loses satellite lock. It would be beneficial to have some software enhancements to address this issue and keep the drone in the same position.
Conversely, when flying underneath trees, the drone utilizes optical flow for stability. But when it regains satellite lock, it abruptly speeds up instead of gradually increasing its speed. This sudden change can be a bit jarring and might affect the overall flight experience.
Value Proposition
Considering the price point of the Potensic Atom drone, its value proposition is quite intriguing. The full kit is priced around $400, which is significantly lower than the DJI Mini 2 SC, priced at around $450-$460 for a similar kit.
One advantage the Potensic Atom drone holds over the DJI Mini 2 SC is its ability to record at a higher resolution of 4K 30fps, whereas the Mini records at 2.7K 30fps. This higher resolution translates to better video quality.
To find a comparable drone with similar specifications and accessories, the closest option would be the Mini 3. However, to achieve the same level of functionality and battery life, the cost would increase significantly.
The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) Drone Review
Competing with DJI
With a price tag of $650, the Potensic Atom (3-Axis) drone poses a $250 gap between itself and the DJI Mini 3. However, if you are specifically looking for features such as photogrammetry software for model creation or log recording, the Potensic Atom is worth considering.
Picture Quality
The picture quality of the Potensic Atom is decent considering its price range. In comparison to the DJI Mini 3, there is a notable difference in both picture quality and flight time. The Potensic Atom allows for longer flight times with its battery, making it a worthy contender.
Value for Money
When deciding between a full kit for $400 or just the drone and a battery for $460, it is important to consider the substantial improvement in image quality that comes with the Potensic Atom. The build quality of the drone is also exceptional, on par with DJI drones, without any cheapness in its feel.
Comparison to Competitors
There are many drones available in this price range, such as the Ruko and Holy Stone drones. However, these drones often lack proper flying behavior and feel compared to the Potensic Atom. The Potensic Atom stands out not only for its high-quality build but also for its direct connection to your phone through the remote control.
The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) drone competes relatively well with DJI drones, offering decent picture quality, longer flight times, and exceptional build quality. It is a worthy consideration for those looking for a reliable and affordable drone option.
Range and Image Quality
One issue that has become apparent with cheaper drone manufacturers is the lack of quality and flight performance. The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) drone is no exception to this. In certain circumstances, the drone’s range suffered greatly, resulting in a drop in image quality. It was surprising to see how quickly the image would deteriorate, even at a distance of only about 400-500 meters. If the controller was obstructed by a solid object, the image would start jittering and lose its quality. It is clear that the Potensic Atom is not on par with DJI drones in terms of distance capabilities.
Eye Contact and Visual Quality
Maintaining eye contact on the drone is crucial when flying it, so the distance limitations may not be a major issue for some. However, within the drone’s range, it is disappointing to find that you can fly the drone a decent distance away and still struggle with visual quality on your device. This can be especially frustrating when trying to capture high-quality footage or images.
Wind Resistance
The wind resistance of the Potensic Atom is worth noting. I flew the drone on a windy day with a lot of tree movement and low altitude winds. It was interesting to see the drone bobbing around quickly, even with a relatively solid satellite lock. This suggests that the drone may not be able to handle strong winds as well as its competitors.
While the Potensic Atom (3-Axis) drone may offer some enticing features and a more affordable price point, it falls short in terms of range, image quality, and wind resistance. Those looking for a reliable and high-performing drone may find better options with DJI or other established brands in the market.
The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) Drone: A Competitor to DJI?
Wandering and Dynamic Range Issues
The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) Drone is an interesting device that offers some unique features. One of the notable aspects of this drone is its tendency to wander from its original point in space. It has the capability to deviate from one to two meters away, which is quite significant considering it lacks obstacle avoidance technology. This behavior is something that potential buyers should take into consideration before making a purchase.
Additionally, the video quality of the Potensic Atom Drone raises some concerns about its dynamic range. The auto ISO and auto white balance settings can cause the dynamic range to appear inconsistent and finicky. The image can change quite drastically, especially in terms of color, when transitioning between different lighting conditions. This can be jarring for users when capturing videos.
Visual Image Tracking
One feature that sets the Potensic Atom Drone apart from DJI’s mini drones is its visual image tracking capability. Unlike DJI’s mini 2s and Mini 2, this drone offers visual image tracking, which allows users to track objects based on the drone itself rather than relying solely on GPS. However, the effectiveness of this tracking feature remains questionable, as it lacks obstacle avoidance. It will be interesting to see how this feature evolves in future iterations of the Potensic Atom Drone.
Evaluating Tracking Performance
To get a sense of the tracking feature’s performance, several clips were recorded while walking around and trying different scenarios. By observing these clips, users can make their own judgment about the effectiveness of the tracking feature and determine if it meets their preferences and requirements.
The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) Drone offers some unique features that differentiate it from DJI’s mini drones. However, its tendency to wander and the dynamic range issues in video recordings should be carefully considered by potential buyers. The visual image tracking feature shows promise, despite the lack of obstacle avoidance, and future iterations of the Potensic Atom Drone may address this limitation.
The User Interface
The user interface of the Potensic Atom drone is very similar to that of DJI drones such as the Mavic. It uses the same remote and app design, which many users find favorable. The app layout places the phone in the center, providing a more comfortable and user-friendly flying experience compared to other drones.
Storage Limitations
One downside of the Potensic Atom drone is its lack of internal cable storage. Unlike other controllers that come with built-in cable storage compartments, the Atom drone relies on external wire management. While it would have been more convenient to have a designated storage space for the cable, this issue doesn’t significantly impact usability.
Controller and Battery Life
The Atom’s joystick controls are located on the controller, which offers a decent flying experience. The controller itself has a good battery life and can last for approximately seven or eight flights. This is a positive aspect, as it ensures that users can enjoy extended flight sessions without constantly recharging the controller.
Battery Life and Weight
The Atom drone provides a flight time of approximately 30 minutes, which is impressive for its size and capabilities. This extended battery life allows users to capture more footage and explore their surroundings without worrying about draining the drone’s battery quickly. It’s worth noting that the Atom SC, which features a gimbal, is slightly heavier. However, this weight increase appears to be justified, as it likely accommodates a higher capacity battery while maintaining a reasonable flight time.
Improved Camera Stabilization
Compared to the Atom SC, the Atom drone offers a substantial improvement in camera stabilization. This is achieved through the inclusion of a physical gimbal that manually stabilizes the camera during flight. The quality of stabilization has significantly increased, resulting in smoother and more professional-looking footage. It would be interesting to know if the Atom also features any electronic image stabilization for further enhancement of video quality.
The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) Drone Review
The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) Drone is making waves in the market with its impressive features and affordable price point. It promises to deliver excellent aerial photography and video capabilities, but can it compete with industry giant DJI? Let’s explore its key features and find out.
Impressive Image Stabilization
One of the standout features of the Potensic Atom Drone is its 3-axis gimbal stabilization system. This advanced technology ensures that the camera remains steady during flights, resulting in smooth and clear footage. The lack of blurriness in the images and videos captured by the drone speaks volumes about the effectiveness of this stabilization system.
High-Quality Camera
The Potensic Atom Drone is equipped with a high-quality camera that allows for capturing stunning aerial shots and videos. With the ability to record in 4K resolution, users can expect sharp and detailed visuals. Whether you are a professional photographer or a hobbyist, this drone’s camera capabilities will surely impress you.
Easy to Fly
One of the advantages that the Potensic Atom Drone has over its competitors is its user-friendly interface and ease of flying. Even beginners can quickly grasp the controls and start capturing stunning footage in no time. The drone’s intelligent flight modes further enhance the flying experience, allowing for creative shots and smooth flight paths.
Affordable Price
One of the biggest selling points of the Potensic Atom Drone is its affordable price point. Compared to the high-end DJI drones, this drone offers similar features and capabilities at a fraction of the cost. It is a budget-friendly option for those who want to delve into aerial photography without breaking the bank.
Overall, the Potensic Atom drone offers a compelling option for drone enthusiasts, posing as a potential competitor to the DJI Mini 2. With its improved design, comprehensive package, and enhanced stabilizing features, this drone provides users with a high-quality and enjoyable flying experience. Despite similarities in appearance, the Potensic Atom drone differentiates itself through its internal upgrades, addressing previous limitations and offering users an ideal tool for capturing stunning aerial shots. Whether you are a professional photographer seeking to elevate your work or a hobbyist looking to explore new horizons, the Potensic Atom drone proves to be a reliable and cost-effective option.
While the Potensic Atom (3-Axis) drone offers competitive features at an affordable price, it falls short in comparison to DJI drones such as the Mini 2 SE and Mini 3. If you prioritize advanced functionalities like log recording and compatibility with professional software, it is recommended to invest in a DJI drone instead. However, if you are a beginner or interested in recreational use, the Potensic Atom could still be a suitable option.
The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) drone offers a competitive option for drone enthusiasts seeking a versatile and capable aerial photography and videography tool. While it may have some limitations, such as the absence of gyro data and potential image blurring around the edges, it presents a viable alternative to DJI’s offerings. As the drone industry continues to evolve, the competition between DJI and emerging brands like Potensic ensures that consumers have a range of options to suit their needs.
The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) drone offers improvements in picture quality with its updated white balance feature. However, users should take caution when capturing photos in low-light conditions and make manual adjustments to the ISO settings to avoid excessively dark images. Additionally, flying the drone under tree cover may result in temporary disruptions in satellite lock, affecting its positioning. Despite these limitations, the Potensic Atom (3-Axis) drone proves to be a worthy competitor for DJI in its price range.
The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) drone offers an appealing value proposition with its affordable price and superior video quality compared to drones in a similar price range. While there are some areas that could be improved, such as the handling of satellite lock, overall, it is a capable drone option for beginners or those on a budget.
The Potensic Atom (3-Axis) Drone proves to be a strong contender in the market, challenging the dominance of DJI drones. With its impressive image stabilization, high-quality camera, ease of use, and affordable price, this drone offers a lot for both professionals and hobbyists alike. While DJI still holds a strong position in the industry, the Potensic Atom Drone provides a formidable alternative for those looking for a reliable and affordable drone.
