Introduction
The Hoverair X1 is aimed squarely at capturing tracking shots of the user in action or the people around them. Thanks to intelligent tracking algorithms. This small and lightweight drone features built-in propeller guards for safety and takes off and lands from the palm of your hand. It’s incredibly easy to use, offering video capture of up to 2.7k at 30 fps and 12-megapixel photos using the basic point-and-shoot camera.
Ease of Use
It’s always exciting to try something different, and with ZOO Robotics Hoverair X1, you get an easy-to-use drone that many people aptly describe as a flying selfie stick. Selfie sticks have themselves become a source of ridicule in the photography world, but don’t let that description of the X1 put you off because it’s incredibly simple to get going, safe, and, best of all, it’s a whole lot of fun.
Performance
What’s more, the Hoverair X1 performs incredibly well when it comes to tracking subjects autonomously. Most drones follow a similar trajectory in terms of features, functionality, and use cases, so it’s refreshing to see a drone that breaks from the norm to carve a distinctive path in an increasingly crowded market. I confidently recommend the Hoverair X1 as one of the best beginner drones available. It may be far from being one of the best drones in terms of manual flight capabilities, which we’ll cover later, but for capturing tracking shots of static and moving subjects using a variety of intelligent flight paths, it’s an astonishingly capable performer.
Design and Accessories
The Hoverair X1 is available in both black and white, and is sold as a standalone device or in a combo kit. The standalone option includes one battery, a USBC cable for charging, and a soft drawstring bag for storage and transportation, all for $349. On the other hand, the combo kit includes all of the above plus a two battery charging hub and a second battery for $399.
Flight Time and Value
With flight times typically ranging from 9 to 10 minutes per battery, instead of the advertised 11 minutes, it is advisable to opt for the combo kit for extended flight time. The X1 may not be inexpensive, but with the additional accessories included in the combo kit, it offers good value for money.
Portability and Safety
The X1 is a palm-sized drone that is extremely compact and lightweight, thanks to its folding design. When folded, it measures 5 x 3.4 x 1.2 inches, and when unfolded for flight, it measures 5 x 5.7 x 1.2 inches, with a weight of just 4.4 ounces including a battery. Its propellers are encased in permanent propeller guards, making it safe to fly around people and indoors.
Control and App Connectivity
The control layout on the drone comprises just two buttons – a power button that also serves as the start and takeoff button, and a second button used to select intelligent flight paths. The X1 can be activated from within the app, allowing for quick setup and easy capture of video footage and photos. The 32GB onboard storage allows for storing media before downloading to a smartphone for sharing.
Intelligent Flight Paths
While the X1 is mainly focused on autonomous flight, it offers a variety of intelligent flight paths for stabilized video capture. The drone’s app allows for sharing photos and videos directly to social media, or transferring them to a computer for editing and further sharing. The X1 is currently shipping to the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany, with plans to be available on Amazon in late September or early October 2023.
Intelligent Flight Paths
Hoverair X1 Camera Drone comes with intelligent flight paths that include orbit follow, reveal overhead hover, custom and manual control. These paths work exceptionally well, thanks to the Vio visual inertial odometry positioning system. While it’s effective, it’s not a collision avoidance system, so caution is still advised around obstacles.
Custom Paths
The X1 has custom paths such as Dolly track and Snap shot. Dolly track involves the drone facing you and flying backwards in front of you, while Snap shot has the drone flying in front of you and taking a photo. Parameters such as subject distance and height can be changed to keep things simple, but there’s not much room for in-depth customization.
App Connectivity
Downloading photos and videos from the X1 require the app to connect to the drone’s Wi-Fi, which takes about 5 seconds. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices and is easy to navigate. Manual control within the app is adequate, although the layout could be improved for better user experience.
Performance
During testing, the X1 navigated through tricky environments exceptionally well, showcasing its agility and skill. The Vio positioning system, combined with the drone’s small size and speed of setup, make it a promising option for drone enthusiasts looking for a compact and reliable device.
Camera and Controls
Where the camera view is at the top and the two onscreen controls sit vertically, this makes it difficult to combine some commands. For instance, the X1 can be flown forward and rolled left or right at the same time, but it would be much better if the camera view was full screen horizontally with the controls overlayed as they are in first-person smartphone games manual.
Flight Performance
Flight can only be achieved for 30 seconds when flying forwards or backwards, and the X1 appears to fly at a speed of 1 m per second, which fits with the maximum transmission range of 30 m in terms of altitude. The X1 can fly up to 15 M. The wind resistance is 17.7 mph and even in winds around that speed.
Video Quality
The combination of the two-axis gimbal tilt axes and electronic image stabilization work well to capture smooth video. However, Jello wobble can appear in videos when shooting in higher winds. Image quality for both photos and videos is best in brighter light, which isn’t surprising. Given the camera’s small sensor, there are no adjustable settings available for photos except for standard single shot and burst, which are captured in 4000 x 3012 megapixel jpeg format. Photo processing is heavy and visible, and even what should be low ISO images, and since the ISO is increased by the automatic camera processing, it becomes noticeably heavier.
Video Quality
Video quality is generally better than photos, although in lower light conditions, noise is evident in footage. Camera control remains limited here too, with it only available across three prets: 2.7k at 30, apps, 180 pit, 60 apps and 180 HR at 30 apps to be completely Fair, though this drone isnt aimed at professional use, although it could be fantastic for Content, creators and YouTubers.
Ease of Use
Many people will undoubtedly find the X1 a huge amount of fun. The X1 can be set up and flown within about 10 seconds without the need to use the app to select the desired intelligent flight path, not to mention it takes off and lands.
Testing and Experience
In the palm of your hand, the vul, a X1 was tested over several days of flying in a range of locations to test all of the intelligent flight paths, as well as manual flight control through the hover X1 app. This not only allowed me to test flight and feature performance, but I could also access image quality of photos and videos in bright and low light conditions. All testing was conducted in a way that meets local Aviation laws and restrictions to ensure that all flights were safe and legal.
Photographic Expertise
With nearly 30 years of photographic experience and 15 years working as a photography journalist, I have been covering drones in terms of shooting and editing techniques. Alongside writing drone reviews for many years as well as flying most consumer and prer models. I previously held a pepio permission for commercial operations issued by the civil aviation Authority in the UK and now fly under an A2 c, a two Certificate of Competency.
Design and Build Quality
The Hoverair X1 camera drone boasts a sleek and modern design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The drone is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for outdoor adventures. The build quality is sturdy and durable, ensuring that the drone can withstand the rigors of flying in various weather conditions.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Hoverair X1 camera drone does not disappoint. The drone is equipped with a powerful motor that allows for smooth and stable flight. The built-in GPS system ensures precise positioning and navigation, making it easy to capture stunning aerial footage. Additionally, the drone has a maximum flight time of 25 minutes, giving users plenty of time to capture all the action.
Camera Quality
One of the standout features of the Hoverair X1 camera drone is its high-quality camera. The drone is equipped with a 4K ultra HD camera that captures crisp and clear images and videos. The camera also has a wide-angle lens, allowing users to capture breathtaking panoramic shots. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced drone pilot, the Hoverair X1 camera drone’s camera will impress you with its performance.
Features
In addition to its impressive camera, the Hoverair X1 camera drone comes packed with a range of features that enhance the overall flying experience. The drone has intelligent flight modes like Follow Me and Waypoint, which allow for hands-free flying. The drone also has a one-touch takeoff and landing feature, making it easy to control for even novice users. With its customizable flight settings and intuitive controls, the Hoverair X1 camera drone is a versatile and user-friendly option for capturing stunning aerial footage.
It isn’t the end of the world, though, because the X1 is best for video tracking shots, which is where it excels.
The Hoverair X1 camera drone is a top-of-the-line drone that offers impressive performance, a high-quality camera, and a range of features that make it a standout choice for both beginners and experienced drone pilots. Whether you are looking to capture stunning aerial footage for personal use or professional projects, the Hoverair X1 camera drone is a reliable and versatile option that is sure to impress.
