by 233 reviews.
Autel Robotics EVO 2 PRO V3: A Game-Changer for Drone Enthusiasts and Professionals
The Autel Robotics EVO 2 PRO V3 is a high-end drone designed for both professional photographers and hobbyists who demand exceptional performance and image quality. With its Sony 1-inch CMOS sensor, 6K HDR video capabilities, and 12-bit image processing, this drone is a powerhouse in the sky. It also boasts 40 minutes of flight time, 15KM video transmission, and 360° obstacle avoidance, making it one of the most advanced drones on the market.
But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the pros and cons based on real customer experiences.
Pros: Why the EVO 2 PRO V3 Stands Out
1. Exceptional Image and Video Quality
The Sony 1-inch CMOS sensor and Moonlight Algorithm 2.0 make this drone a dream for photographers and videographers. Customers rave about the 6K video quality, which allows for stunningly detailed footage and photos. One user mentioned, "The 6K video and pictures are crystal clear, making it easy to zoom in on different areas without losing quality." The 12-bit DNG photos also provide incredible flexibility in post-production, with 68.6 billion colors captured.
2. Impressive Battery Life
The 40-minute flight time is a standout feature. Many users have reported getting close to the advertised flight time, even in windy conditions. One reviewer shared, "I’m getting 30-plus minutes out of each battery, which is great. I don’t like draining them lower than 5%, but even then, the performance is outstanding."
3. Wind Resistance and Stability
Unlike smaller drones, the EVO 2 PRO V3 handles wind like a champ. A customer who upgraded from a mini drone said, "The small one would get blown around in winds over 5 mph, but the EVO 2 has no problem with normal wind. I’ve even flown on windy days with steady winds of 20 mph, and it stays steady."
4. Obstacle Avoidance and Safety Features
The 360° obstacle avoidance system is a game-changer. With 12 visual sensors, this drone can navigate complex environments with ease. One user shared, "I can walk through the woods and have the EVO follow me 15-20 feet away without worrying about it crashing into a tree."
5. Smart Controller SE
The included Smart Controller SE with a 6.4-inch OLED touchscreen is a hit among users. It’s easy to use, supports third-party apps, and provides a clear, high-quality display. One reviewer noted, "The controller is easy to use, and the display is easy to read. Set up is quick, and there’s no need to re-calibrate the compass every time."
6. Return-to-Home Accuracy
The Return-to-Home (RTH) function is incredibly precise. A customer tested it from 1,000 feet away and 400 feet high, and the drone landed "dead center on the landing pad."
Cons: Areas for Improvement
1. Gimbal Leveling Issues
Some users have reported issues with the gimbal not staying perfectly level during flight. One reviewer mentioned, "The gimbal has a tendency to tilt (roll) during flight, which can be frustrating for professional work." While Autel’s customer support has been responsive, the process of sending the drone in for repairs can be inconvenient.
2. Drifting During Flight
A few users experienced the drone drifting to the left despite the control stick being fully forward. One customer shared, "I had to recalibrate the compass, IMU, and controller controls to fix the issue. It hasn’t drifted since, but it was a hassle."
3. Controller Fan Noise
Some users have noted a buzzing noise from the internal fan in the controller. One reviewer said, "The fan wasn’t seated properly, and Autel agreed to replace it, but I’d have to send it in, leaving me without a controller for a week."
4. Customer Support Challenges
While Autel’s customer support is generally helpful, some users have found the process of sending in the drone or controller for repairs to be inconvenient. One reviewer expressed frustration, "I wish Autel support was more accommodating. They couldn’t offer a solution without me sending in the drone, which would leave me without my work tool for weeks."
Final Verdict: Is the EVO 2 PRO V3 Worth It?
The Autel Robotics EVO 2 PRO V3 is a top-tier drone that delivers on its promises. Its exceptional image quality, long battery life, and advanced safety features make it a standout choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. While there are some minor issues with the gimbal, drifting, and controller fan noise, these are outweighed by the drone’s overall performance and capabilities.
For those looking to upgrade from smaller drones or switch from competitors like DJI, the EVO 2 PRO V3 is a worthy investment. As one user put it, "After having the EVO 2 Pro for a few months and being able to fly it whenever I want, YES, to me it was worth it. Wish I could give 10 stars, this drone deserves them."
If you’re ready to take your aerial photography and videography to the next level, the Autel Robotics EVO 2 PRO V3 is a drone that won’t disappoint.
Specification Autel Robotics EVO 2 PRO V3, Son-y 1" CMOS &12-Bit Image 6K HDR Video, Moonlight Algorithm 2.0 (ISO 44000), EVO II Pro V3 Rugged Bundle, 40 Minutes, 15KM Transmission, 360° Obstacle, SkyLink 2.0:
Comments from Amazon:
I'm a commercial real estate photographer and fly drones regularly as part of the services I offer. I was debating on DJI's Mavic 2 Pro and the Autel Evo II Pro. After factoring things like picture quality, battery life, and obstacle avoidance sensors all around, I ultimately ended up going the route of the Evo. After a month of ownership, I have no regrets in buying it. This is my go to drone and cannot recommend this enough. While the price may appear steep, it's worth every penny spent. Pros: - Amazing battery life! Depending on how you fly, you can get really close to the flight times advertised by Autel. Although the batteries have a fairly lengthy charge time, I don't complain as I get nearly 40 minutes of flight time from every battery. Definitely better than any experience I've had with any DJI battery. - Camera quality is outstanding for pictures and videos. The different modes you can shoot in for both pic and video are very versatile. - The obstacle avoidance is incredible. While others say it's oversensitive, I say it's perfect and keeps you from having any accidents so long obstacle avoidance is on. - The multiple flight modes and tracking are amazing. - The return to home (RTH) function is scary accurate. I tested the RTH function with the drone starting from 1,000 feet away and 400 feet high and landed dead center on the landing pad. - Orange color helps it stick out on in the sky for easy visual - Build quality is exceptional - Overall kit is very well put together and the hard case is the perfect size - Controller is easy to use and the display is easy to read - Set up is quick, no need to re-calibrate the compass every single time you get ready for flying. Just set it down, turn on, let it find satellites, and go! - Flight range and image transmission distance is almost limitless. - Great customer and tech support - No Geo-fencing! - User interface on the app is much cleaner, more presentable, and easier to navigate and use than DJI. Cons: - Had issues with the gimbal not being perfectly level to the horizon and having a tendency to tilt (roll) during flight. I've been working with Autel Customer Support US to get the issue resolved, will provide an update once resolved. - Occasional issues of it not flying straight and drifting to the left despite the stick being fully forward. I have worked with Autel Customer support and they advised a full re-calibration of the drone's compass, IMU, and controller controls. This did fix the drifting issue has not drifted since the re-calibration. - Remote control had a bad buzzing noise from the internal fan straight out of the box. I sent a video to Autel customer support and they said it sounded like the fan was not seated properly. They have agreed to replace it but may have to send in the entire drone. Will update once the issue is resolved. Update 9/18/21 Still love the drone and does what I need it to do, but have had to do some work arounds. Talked with Autel support about the aforementioned issues/cons. Long story short, they could address all the issues with the drone itself but I would have to send it in to them, leaving me without my work tool for at least two weeks as they would have to diagnose and fix it. Same story for the controller. They said they would replace it but I'd have to send it in and wouldn't have a new one for at least week. For both the drone and controller, I asked Autel support about and presented other possible solutions in asking for help so that I wasn't left without the drone/controller and losing business. Sadly, they weren't any help and said that they wouldn't be able to do anything to help me without sending it all in. Very disappointed there was no consideration or help to find a solution that was good for both parties. In the mean time, I have been able to use the gimbal adjustment in the Autel Drone app to get the camera close to level and then straightened my pictures better in my editing software tools. The controller fan is what it is and I'm just choosing to ignore it. I still highly recommend the drone, just wish Autel support was a little more accommodating and helpful.
This is replacing a smaller drone (mini) that I purchased last year. The small one, the wind blew it all over the place. If the wind was over 5 mph, forget about flying, a gust of wind would take it away. I could never take the small one higher than tree level or I would get high wind warnings and start moving in the directing of the wind. The EVO 2 on the other hand, has no problem with normal wind. I have even flown on windy days (steady winds of 20mph) and it has no issue. No jumping around, no bobbing up and down in the wind like the small one. It flies very steady, even on windy days which is great for taking videos. I am getting 30 plus minutes out of each batter which is great (I do not like draining them lower than 5%). I know some people do not like the bright color (red/orange) of the EVOs, but it makes it very easy to keep an eye on it while flying, which is required. The white/tan drones, visual line of site can easily be lost due to them blending into the background (sky}. The remote works with both my ipad mini 4 and my Samsung tablets, unlike my small drone, which will not work none of my android tablets, only ipad mini 4. The return to home and precise landing, to me is great. Every time I use it (all the time) the EOV 2 pro lands within inches of the center of my landing pad. My small drone, if it got within 10 feet of the landing pad, it was a good return to home. The 6k video and picture crystal clear and make it easy to zoom in on different areas of the video or picture with out losing quality. And all the sensors on this drone to keep it from running in to things, allows me to fly it in areas where I could not or would not fly other drones without hitting something and/or crashing. I can walk through the woods and have the EVO follow me (15 - 20 feet away) without worrying about it crashing into a tree. After having the EVO 2 pro for a few months and able to fly it when I want and get great pictures, YES, to me it was worth it. Wish I could give 10 stars, this drone deserves them.