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HoverAir X1 Drone with Camera: A Comprehensive Review
The HoverAir X1 Drone with Camera is a compact, foldable, and intelligent self-flying camera drone designed for content creators, travelers, and adventure enthusiasts. With features like Follow-Me Mode, HDR video capture, and pre-programmed flight paths, this drone promises to make capturing stunning aerial shots effortless. Weighing just 125g, it’s lightweight, portable, and exempt from FAA registration, making it an ideal choice for beginners and intermediate users. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details based on real customer experiences.
Pros and Cons of the HoverAir X1 Drone
Portability and Ease of Use
One of the standout features of the HoverAir X1 is its portability. Customers rave about how lightweight and compact it is, making it easy to carry in a backpack, pocket, or even a small handbag. As one user mentioned, "It can fit into the pocket of my yoga pants, the side of my backpack, and even my Chanel handbag." This makes it perfect for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to capture moments on the go.
The learning curve is also minimal. Many users, especially beginners, appreciate how easy it is to operate. With pre-programmed flight modes like Hover, Follow-Me, Zoom Out, and Orbit, even those new to drones can quickly get the hang of it. A customer shared, "The learning curve is not steep. You can get the concept after a few trials."
Flight Modes and Features
The HoverAir X1 offers a variety of intelligent flight modes that cater to different shooting needs. Users love the Follow-Me Mode, which tracks movements at speeds of up to 15 mph, making it ideal for activities like cycling, hiking, or skateboarding. The Orbit and Bird’s Eye modes are also popular for capturing cinematic shots.
However, some users noted limitations. For instance, the drone struggles in windy conditions due to its lightweight design. One reviewer mentioned, "Because this camera is light, it doesn’t do so well on windy days." Additionally, the drone’s maximum height of 50 feet may not satisfy those looking for more expansive aerial views.
Camera Quality and Storage
The HoverAir X1 supports 2.7K video resolution and 1080p HDR video, which is impressive for its size and price point. The triple stabilization system ensures smooth footage, even during fast movements. Users have praised the clarity and stability of the shots, with one stating, "The pictures are so clear it is as if it is not moving at all."
The 32GB internal storage is another highlight, eliminating the need for SD cards and ensuring privacy. However, some users wished for an external storage option. A reviewer noted, "It would be great if external storage was an option (like an SD card or something)."
Battery Life and Performance
Battery life is a mixed bag. While the drone offers approximately 11 minutes of flight time per battery, users found that frequent viewing of footage on the app drains the battery faster. One user shared, "It needs a recharge after about ten takes when I use the camera for both taking footage and viewing what I took." To mitigate this, many recommend purchasing extra batteries, which are available separately.
Noise Level
One common complaint is the noise level. The drone emits a high-pitched whirring sound, which can be bothersome in quiet environments. A user mentioned, "It is noisy and loud. Not too loud but loud enough when I am out at 5 am to take shots or in a quiet area." While this may not be a dealbreaker for everyone, it’s something to consider if you plan to use the drone in serene settings.
Durability and Customer Service
The HoverAir X1 is built with a fully enclosed design and safety guards, making it durable and safe for close-range shooting. Users have reported that the drone can withstand minor crashes without damage. One reviewer shared, "The plastic cage surrounding the rotors ensures that crashes don't damage the rotors, the gimble + camera(s), or the main body of the drone."
Customer service has also received high praise. A user who accidentally flew the drone over water (despite warnings) shared, "They amazingly refunded $350 even though it was my fault and I was able to order another one for the same amount. More than fair. Excellent customer service."
Conclusion: Is the HoverAir X1 Worth It?
The HoverAir X1 Drone with Camera is a fantastic option for beginners, travel bloggers, and content creators who want a lightweight, easy-to-use device for capturing stunning aerial shots. Its portability, intelligent flight modes, and decent camera quality make it a versatile tool for social media content and personal memories.
However, it’s not without its flaws. The limited battery life, noise level, and sensitivity to wind may deter some users. Additionally, while the camera quality is good, it may not meet the standards of professional videographers.
Final Verdict: If you’re a beginner or a casual user looking for an affordable, portable drone for social media content, the HoverAir X1 is an excellent choice. Its ease of use, durability, and customer service make it a reliable companion for your adventures. However, if you need advanced features or professional-grade footage, you might want to explore higher-end options.
Specification X1 Drone with Camera, Self-Flying Camera Drone with Follow Me Mode, Foldable Mini Drone with HDR Video Capture, Palm Takeoff, Intelligent Flight Paths, Hands-Free Control Black (Combo):
Comments from Amazon:
Oh, what a lovely little drone this is. I recently took the Hover Air X1 with me on a bicycle tour across Florida (around 800 miles over 3 weeks). Super light weight, compact size makes it an ideal drone for bicycle touring. And the pre-programmed modes are awesome for someone like me who is new to drones and didn't want to climb the learning curve, so to speak. I frequently used "hover", "follow me", "dolly track", and other (pre-programmed) modes to capture content I wanted to share with friends, family, and other bicycle tour enthusiasts. And once I discovered I could also manually control flights using the Hover app, I was thrilled by what I could do with this drone. I also really loved the simple and easy to use "land" mode. I always enjoy just holding my hand under the drone and letting it land on my palm. How cool is that?! As per the specifications, this drone is not suited to situations with high wind or rain as some other (higher priced) drones can do, but for me that was a non-issue as I didn't want to capture content in those conditions. It also is not fast enough to keep pace with a bicycle at speed (e.g. > 10 mph) but, again, I was not expecting it to. What I did was ride slower when taking action shots so that the drone would be able to keep pace (follow me mode), or I would plan the shot to fit within the drone's capabilities (bird's eye mode, hover mode with a drive by, manual mode with the phone affixed via quad lock to the bicycle so I could operate the controls whilst riding). It is a very flexible drone with lots of potential for getting great shots. It is also very robust. The plastic cage surrounding the rotors ensures that crashes (yes, I had a couple) don't damage the rotors, the gimble + camera(s), or the main body of the drone. I also really liked having two batteries so I could fast swap while on the road. The battery life met my expectations but for those seeking longer flights this might not be the best option - I was getting 10-15 mins of flying time in temperatures ranging from 50's to 60's Fahrenheit, and also dependent on the wind conditions. Besides all that, it's just fun to use. Although not recommended by Hover, I often would fly the drone indoors to show-off its merits to people who were curious to see what the drone could do.
This is an amazing drone. You can use the programmed functions or use your phone and guide it that way. It is very light and folds into the case perfectly. Easy to use and works amazingly well. Very stable for as light as it is. The pictures are so clear it is as if it is not moving at all. I learned the hard way that it does not work over water. It told me not to do it but I tried it anyway. It ended up getting wet but I sent it in to the Hover people to see if it could be fixed. They said once it is in water they cannot fix it but they amazingly refunded $350 even though it was my fault and I was able to order another one for the same amount. More than fair. Excellent customer service as they kept checking with me to see if there was anything I needed. I couldn't believe they refunded that much money as I paid $500 for it. Excellent product as long as you don't fly it over water. Great customer service. And mostly, it's fun!
I was thrilled to get this for myself as a birthday present to use on my trip to Costa Rica. I've never owned or used a drone and really wanted something small, easy to use and with decent camera quality to take travel photos. I practiced with it prior to leaving so that I could feel confident in using it and I caught a beautiful beach sunset video with it. It would be great if external storage was an option (like an SD card or something). Instead content has to be downloaded from the device itself while connected via the phone app. It's a little noisy (like a higher pitch whiz) but not terrible, especially when flying at higher heights. It stays surprisingly very stable in the air despite being so light weight and the camera quality is fantastic at the price point! I opted for the extra battery and would recommend doing so to maximize flight time.
The footage is fair, totally usable for social media or YouTube channel, it's not a professional drone but who cares that's not who's buying it. Exceeded my expectation as a videographer who uses higher end drones for work. This is perfect for what it's intended. Took it out of my pocket while hiking, and captured memories. Easy peasy :)
Para aquellos que viajan solo es una excelente opción para hacer videos no es exactamente un dron, por qué tiene alcance y funciones limitadas a las de una cámara, el único detalle es el precio de las baterías que son muy caras
A very impressive simple drone, my first. Best fun from a piece of tech that I've had in years. Batteries last about 8 minutes [ came with 2 and a twin charger] and I have since bought another spare. Well built, fits in a pocket when folded. Lots of instruction videos online. Great Value.
Product Review for Amazon- HoverAir x1 white. I am a new travel blogger and content creator. I am looking for a device that allows me to take drone-like images/videos, hand-free selfies, and fancy cinematic shots without using a DLSR Camera or a powerful lens. I wasn’t sure about owning a drone as it is expensive and requires learning time. So, I opted for HoverAir x1 as my entry-level - flying selfie camera/drone. I have been using it for more than a month. Here is my feedback. What I love about this product: It is small and light. It can fit into the pocket of my yoga pants, the side of my backpack, and even my Chanel handbag. The learning curve is not steep. You can get the concept after a few trials. I like that it has a Storage Management system to keep all the shots I took; it allows me to view them before downloading them to my phone. The Flight Mode fulfills most of my needs as a new travel blogger and digital content creator. There is Hover, which allows the device to hover while I am doing something like tying my shoelace, Zoom Out, which is great for establishing shots and also for group photos, Orbit, Bird’s Eye, Dolly, and more. They are enough to keep me busy and put together an excellent 30-second video on Instagram. What is just ok about this product Microphone … it is ok. I tried using my microphone … but it didn’t sound great. So I use voice over mic via 3rd party app to edit my footage. Aerial View … I was hoping it could capture more surface, but then I realized it could fly up to 50 feet high. Battery … It needs a recharge after about ten takes when I use the camera for both taking footage and viewing what I took. I could have taken more if I hadn’t viewed the shots I took. Because this camera is light, it doesn’t do so well on windy days. It doesn't have the sensor system like a typical drone, so you can fly this in less crowded places and when the area is clear from cables, branhes, bushes etc. What can be bothersome about this product `1. It is noisy and loud. Not too lound but loud enough when I am out at 5 am to take shots or in a quiet area. Despite my complaints, I’ve gotten used to this flying camera and love it. It is not a perfect drone-like camera, but it is perfect enough for me to get footage to put on social media. It is definitely not for professionals who need a robust drone camera, but it is suitable for beginners as well as DIY digital content creators who do not want to spend a dime on cameras and drones for their social posts. Should you get it? I say yes if you are happy to be a non-professional videographer like I am.