Hey there, tech enthusiasts and drone aficionados! If you’ve landed on this page, chances are you’re on the hunt for a reliable, feature-packed drone that won’t break the bank. Well, you’re in luck. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of flying, testing, and thoroughly examining the Holy Stone HS720E. So, if you’ve been scouring the internet, asking yourself, “Is Holy Stone HS720E worth it?”, you’ve come to the right place.
In this in-depth Holy Stone HS720E review, we’ll be diving into every nook and cranny of this fascinating drone. From its 4K EIS Anti-Shake Camera to its impressive 46 minutes of flight time, we’ll cover it all. We’ll cover Holy Stone HS720E troubleshooting tips, compare it to DJI Mini 2, and explain how to update its firmware.
Why the Holy Stone HS720E Caught My Eye
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let me share why this drone piqued my interest. The Holy Stone is different because it has both advanced features and affordability compared to other drones in the market. Whether you’re a seasoned drone pilot or a beginner looking to dip your toes into aerial photography, this drone has something to offer.
Design and Build: Is the Holy Stone HS720E Sturdy Enough?
Material and Construction: The Backbone of HS720E
When you first unbox the Holy Stone drone, the immediate impression is one of robustness. Holy Stone HS720E drone has a solid and premium feel because of its high-quality and durable plastic body. Unlike some other drones in its price range, the HS720E doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap. This is crucial for those unexpected bumps and minor crashes that are almost inevitable for even the most skilled pilots.
Brushless Motors
One of the standout features in the design aspect has to be the brushless motors. Not only do these motors provide a quieter flight experience, but they also contribute to the drone’s overall efficiency. Brushless motors are known for their longevity, so you won’t have to worry about frequent replacements or maintenance.
Portability: How Easy Is It to Carry the HS720E?
Portability is another key factor to consider, especially if you’re planning to take your drone on the go. The Holy Stone HS720E comes with a convenient carrying case, making it easy to transport. While it’s not the smallest drone on the market, its foldable design makes it compact enough to fit in a backpack.
Design Aesthetics
In terms of aesthetics, the Holy Stone HS720E doesn’t disappoint. Its sleek, matte-black finish gives it a modern, sophisticated look. The LED lights on the arms not only serve a functional purpose for visibility but also add a touch of flair to the drone’s appearance
Display: Navigating the Holy Stone HS720E User Interface
The Mobile App: Your Control Hub for HS720E
While the Holy Stone HS720E doesn’t come with a built-in display, it more than makes up for it with its intuitive mobile app. The app serves as your primary interface for controlling the drone and accessing its various features. It’s user-friendly, with clearly labelled options that make it easy for both beginners and experienced pilots to navigate.
Real-Time Video Feed: What You See Through the HS720E Camera
One of the most exciting features of the app is the real-time video feed. This allows you to see exactly what your drone’s camera is capturing, providing a more immersive flying experience. The video feed is crisp and lag-free, ensuring that you can make precise manoeuvres and capture the perfect shots.
Flight Modes and Settings: Customising Your HS720E Experience
The app also provides a range of customisable settings and flight modes. The app can help you maximise battery life and camera performance for the Holy Stone. It offers various intelligent flight modes like “Follow Me” and “Orbit Mode,” giving you more creative freedom.
Design and Build
Material and Construction: The Backbone of HS720E
When you first unbox the Holy Stone, the immediate impression is one of robustness. The drone’s body is made of high-quality, durable plastic that gives it a solid, premium feel. This is crucial for those unexpected bumps and minor crashes.
The materials used in the construction not only add to the drone’s durability but also contribute to its overall aesthetic appeal. It’s clear that Holy Stone has paid attention to detail, ensuring that the HS720E is both functional and stylish.
Brushless Motors: The Silent Powerhouse of Holy Stone HS720E
Brushless motors are one of the standout features of the HS720E. These motors provide a quieter flight experience and contribute to the drone’s overall efficiency. They are known for their longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements or maintenance.
The motors also offer smoother operation, which is particularly beneficial when capturing video footage. The reduced noise level means you can fly the HS720E in more places without disturbing the peace.
Portability and Design Aesthetics
The Holy Stone HS720E is designed with portability in mind. It comes with a convenient carrying case and features a foldable design, making it easy to transport. While it may not be the smallest drone on the market, it’s compact enough to fit in a backpack.
In terms of aesthetics, the drone sports a sleek, matte-black finish. The LED lights on the arms not only serve a functional purpose for visibility but also add a touch of modern flair to its appearance. It’s a drone that looks as good as it performs.
Camera Performance: How Good Is the HS720E Camera Quality?
4K EIS Anti-Shake Camera: Capturing Smooth Footage
The Holy Stone HS720E comes equipped with a 4K EIS Anti-Shake Camera, which is one of its most impressive features. The Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) ensures that your videos are smooth, even when the drone is making rapid movements or flying in windy conditions.
The 4K resolution provides crisp, clear images that are perfect for both amateur photographers and more experienced videographers. Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes or detailed close-ups, the HS720E delivers exceptional quality.
Camera Settings and Customisation: Tailoring Your Shots
I can easily adjust the camera settings via the mobile app, offering a level of customisation that’s quite impressive for a drone in this price range. You can adjust the white balance, exposure, and even apply filters to your shots, all in real-time as you fly.
The HS720E is a flexible choice for photography and videography because it lets you adjust to different lighting and artistic preferences.
Low Light Performance: Does the HS720E Camera Hold Up?
While the HS720E performs exceptionally well in well-lit conditions, its low-light capabilities are decent but not extraordinary. The drone does feature some noise reduction capabilities, but don’t expect it to match the performance of more expensive drones with larger sensors.
However, for casual flyers and hobbyist photographers, the low-light performance is more than adequate. If you’re planning to capture the golden hour or some twilight shots, the HS720E won’t disappoint.
Flight Performance: Is the Holy Stone HS720E a Reliable Flyer?
GPS Auto Return: The Safety Net of HS720E
One of the standout features in terms of flight performance is the GPS Auto Return. This feature acts as a safety net, ensuring that the drone returns to its takeoff point if it loses signal or if the battery runs low. This is particularly useful for beginners who might not yet be fully comfortable with manual piloting.
The GPS Auto Return is not just a gimmick; it’s a reliable feature that I’ve tested multiple times. It’s accurate to a few meters, which gives you peace of mind when flying in unfamiliar or challenging environments.
Intelligent Flight Modes: Expanding Your Creative Horizons
The Holy Stone HS720E offers a variety of intelligent flight modes, including “Follow Me” and “Orbit Mode.” These modes allow you to capture cinematic shots with minimal effort. For instance, “Follow Me” mode enables the drone to autonomously follow a subject, making it ideal for action shots or capturing dynamic scenes.
“Orbit Mode” allows the drone to circle a specific point while keeping the camera focused on it. This is great for capturing 360-degree views of a particular subject or landscape. The ease of switching between these modes via the mobile app adds to the overall user-friendly experience.
Stability and Handling: How Well Does the HS720E Move?
When it comes to stability and handling, the Holy Stone HS720E excels. The drone’s GPS and GLONASS dual satellite connectivity ensure stable flight, even in windy conditions. The brushless motors also contribute to the drone’s stability, providing smooth and responsive controls.
The handling is intuitive, making it easy for pilots of all skill levels to fly the HS720E. Whether you’re navigating through tight spaces or flying at higher altitudes, the drone’s controls are precise and reliable.
Battery Life: How Long Can the Holy Stone HS720E Stay in the Air?
Overall Battery Performance: Maximizing Your Flight Time
One of the standout features of the Holy Stone HS720E has to be its battery life. With up to 46 minutes of flight time, this drone offers one of the longest-lasting experiences in its price range. This extended flight time allows you to capture more footage and spend less time swapping out batteries.
The drone comes with a high-capacity battery that not only provides extended flight time but also maintains consistent performance throughout its lifespan. The battery is easy to install and remove, making it convenient for those on-the-go shooting sessions.
Best Settings for Holy Stone HS720E: Tips for Battery Optimization
If you’re looking to maximize your drone’s battery life, there are several settings you can adjust. For instance, flying in calm weather conditions and avoiding rapid movements can help extend your flight time. The mobile app also provides real-time battery monitoring, allowing you to keep an eye on your drone’s remaining flight time.
These battery optimization tips are particularly useful for those planning longer shooting sessions. By tweaking a few settings and flying strategically, you can get the most out of your HS720E’s impressive battery life.
Charging and Maintenance: Keeping Your Battery Healthy
Maintaining your drone’s battery is crucial for long-term performance. The Holy Stone HS720E comes with a smart charger that prevents overcharging, thereby extending the battery’s lifespan. It takes about 5-7 hours to fully charge the battery, so it’s a good idea to plan your flying sessions accordingly.
The charger also features indicator lights that let you know when the battery is fully charged. This helps prevent overcharging, which can degrade battery health over time.
Controller: How User-Friendly is the Holy Stone HS720E Controller?
Ergonomics and Design: Comfort in Your Hands
The controller that comes with the Holy Stone HS720E is designed with ergonomics in mind. It fits comfortably in your hands, making it easy to use for extended periods. The buttons are well-placed and easy to reach, allowing for intuitive control during flight.
The controller also features a built-in holder for your smartphone, which is a thoughtful addition. This allows you to easily access the mobile app for additional controls and real-time video feed, making the flying experience more interactive and engaging.
Button Layout and Functionality: Intuitive Controls
The buttons on the controller are clearly labeled, which is a boon for beginners. You have dedicated buttons for taking off and landing, capturing photos, and recording videos, among other functions. This makes it easy to perform various actions without having to fumble around, looking for the right button.
The joysticks offer precise control, allowing for smooth and accurate maneuvers. Whether you’re flying in tight spaces or capturing complex shots, the controller gives you the level of control you need to execute your moves flawlessly.
Connectivity and Range: How Far Can You Go?
One of the key aspects of any drone controller is its connectivity and range. The Holy Stone HS720E controller offers a stable connection, ensuring that you maintain control of the drone even at longer distances. During my testing, I didn’t experience any lag or disconnections, which is crucial for a safe and enjoyable flying experience.
The controller operates on a 2.4GHz frequency, providing a range of up to 1km. This gives you ample space to explore and capture stunning aerial footage without worrying about losing connection.
Obstacle Avoidance: How Does the Holy Stone HS720E Handle Obstacles?
Basic Collision Avoidance: My Experience with Safety Features
While the Holy Stone HS720E doesn’t have advanced obstacle avoidance like some of its pricier competitors, it does offer basic collision avoidance. During my test flights, I found this feature to be quite reliable for avoiding large obstacles like trees and buildings. It’s not foolproof, but it does add an extra layer of safety, especially for beginners.
I remember flying the HS720E in a wooded area, and the basic collision avoidance did a decent job of preventing any unfortunate accidents. While it won’t dodge smaller obstacles like branches or wires, it’s good enough to give you some peace of mind.
Limitations and Workarounds: Navigating Through Challenges
The lack of advanced obstacle avoidance means you’ll need to be more cautious when flying in complex environments. For instance, I wouldn’t recommend flying the HS720E in areas with lots of power lines or other small but significant obstacles.
During one of my flights, I decided to test the drone’s capabilities by flying it close to a row of bushes. While the drone didn’t crash, it was clear that the basic obstacle avoidance wasn’t designed to handle such intricate scenarios. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to fly in more challenging environments.
How It Compares to Competitors: Is Basic Good Enough?
When comparing the obstacle avoidance features of the Holy Stone HS720E to more expensive models like the DJI Mini 2, it’s evident that you get what you pay for. The DJI Mini 2 offers more advanced obstacle avoidance, which can detect and avoid obstacles in 360 degrees.
However, during my time with the HS720E, I found that its basic collision avoidance was sufficient for most casual flying scenarios. If you’re a beginner or someone who plans to fly in relatively open spaces, the HS720E’s obstacle avoidance should be adequate for your needs
Connectivity: How Reliable is the Holy Stone HS720E’s Connection?
Wi-Fi and Mobile App: My Seamless Experience
The Holy Stone HS720E relies on Wi-Fi for connecting to the mobile app, which serves as your primary interface for advanced controls and settings. During my weeks of testing, I found the Wi-Fi connection to be quite stable. I was able to fly the drone up to 300 meters away without any noticeable lag in the video feed or controls.
I remember one instance where I was flying the drone over a lake, capturing some stunning sunset shots. Even at a considerable distance, the Wi-Fi connection held up well, allowing me to capture the footage I wanted without any hiccups. It’s worth noting that the mobile app also provides a real-time battery monitor, which is a nice touch.
GPS and GLONASS: Dual Systems for Enhanced Accuracy
The HS720E features both GPS and GLONASS, ensuring more accurate positioning and stable flights. I was particularly impressed with how quickly the drone locks onto satellites; it usually takes less than a minute. This dual system also contributes to the drone’s reliable GPS Auto Return feature, which I’ve found to be a lifesaver on more than one occasion.
During a recent flight in a hilly area, the GPS and GLONASS systems proved their worth. The drone maintained a stable hover even when faced with gusty winds, and the GPS Auto Return kicked in flawlessly when the battery started running low, bringing the drone back to my location without any issues.
Controller Connectivity: A Reliable Link
The controller operates on a 2.4GHz frequency and offers a range of up to 1km. In my experience, the controller maintains a stable connection even at longer distances. I’ve flown the HS720E in various environments, from open fields to more obstructed areas, and the controller’s connection has always been reliable.
One of my favourite experiences was flying the HS720E along a coastline. Despite the distance and the presence of natural obstacles like cliffs, the controller maintained a solid connection, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable flying experience
Comparing the Product with Alternatives: How Does the Holy Stone HS720E Stack Up?
Holy Stone HS720E vs DJI Mini 2: A Battle of Features
The DJI Mini 2 is often considered a strong competitor to the Holy Stone HS720E, especially given its advanced features like 4K video and 3-axis gimbal stabilization. However, the HS720E holds its own, particularly when it comes to battery life and ease of use.
Spec Comparison Chart: Holy Stone HS720E vs DJI Mini 2
Feature
Holy Stone HS720E
DJI Mini 2
Camera Resolution
4K
4K
Flight Time
46 minutes
31 minutes
Obstacle Avoidance
Basic
None
Battery Capacity
2800mAh
2250mAh
Weight
495g
249g
Price
$$
$$$
Holy Stone HS720E vs Autel Robotics EVO Lite+: Camera Showdown
The Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ is another drone that often comes up in conversations about alternatives to the HS720E. With its 50 MP photos and 6K video, the EVO Lite+ is a powerhouse in the camera department. However, it comes at a premium price.
Spec Comparison Chart: Holy Stone HS720E vs Autel Robotics EVO Lite+
Feature
Holy Stone HS720E
Autel Robotics EVO Lite+
Camera Resolution
4K
6K
Flight Time
46 minutes
40 minutes
Obstacle Avoidance
Basic
Advanced
Battery Capacity
2800mAh
7100mAh
Weight
495g
820g
Price
$$
$$$$
Holy Stone HS720E vs Parrot Anafi: Portability and Price
The Parrot Anafi is another drone that’s worth considering, especially if portability is a top priority. It’s one of the most compact drones on the market but comes with some limitations, such as a shorter battery life and lack of obstacle avoidance.
Spec Comparison Chart: Holy Stone HS720E vs Parrot Anafi
Feature
Holy Stone HS720E
Parrot Anafi
Camera Resolution
4K
4K
Flight Time
46 minutes
25 minutes
Obstacle Avoidance
Basic
None
Battery Capacity
2800mAh
2700mAh
Weight
495g
320g
Price
$$
$$$
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks of the Holy Stone HS720E
Pros
Impressive Battery Life
The Holy Stone HS720E offers up to 46 minutes of flight time, which is quite impressive for a drone in this price range. This extended battery life allows for longer shooting sessions without the need for frequent battery swaps.
4K EIS Anti-Shake Camera
The drone comes equipped with a 4K EIS Anti-Shake Camera, providing high-quality, stable footage. This makes it suitable for both amateur photographers and more experienced videographers.
User-Friendly Controls
The controller is ergonomically designed and features intuitive controls, making it easy for pilots of all skill levels to operate the drone.
GPS and Intelligent Flight Modes
With both GPS and GLONASS, the drone offers accurate positioning and a range of intelligent flight modes, including GPS Auto Return, making it a versatile choice for various types of photography and videography.
Cons
Limited Obstacle Avoidance
While the drone does offer basic obstacle avoidance, it lacks the advanced capabilities found in more expensive models. This makes it less suitable for flying in complex environments.
Weight
Weighing in at 495g, the Holy Stone HS720E is not as portable as some of its competitors, like the DJI Mini 2, which weighs only 249g.
Longer Charging Time
The battery takes about 5-7 hours to fully charge, which could be inconvenient for those looking to use the drone for extended periods.
No 3-Axis Gimbal
The lack of a 3-axis gimbal means that while the footage is stable thanks to EIS, it may not be as smooth as what you’d get from drones with a 3-axis gimbal.
Conclusion: Is the Holy Stone HS720E Worth Your Investment?
After spending several weeks testing the Holy Stone HS720E, it’s clear that this drone offers a compelling package for its price point. With features like a 4K EIS Anti-Shake Camera, up to 46 minutes of flight time, and a range of intelligent flight modes, it’s a versatile choice for both beginners and more experienced drone enthusiasts.
While it may lack some of the advanced obstacle avoidance capabilities found in pricier models, its basic collision avoidance system is sufficient for most casual flying scenarios. The drone’s user-friendly controls and ergonomic design make it accessible for pilots of all skill levels.
The Holy Stone HS720E excels in areas like battery life and flight performance, setting it apart from many of its competitors. Its few drawbacks, such as the lack of a 3-axis gimbal and longer charging time, are minor when considering the overall value it provides.
In summary, if you’re looking for a drone that offers a good balance of features, performance, and affordability, the Holy Stone HS720E is a strong contender. It provides a lot of bang for your buck, making it a worthy investment for anyone looking to explore the world of aerial photography and videography.
The Review
Holy Stone HS720E
4.4Score
4K EIS Anti-Shake Camera
46 Minutes of Flight Time
GPS Auto Return
Brushless Motors
Intelligent Flight Modes
PROS
Decent camera quality
Long battery life
Easy to use
Reliable connectivity
CONS
Lacks advanced obstacle avoidance
No built-in display
Review Breakdown
Design and Portability
Camera Quality
Flight Performance
Features
Battery Life
Holy Stone HS720E DEALS
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