Holy Stone HS720 Drone: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Dreaming of capturing stunning aerial shots? The Holy Stone HS720 drone is your perfect launchpad! This user-friendly flyer is ideal for beginners eager to explore the world of drone piloting.

Hobbyist photographers and videographers will love its high-quality camera for capturing unique perspectives, while travelers can rejoice in its compact, portable design–perfect for documenting adventures on the go. But is the HS720 the right drone for you?

This comprehensive guide will unveil everything you need to know: we’ll explore its features, discuss the pros and cons, compare it to other beginner-friendly drones, and ultimately help you decide if the HS720 is the key to unlocking your aerial creativity.

Features and Specifications

Understanding a drone’s capabilities is crucial before taking flight. The Holy Stone HS720 is packed with features designed to make flying enjoyable and accessible, especially for beginners, hobbyists, and travelers.

Let’s delve into the key specifications and features that make this drone stand out, helping you decide if it aligns with your needs and aerial ambitions.

1. Camera Quality: Capture Stunning Aerial Memories (Great for Hobbyists & Travelers)

• The HS720 packs a 4K UHD camera, allowing you to capture high-resolution photos and videos. While it may not compete with high-end models, it delivers exceptional quality for hobbyists and travelers looking to elevate their visuals. This camera boasts image stabilization thanks to a shock absorption holder, minimizing vibrations and ensuring crisp, high-resolution photos and videos (3840 x 2160). You can enjoy a smooth FPV (First Person View) experience with 5GHz transmission and immerse yourself in the world below with the 90° adjustable lens, allowing you to capture shots from various angles.

2. Flight Time & Range: Perfect for Shorter Recreational Flights

• The HS720 offers a flight time of up to 26 minutes on a single battery. This provides ample time for capturing scenic aerial shots or practicing maneuvers during your leisure time.
• The control range extends up to 3,277 feet (1,000 meters), giving you a good amount of freedom to explore while maintaining a strong connection to the drone.

3. Control Features: Easy Flying for Beginners

• The HS720 prioritizes user-friendliness with a dedicated control app that allows you to operate the drone directly from your smartphone or tablet.
• Built-in GPS ensures stable flight and provides features like automatic return to home, perfect for beginners who might lose sight of the drone or encounter low battery situations.
• Additional features like headless mode simplify control, especially for those new to piloting drones. In headless mode, the drone’s orientation is locked relative to the controller, eliminating confusion about forward and backward movements.

4. Design: Compact and Travel-Friendly

• The HS720’s foldable design makes it incredibly portable. It easily fits into a backpack or travel bag, allowing you to take it anywhere on your adventures.
• Weighing in at just 460 grams (16.2 oz), the HS720 is lightweight and falls under the weight limit for many drone regulations around the world (double-check local regulations before flying).

5. Battery Life & Charging Time: Considerations for Hobbyists

• The 26-minute flight time might feel limiting for extended hobbyist projects. However, the HS720 comes with dual batteries, each with a 2800 Milliamp Hour (mAh) capacity, allowing you to swap them out and effectively double your flying time during outings. This translates to up to 52 minutes of aerial exploration on a single charge!
• Charging time can take between 5-7 hours, so plan accordingly for longer trips or multiple flight sessions.

6. Additional Features: Enhancing the Beginner Experience

• The HS720 boasts features like follow me mode, which instructs the drone to automatically follow you, capturing unique aerial footage as you explore.
• Headless mode, mentioned earlier, adds another layer of control ease for beginners.

By combining these features, the Holy Stone HS720 creates a user-friendly and feature-rich package that caters to beginners, hobbyists looking for a good starting point, and travelers seeking a compact drone companion.

Read: Cheapest DJI Drones in 2024: Your Gateway to Stunning Aerial

Holy Stone HS720: Pros and Cons

The Holy Stone HS720 offers a compelling package for beginners, hobbyists, and travelers. But before you take flight, let’s explore both the pros and cons to see if it aligns with your needs.

Pros

• Effortless Control: The HS720 shines with its intuitive app control and features like headless mode, making it a breeze to learn for beginners.
• Safety First: Built-in GPS with automatic return to home ensures peace of mind, especially during those initial flights.
• Value-Packed Camera: While not top-of-the-line, the 4K camera with image stabilization delivers exceptional quality for hobbyists and travelers on a budget, capturing stunning aerial memories.
• Travel-Ready Design: The HS720’s foldable design and lightweight frame make it a perfect companion for adventurers, fitting snugly into backpacks for on-the-go exploration.
• Decent Flight Time (for Beginners): With 26 minutes per battery, the HS720 provides ample time for beginners to practice maneuvers and capture breathtaking visuals during recreational flights.

Cons

• Wind Performance: Strong winds can affect the HS720’s stability compared to high-end models. Beginners might need to choose calmer days for optimal flying conditions.
• Flight Time for Enthusiasts: The 26-minute flight time, while good for beginners, might feel limiting for hobbyists who crave longer durations for elaborate projects. Consider purchasing extra batteries for extended sessions.
• Camera Considerations: For hobbyists seeking professional-grade footage, the HS720’s camera might have limitations, particularly in low-light conditions.

Overall, the Holy Stone HS720 strikes a balance between affordability, user-friendliness, and features that cater to beginners, hobbyists taking their first steps in aerial photography, and travelers seeking a compact drone to document their adventures. By understanding both the strengths and weaknesses, you can make an informed decision on whether the HS720 is the perfect drone to launch your aerial journey.

Read: Holy Stone HS360 Review: A Game-Changer in Drone Technology

How Does the Holy Stone HS720 Compare?

The Holy Stone HS720 sits comfortably in the beginner drone market, competing with several other options offering similar features at attractive price points. Here’s a comparison table highlighting how the HS720 stacks up against two of its closest competitors: the DJI Mini 2 SE and the Potensic Atom SE:

Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

• Camera: All three drones offer decent camera quality with 4K or 2.7K resolution. However, the DJI Mini 2 SE sets itself apart with a 3-axis gimbal for superior stabilization, especially in windy conditions. The HS720 and Potensic Atom SE rely on Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) which may not be as effective.
• Flight Time: While the advertised flight times for all three drones seem similar, real-world conditions often reduce them. The DJI Mini 2 SE boasts the longest flight time, making it ideal for extended aerial exploration.
• Price: The Potensic Atom SE and the Holy Stone HS720 are neck-and-neck for affordability, both coming in at $249.99. The DJI Mini 2 SE takes the crown for the most expensive at $299.00, but it boasts premium features like a superior camera and longer flight time.
• Portability: All three drones are foldable and lightweight, making them easy to transport and store. However, the DJI Mini 2 SE takes the cake for portability with its ultra-lightweight design.
• Control Features: All the drones offer essential features like app control, GPS for stable flight, auto return for a safe landing, and headless mode for easier maneuvering. The DJI Mini 2 SE boasts additional intelligent flight modes for more advanced maneuvers.

Finding Your Perfect Drone

Picking the right drone depends on what matters most to you. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

• Tight Budget?: Both the Potensic Atom SE and the Holy Stone HS720 are budget-friendly options, priced at $249.00. This makes them ideal for those looking for a good value drone to get started.
• Prioritizing Camera and Flight Time: For the best camera quality and extended flight time, the DJI Mini 2 SE is the way to go, although it comes with a higher price tag of $299.00.
• Balance of Features and Affordability: If you want a feature-rich drone without breaking the bank, the Holy Stone HS720 is a strong contender. While priced the same as the Potensic Atom SE, it boasts a decent camera and a good flight time, making it a well-rounded option for beginners.

Is the Holy Stone HS720 Right for You?

So, after diving into the features, pros and cons, and competitor comparisons, is the Holy Stone HS720 your ideal launchpad into the world of aerial drones? Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:

Strengths of the HS720:

• Effortless Flight for Beginners: The HS720 shines with its user-friendly app control, features like headless mode, and safety measures like auto return to home, making it perfect for those taking their first steps with drone piloting.
• Budget-Friendly Hobbyist Option: The HS720 offers a compelling camera with image stabilization for capturing high-quality aerial footage at a competitive price point. This makes it a great choice for hobbyists on a budget who want to explore aerial photography without breaking the bank.
• Compact Travel Companion: The foldable design and lightweight frame make the HS720 a dream for travelers. It easily packs into backpacks, allowing you to document your adventures with stunning aerial perspectives wherever you roam.

Who Should Consider the HS720?

• First-Time Flyers: The intuitive controls, safety features, and relatively affordable price make the HS720 a perfect choice for beginners who want to learn the ropes of drone piloting without a hefty investment.
• Budget-Conscious Hobbyists: Hobbyist photographers or videographers who want to experiment with aerial footage but are mindful of their budget will find the HS720’s camera quality and user-friendly features a valuable starting point.
• Travel-Savvy Adventurers: For travelers who crave a compact and portable way to capture breathtaking aerial memories of their journeys, the HS720 is a great companion.

The HS720 might not be ideal for:

• Professional Videographers: If you require top-of-the-line image quality and features for professional use, high-end models with superior camera technology and longer flight times might be a better fit.
• Long-Duration Flight Enthusiasts: For hobbyists who crave extended flight times for elaborate projects, the HS720’s flight time per battery might feel limiting. Consider drones with longer flight times or purchasing extra batteries.

The Holy Stone HS720 strikes a solid balance between affordability, user-friendliness, and features that cater specifically to beginners, budget-conscious hobbyists, and travel enthusiasts. By understanding its strengths and limitations, you can confidently decide if the HS720 is the key to unlocking your aerial adventures!

Conclusion

The Holy Stone HS720 offers an enticing gateway into the world of aerial drones. Affordability, user-friendly features, and a feature set geared towards beginners make it a perfect launchpad for aspiring pilots. Hobbyists on a budget will appreciate the HS720’s camera capabilities for capturing stunning aerial footage, while travelers will love its compact and portable design.

Ready to soar through the sky and capture breathtaking aerial memories? Don’t miss out! Explore the Holy Stone HS720, and unlock a world of aerial possibilities before it’s too late!