The camera can be controlled at a 90 degrees angle using the app or remote control provided by Holy Stone. So, not a great first impression, but afterward we tried again (it’s recommended to calibrate every time you swap the battery). As an entry-level drone, it comes with a remote controller that includes an LCD screen to show telemetry details such as the speed and flight altitude of the drone.

The 2K (2048 x 1152P) camera records directly to an onboard micro SD card (not included) and also transmits video of lesser quality for live streaming in the phone app. This affordable drone packs in features usually only found in pro drone versions, making it an interesting product to review. You can set up preset flight plans via the app that the drone will follow using GPS if you want to go further – though it’s worth noting that under UK law, you have to be within 500m and within line-of-sight of your drone at all times, so it’s not recommended. There is also a follow me option which tracks your phone GPS so can follow you behind obstacles like trees comfortably.

HolyStone might not have the same brand recognition as DJI or Parrot, but the company’s entry-level HS720E is a tempting drone for those getting started in aerial photography. Two rough landings later we decided to change the speed mode to High and that solved it – the drone was suddenly under our control. There are some oddities – additional foam around the batteries’ contacts begs questions about their resilience – but it is a better fitted case than many DJI ‘Fly More Kit’ ones without requiring extra payment. Overall this drone has a lot to offer a creator on a budget, or someone looking for a toy which won’t just be abandoned after the first use.

The HS720E drone offers a range of accessories, including spare parts, extra batteries, and carrying cases, enhancing your drone experience and ensuring you have everything you need for prolonged fun in the air. Your phone will serve as the camera view, so you must pair your mobile device with the remote controller and drone. By default, your controller comes in Mode 2, meaning the left stick controls the ascending/descending and roll movements, and the right stick controls the yaw and forward/backward motion.

The image below the display from the M RC Pro app is an alternative which is actually made by the same developer and used when reviewing this drone. Portable design along with 2 batteries and a carrying case make the HS720E a great package for all levels of drone pilots. g. if you book a rental for on Monday evening for Wednesday morning), then this cooling-off period does not apply. Indeed it can much more effective than AI-intensive visual solutions, though it does need the subject to grasp the controller! It’s worth noting that, as with most drones, you’ll only get a standard 1080p video transferred to your phone – you’ll have to take the microSD card from the drone and connect it to a PC or laptop to view the full-res footage.

Well-designed remote control with informative LED display and joystick functions that can be reversed. For a total novice drone operator having only flown it the once, I have to say that the HS720E is great to fly and really easy to handle. That all said, it’ll still be more than sufficient for those just getting into drones, with easy flight controls and video quality that doesn’t look too bad even when showcased on a 4K TV – it’s just not quite as clear and smooth as it could be. The first step is to move the left stick up so the HS720E ascends to a safe altitude above obstacles. A lower weight is also an advantage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, and for many other types of products.Handily enough, there’s a dual charger in the box that allows you to connect both batteries at once, though you’ll have to supply the USB-A charging brick yourself. It sounds obvious, but if your drone is looking at you and you press the left stick up, it will fly backward instead of forward.

There are a lot of copy cat apps designed to operate Holy Stone drones, this is the link to the genuine Holy Stone apps. Ease of operation, good controller and long battery life of the HS720 drone are especially appreciated, as is the folding design and the carrying case.We’ve also recently reviewed and compared this model to the Holy Stone HS120D which is a cheaper model. The Holy Stone HS720E has a 3-axis gimbal that helps you shoot 3840 x 2160 resolution images and videos [that minimises any distortion to your footage]. It could still stand to be a little smoother in use, and there are some blunt messages that might be poor translations, but the key functions are easy to reach. Some of the accessories, including spare propellors and a good length manual, are in a further zipped section at the back, while a smaller box holds a compact charging hub which can be left to charge the two batteries without interference.