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The New DJI Mini 4: Here’s What the Reviewers are Saying (and Why)

New DJI Mini 4 Launches Today: Here’s What Reviewers Around the World Think

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DJI has launched their newest Mini – a powerful flying camera in a tiny form factor.  Reviewers around the world published their thoughts today: and they’re overwhelmingly glowing.  “Near-flawless,” says Digital Camera World.  “Aerial perfection,” says Pocket-Lint.  “DJI’s Mini 4 Pro sets a benchmark for small drones,” says Engadget.  “…the best sub-250g drone currently available,” says TechRadar.

What’s leading to the rave reviews of the DJI Mini 4?

New Features: Great Imagery, Plus Obstacle Avoidance and More

“The Mini 4 Pro perfectly marries professional-grade capabilities while keeping its hallmark lightweight design, offering unmatched freedom and adaptability,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director at DJI. “This drone emerges as the ultimate all-rounder, designed to elevate your creative toolkit.”

The newest drone in the Mini series still weighs under 250 grams, to be regulation friendly.  (Remember that in the U.S., all drones used professionally must be registered, regardless of weight.)  Packaged in that small form factor is a high quality imaging package, complete with “True Vertical Shooting” capability designed for social media and smartphone playback.  Reviewers universally appreciated the image quality: “gorgeous,” was the adjective used more than once.

Slow motion action scenes?  DJI’s new Mini 4 Pro can shoot at higher framerates in 4K, and supports up to 100fps recording (an improvement over the 60fps on the DJI Mini 3 Pro.) HDR video has also been upgraded to 4K 60fps, compared to 4K 30fps on the Mini 3.

The Mini 4 Pro also adds omnidirectional obstacle sensing, making it even easier to fly the drone safely.  “Complemented by an Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS), the drone features automatic braking and obstacle bypass, elevating in-flight security,” says the announcement.  The new sensors also improve the ActiveTrack feature, say pilots: the DJI Mini 4’s ActiveTrack 360 matches the functionality found on some of DJI’s larger drones.

The Mini 4 has an impressive flight endurance, offering up to 34 minutes of flight time or 45 minutes using the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus.  While many reviewers commented that wind is generally a problem for smaller drones, they found that the Mini 4 did better than anticipated – and was able to deliver stable images even in moderately windy conditions.  “Confidence-inspiring,” said the Digital Camera World reviewer.

Enhanced Transmission

From the DJI Announcement:

Additionally, thanks to DJI’s flagship O4 video transmission enjoy ultra-responsive control and smooth 1080p/60fps FHD video transmission capability from distances of up to 20 km⁵. Enhance your shooting efficiency with Waypoint Flight’s automatic route function while minimizing operation fatigue with Cruise Control for long-distance, steady-state flights. The Mini 4 Pro’s Advanced Return-to-Home system automatically navigates a safe flight route back, facilitated by the AR RTH feature for more control during return flights.

There are other improvements offered in the Mini 4: even the addition of landing feet helping the drone can take off on an uneven surface. “An excellent change,” says Pocket Lint.

The Upshot: A Great Upgrade

Almost all reviewers agree that the DJI Mini 4 Pro adds some significant functionality and features  – and is well worth it for professional photographers or pilots passionate about content creation.  The entire Mini series are favorites, however – so pilots just starting out to hone their skills may be able to get a great deal on a Mini 2 or Mini 3, which are still great drones.

Read more:

Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry.  Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

TWITTER:@spaldingbarker

Subscribe to DroneLife here.

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A 45 Mile, Airport-to-Airport Drone Delivery in Alaska

RadioKAOS, CC BY-SA 3.0

ACUASI Demonstrates Airport to Airport Drone Delivery in Alaska

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb

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The Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration recently completed an important milestone in the development of a local drone industry when their SeaHunter drone completed an uncrewed flight from Nenana Airport all the way to the Fairbanks International Airport, a 45-mile journey. Conducted by a University of Alaska Fairbanks research center, the test flight, (the first airport-to-airport UAV trip in the state), was designed to show new ways to integrate UAVs into commercial air operations. ACUASI, a division of the UAF Geophysical Institute, had previously run loop routes out of Fairbanks International to practice departures, arrivals, and runway approach practice. 

The Airport to Airport Drone Delivery Demonstration

“These are some of the first steps for drone deliveries across Alaska,” ACUASI Deputy Director Nick Adkins said of Friday’s flight. “With the control tower at FAI and a route along the Tanana River, the drone and support team encountered almost all of what is needed to fly from Fairbanks to Galena, for example. A flight like this allows testing and proving of command and control links, aircraft capability, detect and avoid technologies, controlled and uncontrolled airport operations, and integration of the drones and crew into the National Airspace System.”

The SeaHunter is a twin-engine, 299-lb UAV with a 16-foot wingspan. It carries enough fuel to run for over 10 hours. Due to FAA regulations, the test flight required the use of a chase vehicle, in this case a Robinson-44 helicopter. At Fairbanks Airport, the drone was required to integrate with local air-traffic control systems, but at Nenena, which is a smaller airport, it used common radio frequencies to signal to other local pilots in the area. 

The SeaHunter drone of the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration flies to Fairbanks International Airport from Nenana on Sept. 8, 2023. Photo by Nick Adkins

“What we are doing is demonstrating that drones can and will be able to integrate into normal operations at airports,” Adkins said.

UAF is one of seven FAA-designated unmanned aircraft systems test sites established to develop and test drone technology. ACUASI also sponsored the first Global Autonomous Systems Conference last month in Anchorage. The 2024 conference is scheduled for Aug. 13-15 and will again be held at Anchorage’s Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center.

Read more:

Ian McNabb is a staff writer based in Boston, MA. His interests include geopolitics, emerging technologies, environmental sustainability, and Boston College sports.

Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry.  Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

TWITTER:@spaldingbarker

Subscribe to DroneLife here.

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FLOCON 2024 Announced: Florida’s Public Safety Drone Operations Conference

Dates and Location Announced for 2024 Florida Public Safety Drone Operations Conference (FLOCON)

Event will showcase new technology and educate first responders on the use of Drones For Good®

The DRONERESPONDERS Florida Public Safety Coordination Group (FLOGRU) announced today that the 2024 Florida Public Safety Drone Operations Conference (FLOCON) will be held from February 20-22, 2024, in Auburndale, FL.  FLOCON will unite first responders from across Florida and other regions who are using small, uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) for a wide variety of life and safety missions.

FLOCON 2024 will build off the inaugural event held in March 2023 by offering additional classroom education combined with targeted clinics on the tactical use of sUAS for real-world law enforcement, fire rescue, and disaster response missions.  Live demonstrations of products and equipment for the ecosystem surrounding public safety drone operations will also be featured.

“What makes FLOCON unique compared to other public safety UAS training events is that it is entirely produced by first responders for first responders,” says Christopher Todd, Executive Director of AIRT – the official home of the DRONERESPONDERS program.  “FLOCON participants will learn in a safe and productive environment enabling them to become more proficient at operating drones to help save lives and protect property.”

SunTrax, a large-scale innovative facility developed by Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise and dedicated to the research, development, and testing of emerging transportation technologies in safe and controlled environments, will again serve as the official host venue for FLOCON.

“SunTrax is a world-class facility that provides an ideal venue for our goal of safely and effectively training first responders and emergency services professionals in the use of drones in compliance with Florida law,” said Sgt. Robert Dooley, UAV Program Coordinator for the Florida Highway Patrol and leadership team member for the DRONERESPONDERS Florida Public Safety Coordination Group (FLOGRU).  “FLOCON 2024 will feature a robust program offering classroom-style education combined with outdoor flight clinics to provide comprehensive training for attendees.”

FLOCON has already helped train over 200 public safety agency members on how to operate drones for incident and disaster response.  Organizers say FLOCON 2024 will increase capacity to accommodate additional attendees.

“SunTrax is excited to return this year as the official host venue for FLOCON 2024,” said Pamela Foster, SunTrax Strategic Development Manager for Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise. 

Read more:

Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry.  Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

TWITTER:@spaldingbarker

Subscribe to DroneLife here.

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Google’s Wing Makes Key Hires as they Expand Drone Delivery

Wing’s New Hires Will Lead Company to Expanded Drone Delivery Around the World

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Google’s Wing is focused on expanding drone delivery networks around the world – bringing residential drone delivery to major metro areas.  Now, the company has made appointments to 2 key leadership positions: welcoming Martín Gomez as Chief Technology Officer and Cosimo Leipold as Global Head of Partnerships.  Long-time CTO Adam Woodworth was named as Wing’s CEO last year.

Wing’s new hires will take critical roles as the company moves forward to realize the Wing Delivery Network – their operational model for high-volume drone deliery in metro areas – and to support their new partnership with Walmart in the U.S.  That partnership will being in the Dallas Fort Worth area, but represents a significant example of residential BVLOS drone delivery, enabling service for an estimated 60,000 customers.

As the FAA now estimates that a BVLOS rule may not be implemented until 2025, programs like Wing’s – and the operations enabled by recent FAA authorizations for UPS Flight Forward and Zipline – have become more important to making commercial drone delivery viable.    As the drone delivery space begins to gain speed, top players are vying for partnerships with retail and restaurant chains.  Wing’s approach of enabling independent retailers to utilize drone delivery services, as they have done in Christianburg VA and Australia, may provide them with an advantage.  “At Wing, a main focus of Cosimo’s will be helping retailers integrate automated drone delivery in a zero-friction way to realize the paradigm shift that Wing’s delivery represents,” says the company announcement.

Martín Gomez joins Wing after a long career at Aurora Flight Sciences, where he was most recently Senior Chief Engineer. He has worked as an engineer and technical leader for 40 years, across the fields of uncrewed aircraft systems, spacecraft, and embedded systems development.

Cosimo Leipold joins Wing after seven years at Nuro, a leading on-road autonomous delivery company, where he was a founding member. At Nuro, Cosimo led both the Strategy and Partnerships teams and helped the company secure multi-million dollar deals with some of the world’s best known brands, including Walmart, Kroger, and UberEATS.

Read more:

Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry.  Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

TWITTER:@spaldingbarker

Subscribe to DroneLife here.

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Check Out These New Features in Global Mapper v25 from Blue Marble

Top New Features in Global Mapper v25

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Blue Marble Geographic’s flagship software, Global Mapper Pro, is an all-in-one GIS package for analyzing and processing vector, terrain, image, and point cloud data. A comprehensive and easy-to-use GIS application that provides an extensive collection of tools, Global Mapper Pro is suited for any GIS user, from novice to expert. Compatible with over 380 different file formats, Global Mapper can be seamlessly brought into your existing workflow. New updates to the software include the ability to calculate and model an optimal flattened site plan in the terrain and plot the least cost path across a landscape. A notable update is the Pixels to Points improvements, including refining the wizard to streamline setup and processing speed improvements of up to 50% for some projects.

The Automatic Point Cloud Analysis tool is the new hub of point cloud classification and extraction in Global Mapper Pro. This integrated tool allows users to manage automatic classifications, segmentation, and feature extraction from one window, providing the ability to share settings and run multiple processes simultaneously. Also included are new segmentation processes for ground and noise classifications, such as the segmentation-based “Max Likelihood” methods, which were previously only available for non-ground points but are better tailored for modern point cloud generation and collection approaches.

A new Custom Feature Classification tool (Beta) lets users define additional custom classifications based on unique attributes and spatial patterns. Users can create their automatic point cloud classifications and train Global Mapper to find specific objects in their point clouds. These settings can also be applied to further train existing classification methods to tailor the tool for particular datasets and workflows.

The newly added Least Cost Path tool provides a terrain analysis method for finding the shortest and most efficient path between locations. By iterating through all possible options, it identifies the best route between specified point features across a terrain layer based on minimized terrain slope angle and avoiding unwanted areas. This simple yet powerful analysis can connect two locations, map multiple locations into a single path, or discover the most accessible site.

Least Cost Path can find the most optimal route across the terrain, avoiding steep slopes, vector features, and more.

Other updates to version 25 of Global Mapper include the ability to compare kriging outputs to control data as cross-validation and improvements to the creation of estimated tree footprints extracted from point clouds. A few of the new tools are expansions of existing popular ones, such as Raster Painting, which allows for editing image and raster layers, and Elevation QC for applying vertical adjustments based on ground control points.

To check out the exciting new functionality in Global Mapper standard and Pro v25, download a free 14-day trial today!

Read more:

Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry.  Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

TWITTER:@spaldingbarker

Subscribe to DroneLife here.

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How to Get a Drone License in Kentucky (Explained for Beginners)

From Shawnee Park and Long Run Park in Louisville to Jacobson Park in Lexington, Kentucky is a favorite southern state for launching immersive drone flights. Pilots must have a license before flying.

How to get a drone license in Kentucky?

Here’s how to get a drone license in Kentucky:

• Determine if you pass the FAA eligibility stage
• Make an IACRA account for your FTN
• Find your closest Knowledge Testing Center and register
• Study for the exam
• Take the Part 107 exam and pass
• Send in Form 8710-13 and get your license

It sounds easy when I put it that way, but first-time pilots often find it’s anything but. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place!

This guide will cover all the steps for earning a Kentucky drone license usable throughout the United States, presented in a beginner-friendly format.

Here’s how to obtain a drone license in Kentucky

The FAA regulates aviation in Kentucky, as it does the rest of the US, and requires any drone pilot to have a license, including those flying recreationally.

The hobbyist license, known as the TRUST certificate, is rather limiting. Most pilots pursue the Remote Pilot Certificate, the FAA commercial drone license, instead.

This license gives you more liberties with your drone operations (within the parameters of FAA laws) and allows you to use your drone for profit, whether you pick up a few odd jobs on the side or make a full-time career out of flying your drone.

These steps will outline what’s required to obtain the commercial certificate.

» MORE: How I Passed Part 107 (& The Course That Helped Me do That)

Determine if you pass the FAA eligibility stage

Before you start making plans to test for your commercial drone license, you must know if you’re eligible to apply.

The FAA doesn’t have many restrictions. Here they are.

You must be at least 16 years old. If you’re younger, you can practice provisionally, flying a drone with a licensed pilot, but you yourself can’t take the FAA commercial exam yet.

You must also be of sound mind and body, capable of making smart drone use decisions on the fly. You need a full comprehension of the English language.

Make an IACRA account for your FAA Tracking Number

Can you proceed because you meet the above criteria? Excellent!

First-time pilots require an FAA Tracking Number or FTN. This aviation identifier transcends drone use and applies to any FAA activities you might participate in.

Each FTN is unique, and you will use it throughout your aviation career to verify your identity, including to take the Part 107 exam.

The only way to apply for an FTN is through the FAA resource IACRA, short for the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application.

IACRA offers ratings and certifications, registry processing information, documentation for training, aircraft search, and more. You can register an account for free, and it only takes a few minutes.

Navigate to the login area on the homepage. You’ll find it in the upper right corner. You should see a link to register, so click that. 

The first page of IACRA registration requires you to select relevant roles. As a first-time commercial drone pilot, you should check Applicant, as you might not have other applicable roles.

If so, move on, agreeing to the terms of service. You’ll then proceed to the second and final page of registration.

The User Profile Information page begins with a request for certificate information. IACRA has a small text bubble mentioning how you can skip this section if you’re not a certificate holder, and I echo that sentiment.

Fill in your details in the Personal Information section, including your email address, gender, and full name. Next, choose two security questions from the dropdown menus and answer them carefully.

The third and final section on this page is where you create your username and password. Select unique credentials, confirm your password, and click the green Register button.

Check your inbox. IACRA will send you a confirmation email shortly. Log in, and you can review your profile details. You will have an FTN assigned to you.

You don’t have to memorize your FTN. It’s always accessible within the IACRA portal.

Use PSI to find your closest FAA Knowledge Testing Center and register

With your FTN handy, you can verify your identity on PSI, a testing resource the FAA uses for aeronautic testing.

Click the link above to visit the PSI website. Then click the white button, Create an Account. Before proceeding, you must input your full name and FTN. Then, you can create your profile following the prompts.

PSI will send you a confirmation email after creating an account. Click the link in the email or visit the PSI homepage and click the blue Sign In button.

After signing in, click the Find a Test Center menu option at the top of the PSI website. This feature allows you to find an FAA Knowledge Testing Center.

Allow me to explain. The FAA only administers the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam in person. You can take the test at a Knowledge Testing Center.

You’ll find these throughout the country, including in parts of Kentucky from Louisville to Owensboro, Frankfort, Paducah, and Bowling Green.

To search for Knowledge Testing Centers near you, type in your postal code and select United States as your country from the dropdown menu. Choose a distance between five and 300 miles depending on how far you’re willing to drive.

Next, under the Exam type, scroll all the way to the bottom of the dropdown and select Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG).

PSI will populate a list of the nearest Knowledge Testing Centers, including directions to each. Select the one nearest you and register a date and time to take the Part 107 exam.

Study for the exam

The Part 107 exam has questions about every aspect of drone flight, including airspace classifications, drone limitations, weather sources, emergency procedures, radio protocols, weather effects, and airport operations.

You must eat, sleep, and breathe FAA rules to pass. That you must pay about $165 per test attempt also ratchets up the pressure.

Why not learn from the best and increase your chances of success? Beginner-friendly online drone courses are one-stop resources for learning everything you must know to pass the commercial drone exam the first time.

These leading courses feature lessons from drone professionals (sometimes FAA pilots and flight instructors) broken down into bite-sized lessons you can review as many times as needed. Practice quizzes reinforce what you’ve learned and act as a preview for what to expect on the real exam.

Oh, and I didn’t even mention the best part. Money-back guarantees refund what you spend and give you cash toward your second crack at the Part 107 exam. You have nothing to lose.

Sounds good, right? Check out this list of recommended drone training courses for beginners. Choose your favorite school, enroll, and you’ll be ready to take the Part 107 exam.

Take the Part 107 exam and pass

Testing day has arrived. Staunch your nerves as best you can and try to keep your eyes on the prize. You’ve come this far, so now all you must do is pass.

The Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam has 60 multiple-choice questions. Each question has three potential answers for you to select from, with one correct. You will have two and a half hours to answer all 60 questions, so take your time and go with your gut.

You can take a protractor and electronic calculator (that only performs math) into the exam room, but not your smartphone. You will receive other materials to take the exam, such as a dry-erase marker, pencil, and scratch paper.

You must have a driver’s license or another form of government-issued ID handy before you’re allowed into the testing room.

Don’t expect instant test results. Some pilots only wait days to hear back, and others weeks. It all depends on how quickly your exam is processed.

When the time inevitably comes, you can find your test results in your IACRA portal.

Send in form 8710-13 and get your license

Did you pass the Part 107 exam? Nice job! All that hard work and studying paid off. You’re almost ready to say you’re officially a commercial drone pilot in Kentucky, but you’re not quite there yet.

You must apply for your commercial license by completing an FAA form, 8710-13. You can access this form in IACRA by selecting the prompt, Start New Application. Choose Pilot for the type of application and Remote Pilot under the Certifications section.

Completing this form is straightforward enough, as you can follow the prompts.

IACRA will send your information to the TSA. You will receive your commercial drone certificate after the TSA conducts a background check.

Let me explain something for a moment that often confuses first-time commercial pilots. The version of your certificate you receive from IACRA via email is a temporary certificate. The FAA is busily processing your data to send you a permanent certificate, but it can take a while.

Use the temporary certificate as you would any standard certificate, carrying it on your person when you fly. Switch to the permanent certificate when you receive it in your mailbox.

I have my commercial drone license in Kentucky – Now what?

Having a commercial drone license in Kentucky sure is cool, but you’re not exactly ready to fly. You still have to do a few more tasks.

First, register your drone. All commercial drones require registration regardless of weight. If you’re only flying recreationally (and have the right license to do so), you only have to worry about registration for drones exceeding 250 grams.

Make yourself privy to Kentucky’s state drone laws, which apply in addition to the federal FAA regulations. HB 540 bars drones from accessing prohibited areas.

You should also strongly consider drone insurance, even if you’re not required to have it. Insurance safeguards you against severe consequences of drone use, such as lawsuits and injuries, reducing your financial burden. We have a beginner’s guide to drone insurance on the blog here.

With that, you’re ready to fly! Enjoy your commercial drone license, which expires within two years after the FAA issues it. The FAA does this by design so pilots can stay abreast of its changing regulations.

So, does that mean you have to take the Part 107 exam all over again? It used to, but since 2021, you can now take a free online exam to renew your drone certificate. Phew!

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How to Fly Holy Stone HS720E (Explained for Beginners)

The Holy Stone HS720E is a drone designed to withstand rude usage common in users who don’t know how to fly a drone.

• The HS720E is easy to fly, as it always hovers, even when you don’t move the throttle joystick.
• You only need to control the front, up, down, and side motions.
• Thanks to intelligent flight modes, it can perform automatic flying, only needing you to tap commands on the mobile app.

In this article, we’ll explain critical steps to consider when flying, such as how to set up the HS720E before flying it and the taking off and landing phases.

So stay tuned!

Setting up my Holy Stone HS720E (Step by step)

Before flying the HS720E, you must download the Ophelia GO app.

Your phone will serve as the camera view, so you must pair your mobile device with the remote controller and drone.

Finally, complete a step-by-step process to calibrate the drone compass.

» MORE: Holy Stone HS110D Review

Ophelia GO app

Downloading it is easy but depends on your device’s operating system.

The first method is through the HS720E user manual section 9.1: 

1. Scan the QR code for iOS or Android. 
2. Once the link pops up on your device screen, click it. 
3. It will automatically link you to the mobile app store. There, click download.

You can also look for the Ophelia GO app on the App Store or Play Store.

» MORE: Holy Stone App – All You Need to Know

Device pairing

To pair your devices, proceed as follows:

1. Unfold your HS720E arms, as the props can rotate slightly during pairing.
2. Insert a fully charged battery into the drone battery compartment.
3. Grab your remote controller. Then, hold down the lock/unlock button with your left thumb while you move the power switch to the right with your other thumb.
4. Now, press the power button on your drone.
5. Finally, go to your phone’s Wi-Fi network and search for HolyStoneEIS-******. Select it and wait until the binding is successful.
6. Once the binding process is complete, you can open the Ophelia GO app.

Now, you will see what the HS720E camera sees.

» MORE: How to Connect Holy Stone Drone to Phone (Step By Step Guide)

Drone calibration

Another critical step for a safe flight is compass calibration.

A calibrated compass helps the HS720E understand its location to hold its position accurately and avoid undesired drifting and taking off or landing issues.

Calibrating your drone compass is quite easy and takes 10 seconds to complete. Just follow the steps below:

1. Grab your remote controller. Move both joysticks to the lower right corner simultaneously. This action activates the calibration procedure.
2. Hold your HS720E parallel to the ground and rotate it to the same side three times. You know the calibration is complete when the power button lights steadily green.
3. Hold your HS720E vertically to the ground and rotate it to the same side three times.

 We attached a quick YouTube video from Holy Stone of the setup process to summarize these steps.

» MORE: Holy Stone Drone Doesn’t Want to Fly Right. What to Do?

Flying my Holy Stone HS720E (Step by step)

You can now press a button on the remote controller for your HS720E to take off.

Then, by moving the joysticks, you’ll be flying. Is as simple as that.

However, aviation entities regulate airspace, so the flight mission starts before your drone takes off.

» MORE: How to Fix My Holy Stone Drone that Won’t Start?

Pre-flight checklist

The first consideration is whether your drone can fly safely.

The way to ensure that is to install a fully charged battery, know if the drone requires an update, and calibrate its compass.

Another critical step is to understand your drone’s condition. 

How strong do the arm hinges feel? Do the propellers have excessive chips and cuts? Do the engines sound like a regular electrical motor? Or do they hum or make an odd noise?

Knowing your drone’s condition before flying is key to maintaining an acceptable level of safety when flying.

Finally, check the batteries’ condition. Do they have any swelling, leaking, discoloration, or odor? 

If you spot any of these issues, please avoid using the battery, as it can be faulty.

A damaged battery can make your drone explode or lose control in flight due to lack of power, causing damage to you or other people and property.

» MORE: Holy Stone HS720E Vs. DJI Mini 2 (Here’s My Choice)

Safety

You must know where to fly your HS720E safely without worrying about damaging it.

This drone is beginner-friendly thanks to its flying aids, such as auto-hovering and maintaining a fixed position in the air.

However, it’s fast for a newbie, even in normal mode.

Pricier drones with these characteristics have collision avoidance sensors to stop before or bypass obstacles.

The HS720E lacks these sensors, so if you aren’t completely aware of your environment, you will surely crash it.

The best scenario to fly is at a safe altitude above obstacles.

Plan to fly your drone in a football court or in a park where you have plenty of space to maneuver.

» MORE: Drone Safety Features (All You Need to Know)

Regulations

By regulation, you must avoid flying a drone over people.

Don’t fly low on private property. Owners can take it as espionage or an attack on their privacy.

The HS720E is only suitable for recreational flying, so you must register and take a TRUST test before flying.

» MORE: Drone Laws in the United States

Weather

This drone has a good weight for its size and comes with a double GPS module.

These are factors that improve its stability against windy conditions.

However, the drone is only suitable for flying in breezy conditions, making it very hard to fly in winds of more than 15 mph.

» MORE: Flying a Drone in Hot Weather (Things You Should Know)

Taking off

You have ensured your aircraft is safe to fly. The next step is to take off. It’s a very easy process that only involves pressing one button.

1. Turn on the GPS by sliding the GPS switch down. It’s on the right side of your transmitter.
2. Unlock the engines by pressing the lock button below the left joystick with your thumb.
3. Press the button above the left joystick for the HS720E to take off automatically.

Why is it important to turn on the GPS module?

Although the HS720E isn’t lightweight, strong winds move it relatively easily.

You can lose your drone, making it impossible to find it just by sight. 

Having the GPS module on guarantees you have its position on the map.

It also gives you a path on the flight logs to figure out the landing point. 

» MORE: Drone Won’t Take Off? Here’s How to Fix it

Flying my HS720E

Now, let’s dig into the fun part.

The HS720E is relatively easy to fly, thanks to its auto-hovering capabilities.

Whether you release the transmitter and leave it on a chair, the drone will continue to hover in a fixed position until its battery drains.

Then it will land automatically.

However, understanding how to move the joysticks is the tricky part.

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 first step is to move the left stick up so the HS720E ascends to a safe altitude above obstacles. Then, move the right joystick up so the drone starts flying forward.

In the beginning, the most challenging movement is turning. The most accurate advice we can give you is to turn before moving forward.

Once you feel comfortable turning, you can do it while flying forward.

We don’t advise flying backward unless necessary, as you can lose awareness of the drone’s position and hit something.

» MORE: Holy Stone HS720 Camera Not Working (And How to Fix It)

Headless mode

Another difficulty when starting is understanding the north of the drone.

The north is always where the camera points. 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.

In this case, we recommend you start with headless mode. When you enable this feature, the drone will always go forward when you move the left joystick up.

To enable this function, proceed as follows:

1. Tap the four squares icon on the left side of the camera view screen.
2. Then, select the icon that shows a compass rose.

» MORE: Best Drones for Backpacking and Camping

Follow me

There are other ways to fly the HS720E, such as automatically.

The first and most famous feature is follow-me. Your HS720E follows you in this mode from a safe distance and altitude.

Let’s say you want to film yourself while riding a bicycle or simply walking. In those scenarios, you can lose awareness of the environment, so controlling the drone is dangerous.

With the follow-me feature, you avoid those inconveniences, letting the drone do all the work.

To enable this function, proceed as follows:

3. Tap the four squares on the left side of the camera view screen.
4. Then, select the icon that shows a drone following a person.

» MORE: Best Drones for Beginners

Landing my HS720E

Landing your HS720E is as easy as taking off.

1. Press the button above the left joystick for the HS720E to land automatically.
2. The engines shut down after landing. However, we always recommend you lock them by pressing the lock button. Otherwise, the propellers can start spinning without notice, and you can get injured.

After landing my HS720E

The final step after landing your HS720E and locking its engines is to secure the drone.

• Battery removal: Leaving the battery installed can damage the circuits on the drone, or the battery can drain. Remove the battery 10 to 15 minutes after your flight.
• Charging the battery: Once you remove the batteries from the drone and they’re at ambient temperature, you must consider your next flight. If the next flight is within 24 hours, the wisest practice is to charge the battery right away.
• Safe storage: If you don’t plan to use the drone for some time, store the battery without charging it completely. 

Charge the batteries between 50 and 65 percent or when one of the indicator lights is on. With this practice, you ensure the HS720E battery will last longer as it won’t cycle.

» MORE: Best Budget Holy Stone Drone for the Money (With Prices)

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Best SD Cards for DJI Mavic 3 (Classic / Pro / Cine)

The Mavic 3 line (Classic, Pro, Cine) is DJI’s foldable professional flagship line.

Aside from stellar omnidirectional obstacle sensing, solid tracking functions, and a quality build, the Mavic 3 line has impressive cameras. 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad cameras to be exact.

An essential purchase for any Mavic 3 owner, especially the commercial pilot, will be SD cards.

Even the Cine versions, with their 1TB of internal storage, perfect for Apple ProRes files, can accommodate high-capacity 2TB SD cards.

We’ll be discussing SD card specs as well as talking about the best SD cards for the Mavic 3 line, how to insert and eject the Mavic 3 and DJI RC Pro SD cards, and how to format the SD cards in both the Mavic 3 and DJI RC Pro.

The best SD cards for the Mavic 3 line and DJI RC Pro are the SanDisk Extreme and Extreme PRO lines, Samsung’s EVO line, Kingston Canvas Go!, Angelbird, and the Lexar 1066x line.

While we will be discussing specific cards by various manufacturers, there are many, many different cards available that you might have used in the past and will work well with the Mavic 3 line.

DJI Recommendations

While many times we might feel that companies have “recommended products” as a way to boost sales in various internal ventures or because they have business ties with other manufacturers, going by DJI’s SD card recommendation list is beneficial.

This is because DJI has spent tons of time, resources, and money planning, engineering, building, and testing its products.

DJI is in a unique position to know what 3rd party and after-market products work best for its equipment and what 3rd party products will help DJI’s products operate to their full capacity.

The SD cards DJI recommends are not problematic nor diminish the final output of the images and videos produced with its drones.

Because of this, shortly, we will be looking at quite a few card recommendations from DJI.

» MORE: Best SD Cards for Mavic 3

What to Look for in an SD Card

While most SD cards seem, to some, to be just identical tiny pieces of plastic with a label and gold-colored notches and grooves, not all SD cards have the same build quality or perform equally.

Like with many products, you get what you pay for!

When purchasing SD cards, it is important to take into consideration the SD card’s maximum space, its read/write speeds, and price, as sometimes there are large differences in price between cards that appear to be similar in specs.

» MORE: DJI Air 3 Beginners Guide (Step-by-Step Guide)

Space/Size

When it comes to SD cards, they are a middle ground or vehicle between the drone and getting content out to the public, via social media, or paying clients.

They are not oftentimes used as a permanent home for data in a professional capacity.

While yes, the Mavic 3 line is considered a professional workhorse, there are many hobbyists who use the drone in a non-commercial capacity.

As such, it is good to first consider how you plan on using SD cards.

Are you someone who regularly flies as a hobbyist, shoots in 4 or 5k, and is not in a rush to move content from the Mavic 3 to a computer, allowing videos to accumulate internally?

Or, on the other hand, are you a commercial drone pilot who shoots a lot of footage and regularly transfers the media to a computer for editing and delivering to clients?

If you leave media on the SD card for a while, shooting over and over again on the same SD card, then a high-capacity card would be the best route to go.

Thankfully, the Mavic 3 line can use cards up to 2TB.

On the other hand, if regularly offloading content to a computer or portable drive for editing, having multiple, lower-capacity, cost-effective cards might work well for client project organization.

Below is a comparison chart of the common sizes of SD cards, which should help in determining the right-sized card for your Mavic 3.

The chart is based on the Mavic 3 Pro’s three cameras: the maximum 48 MP photo option at 98MB/photo (rounded up to 100MB), 20 MP photos at 40-50MB, and the 12 MP photo option at 25MB/Photo.

Photo Storage Examples

» MORE: DJI Mini 3/Mini 3 Pro: Where to Put the SD Card (Explained)

Video Storage Examples

Below is a comparison chart of how much storage is used in shooting various lengths of 4k 60fps video footage.

These numbers are being used as they are common when filming drone footage, although the Mavic 3 is capable of much higher resolution and frame rates (fps)

» MORE: DJI Air 3 vs. Mavic 3 (Here’s my Choice)

Read/Write Speed

Having looked at how much space various cards can hold for photos and videos, we’ll look at how the actual speed of an SD card comes into play.

U1 & U3

On the front of SD cards, there will be a bucket with U1 or U3, these are the UHS speed class ratings.

UHS Speed Class 1 supports 10MB/write speed as a minimum, with UHS Speed Class 3 having a minimum of at least 30 MB/write speed.

Because the Mavic 3 line shoots such high-resolution videos, 4k and above, knowing the speed class of a card, and then using a U3 class is essential for filming such content.

Perhaps the card might not be used for videos.

Even if not planning on shooting 4 or 5k video, having U3 cards is beneficial at times for taking photographs, as there is a noticeable advantage in speed.

These speed benefits when taking pictures on the Mavic 3 come into play when doing 3-5 frame AEB (auto exposure bracketing) and burst shooting.

The images in these modes write quickly to the card, without the pauses of a slower U1 card.

If you’ve ever taken multiple shots quickly and noticed considerable lag between the burst shots and the camera finalizing them, it most likely was due to the speed class of the card.

In this case, you’ll want a U3 SD card.

For the best client and hobbyist experience possible, you’ll want to purchase the fastest, best-quality card that fits your budget.

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 vs. Mavic 3 Classic: Which Drone Should You Buy?

Pricing

To go with the different types, sizes, and speeds of SD cards that are available, there are also many different pricing options.

Oftentimes there will even be various price swings between SD cards by the same manufacturer.

When looking at DJI’s recommendation list, we see cards by SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston, and Lexor. Additionally, Angle Bird has been a major up-and-comer in the drone SD card market.

When it comes to SD cards, the higher the storage capacity, the less expensive per GB the SD cards get.

For instance, a SanDisk Extreme U3 128 GB card regularly sells for between $14.99 and $29.99, whereas the 256 GB version of that card regularly sells for $22.99.

The 256 GB version of the card is cheaper per GB than the 128 GB, as the 128 GB card easily exceeds the 256 GB option price.

The bright side to all of this is that SD card manufacturers have deals where there are 2-packs of SD cards on sale, and combined they are priced less per card than if you purchased both cards separately.

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 QuickTransfer – How to Download Files (Step-by-Step Guide)

Recommended Cards

Below is a listing of DJI’s SD Card recommendations, as well as a higher-costing Professional Grade SD card by Angelbird, and useful manufacturer’s product information.

SanDisk Extreme/Pro Lines

The SanDisk Extreme and Extreme Pro lines are made for the conditions we might find our drones in.

They are reportedly Temperature proof, Waterproof, and Shockproof.

The Extreme series has read speeds up to 160MB and write speeds up to 60MB, perfect for 4k video recording and burst shooting on the Mavic 3 line.

These features apply to the 128 & 256 GB and even the 1 TB versions as well.

As regular users of SanDisk, we highly recommend these lines of cards.

High-Capacity

SanDisk Extreme 1TB V30 A2 microSDXC

$107.00
$101.18

• Up to 130MB/s write speeds for fast shooting
• 4K and 5K UHD-ready with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30)
• Rated A2 for faster loading and in-app performance

Buy from Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

09/21/2023 12:46 am GMT

» MORE: DJI RC 2 Review (Everything You Need to Know)

Lexar 1066x

The 1066x line is specifically designed for action cameras, drones, and other high-end end electronics.

For the budget conscience, the Lexar 1066x has SD cards that come in a few dollars less than SanDisk currently.

Lexar Professional 1066x 256GB microSDXC UHS-I Card

$29.99
$20.49

• Professional-level performance for action cameras, drones, or Android smartphones
• Leverages UHS-I technology to deliver read speeds up to 160MB/s (1066x)
• Designed for durability in harsh conditions

Buy from Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

09/21/2023 07:27 pm GMT

» MORE: Best SD Cards for DJI Mini 2 SE

Samsung Evo Select/Plus Lines

In addition to being waterproof, shockproof, temperature proof, and X-ray proof, the EVO Select and the Evo Plus series are also magnetic proof.

The Evo line has read speeds up to 100MB and write speeds up to 60MB. Additionally, as of this article writing, specific Evo SD cards on currently on sale.

Samsung EVO Select 256GB V30 A2 microSDXC

$24.67
$19.99

• Superfast U3, class 10 rated transfer speeds of up to 130MB/s¹,²and UHS-I Interface
• Available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB
• Complete with water⁴, temperature⁵, X-ray⁶, ⁷magnet, drop⁸, and wears⁹ out protection; Backed by a 10-year limited warranty

Buy from Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

09/21/2023 01:42 am GMT

» MORE: Best SD Cards for DJI Avata

Kingston Canvas Go Line

Made for action cameras and drones, the Kingston series has transfer speeds up to 170 MB and supports the A2 App Performance Class.

This series of cards is water, x-ray, temperature, shock, and vibration proof.

» MORE: Best DJI Mini 3 Pro SD Cards

Angelbird Line

The Angelbird line is designed specifically for professionals and larger video and photo productions filmed with popular commercial drones as well as action cameras from GoPro, Insta360, and DJI.

Supports Full HD, 4K, and 6K video recording and photo in a variety of rugged environments.

Professional

» MORE: Best SD Cards for DJI Mavic Air 2

Inserting/Ejecting SD Cards

The Mavic 3 line has popularized the convenient placement of the SD card removing it from behind the right leg or arm of the drone and relocating it to the rear of the Mavic 3, above the battery.

This design queue is also seen in the Mini 3 line as well as the Air 3.

With this redesign, SD cards can be quickly and conveniently removed and reinserted.

» MORE: DJI Mini 3 Pro SD Cards: How to Insert, Eject, and Format (Video)

Mavic 3

To insert an SD card into the Mavic 3:

STEP 1: Pull the rear port cover open and straight up (this houses the USB-C and SD card slots).

STEP 2: With the Mavic 3 powered down, insert the SD card, with the pins facing upward, until the card clicks into place.

STEP 3: Close the rear port cover.

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Pro – How to Turn ON/OFF (Step-by-Step Guide & Video)

DJI RC Pro

As with the DJI RC and DJI RC 2, the Mavic 3’s DJI RC Pro also has an SD card slot.

Although there is 32 GB internal storage the SD card on the DJI RC Pro can be used for storing screenshots, screen recording clips, and other media.

To insert an SD card into the DJI RC Pro, while the DJI RC Pro is off, simply push the SD card, face up, into the SD card slot (the left slot), until it clicks.

Note: The SD card slots on the Mavic 3 and DJI RC Pro are spring-loaded.

If you have large fingers or your fingers slip when inserting the SD card it could cause the card to quickly eject from the slot, possibly getting lost.

Using a fingernail to insert the cards generally works well.

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 vs. DJI Mini 3 Pro (Which One is Right for You?)

Formatting SD Cards and Internal Storage

The process for formatting SD cards and the internal storage that is in the Mavic 3 is done within the DJI Fly app, whether you have a DJI RC Pro, DJI RC, or the RC-N1 remote controller.

» MORE: How to Format SD Cards in DJI Drones (Quick Steps with Photos)

Mavic 3

To format the SD card or internal storage, after powering on both the Mavic 3 and your current RC (DJI RC Pro, RC, or RC-N1) connected to a smart device:

STEP 1: While in the DJI Fly app, go into your settings and locate the CAMERA tab.

STEP 2: Under storage, press format. You will be presented with an option to format either the SD card or Internal Storage.

STEP 3: Choose SD Card and press Format.

To format the internal storage of the Mavic 3, during Step 3 simply select Internal Storage at the Select location to format screen.

» MORE: How Do I Update DJI RC Pro? (Step-by-Step Guide)

DJI RC Pro

Unlike the SD cards in the Mavic 3 (removable and internal storage), the Mavic 3 does not need to be on to format the SD card and internal storage of the DJI RC Pro.

To format the DJI RC Pro’s SD card and/or internal storage:

STEP 1: Pull down the DJI RC Pro’s notification screen by double-swiping it down.

STEP 2: Press the settings/options gear in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

STEP 3: Tap STORAGE

STEP 4: On the bottom of the screen, under Portable Storage, you will see your SD card. Mine is currently labeled disk, as I had not yet changed it after inserting a brand-new SD card.

Tap on your SD card’s name. You’ll see your SD cards used space. Press Format.

STEP 5: You’ll then be asked to format the SD card. If you choose to format at this time, press FORMAT SD CARD or otherwise choose CANCEL.

The same steps apply to formatting the internal storage of the DJI RC Pro.

However, instead of choosing the DJI RC Pro Portable Storage, you would select Device Storage and proceed with formatting the internal storage.

» MORE: How to Pair the DJI RC Pro Controller with DJI Drone (Step-by-Step Guide)