Introduction
The Holy Stone HS720 GPS Drone is an affordable yet feature-packed quadcopter designed for drone enthusiasts, beginners, and hobbyist photographers. With 4K UHD video recording, a long 52-minute flight time, and advanced GPS-assisted flight features, this drone aims to provide professional-grade footage without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a social media creator, a travel vlogger, or simply a drone hobbyist, the HS720 offers stability, ease of use, and smart flight modes that make aerial photography effortless.
💰 Price & Value: At around $249, it’s an excellent value for a 4K camera drone with a long battery life and smart flight modes typically found in higher-end models.
Key Features & Specifications 📋
- Camera: 4K UHD with image stabilization
- Battery Life: 52 minutes (2 x 26-minute batteries)
- Max Flight Range: 3,000 feet (914 meters)
- Control Technology: 2.4GHz transmitter with real-time GPS tracking
- Smart Flight Features: Auto Return Home, Follow Me, Circle Fly, Waypoint Mode
- Build Quality: Foldable design, lightweight but durable
- Wind Resistance: Level 5 (suitable for moderate winds)
- Weight: 460g (FAA registration may be required)
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly with one-button takeoff & landing
Overall Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
| Feature | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | 4K UHD, but lacks a gimbal for professional stabilization |
| Flight Time | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 52 minutes with 2 batteries – impressive for this price |
| Control Range | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | 3,000 feet, good for casual flyers but limited for professionals |
| Smart Features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | GPS return, Follow Me, Waypoint, and Circle Mode |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Great for beginners, intuitive controls |
Final Verdict: Is This Drone Worth It?
✅ YES! If you’re looking for a reliable 4K camera drone under $300 with long flight time and smart GPS features, the Holy Stone HS720 is a fantastic choice.
💡 Enhancement: See the comparison table below to check how the HS720 stacks up against competitors.
Why Choose This Drone? 🤔
The Holy Stone HS720 GPS Drone stands out from other budget 4K drones due to its long flight time, smart flight modes, and robust build quality.
✅ Best Reasons to Buy:
- Long 52-minute battery life (2 x 26-minute batteries)
- GPS-assisted flight with Auto Return Home
- Follow Me & Waypoint Mode for hands-free filming
- Durable, foldable design – great for travel
- Simple controls for beginners and hobbyists
💡 Unique Feature: Unlike some other budget drones, the HS720 doesn’t require Wi-Fi for flight control, making it more stable and reliable.
Who Should Buy This Drone?
| Best For You If… | Not for You If… |
|---|---|
| You want high-quality aerial shots | You need obstacle avoidance sensors |
| You’re a beginner & need easy controls | You need professional-grade gimbal stabilization |
| You need a budget-friendly 4K drone | You prefer DJI drones for advanced controls |
| You want hands-free flight modes (Follow Me, Waypoints) | You need live streaming capabilities |
📢 Pro Tip: If you’re new to drones, this model offers a great balance of price, features, and ease of use for casual and semi-pro users.
Build Quality & Design 🏗️
- Material: High-quality plastic with a sturdy, foldable frame
- Size & Portability: Compact design, folds into a small carrying case
- Feel in Hand: Premium feel, better than most budget drones
- Button Layout & Controls: Well-placed buttons for intuitive control
- LED Screen on Remote: Displays GPS signal, battery level, and control range
📢 Note: The controller includes a built-in display that shows key flight stats, reducing the need to check your smartphone screen constantly.
Flight Experience & Controls
- Beginner-Friendly Controls: One-key takeoff & landing
- Smart Flight Features: Auto Return, Follow Me, Waypoint Mode, Circle Fly
- Remote & App Control: Dual control modes with physical remote + smartphone app
- Stability: Optical Flow Positioning ensures smooth hovering, even in weak GPS signal areas
🚀 Pro Tip: Activate “Headless Mode” to make navigation easier, especially for beginners.
Camera Quality & Aerial Photography 📸
The HS720’s 4K UHD camera captures crisp and vibrant footage, but keep in mind:
Image Stabilization: Reduces minor shakes but lacks a 3-axis gimbal
Adjustable Lens: 90° adjustable angle for flexible shots
5GHz FPV Transmission: Reduces lag for smoother real-time video
❌ No Real-Time 4K Streaming: Videos must be downloaded for full resolution
📢 Best Use Cases:
- Social Media Creators & Travel Vloggers: Sharp footage for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok
- Casual Aerial Photography: Great for capturing landscapes, group shots, and home videos
💡 Pro Tip: Use a high-speed SD card (Class 10 or UHS-1) for smooth recording and maximizing video quality.
Best Drone Settings for an Optimized Flight Experience 🎯
For beginners and advanced pilots, tweaking the settings can enhance flight stability, battery efficiency, and video quality.
1️⃣ Beginner-Friendly Settings:
- Enable Optical Flow Positioning – Helps the drone hover steadily in weak GPS areas.
- Set Altitude Limit – Prevent accidental crashes when flying in urban areas or indoors.
- Use Headless Mode – Makes directional control easier for first-time flyers.
- Start in Slow Speed Mode – Reduces jerky movements while learning to control flight paths.
2️⃣ Advanced Settings for Pro Users:
- Disable Beginner Mode – Allows for full speed and maximum altitude.
- Adjust Camera Angle to 90° Downward – Ideal for aerial top-down shots.
- Customize Flight Paths – Set waypoints for cinematic smooth panning.
- Use High-Performance Mode for Windy Conditions – Helps the drone maintain stability in Level 5 wind speeds.
📢 Pro Tip: If you’re filming in low-light conditions, increase the camera’s exposure settings slightly to capture brighter, clearer images.
Expert Opinion: What Drone Enthusiasts & YouTubers Say 📢
💬 Isaac (Amazon Reviewer, 5 Stars)
“The HS720’s Follow Me mode works flawlessly, and the battery lasts much longer than expected! Best value drone under $300.”
💬 Mechanicallyincleyend (YouTube Reviewer)
“The HS720 is a fantastic beginner drone with GPS return, but I wish it had a 3-axis gimbal for extra stabilization.”
💬 Logan (Verified Buyer, 5 Stars)
“Great drone, but the stabilization could be better when it’s windy. Overall, very smooth flying experience.”
Common Praise:
- Easy setup & beginner-friendly controls
- Long battery life (52 minutes total) is a game-changer
- Foldable design makes it great for travel
- GPS Return Home prevents loss of drone
Common Criticism:
- Lacks obstacle avoidance – Be careful in tight spaces
- No built-in gimbal stabilization – Footage can be slightly shaky in strong winds
- Limited live FPV range – Great for short distances but struggles beyond 2,500 ft
Comparison with Competitors 📊
| Feature | Holy Stone HS720 | DJI Mini 2 | Ruko F11 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera | 4K UHD (Fixed) | 4K UHD (3-Axis Gimbal) | 4K UHD (Fixed) |
| Flight Time | 52 minutes (2 batteries) | 31 minutes | 60 minutes (2 batteries) |
| Control Range | 3,000 ft | 6,000 ft | 3,900 ft |
| Smart Features | GPS Return, Follow Me, Waypoint Mode | GPS Return, Follow Me | GPS Return, Follow Me, Gesture Control |
| Obstacle Avoidance | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Foldable Design | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Price | $249 | $449 | $279 |
Verdict:
- Choose the HS720 if you want long battery life and smart GPS features on a budget.
- Choose DJI Mini 2 if you need professional-level video stabilization and extended range.
- Choose Ruko F11 Pro if you need the longest flight time and slightly better wind resistance.
📢 Pro Tip: If you’re just starting out, the HS720 is the best budget-friendly choice. However, if you want a gimbal for ultra-smooth video, consider the DJI Mini 2.
Longevity & Durability: How Long Will This Drone Last? 🕰️
🛡️ Build Quality & Crash Resilience:
- Strong plastic frame resists minor crashes.
- Brushless motors last longer and require less maintenance than brushed motors.
- Foldable arms reduce impact damage when stored properly.
🔋 Battery Lifespan & Replacement:
- Each battery lasts ~300 charge cycles before losing efficiency.
- Charge time: 5-7 hours per battery (recommend buying a spare).
- Avoid overcharging to prevent reducing lifespan.
📢 Tip: Store batteries in a cool, dry place and avoid fully depleting them before recharging for extended lifespan.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting 🛠️
Essential Drone Maintenance Tips:
- Keep propellers clean and replace them every 4-6 months.
- Calibrate the compass & gyroscope before each flight for stability.
- Regularly check for loose screws on arms and landing gear.
Troubleshooting FAQ:
❓ Drone not pairing with the remote?
✅ Solution: Ensure both are fully charged and restart them. Hold the power button for 3 seconds.
❓ Camera feed lagging on the app?
✅ Solution: Move closer to the drone, and ensure no Wi-Fi interference nearby.
❓ Drone drifting in one direction?
✅ Solution: Perform a gyroscope recalibration in the app.
📢 Pro Tip: Always update the drone’s firmware to ensure the latest features & bug fixes.
Warranty, Safety & Regulatory Compliance 🚀
🛡️ Warranty:
- 30-day return & refund policy on Amazon
- 1-year manufacturer warranty for defects
⚠️ Regulatory Compliance:
- FAA Registration Required (due to weight: 460g)
- Follow local drone laws when flying in public spaces
- No built-in obstacle avoidance – fly with caution!
📢 Important: If you plan to use the HS720 for commercial filming, check local aviation rules to avoid legal issues.
Pros & Cons ✅❌
✔ Pros:
- Long battery life (52 minutes total)
- 4K UHD camera with image stabilization
- Foldable & travel-friendly design
- Smart flight features (GPS Return, Follow Me, Waypoints)
- Beginner-friendly controls
❌ Cons:
- No obstacle avoidance sensors
- Fixed camera (no gimbal stabilization)
- Long battery charge time (5-7 hours per battery)
FAQs 🤔
Q1: Can you use this drone for professional photography?
A: Yes, but since it lacks a gimbal, professional photographers may prefer DJI Mini 2 for smoother footage.
Q2: How long does the battery last?
A: Each battery lasts ~26 minutes, with two batteries included for a total of 52 minutes.
Q3: Can I fly the HS720 indoors?
A: Yes, but be cautious in small spaces since it lacks obstacle avoidance.
Setup & Installation Guide 🚀
Step-by-Step Setup:
1️⃣ Charge the batteries fully before first use.
2️⃣ Attach the propellers securely.
3️⃣ Power on the drone & controller.
4️⃣ Calibrate the compass & gyroscope in the app.
5️⃣ Connect to the “Ophelia GPS” app via Wi-Fi.
6️⃣ Perform a test flight in an open area.
📢 Pro Tip: Always start in an open field before attempting flights in complex environments.
Final Verdict – Is the HS720 Worth It? 🎯
✅ Yes! If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 4K drone with GPS smart features, long battery life, and great usability, the Holy Stone HS720 is one of the best options under $300.
📢 Grab yours now on Amazon → Buy Now 🚀
Leave a Comment