Hover Air X1 New features since last video
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
- Successive firmware updates have added new features to the Hover Air X1 since I posted the first review video • Hover Air X1 Self-flyi... of this exciting mini drone in June 2023
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If you're in the US then the Hover Air X1 will be Amazon's Deal of the Day on 11th May with 25% off. No indication of any such deal coming to the UK or other territories yet (sadly).
I think the Hover Air X1 wins the best innovative drone award of 2023. There’s nothing like it on the market. Great demonstrations of the new added features. Happy holidays.
The way it navigated itself around the gate was amazing. A perfect demonstration of its capabilities.
Looking forward to the content you can produce with it in 2024.
It came very close to clobbering the gatepost, but that's what I mean about taking opportunities. I made the most of the the fact it didn't hit. If it had, I would have done the shot again, slightly differently, and no-one would know the first had failed.
@@alwaysanotheradventure The nature of the internet is that you would get way more views if you posted a drone fail complilation. 😉
Especially amazing since it only has downward-looking sensors!@@alwaysanotheradventure
@@BruceVigneault that’s what I was getting at - just try and see what it does with its single downward pointing sensor. If it had crashed I wouldn’t use the shot. It didn’t so I could.
remember the drone has NO obstacle avoidance. it didn't "see" the gate and avoid it, it was following the runner and in the process luckily avoided the gate. the good news is the drone is INCREDIBLY small so that makes it more likely to miss things AND its incredibly tough so nearly all crashes will result in no damage, you just have to start it again.
Nice one Simon- The noise canceling feature is excellent! Good follow-up review to the previous model. BTW- didn't know you were a roving reporter, I always thought you had good articulation. Many thanks!
Great, slick video
I worked in IT for a long time, but even I'm surprised at how much tech has improved so much in the last 15 years. Where will it end! Excellent video. If your video had been filmed by a full camera crew I doubt it would have been much better.
that was great. as an ex tv filmmaker i also am amazed at the simplicity of the hover air x1
Fantastic production thank you! Must have a look at your other content.
Best review so far,thank you!!
Those features are amazingly cool! Wow! This is new to me. I’ll look into it for sure. Thanks and have a super Xmas and NY. Quality production as always. Atb…Terry
Wow such a lovely cinematically pleasing video explaining the new features. Loved it!
What a fab addition to your ‘armoury’ 👍🏽👏🏽
Thank you! You convinced me over a Dji Mni Pro 4
Great video. Definitely is right up my alley as I would love this for trail running videos.
It has recently added a side-track option too. There are some good groups on Facebook for X1 owners
Thanks - great overview! Just got mine and learning how best to use it for travel films so your tips are perfect. As a keen cyclist your channel & blog has also caught my eye - subscribed!
That’s great - thank you.
This is a mega review. Really well done and presented using those flaws to perfection. I now want one although feel it’s a tab pricey.
Very profesional video, congratulations, new sub!
Really appreciate this video demo-ing the features of a Firmware update. I'm installing my new X1 right now-first drone of any kind- and did update the firmware, so it is good to know the new features. Sub'd and bell'd in the hopes you will continue this high-quality reporting on the HoverAir X1 and any firmware updates. Thank you.
TBA it's really more a cycling and fitness vlog - the X1 is just one of the tools I use. I don't want to drag you in under false pretences😁
@@alwaysanotheradventure Appreciate the clarification. Maybe I'll hang on for the fitness, I do need more of that. 🤣
I loved the quality of the colors in the edited video. In other videos about the Hover X1, the difference between what was recorded with a more professional camera and when showing the images generated by the Hover is clear. It seems to have more "sharpness", but the quality of the Hover images was excellent. Was any filter/color correction used? Would it be too much to ask what the editing settings were? Thanks
You're right, the sensor is smaller and the X1's pictures are more processed, including sharpening. They look best when shot in bright sunlight behind a bit of cloud (to act as a diffuser). They're at their worst on an overcast, grey day. The difference is really noticeable. The other pictures in this are on a GoPro. The only thing I've tweaked are exposure levels using Final Cut - I find big grading programs too confusing!
I have one of these Hover Cams and I have found it to be excellent and very easy to use. I would recommend it to anyone who like me finds flying a drone difficult and onerous.
Looks really good, decided to treat myself.
Sooo cool 😀
Excellent post, just what I needed to decide to add it to my repertoire of cinema drones, (like my DJI group!) Pocket size, and no need for a controller other than having my phone, which I carry 9n a holster anyway! This is GENIUS! Thank you !
Glad it was helpful - quality not as great as DJI in anything but strong sunlight but it is useful.
From Oz,Simon. Seasons Greetings and all that. Many thanks for your work … very good upgrades … I’ve been holding off buying … may now be the time to… just finishing the 7 Peaks Ride here in Victoria (look it up) so have that ticked off … the new Priority 600X bike has arrived, (ditto) heralding more off road adventures for 2024. So just maybe this is the time for the Hover Air?
Thanks
Thanks for the support John.
Sir, that was an excellent video and the scenery and the way you captured yourself really showed off the benefits of this drone. The manufacturer need to give you an inside track because I’ve watched multiple videos and yours is the one that almost has me buying, mainly due to video quality that I’m holding back. Did you shoot this in 2.7K or the 1080 HDR?
And now it has even more improvements added.. time for another update!
I just got mine a week or so ago, and have been doing exactly what you suggest - trying out every mode with every height and distance combination. It's great that it shoots in landscape as you say for a classic TV piece to camera, but also switching to portrait makes it perfect for social media content too. I just did some experimenting this morning with the microphone and noise cancelling, let's see how that goes.
Great to hear David
Great video 👍🏻 ordered mine should be here tomoz 👍🏻 can I ask what mic are you using for the x1 ? Thanks very much 👍🏻
Link to all video kit in description
Thank you so much for your video. I never knew about the noise cancelling feature existed in the app which is why I have not used my Hover Air for any tangible recording as I thought the noise will drown out my voice.
Glad I could help - for me it's the star feature
@@alwaysanotheradventure I’ve got the DJI mic 2 which came with my DJI Osmo Pocket 3. I aim to try it for the Hover Air in the next couple of days. I hope it is intuitive linking the mic with the Hover air App
@@gbej1 It has to work with your phone. If you can get the receiver to connect with the phone, and record you wirelessly when recording yourself talking to camera, then it should work with the Hover App.
@@alwaysanotheradventure I’ll try that thank you
125g means no FAA test to pass? Well done video Sir! Mike
In the UK there’s an online test to pass but it’s fairly easy.
Hia, thanks for the great video. I'm thinking of getting one, but I'm not sure if it has a few features, and you can't return it once opened. Do you happen to know if the zoom, orbit and birds eye modes can be set to run for a longer time? I was thinking 3 mins or even more depending on the application. Basically i want to use if for outdoor music videos in nice locations, like a beach, and seeing as I tend to film my own videos myself, this device seems the best choice out there. I'd like to, for example have it orbit me for the duration of a song, then I can cut the clip and use bits as needed.
Would that work?
Thanks in advance
I don’t know. There has been a new update I haven’t yet played with. Previously the answer would have been no but some videos I’ve seen with the new update suggests this might be possible with the hand gesture controls. There are several Facebook groups that might be of more help.
Certainly some good features and no doubt more improvements to come. For content makers such as yourself, I can see the advantages. I like the eye level views because they are more realistic of what you'd actually see if you were there; many drone shots look good of course, but in real life, you wouldn't get those views with your own eyes. However, as a means of recording for one's own benefit, I really couldn't do with the noise of it at the time. God forbid if these become popular with people in the outdoors!
Wow this looks seriously impressive. The fact no controller is cool for portable on the go. What were you using for the audio setup? What was connected to the iPhone?
It’s just a Rode Smart+ Lavalier - there’s a link to my video kit in all the video descriptions. It’s quite a drone and it can be flown manually with the phone App
Technology is amazing nowadays. Fair play to you for keeping up and not be fazed by the gadgetry (like I would be😄)!
But how do you ‘summon it back’ once the shooting is done? Does it come with a remote control callback feature? And is there a way of changing the filming mode when it’s in the air?
Also, does it have a max speed- ie would it be able to track me on my motorbike?
Thanks again for the excellent review
It comes back to you when you stop. Can’t change mode mid-flight (I think). 15mph so I can overtake it on my bike which can look good as it pivots around to the rear. That speed is very wind dependent - much faster obviously with a following wind.
What microphone do you recommend with your phone?, please.... Thanks you got yourself another subscriber 👍😊
There’s a link to my video kit in the description - it’s a Rode Smart Lav with adapter.
Useful video. I wonder how long the batteries will remain useable and how replaceable they are.
In regular use they’re not long lived batteries. How many charge/discharge cycles they can withstand I have no idea, but I have bought a third battery quite easily. I suspect we’ll see and X2 in time with different batteries and more functionality and this will be like the GoPro Hero 1. N
I have a Mavic Air, paid a fortune for the Flymore Combo, now all 3 batteries are dead and will not take a charge, because I didn't use that drone enough. This little drone comes with me everywhere and has already had more flights than my Mavic ever did. Sure, they are short little flights, but who wants to watch my ass for long anyway?
The thing you didn't mention is while it's tracking and following you at a set distance and height, can one change those settings to something else while the drone is in the air or one would have to land it first? that is crucial you know. I've almost pulled the trigger on this thing but, the limited 2.7k 30 & 60fps is a bummer & camera could be protected when folded & batteries/flight time could be improved, until then, I'm not sure.
I disagree, I do not think it's crucial to know, so I haven't tested that. Given the many limitations of the X1, switching to another mode when it is unable to register a start point close-up (ie a face) could provoke a fly-away so I don't plan to test that option. Perhaps one of the many other video creators who claim to have put X1 Video Manuals on line?
@@alwaysanotheradventure I've watched a few of them, not so many people used it the way I intend to use it - cycling hiking etc. I'll just wait for the 2.0 now, that will be a massive upgrade.
Just purchased one ⚛️
Thanks for video.
I am unable to view my videos from gallery, samsung.
What do you use?
Thanks in advance.
iPhone for me - never had problems but I don’t update until the reported ones are sorted.
Thanks anyway. I'll just keep investigating.
The image quality looks good. Is it the original video? I hesitated to buy it because of the rumor that the image quality is bad.
I might have tweaked it slightly so the colour matches the GoPro but the quality is as it comes out of the camera. 2.7k dropped onto a 1080p timeline. The quality is not great when there's a high dynamic range, but I've seen a lot worse.
Ok now I want one
They are kinda cool.
Hi, does your automatically record in landscape? Mine is set for portrait and I have no idea how to change it - any idea? Cheers 👍
Check you’re up to date with Firmware. There was an update with weird bugs that I think has been updated again and corrected. You should be able to switch between landscape and vertical in the App page where you set distances etc. I leave mine landscape all the time. If I need vertical I just crop it - there’s 2.7k resolution and social media only needs a lower resolution.
@@alwaysanotheradventure I've got the latest firmware, update this evening. I've contacted them to ask the question so 🤞
Have you looked into the legailty of this drone? As I understand the UK drone laws, you need to always be able to see the drone AND you must always be in control of it.
The CAA understands many drones have a follow-me function and this is allowed for in their rules. Here's what it says
35. Flying with follow-me mode active
Some drones or model aircraft have a follow-me mode that means you can set your aircraft to follow you within a fixed distance.
You do not have to keep your drone or model aircraft in direct sight when follow-me mode is active and set to follow within 50m of you. You must still follow all of the other points.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Ah - that makes sense. Cheers.
In the recent update 7.0 I ddiscouvered the possibility to record video as a hand held camera without flying. Manual control, and just record video.
Great that you’re experimenting- that’s important with any camera. The ability to shoot while not flying has been there from the start. I used it in an early video just sat on a rock - it gives a great low angle and you can adjust the up/down tilt.
Which external mic are you using? is the DJI?
It's a Rode Smart Lav amzn.to/41zyxtv with an adapter for the iPhone amzn.to/3Gbv21n
Thanks for the review on the updated features. I agree that these updates are enthusiastically welcomed. I think this is a decent little drone for what it is intended to do and am constantly amazed at how people are wanting higher-end features (like in DJI) drones. I think the price point for what this little drone does is already quite high (and I say that from the perspective of someone who owns multiple DJI drones and is used to parting with large sums of cash 😂) and upgrading the camera (and subsequent internal storage) will only make the next iterations more expensive. I'm not saying that's a bad thing if it keeps these from becoming as ubiquitous as selfie sticks, but expecting similar features/performance to higher-end drones is a bit unrealistic IMO.
I’ve been wondering about this. I felt the audio was so clever someone would copy it - BUT after posting this I reconsidered. Who would want a larger drone with exposed props spinning close to them? We’ll see.
@@alwaysanotheradventure I still there is an opportunity for other drone manufacturers to jump on this bandwagon of personal drones for selfies with predefined flight patterns and the ability to take out and launch in under 15 seconds. And to be able to get 4K 60fps for the same cost as the Hover Air X1 would be icing n the cake. Until then, I'm sure I'll be happy with what I have now.
@@AZGeek520 I'm plenty happy with the camera. The early models of this, 6 or 7 years ago, had a 4K camera, which was pants. This is "only" 2.7k but the footage is much better. A flying selfie-stick like this is for Facebook or similar, where people will see it on their phone, where 1080P is plenty.
Do you have register this with CAA in UK?
Rules change. Check the CAA website for details of Flyer ID and Operator ID.
This looks great and might be the answer for my Son who wants a drone for things like this when he goes on remote hikes ( as long as the noise is not invasive).
Presumably theres no requirement for operator licence? (As no controller?)
It varies from country to country but it looks like you're in the UK where it needs an operator ID. A person is still in control of the drone so therefore legally responsible if it hits someone or something. It's worth reading around the website on this because not knowing is fine, right up until the point it's suddenly not! There's a recent video on here where someone has the X1 following them and they run past a family where the bloke has to duck to avoid being hit.
register-drones.caa.co.uk/registration-requirements-for-drones
@@alwaysanotheradventure cheers Simon, yes we're also in Scotland so will look into the details.
Thanks for the superb content that you create by the way and Happy New Year in advance 👍
Drone probably better. I think this shows yourself to work
Can you share what mic you used in the video?
It’s a Rode Smart Lavalier. There are links to it and the adapter and all my kit in the video description
Is this something I could use if I'm snow skiing (carving) fairly fast (45 km/h) and I want the camera to follow in front of me (dolly mode) about 10 to 20 feet in front and about 5 feet above the ground? Will the white snow be a problem?
The snow will be a problem. It won’t fly because the downward sensor won’t work. It has failed twice for me in snow.
@@alwaysanotheradventure What drone would you then recommend for my need?
@@guypisapia I'm not a drone expert, I just make videos withe them and thought this one was special, so I wouldn't want to send you down the wrong route. My other follow-along drone is a DJI mini 3 pro. The newer 4 is better (side obstacle avoidance). There are others I've heard about like the Skydio but I haven't flown them. Sorry I can't be more helpful.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Thanks. I don't intend to make aliving out of it so spending over 1 000 bucks for these devices is definitely not in my plans. I'll wait for something of quality in the 500$ range.
Do you need a separate microphone?,please and if so could you recommend one?
Thanks😊
I use the Rode Smart Lav+. There’s a link in the video description to all my filming kit.
Just out of interest, how would it react if a jogger or walker was coming in the opposite direction, As you pass each other, would the Hover Air not be confused as to who to follow?
One person it ignores - if I'm out with my wife it will follow the person who launched it. However, if a group of people passed by, I suspect it would get very confused.
Although UK drone law currently allows us to fly near uninvolved people, I would do all I could to avoid that. If I saw anyone on my route I'd land and wait for the all clear. You'll never see anyone appear accidentally in any of my drone shots on the X1.
What microphone are you using
Links to all my video kit are in the video description
do I need any documents fot this drone. like operator ID
The rules change frequently so best always check for yourself - in the UK the CAA website is clear.
How does it work with a group of 5 people, walking together on the same path but not close each other?
That’s not something I’ve tested. I suspect it might get a bit confused. It’s really a selfie-thing.
Very interesting. I'd want it beside me though, not in front or behind me. Is that possible?
I do a lot of fly fishing and I definitely don't want it behind me or in front of me.
Yes - since I made this video (last month in fact) a Side Track option has been added and it works well.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Awesome!! Thanks for the reply!!
I wish there was a way the noise cancellation can just remove the propeller noise. As a skateboarder I like to hear my board rolling on the ground and me snapping my tail and doing tricks. All this is filtered out when recording audio. Only human speech is detected, cleaned up and recorded.
Maybe try two mics and a splitter where they enter the phone?
been trying to think who you sound like its john craven.
I have heard that so many times! I don’t hear it myself but it’s clearly a thing.
so, only 32G of mem, that fills up fast in 2.7k so how do you download the footage while in the field? Can you even?
@@alwaysanotheradventure OK, I do have a phone but I dont carry it with me, its for my other drones exclusively. (weird, I know) so I would have to carry it and download via what, wifi? BT?
what happens if more than one person exists while I am using this? can it distinguish me from others?
It should stay with you but if more than one person gets in the track or crosses between you and the drone it might misbehave. Not something I’d want to try because I wouldn’t fly around uninvolved people.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Thanks. Well, I'm curious about its behavior among other people, rather than using it with uninvolved people. imagine that you are hiking and taking video, or mountain bike passing you and it stsrts to follow it? does it go all the time or when connection is faraway it goes back of what?
Don’t know sorry
Killer device indeed, but the camera resolution is too low.
Better than the GoPro was at first.
What if you want it to look at the scenery and not you?
Fly manual
Can it follow me when kayaking?
No. Doesn’t work over water.
Now the limiting the max high at 9 meters, this sucks
What was the height previously? I'd have thought 27ft was pretty high for a wide angle lens
Is it fast enough for cyclists going around 18-20 mph?
No. 15mph max and you probably shouldn’t use on road where drivers are no under your control without insurance.
The tricks are very neat and it's very convenient but the video quality is just trash considering in less than a year's time this kind of quality will damn near become archaic.
Ok. I disagree
I wouldn't be at all surprised to see a DJI copycat product with improved features very soon, it's too good an opportunity to miss.
The battery life is a deal breaker for me.
It’s not great battery life but there’s nothing else like this drone. My solutions was buy spare batteries.
Have you not seen this video "quality"?
Incredibly clever, but a lot of that video is quite jerky
Agreed - one of the limitations as it seems to constantly be on the move.
Pretty cool but i think people film themselves too much 😅
I agree, but that's what this drone is for so to demo it, that's what I have to do.
@@alwaysanotheradventure you're fine because your channel is about you and teaching people about cycling and what nots etc
I'm guessing you were given this to review?
Unfortunately it's about 200 quid overpriced! 🤦🏻♂️
I was and I say so at the start of the videos
I just don’t understand the idea of filming yourself running.
Then it’s not for you.