Hello everyone, I was searching for a small, always-ready drone and came across the HOVERAir X1. I really like its design, but I’m struggling to think of practical uses for its tracking-oriented modes.
For those of you who own an X1 or a similar drone like the Pixy, what kind of shots do you usually take with it? Also, where do you typically use it?
I have an X1, and it’s mostly a selfie drone. I use it for taking selfies and for B-roll footage when I’m hiking, biking, or doing other outdoor activities. I take short clips along my route and edit them into a montage. The tracking works well, even through trees, as it follows your route rather than flying straight at you. It can also track from the front by staying ahead of you and responding to your shoulder movements.
Sometimes, I use it for top-down shots or hover mode, where the drone rotates on a vertical axis to keep tracking you. Manual mode works for flyovers and reveal shots, though it can be clunky for smooth sweeping movements. Modes like zoom-out or orbit are fun but feel a bit like social media gimmicks.
The main reason I use the X1 is its convenience. It takes just a few seconds to launch and start recording, and you don’t need a controller or phone for the auto modes. Stabilization is great, and it just works. That said, it’s still a selfie drone and not a replacement for my Mini 3 Pro or GoPro. It’s somewhere in between those devices.
@Kennedy
Thanks for sharing your detailed experience with the HOVERAir X1! It’s great to hear how you’ve integrated it into your outdoor activities and filmmaking workflow. The versatility and ease of use really stand out. If you have any further suggestions or feedback, we’d love to hear it.
Honestly, it feels more like an expensive novelty. I wish I had spent the money on a more capable drone.
Amir said:
Honestly, it feels more like an expensive novelty. I wish I had spent the money on a more capable drone.
I think it depends on what you’re filming. For trail running or hiking, the X1 could be great. I’ve been using the Mini 2, which I love, but it doesn’t have tracking. The idea of a smaller, autonomous drone is appealing, even if the video quality isn’t as high.
@Flint
That’s a valid point! The autonomous feature of the X1 definitely brings something new to outdoor filming. While it might not match other drones in video quality, its simplicity and portability make it a unique choice for capturing moments effortlessly.
@Blaze
Could the HOVERAir do a flyover of a house and return to land?
Teegan said:
@Blaze
Could the HOVERAir do a flyover of a house and return to land?
Yes, the HOVERAir X1 can execute simple flight paths like flying over a house and returning to its starting point, as long as it stays within its height and range limitations. You can also use manual mode for more precise control.
@Blaze
Does it follow flight restriction laws? I live near an airport, and drones usually don’t work here.
Vesper said:
@Blaze
Does it follow flight restriction laws? I live near an airport, and drones usually don’t work here.
The HOVERAir X1 complies with standard drone regulations, including restrictions near airports. If you live near one, the drone may not work due to these safety rules. Always check local regulations before flying.
@Blaze
Thanks for the clarification!
@Flint
But for the price, you could get a Mini 3 Pro, which offers much better functionality and image quality. The HoverAir feels limited for what it costs.
Amir said:
@Flint
But for the price, you could get a Mini 3 Pro, which offers much better functionality and image quality. The HoverAir feels limited for what it costs.
True, but with the Mini 3 Pro, you also need to carry a controller and phone. The X1’s simplicity is valuable for certain use cases.
@Flint
Fair enough. Just don’t be surprised if you get bored and regret spending $500 on a one-trick drone.
Amir said:
@Flint
Fair enough. Just don’t be surprised if you get bored and regret spending $500 on a one-trick drone.
That’s a risk, but for now, I’m enjoying it.
Think of it as a flying selfie stick. It’s great for what it’s designed for, but its range and altitude are limited.
I use it for filming and it’s fantastic. It tracks really well optically without needing GPS, making it versatile for different locations. It’s like having a personal cameraman, and the noise cancellation feature is great for vlogging. I love it for its simplicity and reliability.