There was a duration in the older millennials era when taking a photograph required a person.
Then came the selfie stick in Gen Z, because apparently asking an anonymous person to take your picture became an unacceptable social risk.
Now we have arrived the way forward of civilization.
The camera can fly out and capture a wider view
Meet the HOVERAir X1 PRO, a tiny self-flying camera that can follow you, revolve around you and shoot your adventures without requiring you to become a professional drone flyer.
In other words, your camera has finally decided it has places to be.
Table of Contents
- What Is the HOVERAir X1 PRO?
- When Was the X1 PRO Launched?
- How Much Does It Cost?
- The Features
- Small, Fast and Surprisingly Brave
- The Battery Problem
- Is It Really a Drone?
- Who Is It For?
- Conclusion
What Is the HOVERAir X1 PRO?
The HOVERAir X1 PRO is a compact, foldable flying camera made by Zero Robotics.
Unlike a traditional drone, it is designed to operate with very little fuss. You can launch it from your hand and let its automated flight modes do the flying.
It uses intelligent tracking to recognize its subject and follow movement while recording.
So if you are cycling down a road, running along a trail or skiing down a mountain, the little machine can attempt to dwell with you.
It is essentially a pocket-sized cameraman with propellers.
And thankfully, it does not ask for lunch money.
When Was the X1 PRO Launched?
The HOVERAir X1 PRO was officially introduced on August 26, 2024, when HOVERAir launched its Indiegogo campaign for the X1 PRO and the higher-end X1 PROMAX.
It was designed as an upgrade to the original HOVERAir X1, bringing rapid tracking, better stabilization, higher-resolution video and extended flight time.
How Much Does It Cost?
The current official HOVERAir listing puts the X1 PRO at $499 USD.
That is for the camera itself. Accessories and bundles cost more.
So this isn’t exactly a disposable flying trinket
It is more like a very tiny film crew that has eaten a lot of technology.
The Features
Here is where the X1 PRO becomes rather interesting.
4K Video at 60fps
The X1 PRO can record up to 4K at 60 frames per second.
It can also record 1080p at up to 120fps for slow-motion footage.
That means your bicycle ride doesn’t have to glance like it was filmed through the window of a moving bus.
It Can Follow You
The X1 PRO can automatically track a person and follow their movement.
Its maximum advertised auto-follow speed is 26 mph (42 km/h), while instantaneous tracking speed can reach up to 37 mph under specified conditions.
For runners and cyclists, that is considerably more interesting than simply attaching a camera to your helmet.
Two-Axis Gimbal
The camera uses a two-axis mechanical gimbal combined with electronic image stabilisation.
That matters because flying through the air while filming yourself is not exactly a recipe for naturally smooth footage.
The gimbal helps keep the image steady as the camera moves.
Rear Collision Detection
The X1 PRO has rear proximity sensors designed to help detect obstacles.
It is not an all-seeing flying guardian, however.
The obstacle detection is limited to supported flight modes and speeds, so this remains a machine that deserves some common sense from the person operating it.
Built for Wind
HOVERAir rates the X1 PRO for Level 5 wind resistance, with maximum horizontal speed listed at 42 km/h.
That is impressive for something weighing less than 200 grams i.e. approximately 191.5 grams, battery included.
A sandwich weighs more.
The sandwich, however, is considerably less aerodynamic.
Around 16 Minutes of Flight
The advertised maximum flight time is 16 minutes under specified test conditions.
It may sound concise until you recall that this isn’t supposed to replace a giant professional drone.
It is designed to fly, capture the shot, and come home before its tiny mechanical soul becomes exhausted.
32GB Internal Storage
The X1 PRO includes 32GB of internal storage and supports microSD cards, giving you more room for video than the basic internal storage alone.
For anyone recording lots of 4K footage, adding a compatible microSD card makes considerably more sense than constantly deleting yesterday’s adventures.
Press the button. Launch. Ride.
The camera attempts to keep you in the frame while you concentrate on the road.
It can also perform different automated movements and shooting modes, creating footage that would otherwise require someone else to operate the camera.
It is almost as though your camera has finally understood the assignment.
Small, Fast and Surprisingly Brave
The X1 PRO folds down to approximately 105 × 149 × 34 mm, making it considerably easier to carry than many conventional drones.
It can also fly over environments such as snow and water using its visual positioning system, although the aircraft itself is not waterproof.
That distinction is important.
Flying Across the water?
Fine, under the supported conditions.
Throwing it into the swimming pool?
Perhaps allow the machine to remain a land creature.
The Battery Problem
Here comes the unavoidable reality.
Sixteen minutes is not a lot of flying duration .
If you are filming an entire afternoon adventure, one battery will not be enough.
HOVERAir sells additional batteries and accessories, including a Power Case designed to provide additional charging capacity.
So the X1 PRO is best understood as a camera for capturing specific moments rather than a machine that accompanies you around all day like an airborne pet.
Is It Really a Drone?
Umm !!… technically, it is a flying camera rather than the sort of conventional drone many people imagine.
And that distinction is actually notable
The whole philosophy is different.
Traditional drones often ask:
“Where do you want me to fly?”
The X1 PRO asks:
“Where are you going?”
Then it attempts to follow.
That makes it particularly interesting for solo creators and outdoor enthusiasts who want aerial footage without becoming a part-time aerial photographer.
Who Is It For?
The X1 PRO makes the most sense for people who regularly record themselves doing things.
I.e.: Cyclists, Runners, Hikers, Skiers, Travelers, solo content creators, Outdoor adventures.
If your greatest ambition is to film yourself sitting on the couch eating biscuits, however, the X1 PRO may be somewhat overqualified.
Your phone remains perfectly capable of documenting that Catastrophe
Conclusion
The HOVERAir X1 PRO is an unusual take on the flying camera. It combines the convenience of an action camera with the freedom of an autonomous flying device, making it possible to capture yourself without relying on anyone.
At $499, it is certainly an investment, and whether that expense makes sense depends on how you plan to use it. For travelers, i.e cyclists, hikers, and anyone who enjoys capturing hands-free footage, the notion could be genuinely appealing. For others, a traditional action camera may still be more than enough.
So, would you give the HOVERAir X1 PRO a place in your camera bag, or would you stick with a conventional action camera?
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.
