Past its initial pairing, it’s advisable to explore the flight interface of the drone and its options.
Another important step is performing compass, gimbal, and remote controller calibration.
Atom also features a 12MP camera and a 1/3-inch Sony CMOS sensor that utilizes an f/2.2 aperture.
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Adjustable Controller for Smartphones
Almost as important as the drone itself is its controller.
In terms of operation, Potensic has tried to keep everything intuitive and compact for travel.
The control sticks, which are tucked away at the bottom, screw in once removed.
The Potensic Atom is a personal class drone that can be used by beginners or advanced flyers by setting up their respective flight restrictions with the PotensicPro app. With the option to shoot up to 4K 30fps or 12MP photos with its camera and the option to capitalize on automatic or manual camera control, it offers a variety of options for content capture. Level-five wind resistance, a 3-axis gimbal, 6km transmission range, and a 32-minute maximum flight time with its interchangeable batteries which offer more options to explore and shoot in without attaching a heavy price tag.
On the right, the controller houses the Return to Home button and the shutter button for photos.
For extended flying, it’s an adaptive controller that suits a variety of phones.
Regardless of flight speed, responsiveness always felt as anticipated, with slower speeds allowing for even better smoothness.
The Potensic Atom is a personal class drone that can be used by beginners or advanced flyers by setting up their respective flight restrictions with the PotensicPro app. With the option to shoot up to 4K 30fps or 12MP photos with its camera and the option to capitalize on automatic or manual camera control, it offers a variety of options for content capture. Level-five wind resistance, a 3-axis gimbal, 6km transmission range, and a 32-minute maximum flight time with its interchangeable batteries which offer more options to explore and shoot in without attaching a heavy price tag.
A more prevalent obstacle during different flights, especially at higher altitudes, is wind.
There was no visible damage, but it dirtied the drone and gimbal camera itself upon crashing.
As is more typical of its price range, there’s no obstacle avoidance on the drone.
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
Using the PotensicPro App
At a glance, the basic PotensicPro app seems quite simple in design.
Once connected, configs can be tweaked for the drone, and camera options can be explored fully.
Essential information is conveyed via an altitude indicator or thumbnail map at the bottom left of the screen.
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
Additionally, flight speed and distance are provided during transmission to keep track of your drone’s current flight.
For those who prefer to keep their use of the remote minimal, on-screen shortcuts are also available.
For comparison, the DJI Mini 3’s max flight time under ideal prefs is estimated at 38 minutes.
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
When the battery does begin to drop, it’s best to be attentive to your environment.
Out of habit, I’d typically opt to manually initiate a return home at around 20% battery.
If you forget during your flight, the drone will attempt to return home at around 16% automatically.
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
So it’s best to be mindful, especially when environmental conditions like higher winds or frequent altitude changes.
Purchasers of the combination fly more bundle will receive the charger, but it can also be purchased separately.
To change the propellers, you’ll also need to hold the motor still while unscrewing the original.
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
During this process, it felt easier to use an electric screwdriver with the appropriate torque for precision-based work.
The quality largely comes out as expected, especially when using the automatic options.
However, a trained eye may notice details such as some haziness in brighter shots.
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
Minor grievances also include a fixed-focus lens to work with and a slightly more narrow FOV of 78 degrees.
For reference, the two example photos below were taken using the default camera options.
Should You Buy the Potensic Atom?
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James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
James Hirtz / MakeUseOf
