The Holy Stone HS175D is a foldable, GPS-equipped drone designed for beginners and travelers alike. With its compact build, ultra-clear 4K camera, and a host of intelligent features, the HS175D delivers a highly enjoyable flight experience, perfect for capturing moments while on the go. In this Holy Stone HS175D Drone review, we’ll break down the drone's performance, its various functions, and what makes it stand out in the competitive drone market.
Key Features of Holy Stone HS175D
Before we dive into the detailed review, here’s a quick look at the key features of the HS175D:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Camera | 4K Ultra HD with 110° FOV and 90° adjustable angle |
| Transmission | 5GHz FPV real-time video transmission |
| Flight Time | Up to 46 minutes (with two batteries) |
| Transmission Range | 300 meters (FPV range) |
| GPS | Auto return, Follow Me, Custom Flight Path |
| Weight | Less than 250 grams (no FAA registration required) |
| Special Features | Foldable design, Optical Flow, Altitude Hold, Speed Adjust |
| Other Features | Gesture control, One-Key Takeoff/Landing, Carrying case |
Build and Design
The Holy Stone HS175D boasts a compact and foldable design, which makes it a perfect companion for outdoor enthusiasts. It comes in a sturdy carrying case that’s designed to keep the drone and its accessories safe and easy to transport. Weighing less than 250 grams, this drone does not require FAA registration, making it hassle-free to use.
The foldable fuselage makes it portable, and the lightweight construction ensures that even beginners will find it easy to operate. Despite being compact, the HS175D feels durable and solid, capable of withstanding moderate wind conditions.
Camera Performance
Equipped with a 4K Ultra HD camera, the HS175D provides excellent video and photo quality. The 110° wide-angle lens captures more of the surroundings, while the 90° adjustable camera allows you to frame shots exactly the way you want. Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes or close-up shots, the camera provides good clarity for its price range.
The 5GHz FPV (First-Person View) transmission ensures real-time video is streamed smoothly to your smartphone without much lag, even in high-speed conditions or when flying in moderate wind. This makes the HS175D an excellent choice for aerial photography and videography, especially for beginners looking to experiment with drone cameras.
GPS and Intelligent Flight Modes
The GPS-assisted flight mode is one of the HS175D’s standout features. This technology enables the drone to automatically return to the takeoff point when the battery is low, the connection is lost, or the drone flies out of range. This automatic return feature provides peace of mind for those new to flying drones, reducing the risk of losing the drone.
In addition, the HS175D comes with a variety of intelligent flight modes:
- Follow Me Mode: The drone locks onto your position and follows you automatically, capturing footage as you move.
- Custom Flight Path: Draw a route on the app, and the drone will follow the set path.
- Point of Interest: This feature allows the drone to fly in a circle around a specific point, enabling smooth, 360-degree footage.
These modes make it easier to capture creative and dynamic footage without needing advanced piloting skills.
Flight Performance
The Holy Stone HS175D offers a smooth and stable flight experience, even for beginners. Thanks to features like Optical Flow Positioning and Altitude Hold, the drone can hover steadily in mid-air, making it easier to control and capture footage. The Headless Mode ensures that the drone’s orientation is always aligned with the pilot’s, making it more intuitive to fly.
In terms of flight time, the drone comes with two modular batteries, each providing up to 23 minutes of flight time. This totals about 46 minutes, which is impressive for a drone in this category. The dual battery setup ensures that you can extend your flying sessions without the need for long charging breaks.
Additionally, the drone's speed adjust function lets you toggle between different speed modes, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced pilots. Beginners can start with slower speeds to get comfortable with the controls, while experienced users can switch to higher speeds for a more thrilling experience.
Easy-to-Use Controls and Mobile App
The HS175D is designed with beginners in mind, with intuitive controls and an easy-to-navigate mobile app. You can control the drone via the remote control or through the Holy Stone app, which offers a range of features, including gesture control. Simply pose in front of the drone to take photos or videos using gestures, which adds a fun, interactive element to your flight.
One-key takeoff and landing functions further simplify the drone’s operation. With the push of a button, the drone takes off, hovers, and lands, making it incredibly easy for even first-time drone pilots to manage.
Also check my detailed review on Holy Stone HS110D.
Pros and Cons of Holy Stone HS175D
Pros:
- 4K Ultra HD Camera: The camera offers clear, high-quality images and video with a wide-angle lens.
- Long Flight Time: With two batteries, the drone provides up to 46 minutes of total flight time.
- GPS-Assisted Flight: GPS enables auto-return and intelligent flight modes like Follow Me and Custom Path.
- Foldable and Lightweight Design: Compact and easy to carry, perfect for travel.
- Beginner-Friendly Features: Headless Mode, Altitude Hold, and Optical Flow make it accessible for beginners.
- No FAA Registration: Its lightweight design means no FAA registration is required.
Cons:
- No Gimbal Stabilization: While the 4K camera is good, the lack of a gimbal may result in some shaky footage in windy conditions.
- Limited Transmission Range: The 300-meter transmission range is somewhat limited compared to higher-end drones.
- Charging Time: Each battery takes about 3 hours to charge, which could be a downside for users who want quick turnaround flights.
Holy Stone HS175D Drone review by Users
Many users on platforms like Amazon praise the Holy Stone HS175D for its ease of use, camera quality, and GPS functionality. Beginners particularly appreciate how easy it is to get started, thanks to features like headless mode and one-key takeoff/landing. The long flight time with two batteries is another highlight frequently mentioned in reviews.
However, a few users have noted the limited range of the FPV transmission and the lack of advanced camera stabilization. Some also wish for faster battery charging times, but overall, the HS175D is highly regarded for its price-to-performance ratio.
Check Holy Stone HS110 Drone drone review and price on amazon.
Final Thoughts
Our Holy Stone HS175D drone review concludes that it is an excellent drone for beginners and travelers looking for an affordable, feature-rich option. With its 4K Ultra HD camera, intelligent flight modes, and GPS-assisted functionality, the HS175D offers a lot of value for its price. While it lacks some high-end features like gimbal stabilization and extended range, it still delivers a reliable and enjoyable flight experience.
If you’re in the market for a drone that balances portability, camera quality, and ease of use, the Holy Stone HS175D is definitely worth considering.