In this Holy Stone HS360S review, we delve into the latest offering from Holy Stone, a drone manufacturer known for producing high-quality, user-friendly drones for beginners and seasoned pilots alike. The HS360S is a compact, foldable drone that weighs less than 250 grams, making it an attractive option for those who want to fly without the need for FAA registration or Remote ID compliance. Despite its lightweight design, this drone packs powerful features, including a 4K UHD camera equipped with a 1/3’’ CMOS GalaxyCore sensor, giving users the ability to capture stunning photos and videos.
Designed for hassle-free flying, the HS360S integrates GPS-assisted flight with various intelligent flight modes like Follow Me, Waypoint Flight, and Point of Interest. Its 10,000 feet long-range transmission ensures you can explore vast areas while still receiving real-time footage. Additionally, with a modular battery that provides 20 minutes of flight time, the HS360S offers a smooth, stable flying experience.
Whether you're a drone enthusiast, a traveler looking to capture aerial shots, or a beginner searching for a user-friendly device with advanced features, the Holy Stone HS360S stands out as a reliable, feature-packed choice. Let's take a closer look at what makes this drone special and how it compares to other drones in its category.
Key Features of the Holy Stone HS360S
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Camera | 4K UHD with 85° wide-angle lens, 90° adjustable |
| Sensor | 1/3'' CMOS GalaxyCore sensor |
| Transmission Range | 10,000 feet (approx. 3,000 meters) |
| Flight Time | 20 minutes per battery (Modular Battery) |
| Connectivity | 5GHz real-time FPV transmission |
| Weight | 249g (no FAA registration required) |
| GPS Functions | Return Home, Follow Me, Waypoint Flight, Point of Interest |
| Special Modes | "Spiral Up," "Catapult," "1-Tap Ascension" |
| Control System | Holy Stone Intelligent Control System |
Check Holy Stone HS360S reviews and Price on Amazon.
Design and Portability
Weighing just 249 grams, the Holy Stone HS360S is an extremely lightweight drone, making it portable and easy to carry on outdoor adventures. Since it weighs under 250g, you don't need to register it with the FAA or worry about Remote ID requirements in the U.S., adding to its convenience for casual drone enthusiasts.
Its compact size doesn't compromise build quality. The drone feels solid, and the foldable design adds to its portability. Whether you’re heading to the park or on a weekend trip, this drone can easily fit in your backpack without adding extra bulk.
Camera and Imaging Capabilities
The HS360S is equipped with a 4K Ultra HD camera that features an 85° wide-angle lens and can be adjusted up to 90° for capturing diverse perspectives. This combination ensures that you can capture clear, high-resolution 3840x2160P photos and videos, making it a perfect companion for aerial photography.
The 1/3’’ CMOS GalaxyCore sensor further enhances image quality, offering better color accuracy and detail even in challenging lighting conditions. The ability to control the camera remotely through the app or the physical controller gives users more flexibility while capturing content.
Also read my detailed review on Holy Stone HS720
Long-Range Transmission and Battery Life
One of the most impressive features of the HS360S is its 10,000 feet transmission range. Thanks to the advanced Holy Stone Intelligent Control System, you can fly the drone farther and still receive real-time FPV footage with minimal lag. This long-range capability allows users to explore a wider area, perfect for scenic shots and adventurous flights.
The 20-minute flight time provided by the powerful modular battery is on par with other drones in this category. While one battery gives you a solid flight duration, additional batteries can be purchased to extend your flying sessions.
GPS-Assisted Flight and Intelligent Features
The GPS-assisted flight system ensures smooth and stable flight performance. This technology makes the HS360S user-friendly, as the drone can automatically return to the takeoff point when the battery is low or when the signal is lost. This Return Home function is invaluable for preventing accidental drone loss, especially for new pilots.
The HS360S is also loaded with intelligent flight modes to enhance your flying experience:
- Follow Me Mode: This mode enables the drone to automatically follow you, making it easier to capture dynamic action shots.
- Waypoint Flight: Set a specific path for the drone to follow, allowing for automated, hands-free flying.
- Point of Interest: The drone circles around a set point, ideal for capturing 360° footage of a specific subject.
- Spiral Up, Catapult, and 1-Tap Ascension: These new modes let you take creative aerial shots with ease. With just a tap, the drone executes complex flying patterns while recording, making cinematic shots simple for everyone.
User-Friendly Controls
Holy Stone has integrated its Holy Stone Intelligent Control System into the HS360S, making it beginner-friendly while still offering advanced features for experienced users. The upgraded remote controller allows users to connect their smartphones directly via a data cable, eliminating the need for a Wi-Fi connection. This setup ensures stable and smooth real-time video transmission, which is crucial when capturing live footage.
The Holy Stone Fly App is intuitive and packed with useful features like gesture control, where you can take photos or videos using hand gestures, as well as detailed flight tutorials for beginners. For those just starting out, the beginner mode helps new pilots practice their skills safely.
Pros and Cons of the Holy Stone HS360S
Our Holy Stone HS360S review reveals the following Pros and Cons of the drone:
Pros:
- 4K Ultra HD Camera: Stunning image and video quality with wide-angle and adjustable settings.
- No FAA Registration: Weighing under 250g, it bypasses registration and Remote ID requirements.
- 10,000 Feet Transmission Range: Allows for long-distance exploration with real-time FPV transmission.
- Intelligent Flight Modes: Return Home, Follow Me, Waypoint Flight, and others make aerial filming easier.
- User-Friendly App: Easy controls and helpful tutorials for beginners.
- Lightweight and Portable: Foldable design and under-250g weight make it perfect for travel.
Cons:
- Battery Life: 20 minutes per battery may not be enough for extended flights without additional batteries.
- Limited Camera Stabilization: Lacks advanced gimbal stabilization, which could result in shakier footage during windy conditions.
- Charging Time: Takes a while to recharge the battery fully, limiting back-to-back flights without spare batteries.
Holy Stone HS360s Review from Users:
The Holy Stone HS360S has garnered a mix of positive and negative reviews on Amazon, with the majority of users appreciating its advanced features but a few noting some limitations.
Positive Reviews:
Many users commend the HS360S for its lightweight and portable design, weighing less than 250g, which eliminates the need for FAA registration or Remote ID. This makes it ideal for casual flyers and beginners who are looking for a hassle-free flying experience. One of the most praised features is the 4K UHD camera with the 1/3'' CMOS GalaxyCore sensor, delivering sharp and vibrant images. Users appreciate that the camera can be remotely adjusted within a 90° range, allowing for dynamic shooting angles. The GPS-assisted functions, such as Auto Return to Home, Follow Me, and Waypoint Flight, are consistently highlighted for providing added security during flight, especially when the drone loses signal or runs low on battery.
Another standout feature that reviewers love is the 10,000 feet long-range transmission, which offers an expansive flying experience. The 20-minute flight time per battery is also appreciated, particularly for a drone in this price range, as it provides ample time to explore and capture footage without frequent interruptions. The Ophelia Fly app, which allows users to control various flight functions, has also received positive feedback for being intuitive and user-friendly, especially for beginners.
Negative Reviews:
While the Holy Stone HS360S has several strengths, some users have pointed out a few areas of concern. One common issue mentioned in negative reviews is related to the connectivity of the drone. Some users have reported occasional loss of connection between the remote controller and the drone, even within a relatively short range. This can be frustrating, especially when trying to operate advanced flight functions like Follow Me or Waypoint Mode.
Additionally, a few users have noted that while the Ophelia Fly app is easy to use, it sometimes experiences lag or delayed response, particularly in areas with weak Wi-Fi or in remote locations. This can hinder the user experience, especially for those who rely on real-time image transmission for photography or videography. Some customers have also commented on the flight stability in windy conditions, stating that although the drone performs well in calm weather, it struggles to maintain stability during stronger gusts despite the GPS positioning.
Lastly, while the 20-minute battery life is praised, a handful of users mentioned that it could feel limited during extended flight sessions, prompting them to purchase extra batteries for longer usage. There were also minor complaints about the camera's quality in low-light conditions, where the image sharpness and clarity drop noticeably.
Check Holy Stone HS360S reviews and Price on Amazon.
Final Verdict
Our Holy Stone HS360S review concludes that is a well-rounded drone that packs powerful features into a lightweight, portable frame. With its 4K camera, 10,000 feet transmission range, and multiple intelligent flight modes, this drone is ideal for beginners and hobbyists who want to capture professional-quality footage without needing to invest in a higher-end model. The drone’s ease of use, advanced GPS functionality, and creative flight modes make it a solid choice for anyone looking to elevate their aerial photography and videography skills.
While the 20-minute flight time may feel limiting to some, the HS360S’s impressive transmission range, portability, and ease of use more than make up for it. This drone provides excellent value for its price, particularly for those looking to avoid the hassle of FAA registration and enjoy worry-free flying right out of the box.