I tested HoverAir X1 ProMax drone - the world's first 8K flying selfie camera
It's a big step up from the standard HoverAir X1 that was first released in 2023 and was the first drone smart and reliable enough to act as a hand-launched selfie drone that could capture video without the need to carry a controller. It was so successful it prompted leading drone firm DJI to introduce the Neo as competition.
HoverAir X1 ProMax has since entered the fray to offer significant upgrades in video resolution, flight time and tracking speed.
READ MORE: DJI Mic Mini review: is this the best compact wireless microphone set-up for most people?
READ MORE: Redmagic Astra gaming tablet review: ultra-portable Android device is a powerhouse for gamers
ProMax can fly for an additional five minutes, which is 16 minutes in total. The faster tracking speeds are up to 59kmph (compared to 24kmph).
HoverAir ProMax also comes with an extra rear-facing obstacle avoidance sensor and longer Wi-Fi range. HoverAir X1 ProMax can fit easily into your pocket (Image: HoverAir)
It's built to be a flying camera that you can fit easily into your pocket or bag and take anywhere to record hikes, cycles or ski runs, for example, and there are two bundles with extra accessories targeting cyclists and skiers especially.
The HoverAir ProMax can shoot 8K resolution video at 30 frames per second (fps) compared to the X1's 4K. Footage can also be captured in 4K or 1080p resolution at up to 120 fps for smooth 4X slow-motion playback, while you can capture still images in either 12 MP or 48 MP resolution.
The pocketable and foldable design of the X1 has been refined to accommodate the more powerful camera - it feels more robustly made and looks more aerodynamic. HoverAir X1 ProMax in everyday use HoverAir X1 Air ProMax can reliably and accurately auto-track its subject, from the front, rear or side (Image: Joel Ducrot / HoverAir)
Using this flying camera is a joy and so simple. Power it up with a long press, tap left or right to select the selfie mode you want and then short press again to initiate the flight.
The HoverAir X1 Air ProMax will reliably and accurately auto-track its subject, a feature that works superbly if you are cycling in a particularly scenic area, for example. It can follow you from behind, fly backwards in front of you or side track you. You can also capture orbit shots, where it flies around you at a specific distance, or bird's eye view shots where it flies straight up above you. And when you are done, stick your hand out underneath the drone and it will land there. Press the button to power down and it's ready to fold and put back into your bag or pocket.
There's an accompanying smartphone app that gives you manual control over the drone (using virtual joysticks), while the new controller beacon accessory with its OLED display means X1 ProMax can now compete against the likes of DJI Mini 4 Pro while retaining the brand's impressive powerful one-touch selfie capabilities. (There are a range of accessories and bundle options this time around.)
The 1,920mAh power pack lasts for about 16 minutes of flight time, and you get a spare battery in the box which is handy. HoverAir X1 ProMax video capture Optional HoverAir X1 Air ProMax accessories include this Beacon controller and bike mount (Image: Joel Ducrot / HoverAir)
HoverAir X1 ProMax uses a similar sized CMOS sensor to action cameras such as Insta360 Ace Pro 2 - it is 1/1.3in and capable of shooting in 8K just like the Ace Pro 2 with a 160Mbps bitrate that captures a lot of detail. However, while the high resolution is nice to have, you will get superb footage shooting in 4K resolution at 60fps. The drone can also shoot natively in social-media-friendly vertical format at up to 4K/30fps. Footage is sharp and smooth. Image stabilisation is courtesy of a blend of electronic image stabilisation and a 2-axis mechanical gimbal.
You can buy a set of ND (neutral density) filters that clip over the lens for bright conditions, which means you can keep shutter speeds down for smoother movement.
You can transfer your clips and photos quickly to your smartphone using Wi-Fi 6. There is 64GB of built-in storage space along with support for microSD cards up to 1TB in capacity. HoverAir X1 ProMax verdict
Overall, image and video quality on HoverAir X1 ProMax is perfect for sharing on social media. This is the ultimate selfie drone for elevating your content to the next level. It's especially useful for cyclists who go on solo runs and want to capture the action. HoverAir X1 ProMax pricing and availability
HoverAir X1 ProMax costs from €759 from eu.HoverAir.com There is also a less expensive HoverAir X1 Pro that shoots in 4K/60fps with 32GB of storage for €549. The drones come with free shipping and a two-year warranty. You can also buy the HoverAir X1 ProMax from Amazon.
For comparison, DJI Mini Pro 4 costs €809 from DJI.com
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