Hover Air’s ingenious self-flying drone can transform into a pocket gimbal camera — and unlike DJI, it just got FCC approval | Tech Radar
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Hover Air’s ingenious self-flying drone can transform into a pocket gimbal camera — and unlike DJI, it just got FCC approval
The team that brought us the original selfie drone innovates again
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Versa is the world's first 2-in-1 pocket gimbal camera and drone
It launched on Indiegogo on August 18, with prices starting at $499
Hover Air says Versa has FCC approval, so should be available in the US
DJI dominates the drone space, leaving precious little room for others. However, Hover Air has repeatedly given the market a crack, innovating in gaps left by the leading drone maker.
First we had the X1, the first self-flying drone that took off from the palm of your hand for easy aerial 4K selfies, which was followed up by Hover Air's X1 Pro with beefier 8K video. DJI acted swiftly, answering with the Neo (and consequently Neo 2), which cost much less than Hover Air's, too.
Then there was Hover Air's Aqua, the world's first waterproof drone, which remains unique today. Now, we have the new Versa — the first 2-in-1 pocket gimbal camera and drone — making a trio of firsts.
Versa looks like Hover Air's previous X1 series efforts, only its wings can be removed in a simple motion, leaving the drone body as a DJI Pocket-like pocket gimbal camera. Drones and gimbal cameras are two popular camera categories, yet Versa can be both of those things.
It seems like an obvious move when you think about it. After all, both camera types feature a camera unit supported with a 3-axis gimbal. Can the Versa genuinely serve both jobs? We will find out very soon once our Versa review sample lands.
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Hover Air has, it seems, another advantage over DJI, saying it's new Versa has FCC certification. This means Versa can go on sale in the US, meanwhile DJI is still banned from selling its new products in the US.
There could be light at the end of the US ban tunnel for DJI, mind you, with recent news that a judge is set to review evidence that has categorized DJI as a Chinese military company. It's a decision that DJI described as 'a significant step toward correcting an unjustified designation'.
For now, however, DJI's US ban remains, and it's a huge headache for the leading drone maker that was just compounded by fresh competition, especially with its access to the US.
We learnt more about the Versa when Hover Air launched the product on Indiegogo on August 18, and it will make its public debut at IFA, which takes place in Berlin, Germany, from September 4-8, 2026.
The self-flying camera shoots 4K video up to 60fps onto a 1/1.3-inch sensor, 4K HDR video up to 30fps with 10-bit color depth and up to 17.5EV dyanmic range, plus 12MP photos (there's no mention of RAW format).
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The DJI Pocket 4P is getting a 'remarkably similar' US alternative soon
It features a host of flight modes that simplify aerial selfies, including palm take-off and landing, AI subject tracking, auto framing, bird's eye flight move, plus voice and gesture commands.
It can pair with your phone or Hover Air's Beacon device (debuted with the Aqua) for clear audio, and has a maximum 14 minute flight time (realistically it will be less than that), with flight speeds up to 36km/h and a solid Level 5 wind resistance.
The drone-cum-pocket camera weighs 230g, placing it in the restriction-free category of beginner drones, or just 163g with its propellor guards removed when in use as a pocket gimbal camera.
In the hand, the Versa features a DJI Pocket-like rotating OLED haptic screen, which measures 1.64-inches on the diagonal and has an 800-bit brightness.
Overall, those look like a solid set of features for what could be a game-changing 2-in-1 camera. Where Hover Air struggles to compete with DJI, however, is on price.
According to the Versa's Indiegogo page, it will cost
Hover Air has shared a product promotional video on its You Tube, below. What are your first impressions of the Hover Air Versa? Let me know in the comments below.
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Tim joined the Tech Radar team as Cameras Editor in 2023 and has enjoyed more than 15 years as a tech journalist specializing in camera gear. He's previously worked at Amateur Photographer, for a photo accessory manufacturer and as a freelance photographer and video producer, with clients including Studio 44 and Canon. He also started a media team in Nairobi, Kenya, where he lived for a few years volunteering for a faith-based organisation. Tim is married, father of three children, and loves being active, primarily running since hanging up his football boots.
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