Hubsan might be relatively unknown to some consumers, but this Chinese manufacturer makes an impressive array of unmanned aircraft, as we noted during the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show.
Currently, its Hubsan H501S X4 FPV Drone is selling for $260, a savings of $39. This quadricopter features a bundle of features — including a 1080p camera and built-in GPS — that go beyond the typical offerings of your average drone.
The drone’s remote control features a 4.3-inch VGA LCD with first-person-view flying (FPV). FPV flying allows you to control the drone via the real-time video feed shown on the transmitter, rather than by visually tracking your drone in the sky. Images and video taken via the drone can be saved onto its MicroSD card and the drone’s battery is rated at 20 minutes of flight time.
The X4’s built-in GPS system allows it to return to its “home” or “takeoff” point with the push of a button. Should the 2.4GHz transmitter ever lose connection with the drone, an emergency Failsafe mode will automatically kick in and bring the drone back to you.
A Headless mode eliminates the need to know the drone’s “nose” from its “tail” and instead lets you control the drone relative to your position, so pressing forward moves the drone forward, pressing left moves left, and so forth. Meanwhile, an Altitude mode keeps the drone from flying too high.
If you’ve ever wanted to be the star of your own video, the X4 sports a Follow Me option that lets the drone lock onto the position of the transmitter and fly itself while maintaining a close distance to the receiver. This allows the drone to film you as you travel by bicycle or car.
The package includes the drone, a 2.4GHz transmitter, rechargeable battery, charging cable, and four replacement blades with a blade removal wrench. Alternatively, our DT Shop also offers the Hubsan H501S X4 FPV Drone for $299.
Before flying any unmanned aircraft, be sure to familiarize yourself with all federal and state drone regulations.
$260 at Hubsan $299 at DT Shop $299 at Amazon
