Holy Stone HS175D GPS Drone with 4K Camera for Adults, Under 249g, Foldable RC Quadcopter with Auto Return, 46 Mins Long Flight, Follow Me, Brushless Motor, Circle Fly, Waypoint Fly, Altitude Hold
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AI Verdict
This 7.6-ounce, 4K-capable GPS drone with brushless motors and 46 minutes of flight time (with two batteries) is for beginners learning basic flight controls on a budget.
This drone is a situational fit for absolute beginners due to its sub-249g weight, included GPS features, and brushless motors, making it accessible for learning flight basics. However, the absence of camera stabilization and limited FPV range means it won't deliver high-quality, smooth video content.
If smooth video is a priority, look for drones that explicitly mention a 2-axis or 3-axis mechanical gimbal for camera stabilization.
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Pros
- Weighs 7.6 ounces (215g), avoiding FAA registration requirements in many regions.
- Equipped with brushless motors, offering quieter operation, higher efficiency, and longer lifespan.
- Includes two batteries, providing up to 46 minutes of total flight time (approximately 23 minutes per battery).
- Features GPS Auto Return-to-Home for safety when signal is lost, out of range, or battery is low.
- Comes with a dedicated carrying case for easy transport and storage.
- Offers beginner-friendly controls like Altitude Hold, Headless Mode, and One-Key Takeoff/Landing.
Cons
- Lacks a mechanical gimbal, resulting in unstabilized and shaky video footage.
- The FPV live view transmission range is limited to 300 meters (984 feet), shorter than the 500-meter (1640 feet) remote control range.
- Camera pitch adjustment is done via the app and is reported as awkward or unresponsive by users.
- GPS signal acquisition can be slow, taking several minutes, or inconsistent in certain environments.
- Despite being advertised as a '4K camera,' actual video resolution is often 1080p, though photos can be near-4K (4096x3072).
Dimension Scores
Photos can be near-4K (4096x3072) and appear clear in ideal conditions, but overall camera quality is often described as poor by users.
The drone's camera uses a fixed-focus lens and does not feature autofocus.
It records 4K video (or 1080p in some cases), but the complete absence of a mechanical gimbal results in unstabilized and shaky footage.
Weighing 7.6 ounces (215g), folding to 145 x 90 x 60 mm, and including a carrying case, it is highly portable.
Best For
- Individuals new to drones who want to learn basic flight mechanics and GPS-assisted features.
- Casual aerial photography where perfectly smooth video is not a primary concern.
- Flying in calm weather conditions, given its light 7.6-ounce weight.
- Users seeking a drone that does not require FAA registration due to its sub-249g weight.
Not Recommended For
- Anyone needing smooth, cinematic video footage for professional or semi-professional use.
- Pilots who frequently fly in windy conditions, as its light weight makes it susceptible to drift.
- Users expecting long-range FPV transmission or control beyond 300-500 meters.
Watch Out For
- Video footage is consistently shaky and unstabilized because the drone lacks a mechanical gimbal.
- The FPV live view feed often cuts out or becomes unstable beyond 300 meters (984 feet), despite the remote having a longer range.
- Adjusting the camera's pitch in the app can be clunky and may not always respond as expected.
- Acquiring a GPS signal can take several minutes, and some users report intermittent GPS connectivity issues.
- The '4K camera' claim is misleading for video, as many users report actual video output at 1080p, not true 4K.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B08VNW67MF |
| Brand | Holy Stone |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Plastic |
| Batteries | 2 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Model Name | HS175D |
| Item Weight | 7.6 ounces |
| Skill Level | Beginner |
| Control Type | Remote Control |
| Manufacturer | Holy Stone |
| Maximum Range | 500 Meters |
| Special Feature | Auto Follow, Brushless Motors, Drones with Camera for Adults 4K, GPS Auto Return, No Need FAA/Remote ID |
| Battery Capacity | 23 minutes |
| Special Features | Auto Follow, Brushless Motors, Drones with Camera for Adults 4K, GPS Auto Return, No Need FAA/Remote ID |
| Product Dimensions | 10.83"L x 8.27"W x 2.48"H |
| Included Components | Drone Instructions, HS175D 4K GPS Drone Battery, Holy Stone HS175D GPS 4K Drone, Charging Cable for Drone, Propeller, Screwdriver, Transmitter, Charging Cable for Transmitter |
| Video Capture Format | MP4 |
| Are Batteries Included | Yes |
| Supported Image Format | JPEG |
| Age Range (Description) | 14 |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi |
| Video Output Resolution | 3840x2160 |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Polymer |
| Manufacturer Part Number | CA-HS175DV |
| Remote Control Included? | Yes |
| Video Capture Resolution | 4K |
| Optical Sensor Technology | CMOS |
| Remote Control Technology | Remote Control |
| Rechargeable Battery Included | Yes |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Wi-Fi |
What Buyers Say
Many users find this drone a suitable entry point for learning to fly, especially given its sub-250g weight and included GPS features. However, the most consistent feedback points to significant limitations in video quality due to the absence of a gimbal, resulting in shaky footage. The '4K camera' claim is often met with skepticism, with actual video output sometimes being 1080p.
โI bought this to learn, and it flies, but the video is so shaky it's almost unusable. Wish I knew about the no gimbal thing before. Still, it didn't cost much, so whatever.โ
Common Praise
- The sub-249g weight means no FAA registration is needed.
- Brushless motors provide quieter operation and increased efficiency.
- GPS features like Auto Return-to-Home function reliably for safety.
- The inclusion of two batteries extends flight sessions to up to 46 minutes total.
- It comes with a protective carrying case, which is convenient for transport.
- Beginner-friendly controls make it easier for new pilots to learn the ropes.
Common Complaints
- Video footage is unstabilized and shaky due to the lack of a mechanical gimbal.
- The '4K camera' often records video at 1080p, not true 4K.
- FPV transmission range is limited to 300 meters, which is shorter than the control range.
- GPS signal acquisition can be slow or inconsistent, causing delays before flight.
- The in-app camera pitch adjustment is reported as clunky and sometimes unresponsive.
- Some users describe the build quality as 'toy-like' and the remote as feeling cheap.
Ownership Tips
- The drone's light weight means it gets pushed around significantly even by light winds.
- You need to manually stop video recording before powering off the drone, or the video file can become corrupted.
- The HS GPS V5 app used with this drone is considered less refined compared to apps for other Holy Stone models.
- Turning the drone on or off requires pressing and holding the power button on the battery for several seconds.
- The included screwdriver for propeller changes is of low quality, and a better tool is recommended to avoid stripping screws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Holy Stone HS175D require FAA registration?
No, it weighs 7.6 ounces (215g), which is below the 249g threshold for FAA registration in the United States.
What is the total flight time with the included batteries?
The drone comes with two batteries, providing a combined flight time of up to 46 minutes, meaning about 23 minutes per battery.
Is the camera truly 4K for video recording?
While advertised as 4K, user reports indicate that video recording is often 1080p, though photos can be captured at a near-4K resolution of 4096x3072.
Does this drone have obstacle avoidance?
No, the Holy Stone HS175D does not feature obstacle avoidance, so pilots must manually navigate around obstructions.
What is the maximum control and FPV transmission range?
The remote control range is up to 500 meters (1640 feet), but the FPV live view transmission for the camera is shorter, reaching only about 300 meters (984 feet).
Can I fly this drone indoors?
Yes, the drone can operate indoors using its Optical Flow Mode when GPS signals are unavailable, but it's recommended to keep the flight altitude below 6 meters.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at drones, you need to think about what you actually want to *do* with it. If you're just trying to learn how to fly and get the hang of controls, basic flight features and GPS are what you should focus on. But if you're dreaming of smooth, cinematic videos, you absolutely need to prioritize drones with camera stabilization, which this one doesn't have. Also, check the weight if you want to skip the FAA registration hassle.
Weight (under 249g)
4K Camera
Brushless Motor
GPS Auto Return
Alternatives
If you need smooth, professional-looking video, search for drones that explicitly feature a 2-axis or 3-axis mechanical gimbal and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). For better range, look for models where the FPV transmission distance is closer to or matches the remote control range.
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