The next Potensic Atom 2 evaluate was written by Jay Mathews, licensed Half 107 drone pilot, proprietor of Aces Up Drones in Las Vegas with a particular curiosity in Drone Soccer and STEM pathways for schooling and workforce improvement, and Vets to Drones Member.
FTC Disclaimer: That is my private drone, and I acquired no fee or endorsement from Potensic for this evaluate.
The Potensic Atom 2 is a sub-250-gram client drone positioned as a funds different to DJI’s Mini sequence. At $300-$520 relying on configuration, it targets first-time drone consumers and informal content material creators who need 4K video capabilities with out spending $700+ on a DJI Mini 4 Professional.
Fast specs:
- Weight: 249g (no FAA registration for leisure use*)
- Digicam: 48MP pictures, 4K/30fps HDR video.
- Flight time: 32 minutes (claimed) / 25-27 minutes in real-world circumstances
- Vary: 10km (producer declare)
- Worth: $300-$500
*Requires FAA registration if used commercially or if you happen to add exterior parts like strobes for evening flying.
Who should purchase the Potensic Atom 2?
This drone is smart for:
- Full freshmen who wish to be taught drone flying with out a main funding
- Informal vacationers who need aerial footage for private use
- Hobbyists who fly sometimes and prioritize worth over cutting-edge options
- Customers who don’t want integration with skilled flight logging software program
- Drone pilots looking for a DJI different
Who ought to skip the Potensic Atom 2?
Skip this drone if:
- You intend to fly commercially and wish dependable flight logs (it doesn’t export to AirData or related companies)
- You ceaselessly fly in difficult circumstances the place connection reliability is important
- You need essentially the most superior impediment avoidance and monitoring options
- You’re prepared to spend $200-300 extra for DJI’s ecosystem and help
Potensic Atom 2 digicam: higher than anticipated for the value
The 1/2-inch Sony CMOS sensor lets you shoot in 8K photograph and 4K video. These options make this funds drone really feel upgraded past its worth level.
What works:
- 8K pictures present strong element for social media and informal printing
- F1.8 aperture improves low-light efficiency in comparison with cheaper drones
- AI Night time mode genuinely helps with night pictures, lowering noise noticeably
- Vertical taking pictures mode is helpful for Instagram and TikTok content material
What doesn’t:
- 4K video is capped at 30fps (no 60fps possibility for smoother movement)
- Dynamic vary is proscribed in comparison with higher-end drones
- With out an ND filter, footage in vivid circumstances seems to be washed out
- The gimbal isn’t as easy as DJI’s stabilization
Ought to I purchase filters for the Potensic Atom 2?
Sure. Finances an additional $20-40 for ND filters if you happen to’re severe about video high quality.
You possibly can management minor adjustment settings earlier than and through flight, however an ND filter is important if you wish to add extra element to your pictures. The pictures beneath present the dramatic distinction—these have been taken with and with out the ND filter with no additional changes made. Including any photograph enhancing software program would make these pictures stand out much more.
Potensic doesn’t really make filters for his or her drones, however third-party corporations do. I used the RCGEEK ND Filters Set for DJI Mavic, which was additionally suitable with the Potensic Atom 2. The very best half? These filters have been simply $20.
AI modes: genuinely helpful (not simply advertising)
Not like some funds drones that slap “AI” on primary options, the Atom 2’s clever modes really improve the flying expertise.
AI Observe works properly for following a topic or making cinema-quality pictures, permitting the consumer to unencumber their minds to create and seize these beautiful comply with pictures with out worrying concerning the controller. The three modes (Highlight, Comply with, Parallel) present artistic choices when you perceive how every behaves. It’s not as locked-on as DJI’s ActiveTrack, but it surely’s useful for leisure use.
AI evening mode additionally provides to the expertise by intuitively making changes for nighttime taking pictures, lowering noise and including mild to darkish areas. Don’t count on miracles — it’s nonetheless a small sensor — however night pictures are usable the place they’d be unusable with out it. You’ll discover a distinction in low-light taking pictures, brightening shadows and lowering noise.
The distant controller determination: Is the display screen price $120?
Potensic affords two controller choices, and this alternative considerably impacts your expertise and funds.
RC PT-1 (cellphone mount controller): $299-$399
- You present the cellphone
- Decrease price
- Acquainted interface if you happen to’re used to cellphone screens
RC PTD-1 (built-in 5.5″ display screen): $399-$499
- Constructed-in display screen eliminates cellphone battery drain
- Higher visibility in vivid daylight
- Extra dependable connection (one much less wi-fi hyperlink)
- Quicker setup—no cellphone mounting
I bought this cheaper model, which means I needed to depend on my iPhone 13 Professional because the show. The twine must be secured and there’s a little motion. My specific iPhone mannequin doesn’t enable for quick picture switch, which suggests I additionally have to obtain from the microSD card to my laptop computer. Nonetheless, newer iPhone fashions (14+) are supported by Potensic’s SmartTransfer characteristic.
Regardless of the extra price, the built-in display screen controller is price it if you happen to’re shopping for the Fly Extra Combo anyway. After utilizing associates’ units and seeing the way it was a extra seamless expertise, I do want I had paid the additional $120 for the model that has the built-in display screen. The built-in display screen eliminates the effort of mounting your cellphone and gives improved display screen visibility. Figuring out that the majority different drones provide an built-in display screen on the controller, it will likely be a key consideration in my subsequent buy.
Each kinds of screens present the wanted element in flight, together with satellite tv for pc data, battery share, time remaining, elevation, distance, velocity, and—most significantly—the house level locator.
Right here’s a have a look at the display screen from my iPhone:
What it’s like flying the Potensic Atom 2
The Potensic Atom 2 flies easily beneath regular circumstances (mainly little to no wind). When flying with the controller, you’ll be able to simply regulate the management settings of the joysticks.
How does the Potensic Atom 2 deal with wind?
Though light-weight, the drone withstood wind gusts as much as 24 mph in my trial. When it bought windier than {that a} warning on my display screen notified me of serious winds and a suggestion to lower altitude. Though flying on this situation could have an opposed impact on the battery life, it does give the brand new pilot a way of confidence if put right into a barely uncomfortable state of affairs.
How lengthy does the Potensic Atom 2 battery final
Neglect the 32-minute declare. You’ll undoubtedly wish to buy further batteries for any sustained flying and filming.
In real-world situations, flight time drops to as little as 25-27 minutes beneath regular flying circumstances, and even much less when dealing with wind, taking pictures longer movies, or altering between flying modes (regular, video, and sport). The Fly Extra Combo offers you over 90 minutes of mixed flight time whenever you add up all three batteries — basically making it obligatory for significant flying periods.
Connections drops
For freshmen, going an extended distance away is nerve-wracking. The producer states as much as 10km distance, nonetheless, throughout testing I acquired a number of on display screen messages concerning sign power.
Particularly as a brand new consumer, watch out of terrain options, the place connections will be much more challenged. Take a look at the space on a identified, open platform earlier than traversing hills or different terrain.
Use of third get together companies (or lack thereof)
That is the primary space the place skilled pilots shall be disillusioned. Potensic retains all flight information inner to their app with no straightforward export to third-party companies like AirData.
I reached out to the Potensic crew about this precise challenge, however as a substitute my communications left me pissed off that there was no straightforward strategy to obtain my flight information.
Why this issues: For industrial pilots who have to log flight hours for FAA Half 107 compliance, this creates pointless friction. Flight logging companies like AirData assist pilots observe complete flight time, keep upkeep information, and analyze flight patterns—none of that are simply accessible with the Potensic system. Leisure flyers gained’t miss this characteristic, but it surely’s a dealbreaker for professionals.
Worth comparability and bundle worth
| Bundle | Value | What’s Included | When to decide on this mannequin |
| Commonplace Package (RC PT 1) | $359, discounted to $299 | Drone, 1 battery, capability to work together with your cellphone as a controller, primary equipment | Provided that you already personal spare batteries |
| Commonplace Package (RC PTD 1) | $479 discounted to $399 | Drone, 1 battery, display screen controller, primary equipment | Skip it — one battery isn’t sufficient |
| Fly Extra Combo (RC PT 1) | $479 discounted to $399 | Drone, cellphone controller 3 batteries, charging hub, bag, further equipment | Finest worth for many consumers |
| Fly Extra Combo (RC PTD 1) | $599 discounted to $499 | Drone, 3 batteries, charging hub, display screen controller, bag, further equipment | Finest total package deal if funds permits |
I bought the Potensic Atom 2 Fly Extra Combo (RC PT 1), which is what this evaluate is based off of.
What’s that strobe? Eager eyes may discover I additionally mounted a strobe from a third-party to my drone, which is clearly not included. I used the Firehouse Know-how ARC V Drone Strobe Anti-Collision Gentle strobe. I selected this strobe in case of any twilight or evening flights the place an anti-collision strobe is required. This strobe complies with rules for 3 state mile visibility, and was a light-weight, detachable possibility. It may well additionally help in visible observations of daytime flight at low altitude and longer distance.
General impression: an excellent drone if the restrictions
The Potensic Atom 2 is an entry stage drone filled with upgrades and is a good newbie drone for the hobbyist, a brand new pilot seeking to get stick time, or for the skilled photographer trying so as to add extra to their arsenal. The 4K digicam high quality, AI monitoring options, and sub-250g weight make it a strong entry level for drone flying.
Nonetheless, the connection reliability points and lack {of professional} flight logging help imply this isn’t a drone you’ll develop into if you happen to get severe about aerial images. It’s a stepping stone, not an finish vacation spot.
For the $399 Fly Extra Combo worth (with cellphone controller), the Atom 2 affords official worth. Simply perceive you’re buying and selling some reliability {and professional} functionality for that decrease price — which is a superbly cheap trade-off for leisure customers.
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