Potensic ATOM 2 Evaluation – An Spectacular Addition to the Mini Drone House

Contains:

• ATOM 2 Drone
• Distant Controller
• 3 Batteries
• Quick Charging Hub
• Shoulder Bag
• Gimbal Guard
• 8 Pairs of spare propellers & 16 spare screws
• USB-C Charging cable
• USB-C and Apple Lightning Adaptor Cables
• Propeller Protector/Strap

ATOM 2 Technical Specs

ATOM 2 {Hardware}

As is the case with most Mini drones, together with DJI’s line, the ATOM 2 is constituted of light-weight plastic. Due to this, when you’ve by no means flown a mini drone, it may really feel like a toy.

Nevertheless, low-cost will not be a phrase I’d use to explain the ATOM 2. When you fly the ATOM 2, it appears like a strong piece of aerial digital camera gear.

I fly principally for industrial work, with bigger drones just like the Air 3 and Mavic 3 traces. Whereas the ATOM 2 doesn’t fly like these bigger and heavier drones, it does fly extraordinarily properly.

The 4 motors on the ATOM 2 enable it to maneuver nimbly and effortlessly. In calm or practically windless circumstances, the ATOM 2 stays secure within the air, because of its downward positioning system.

With it being near wet season right here in Florida, each single time I flew, there was wind and a few reasonable gusts as properly. The ATOM 2 dealt with the wind like a champ, contemplating how small it’s.

Fortunately, the ATOM 2 is rated for 23.6 mph winds.

As is mostly the case once I fly on the Gulf Coast of Florida, the winds have been gusting round 15 – 20 mph over land and the water, and the ATOM 2 did an ideal job taking video and photographs.

After all, because the ATOM 2 is a mini drone, it is going to be considerably affected by the wind. That is true for all mini-drones. Fortunately, the 3-axis gimbal ensures that video footage appears to be like clean, even when the wind does blow the ATOM 2 round like loopy, as was the case on my most up-to-date outing.

As somebody who recurrently flies commercially and barely will get to fly recreationally, the ATOM 2 encourages me to fly extra recreationally.

I actually do have a good time flying it.

What’s good for individuals who are new to flying drones is that the ATOM 2 could be very straightforward to fly. As soon as aware of the instructions of the sticks, the ATOM 2 could be very controllable and fairly secure.

Only a heads-up: The ATOM 2 doesn’t have an impediment avoidance system. So when you’re a brand new or inexperienced pilot, you received’t have any sensors that will help you keep away from issues in your path.

Moreover, with the inclusion of the Video, Regular, and Sport flight modes, the ATOM 2 might be tailor-made to suit most ranges of drone operators, from very new to superior.

One thing I significantly recognize in regards to the ATOM 2 is that the propellers are extraordinarily quiet. When about 30 or so ft in peak, they’re nearly indiscernible.

That is nice for brand spanking new flyers and anybody involved about bringing an excessive amount of consideration to themselves when flying.

When flying on a really crowded Gulf Coast seashore not too long ago, I discovered the ATOM 2’s quietness labored fairly properly. I took off from behind our tent, and nobody heard it and even appeared in our route. As soon as up within the air, with the wind and wave noise, it couldn’t be heard.

Video Transmission

What’s additionally good is that the ATOM 2 ‘s transmission distance is as much as 6 miles.

Over time, many on-line like to speak about how far a drone can fly, whereas pushing its limits. When flying in the USA, flying BVLOS (past visible line of sight) is prohibited.

Due to this, we by no means encourage anybody to check out how far any drone can fly, not to mention the ATOM 2.

Conversely, I do recognize the power of the sign between the distant controller and the ATOM 2.

The sign from the distant controller has confirmed to be sturdy and never overly affected by outdoors interference; the ATOM 2 can fly in WiFi and signal-congested areas very properly, and I’ve recurrently put this to the check.

For those who prefer to fly in suburban or downtown environments, you received’t be upset.

Batteries & Charging

The ATOM 2 makes use of clever flight batteries, not not like DJI drones.

This can be a welcome addition to any drone, as clever flight batteries self-discharge after a sure period of time, stopping the battery from turning into broken on account of sitting absolutely charged.

The utmost flight time on the ATOM 2 batteries is rated for 32 minutes. Nevertheless, I get slightly over 22 minutes of flight time.

That is due to just a few various factors.

One is that I all the time land across the 25-30% mark. Secondly, producers’ flight occasions are usually when the drone is flying in its optimum check environments. Thus, precise consumer flight occasions will range by a couple of minutes.

Now’s a very good time to notice that there are no LED battery indicators on the batteries themselves. To test the battery energy, you’ll have to insert it into the ATOM 2 and press the ability button as soon as, or put the battery into the charging hub.

When you’ve got the Normal package, you may cost the included single battery throughout the ATOM 2, utilizing the USB-C port within the rear of the ATOM 2’s battery.

The Fly Extra Combo features a charging hub for the three clever flight batteries.

I’ve all the time been a fan of a number of battery charging choices for drones. The ATOM 2’s charging hub is not any exception. The hub is rated to cost all three batteries in as little as 1.3 hours. I’ve discovered I’m in a position to cost my batteries barely sooner, as I solely use them all the way down to in regards to the 30% mark.

I’m barely upset, nevertheless, that, as of the writing of this text, the charging hub has a non-standard Potensic 12V journey charger.

At a time when most private digital gadgets include USB-C cables as commonplace, it looks like an odd alternative for Potensic to go along with a 12V charging answer.

I hold varied size USB-C cables in all my automobiles and tools luggage. These turn out to be useful when charging any of my different drones. Sadly, with the ATOM 2, I’ll must carry the 12V charger with me when on journeys.

There could also be advantages of the 12V charger that we’re not conscious of as of this text’s writing. If these develop into obvious, the article will probably be up to date to replicate this.

One thing I actually like in regards to the charging hub is that it permits you to plug in a USB cable after which cost your machine(s), with mentioned USB cable, from the remaining battery energy within the inserted clever batteries. Thus offering an influence pack in a pinch.

Distant Controller

The ATOM 2’s distant controller is much like the unique ATOM distant controller, however up to date in just a few key areas.

In-hand, the distant controller is strong and works very properly.

What I discover attention-grabbing, and even barely odd for that matter, is the general design of the RC. The controller is constructed to accommodate a smartphone within the heart of the distant controller.

Don’t get me mistaken, I perceive the design, and it provides to the superb total stability of the RC. The smartphone doesn’t sit on high, inflicting it to be top-heavy, like different distant controllers. It’s simply that the mix of the distant controller and smartphone could be very giant.

For example, for me, the most important distant controller I really feel comfy flying with is the DJI RC Professional. That may be a very giant and strong piece of apparatus. With out a smartphone within the ATOM 2 distant controller, the RC continues to be bigger (in size) than the big DJI RC Professional.

Once you add a telephone, the distant controller could be very extensive. After I fly the ATOM 2, I usually use my Samsung S21+, which is a big telephone. Now, when mixed, this smartphone and distant controller combo is extraordinarily extensive. If a toddler is flying the ATOM 2, this could possibly be slightly unwieldy for them.

Except for the distant controller being very giant, although, it’s nice to fly with.

The sticks are very responsive, and the tactile really feel of the assorted buttons and dials is ideal. Except for the general width of the distant controller, I’ve completely no complaints with controlling the ATOM 2.

On the face of the distant controller, you’ll discover:

• Energy button
• LED indicator lights for the present energy
• Left and proper management sticks
• Return to Dwelling/Auto Land button

On the again of the distant controller, you’ll discover:

• Left and proper management stick holder

On high of the distant controller, you’ll discover:

• Adjustable antenna
• Report/digital camera shutter button
• Left-hand dial
• C1 Button (customizable)
• Proper-hand dial
• C2 Button (customizable)

On the underside of the distant controller, you’ll discover:

• USB-C Connection port
• Left and proper screw factors for a lanyard/neck strap

Picture High quality

How a drone behaves within the air and flies is just half the enjoyable when out and about. For a lot of, it’s equally essential that their drone takes good photos and movies.

The ATOM 2 produces superb photographs and nice video.

What needs to be acknowledged is that it is a USD 300+ drone and never a Mavic 3 Professional (quickly to be Mavic 4) or one thing comparable within the prosumer to skilled house, costing 1000’s. There is no such thing as a excessive dynamic vary 1″ Sensor on the ATOM 2.

With that mentioned, the ATOM 2 is supplied with a 1/2″ Sony picture sensor, which does a very good job of manufacturing handsome photographs. With this 1/2″ sensor, sporting an f/1.8 mounted aperture, there may be much less noise within the shadows. Sadly, low-light efficiency on the ATOM 2 is usually a bit higher, however it’s greater than acceptable.

For those who discover yourselves needing to shoot in low gentle, we advocate doing so in RAW after which enhancing the photographs in Lightroom or an equal editor.

The place the digital camera on the ATOM 2 actually shines is in daylight. With correct lighting, the pictures produced by the ATOM 2 are superb. Many of the photographs I’ve taken with the ATOM 2 have been on seashores or in open areas, at 12MP, amongst different issues.

The digital camera on the ATOM 2 is equal to a 26mm focal size. Whereas there are mini drones which have a barely wider focal size, 26mm works properly on the ATOM 2.

When taking panorama or broad photographs, it by no means felt just like the 26mm focal size was too slender. Whereas slightly out of focus across the edges, the general picture high quality throughout the lens was first rate.

Whereas the pictures popping out of the ATOM 4 for photos are good, there are a few areas that want a little bit of consideration.

The primary is that the ATOM 2 constantly over-sharpens photographs taken. This isn’t as noticeable on photographs just like the top-down seashore view, seen above.

When taking photos of close-up landscaping, it’s rather more noticeable. To counter this, I attempt to dial down the readability and sharpness in Lightroom, however it may nonetheless be seen after enhancing, particularly on bigger screens (see beneath).

The second factor that I seen, which is fixable in picture enhancing software program, is inconsistent white stability. That is to be anticipated in ever-changing lighting circumstances, like {a partially} cloudy day.

Nevertheless, I seen the white stability being “off” constantly on the cloudless seashore day the place I took many photographs. After all, you can manually change the white stability between photographs, nevertheless, it will be good to set the stability to auto and simply give attention to getting the photographs wanted. Maybe that is one thing that may be addressed over time in Firmware Updates.

Right here’s an attention-grabbing observe: when taking pictures video, the yoyo’ing inconsistent white stability doesn’t appear to be a lot of a difficulty, if even one.

Under are the Nonetheless Pictures Modes out there on the ATOM 2:
Single (JPG): 12 MP and 48 MP
Single (JPG & RAW): 12 MP and 48 MP
Burst Capturing: 12 MP, as much as 7 frames
Bracketing (BRK): 12 MP, 3/5/ frames
Interval Timing Capturing: 12 MP, 2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/15/20/25/30 s
Panorama: Large Angle, 180, Vertical

In relation to video, although, the ATOM 2 does a stellar job.

The ATOM 2 captures video in 4K, 2.7K, and FHD at 24/25/30fps, with slow-motion FHD out there at 2x to 5x speeds.

Whereas there at the moment is not any 60fps choice, having the ability to shoot 4K on a drone of this dimension and on this worth level is an appropriate compromise.

For individuals who get pleasure from video enhancing, the ATOM 2 helps a most video bit price of 80 Mbps.

As of proper now, there are solely two colour profiles: Regular and HDR. Potensic has mentioned, nevertheless, {that a} flat P-Log profile will probably be added in a future firmware replace. Video editors rejoice!

I can’t converse extremely sufficient of how good the video on the ATOM 2 appears to be like. The one factor I’m trying ahead to on this regard is ND filters. Presently, I’m taking pictures video in Auto and letting the ATOM 2 select the publicity triangle.

As soon as ND filters can be found, taking pictures on the correct shutter pace will allow optimum movement blur, thus making an ideal video expertise on the ATOM 2 even higher.

Intellegent Flight Modes

With the supply of AI, an increasing number of industries are taking full benefit of its energy and capabilities. Potensic is not any exception. The ATOM 2 advantages from a full suite of AI-powered instruments.

That is nice to see, as different mini drone producers are incorporating a number of clever flight modes and options.

Though the ATOM 2 doesn’t profit from impediment and collision avoidance sensors, it’s greater than able to monitoring topics.

The AI Monitoring choices embrace:

• AI Comply with
• AI Highlight
• AI Parallel

AI Comply with

This monitoring mode follows a topic from behind or at an angle, sustaining a gentle distance. This mode is right for these eager to report actions like strolling, operating, or biking, making certain the topic stays in focus all through the exercise.

AI Highlight

The ATOM 2 hovers in place whereas the digital camera mechanically tracks and retains the topic centered within the body. AI Highlight is ideal for stationary or slow-moving topics, permitting for hands-free filming.

AI Parallel

Right here, the ATOM 2 flies alongside the topic of alternative, sustaining a constant distance from the topic. This mode is right for capturing topics from the aspect throughout actions like mountain climbing or biking, simply capturing a cinematic perspective.

The AI Quickshots choices, as outlined by Potensic, are:

• Pull-away: The drone ascends backward, revealing the background—preferrred for journey and nature photographs.
• Spiral: Circles upward across the topic, showcasing landmarks or out of doors actions.
• Rocket: Shoots straight up whereas preserving the topic in body for dramatic overhead photographs.
• Circle: Orbits easily across the topic, good for capturing individuals or transferring objects.
• Boomerang: Strikes in an elliptical path, making a cinematic impact appropriate for storytelling.
• Dolly Zoom: Combines zooming in whereas flying backward for a suspenseful impact.

With such a sturdy arsenal of AI-enabled monitoring and quickshot modes, the ATOM 2 can simply produce troublesome cinematic photographs that may take plenty of apply to perform manually.

Whereas that is the case, it is very important observe that the ATOM 2 will not be a “selfie” drone by any definition of the phrase. With the dearth of wanted avoidance sensors, warning should be taken when utilizing any of those modes. Warning needs to be taken with complete reliance on any autonomous drone mode.

Conclusion

Contemplating the value level, the Potensic ATOM 2 is a superb drone. It has one thing for everybody.

Whether or not you’re new to flying drones, somebody searching for a small drone to rapidly get within the air recreationally, or a extra superior hobbyist requiring lots of the capabilities discovered on bigger drones, the ATOM 2 has you lined.

Moreover, if you’re searching for a DJI various, the ATOM 2 matches the invoice, because it has lots of the options present in DJI’s line of mini drones.