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

Consists of:

• 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 constructed from light-weight plastic. Due to this, should you’ve by no means flown a mini drone, it might really feel like a toy.

Nonetheless, low cost just isn’t a phrase I’d use to explain the ATOM 2. When you fly the ATOM 2, it appears like a strong piece of aerial digicam gear.

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

The 4 motors on the ATOM 2 enable it to maneuver nimbly and effortlessly. In calm or practically windless situations, the ATOM 2 stays secure within the air, due to 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 average gusts as effectively. 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 usually the case once I fly on the Gulf Coast of Florida, the winds had been gusting round 15 – 20 mph over land and the water, and the ATOM 2 did a terrific job taking video and images.

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 seems easy, 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 frequently flies commercially and infrequently 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 many who are new to flying drones is that the ATOM 2 may be very simple to fly. As soon as conversant in the instructions of the sticks, the ATOM 2 may be very controllable and fairly secure.

Only a heads-up: The ATOM 2 doesn’t have an impediment avoidance system. So should you’re a brand new or inexperienced pilot, you gained’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 could be tailor-made to suit most ranges of drone operators, from very new to superior.

One thing I vastly recognize concerning 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 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 effectively. I took off from behind our tent, and nobody heard it and even appeared in our path. 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.

Through the years, 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 against the law.

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 exterior interference; the ATOM 2 can fly in WiFi and signal-congested areas very effectively, and I’ve frequently put this to the check.

Should you wish to fly in suburban or downtown environments, you gained’t be dissatisfied.

Batteries & Charging

The ATOM 2 makes use of clever flight batteries, not in contrast to DJI drones.

It is a welcome addition to any drone, as clever flight batteries self-discharge after a sure period of time, stopping the battery from changing into broken because of sitting absolutely charged.

The utmost flight time on the ATOM 2 batteries is rated for 32 minutes. Nonetheless, I get just a little over 22 minutes of flight time.

That is due to a number of various factors.

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

Now’s an excellent time to notice that there are no LED battery indicators on the batteries themselves. To examine 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 Customary equipment, 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 isn’t 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 concerning the 30% mark.

I’m barely dissatisfied, nonetheless, 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 customary, it looks as if an odd selection for Potensic to go along with a 12V charging answer.

I preserve varied size USB-C cables in all my autos and tools baggage. These come in 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 grow to be obvious, the article can be up to date to replicate this.

One thing I actually like concerning the charging hub is that it permits you to plug in a USB cable after which cost your machine(s), with stated 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 a number of key areas.

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

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 middle of the distant controller.

Don’t get me flawed, I perceive the design, and it provides to the wonderful total steadiness 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 may be very giant.

For instance, for me, the most important distant controller I really feel snug flying with is the DJI RC Professional. That could be a very giant and strong piece of kit. And not using a smartphone within the ATOM 2 distant controller, the RC continues to be bigger (in size) than the massive DJI RC Professional.

While you add a telephone, the distant controller may be very vast. Once 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 vast. If a baby is flying the ATOM 2, this may very well be just a little unwieldy for them.

Other than 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. Other than 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
• Document/digicam 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 simply 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 must 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 hundreds. There is no such thing as a excessive dynamic vary 1″ Sensor on the ATOM 2.

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

Should you discover yourselves needing to shoot in low gentle, we advocate doing so in RAW after which enhancing the images in Lightroom or an equal editor.

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

The digicam 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 effectively 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 just a little out of focus across the edges, the general picture high quality throughout the lens was first rate.

Whereas the photographs 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 well nonetheless be seen after enhancing, particularly on bigger screens (see under).

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

Nonetheless, I seen the white steadiness being “off” constantly on the cloudless seashore day the place I took many photographs. After all, you can manually change the white steadiness between photographs, nonetheless, it could be good to set the steadiness 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 be aware: when taking pictures video, the yoyo’ing inconsistent white steadiness doesn’t appear to be a lot of a difficulty, if even one.

Under are the Nonetheless Pictures Modes obtainable 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: Huge 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 obtainable at 2x to 5x speeds.

Whereas there presently isn’t any 60fps possibility, with the ability to shoot 4K on a drone of this measurement and on this value level is a suitable compromise.

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

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

I can’t communicate extremely sufficient of how good the video on the ATOM 2 seems. The one factor I’m wanting 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 velocity will allow optimum movement blur, thus making a terrific video expertise on the ATOM 2 even higher.

Intellegent Flight Modes

With the provision of AI, increasingly more industries are taking full benefit of its energy and capabilities. Potensic isn’t 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 embody:

• AI Comply with
• AI Highlight
• AI Parallel

AI Comply with

This monitoring mode follows a topic from behind or at an angle, sustaining a gradual distance. This mode is good for these desirous to report actions like strolling, operating, or biking, guaranteeing the topic stays in focus all through the exercise.

AI Highlight

The ATOM 2 hovers in place whereas the digicam routinely 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 selection, sustaining a constant distance from the topic. This mode is good for capturing topics from the aspect throughout actions like mountaineering 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—ideally suited for journey and nature photographs.
• Spiral: Circles upward across the topic, showcasing landmarks or out of doors actions.
• Rocket: Shoots straight up whereas protecting the topic in body for dramatic overhead photographs.
• Circle: Orbits easily across the topic, good for capturing folks 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 strong arsenal of AI-enabled monitoring and quickshot modes, the ATOM 2 can simply produce troublesome cinematic photographs that might take plenty of apply to perform manually.

Whereas that is the case, it is very important be aware that the ATOM 2 just isn’t a “selfie” drone by any definition of the phrase. With the shortage of wanted avoidance sensors, warning have to be taken when utilizing any of those modes. Warning must be taken with whole 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 in search of a small drone to shortly 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 in search of a DJI various, the ATOM 2 suits the invoice, because it has lots of the options present in DJI’s line of mini drones.