Drone Authority · Review · Beginner GPS camera drone
Holy Stone HS720G
Built from published specifications and cross-checked against the sources listed at the foot of this page. We have not flown this aircraft ourselves.
The finding
A true first drone for someone who wants to learn GPS flying cheaply before investing more.
Price band only. Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure
- Our score
- 7.0/10
- Typical price
- $200 – $300
- Category
- Beginner GPS camera drone
Published figures
- Weight
- 377 g (register)
- Camera
- 4K with 2-axis gimbal and EIS
- Flight time
- ~26 min (per battery)
- GPS
- Yes, with return-to-home
- Standard package
- 1 battery; bundles vary
- Stabilization
- 2-axis mechanical gimbal + EIS
Against the 250 g registration line
377 g
Above the line. Register this aircraft with the FAA before you fly it, recreationally or under Part 107, and meet Remote ID. Registration rules
Drone Authority score
Editorial composite from researching HS720G. Not a lab measurement, not an aggregate of retailer stars.
7.0/10
- Flight and cameraCapability for its lane
- Solid6.5
- Owner sentimentCross-checked owner reports
- Solid7.0
- Build and reliabilityHardware and dependability
- Solid6.5
- ValuePrice against category peers
- Strong8.0
Lots of beginner-friendly features and accessories for the money.
In its favour
- GPS hold and return-to-home make it forgiving to learn on
- Some retailer bundles add a spare battery or case; verify the exact listing
- Simple app and gentle learning curve
Buy it for this. A true first drone for someone who wants to learn GPS flying cheaply before investing more.
Against it
- Two-axis gimbal and EIS trail the smoother three-axis systems in stronger movement
- Over 250 g, so it requires FAA registration
- No obstacle avoidance
Skip it if this matters. Two-axis gimbal and EIS trail the smoother three-axis systems in stronger movement
Owner desk
Legacy support watchLiving with the HS720G.
HS720G ownership starts with registration, its exact Ophelia FLY app path, compass discipline, and a realistic understanding of a two-axis gimbal platform.
Configuration
Registered beginner camera drone
Weight
377 g
Legal configuration
Registration, Remote ID, and what changes them.
A broadcast module or strobe must be mounted without blocking GPS, ventilation, antennas, camera motion, or propellers.
- Recreational
- Registration is required because the aircraft is over 250 g.
- Part 107
- Register it in the Part 107 inventory before any non-recreational operation.
- Remote ID
- Confirm whether the exact unit has an accepted Standard Remote ID declaration. If not, use an accepted broadcast module or fly within a FRIA when applicable.
- Control stack
- Ophelia FLY with the HS720G controller
First 30 minutes
Set it up before the launch site.
- 01
Register and identify the exact model
Record the HS720G label and serial, complete the correct FAA registration path, and verify Remote ID before flight.
- 02
Install Ophelia FLY from Holy Stone
Use the HS720G support page, not a similarly named Holy Stone app listing. Charge both batteries and the controller.
- 03
Calibrate away from metal
Follow the HS720G manual for compass setup in an open area away from vehicles, reinforced concrete, and power infrastructure.
- 04
Test GPS and return-to-home close
Wait for a stable home point, hover close, verify the two-axis gimbal and video, then test return behavior before adding distance.
Compatible kit
What to buy first.
The existing Holy Stone-family Remote ID module is conditional: use it only if the exact HS720G unit does not broadcast accepted Standard Remote ID. No current store battery, propeller, arm, or motor is verified specifically for the HS720G.
What not to change
Avoid firmware files, batteries, and propellers from adjacent HS720 variants. A similar shell name is not a fit guarantee.
Amazon links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Fit notes and ordering are editorial decisions.
01 · Add later
Remote ID Broadcast Module
Another Remote ID fallback for older aircraft.
Check at AmazonMaintenance
What to check, and how often.
- Before every flight
- Inspect every propeller, motor bell, arm hinge, sensor window, and gimbal guard area. Replace a nicked or warped propeller instead of trying to straighten it.
- After dust, sand, salt, or moisture
- Power down, remove the battery, brush away loose debris, and let the aircraft dry fully. Do not use compressed air to drive grit into motors or gimbal bearings.
- Every 10 flights
- Review battery swelling, cell warnings, propeller screws, storage capacity, return-to-home altitude, and the app flight log.
- Before storage
- Let intelligent batteries manage themselves at room temperature, keep them out of a hot vehicle, and recheck charge state before the next job.
Troubleshooting
Common symptoms and what to check.
The aircraft drifts, will not hold position, or reports a compass warning
Move away from vehicles, reinforced concrete, speakers, and large metal objects. Confirm satellite status and follow the manufacturer calibration prompt only when the app asks for it.
Do not launch while position or compass warnings remain.
The horizon is tilted or footage vibrates
Remove the gimbal guard, inspect the gimbal dampers and propellers, clean the lens, and run the official gimbal calibration on a level surface.
Stop if the gimbal binds, chatters, or was struck hard enough to deform its mount.
Firmware update stalls or components show mismatched versions
Charge the aircraft and controller above the manufacturer minimum, keep every component powered and close together, use a stable network, and update each intelligent battery when required.
Do not fly through a version mismatch or repeated update failure. Use official support.
Official support
Manuals, firmware, parts.
Learn next
Where to go next.
- Registration checkerSee how weight, recreation, and Part 107 change the answer.
- First-flight checklistTurn setup into a controlled first launch.
- Can I fly here?Check airspace, authorization, TFRs, weather, and launch permission.
- Better aerial footageUse deliberate moves, exposure, and shot planning instead of relying on automation.
The short answer
The Holy Stone HS720G is a reasonable low-cost GPS trainer for someone who wants return-to-home, a two-axis gimbal, and 4K recording without paying DJI Mini prices. It's also a 377 g aircraft with no obstacle avoidance, a shorter support runway than newer models, and retailer bundles that vary. Buy it to learn deliberate GPS flying, not because a marketplace listing makes it look like a complete camera-production kit.
What changes the decision
01
What the HS720G does well
Holy Stone lists GPS and GLONASS positioning, optical flow, return-to-home, a two-axis mechanical gimbal with electronic stabilization, 4K recording at 30 frames per second, and up to 26 minutes per battery. Those features give a new pilot the basic tools to practice stable hovering, controlled camera moves, home-point checks, and conservative return planning.
The two-axis gimbal is useful, but it isn't the same camera system as a modern three-axis DJI or Potensic platform. Expect more visible roll correction and less polished movement when the aircraft turns, brakes, or flies in wind. There's no obstacle-avoidance system, so automated modes and return-to-home still need a clear route.
02
The registration and bundle details matter
At the published 377 g weight, the HS720G must be registered for recreational and Part 107 flying in the United States. A registered aircraft also needs a valid Remote ID path unless it is flown in a FRIA or another exception applies. Verify the exact aircraft label and FAA declaration instead of relying on a seller's generic compliance bullet.
Holy Stone's standard package list shows one battery and says configurations vary. Some retailer bundles add another battery, a case, or both, but those extras are not guaranteed. Compare the exact package, return policy, replacement-battery source, and app support before treating a discount as better value.
Sources behind this review
Manufacturer specifications set the hardware claims. Independent reviews are used to test that positioning and surface the practical tradeoffs. We did not receive or fly a review unit.
- Holy Stone HS720G specifications
Manufacturer weight, camera, gimbal, positioning, endurance, package, and obstacle-avoidance information.
- Holy Stone HS720G manual
Manufacturer setup, calibration, flight, app, return-to-home, and safety instructions.
- Holy Stone HS720G parts
Manufacturer path for exact-model replacement parts and batteries.
- FAA drone registration
FAA registration rules for recreational and Part 107 aircraft.
Before you choose
Does the Holy Stone HS720G need FAA registration?
Yes. Holy Stone publishes a 377 g weight, which is above the recreational under-250 g exception. Part 107 aircraft must be registered regardless of weight.
Does the HS720G have obstacle avoidance?
No. GPS, optical flow, and return-to-home are flight aids, not obstacle avoidance. The route still needs to be clear of trees, wires, buildings, people, and other hazards.
Does every HS720G package include two batteries and a case?
No. Holy Stone lists one battery in the standard package and notes that configurations vary. Check the exact retailer listing before comparing bundle prices.
Is the HS720G good for professional video?
It can teach useful GPS and camera-flight habits, but its two-axis gimbal, smaller camera system, and lack of obstacle avoidance make it a training and casual-capture aircraft rather than a dependable professional platform.
Ready to buy the Holy Stone HS720G?
Typical price $200 – $300. Check availability before you commit. Buy through this link and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.
Compare with
Potensic
Atom
The strongest non-DJI option under $350: a true 3-axis mechanical gimbal at a budget price, frequently bundled with extra batteries, and it's unaffected by the DJI import situation.
Strengths
- Real mechanical 3-axis gimbal, not just digital stabilization
- Battery bundles often undercut comparable DJI kits
- Not affected by the DJI FCC Covered List import freeze
Tradeoffs
- App and transmission reliability trail DJI in our research of owner reports
- Smaller accessory and repair ecosystem than DJI
- Image quality good for the price but below the DJI Mini line
- Weight
- Under 249 g
- Camera
- 4K, 3-axis gimbal
- Flight time
- ~32 min
- Stabilization
- Mechanical gimbal
- Transmission
- ~6 km (claimed)
- GPS
- Yes
Best for: Budget buyers who want gimbal-stabilized 4K and want to sidestep the DJI supply uncertainty.
Amazon comes first when available. Official links stay visible for exact specs, stock, and manufacturer support. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure
DJI
Flip
DJI's most beginner-friendly real camera drone: a strong 1/1.3-inch camera, folding full-coverage propeller guards, palm launch, and subject tracking without requiring a phone or controller.
Strengths
- Strong 1/1.3-inch sensor, RAW stills, 4K/60 HDR, and optional 10-bit D-Log M
- Built-in propeller guards reduce contact risk while learning; they do not create permission to fly over people
- Under 249 g, registration-free for recreational flying
Tradeoffs
- Forward infrared braking and downward positioning are not omnidirectional; tracking modes do not avoid obstacles
- Guards add bulk and slightly cut flight time vs. the Mini
- U.S. price and stock can move with DJI supply and regulatory pressure; verify the seller and warranty path
- Weight
- Under 249 g
- Camera
- 4K/60 HDR, 1/1.3in
- Flight time
- Up to 31 min in controlled conditions
- Safety
- Full prop guards
- Subject tracking
- Yes
- Wind resistance
- Level 5
Best for: Nervous first-time pilots who still want genuinely good 4K footage and a safety-first design.
Amazon comes first when available. Official links stay visible for exact specs, stock, and manufacturer support. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure
Aircraft to operation
Before first launch
Buying the aircraft is one decision. Use this sequence to get from the box to a deliberate, legal first flight.
Aircraft under consideration
Holy Stone HS720G
Holy Stone HS720G: 377 g (register)
- 01Check registration
Aircraft status
Set the registration path
Holy Stone HS720G is listed at 377 g (register). Plan on registration before launch. Part 107 registration is per aircraft.
- 02Start the airspace check
Launch location
Check the exact airspace
The aircraft does not decide whether a location is clear. Check the launch point, planned altitude, date, and time for controlled airspace, restrictions, and local launch rules.
- 03Check commercial requirements
Only when it is work
ConditionalDecide whether Part 107 applies
A small drone does not create a business-use exception. If the flight serves a client, employer, listing, monetized project, or another non-recreational purpose, check the Part 107 path first.
- 04Open the first-flight checklist
Props still off
Run the first-flight preflight
Confirm aircraft condition, firmware, battery health, controller link, home point, return-to-home settings, weather, people, obstacles, and the lost-link plan before takeoff.
How we score
The score is an editorial composite of four axes: flight and camera capability, owner sentiment drawn from published reviews, build and reliability, and value for the money. It reflects research and cross-checking rather than lab measurement, and we do not invent star counts. Prices are typical U.S. street bands and move around, especially for DJI while the import freeze lasts.
Affiliate relationships do not change our scores or rankings. Read the full affiliate disclosure.