HoverAir has launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for its latest drone. The company is calling the Versa “the pocket camera that can fly.” This is because the Versa delivers the versatility of both a 4K handheld gimbal camera and a self-flying drone in one.
Design
The HoverAir Versa handheld gimbal camera module looks very similar in design to DJI’s recent Osmo Pocket models. It features a 3-axis gimbal, and you also switch the Versa on by rotating the rear screen. However, you can also attach the handheld camera to the Flight Kit. This creates a self-flying drone, similar to other models from HoverAir. The camera weighs 5.75 ounces (163g) and the flight kit is only another 2.36 ounces (67g). As a result, the drone only weighs 8.11 ounces (230g). This is comfortably below the 8.8 ounces (249g) weight limit for registration.
17.5 stops of dynamic range
The camera on the HoverAir Versa features a 1/1.3-inch sensor, which delivers an astounding 17.5 stops of dynamic range. For comparison, the Arri Alexa 35 offers 17 stops of dynamic range. It’s important to remember that there is a lot more to image quality than simply dynamic range. However, the high dynamic range means that the HoverAir Versa should be able to deliver high-quality images in sunsets, neon cityscapes and other high-contrast scenes.
Video options
The HoverAir Versa can record 16:9 video in 4K and 1080P, or 3K and 1080P 9:16 vertical video, all up to 60fps. You can also shoot these resolutions in 10-bit HDR, but you are limited to maximum frame rates of 30fps. In addition, the Versa supports an AI low-light enhancement recording mode, as well as H-Log for more scope to grade your footage. In H-Log, you can opt for 4:3 open gate recording, which uses the full sensor as well. Slow-motion recording up to 120fps is only available in 1080P mode, however.
Drone mode
The Flight Kit attaches to the Versa gimbal camera with a MagLatch system. This also delivers power to the propellers from the gimbal camera’s battery. Like other self-flying cameras, the Versa is designed to take off from and land back in your hand. It offers a range of automated flight modes, including Zoom Out, Orbit and Bird’s Eye, along with a variety of tracking options. With a quoted maximum speed of over 22mph (36km/h), the drone should be able to keep up when you are running or riding a bike. You can even use the gimbal camera’s Inception mode, which rotates the camera 360 degrees facing forward while flying.
Other features
The HoverAir Versa comes with 64GB of onboard storage, which you can expand with microSD cards up to 1TB in capacity. It has a maximum battery life of 180 minutes as a handheld, or a flight time of up to 14 minutes as a drone. You can also swap out the batteries, and you can recharge a single battery in only 48 minutes. There is a range of accessories coming for the Versa. These include a tiny handheld controller called the Mico, along with ND filters, a tripod and a suction cup mount.
Crowdfunding risks
Backing a project which is being crowdfunded is not the same as buying from a store. Often projects are still being developed and are not yet finished or ready to ship. As a result, delivery schedules and specifications can change. Some projects may never even get completed and you won’t get a refund. Therefore, you should think very carefully before deciding to back any crowdfunding campaign. Alternatively, with a product such as the HoverAir Versa, you could wait until it is officially released onto the market.
What we think
The HoverAir Versa is a novel and interesting concept. Being able to attach propellers to your gimbal camera to convert it into a drone seems like a lot of fun. A gimbal and drone camera with up to 17.5 stops of dynamic range is also a tempting prospect. However, even with its launch campaign discounts, the HoverAir Versa isn’t much cheaper than buying both a DJI Osmo Pocket 4 camera and a Neo 2 drone. That would deliver similar usability with the added benefit of being able to shoot on both devices at the same time. It’s therefore worth taking a long look at how you would use a handheld gimbal and drone before deciding if the HoverAir Versa is right for you.
Availability
The Indiegogo campaign for the HoverAir Versa is live now. Prices start at $499 for the gimbal camera only, or $749 with the Flight Kit. You can choose between white and black models. Delivery is estimated to start from October 2026. However, as this is a crowdfunded project, this is not guaranteed.
