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

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 comprised of light-weight plastic. Due to this, if you happen to’ve by no means flown a mini drone, it might really feel like a toy.

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

I fly principally for business 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 properly.

The 4 motors on the ATOM 2 permit it to maneuver nimbly and effortlessly. In calm or almost windless circumstances, the ATOM 2 stays steady 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 average 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 usually the case after 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 pictures.

In fact, because the ATOM 2 is a mini drone, will probably be considerably affected by the wind. That is true for all mini-drones. Fortunately, the 3-axis gimbal ensures that video footage appears 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 repeatedly 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 individuals who are new to flying drones is that the ATOM 2 may be very simple to fly. As soon as accustomed to the instructions of the sticks, the ATOM 2 may be very controllable and fairly steady.

Only a heads-up: The ATOM 2 doesn’t have an impediment avoidance system. So if you happen to’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 significantly recognize in regards to the ATOM 2 is that the propellers are extraordinarily quiet. When about 30 or so ft in top, 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 seaside just lately, I discovered the ATOM 2’s quietness labored fairly properly. I took off from behind our tent, and nobody heard it and even seemed 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.

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

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 robust and never overly affected by outdoors interference; the ATOM 2 can fly in WiFi and signal-congested areas very properly, and I’ve repeatedly put this to the take a look at.

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

Batteries & Charging

The ATOM 2 makes use of clever flight batteries, not not like 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 resulting from sitting totally charged.

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

That is due to just a few various factors.

One is that I at all times land across the 25-30% mark. Secondly, producers’ flight occasions are typically when the drone is flying in its optimum take a look at environments. Thus, precise consumer flight occasions will differ by a couple of minutes.

Now’s time to notice that there are no LED battery indicators on the batteries themselves. To verify 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 have the Normal package, you possibly can cost the included single battery inside 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 at all times 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 capable of cost my batteries barely quicker, as I solely use them right down to in regards to the 30% mark.

I’m barely disenchanted, 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 units include USB-C cables as normal, it looks like an odd selection for Potensic to go together with a 12V charging answer.

I maintain 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 should deliver the 12V charger with me when on journeys.

There could also be advantages of the 12V charger that we aren’t conscious of as of this text’s writing. If these develop into obvious, the article shall 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 stable 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 middle of the distant controller.

Don’t get me flawed, 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 may be very giant.

For example, for me, the biggest distant controller I really feel comfy flying with is the DJI RC Professional. That could be a very giant and stable piece of kit. With out a smartphone within the ATOM 2 distant controller, the RC continues to be bigger (in size) than the massive DJI RC Professional.

Whenever you add a cellphone, the distant controller may be very large. After I fly the ATOM 2, I typically use my Samsung S21+, which is a large cellphone. Now, when mixed, this smartphone and distant controller combo is extraordinarily large. If a toddler is flying the ATOM 2, this could possibly be a bit of 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 varied 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 Residence/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 barely half the enjoyable when out and about. For a lot of, it’s equally necessary that their drone takes good footage and movies.

The ATOM 2 produces superb pictures and nice video.

What must be acknowledged is that this can be 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 isn’t 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 job of manufacturing handsome pictures. 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 could be a bit higher, however it’s greater than acceptable.

For those who discover yourselves needing to shoot in low mild, we advocate doing so in RAW after which enhancing the pictures 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 properly on the ATOM 2.

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

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

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

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

The second factor that I observed, 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.

Nonetheless, I observed the white stability being “off” constantly on the cloudless seaside day the place I took many photographs. In fact, you can manually change the white stability between photographs, nonetheless, it could be good to set the stability to auto and simply concentrate on 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 stability doesn’t appear to be a lot of a difficulty, if even one.

Under are the Nonetheless Images 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: Extensive Angle, 180, Vertical

On the subject of 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 presently isn’t any 60fps choice, with the ability to shoot 4K on a drone of this measurement and on this worth level is an appropriate compromise.

For individuals who take pleasure in video enhancing, the ATOM 2 helps a most video bit charge of 80 Mbps.

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

I cannot communicate extremely sufficient of how good the video on the ATOM 2 appears. The one factor I’m trying ahead to on this regard is ND filters. At the moment, 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 an ideal video expertise on the ATOM 2 even higher.

Intellegent Flight Modes

With the provision of AI, an increasing number of 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 embrace:

• AI Observe
• AI Highlight
• AI Parallel

AI Observe

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

AI Highlight

The ATOM 2 hovers in place whereas the digicam robotically 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 right for capturing topics from the facet throughout actions like 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—supreme for journey and nature photographs.
• Spiral: Circles upward across the topic, showcasing landmarks or out of doors actions.
• Rocket: Shoots straight up whereas holding the topic in body for dramatic overhead photographs.
• Circle: Orbits easily across the topic, excellent 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 strong arsenal of AI-enabled monitoring and quickshot modes, the ATOM 2 can simply produce tough cinematic photographs that might take a number of follow to perform manually.

Whereas that is the case, it is very important be aware that the ATOM 2 shouldn’t 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 ought to be taken with complete reliance on any autonomous drone mode.

Conclusion

Contemplating the worth 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 different, the ATOM 2 matches the invoice, because it has lots of the options present in DJI’s line of mini drones.