The drone market is no longer a simple choice between cheap toys and expensive professional gear. A new generation of advanced yet affordable aircraft is democratizing aerial photography for hobbyists. The Holy Stone HS790 aims to deliver a premium experience, boasting a 6K camera and GPS stability, without the premium price tag.
The Holy Stone HS790 makes a solid first impression with a design that balances portability and substance. Its foldable arms tuck into a compact form, fitting neatly into the included hardshell carrying case—a thoughtful touch that adds significant value. The drone itself feels well-constructed, utilizing a dense plastic that avoids feeling cheap, though it doesn’t quite reach the premium feel of a DJI product. Weighing in at 465g, it has enough mass to handle moderate winds with confidence, but this also means it falls outside the sub-250g category, requiring FAA registration in the United States and similar registration in other regions.
In the air, the HS790 is a capable and predictable flyer. Thanks to its brushless motors and dual GPS/GLONASS positioning, it hovers with impressive stability and responds reliably to controller inputs. The automated Return-to-Home (RTH) function, which triggers on low battery or signal loss, is a critical safety feature that works as advertised, providing peace of mind for new pilots. Each of the two included batteries provides a realistic 20-22 minutes of flight time, a respectable figure that allows for meaningful sessions without constantly watching the clock.
The centerpiece of the HS790 is its “6K” camera, but this requires a nuanced look. The camera is capable of capturing impressive 6K (5760×3240) still photographs, which are sharp and vibrant in good lighting. However, video is where the compromise becomes apparent. The drone records video at a maximum of 4K at 30fps. While the footage is clear, its stability is managed by a 2-axis mechanical gimbal combined with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). This system is a major step up from drones with no stabilization, but it can’t match the buttery-smooth cinematic motion of a true 3-axis gimbal. Sharp turns and windy conditions will introduce noticeable jitter and horizon tilt that more expensive drones smooth out effortlessly.
Ultimately, the Holy Stone HS790 presents a compelling value proposition. It packages together features once reserved for high-end models—brushless motors, GPS, a mechanical gimbal, and 4K video—at a price that is highly accessible. While it doesn’t outperform market leaders like DJI, it isn’t trying to. It successfully bridges the gap between toy-grade drones and prosumer equipment.
For aspiring aerial photographers and hobbyists looking for their first serious drone, the HS790 is an excellent choice. It offers a robust feature set, reliable performance, and a forgiving flight experience that makes it easy to learn on. However, users demanding broadcast-quality, perfectly stable video for professional or semi-professional work will find the 2-axis gimbal a limiting factor and should look toward more premium options.
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Holy Stone HS790 GPS 6K Camera Drone Quick Summary
Key Scores:
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Value:
88% -
Design:
85% -
Performance:
87% -
Quality:
86% -
Popularity:
90%
Top Pros
- ✅ Dual batteries and a carrying case create a complete package.
- ✅ GPS and brushless motors deliver a stable flight experience.
- ✅ The camera captures impressively sharp high-resolution still photos.
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Key Cons
- ❌ Video stabilization is not as smooth as a 3-axis gimbal.
- ❌ The 6K resolution claim is limited to still photography only.
- ❌ Its weight requires government registration in many countries.
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