Holy Stone HS790 drone review – an affordable 3-Axis gimbal drone Review

The world of aerial videography once demanded a hefty investment, but the barrier to entry is crumbling. Holy Stone’s HS790 drone brings a crucial piece of high-end technology—a 3-axis mechanical gimbal—down to a price point that’s impossible to ignore. It represents a significant leap for hobbyists seeking buttery-smooth footage without breaking the bank.

The HS790’s standout feature is undoubtedly its 3-axis mechanical gimbal, a component that physically counteracts the drone’s movements to keep the camera steady. This is not the jittery electronic image stabilization (EIS) found on most drones in this price bracket; this is the real deal. The result is surprisingly smooth, cinematic video that glides gracefully through the air. Paired with reliable GPS positioning, the drone holds its position with confidence, allowing even novice pilots to capture steady shots without fighting the controls. The brushless motors are another welcome, premium-feeling feature, offering a quieter, more efficient, and durable performance than their brushed counterparts. Each of the two included batteries provides a respectable flight time of around 25 minutes in ideal conditions, giving you ample opportunity to explore and film.

In terms of design, the HS790 follows the modern, foldable quadcopter blueprint. It collapses into a compact form that fits neatly into the excellent semi-rigid carrying case that comes included, making it a fantastic travel companion. The build quality is functional, composed primarily of a durable plastic that feels solid enough to handle minor bumps but certainly doesn’t exude a premium feel. The controller is similarly practical, with a straightforward layout and a sturdy, spring-loaded clamp that securely holds your smartphone. It’s an ergonomic and user-friendly setup that won’t intimidate newcomers.

While the gimbal is the star, the camera it holds is where you see the budget-friendly compromises. It’s marketed as a 4K camera, and while it does record at that resolution, the image quality itself doesn’t compete with more expensive drones. The small sensor produces video that can appear slightly soft and lacks the rich color and dynamic range of prosumer models, especially in challenging lighting. Think of it as a very good 1080p camera that can technically output a 4K file. However, for social media and casual viewing, the footage is more than acceptable, and its stability is what truly elevates it above the competition. The drone is controlled via the Ophelia GO app, which provides access to intelligent flight modes like Follow Me, Orbit, and Waypoint flight, adding significant creative potential for automated shots.

The Holy Stone HS790’s value proposition is incredibly strong. It’s not designed to compete with the latest from DJI, but rather to carve out its own niche. It provides the single most important feature for quality aerial video—mechanical stabilization—at a fraction of the cost of the big players. It’s the perfect “stepping stone” drone for pilots graduating from toy-grade models or for beginners who want to learn cinematic drone movements without risking a thousand-dollar piece of equipment. The compromises are clear, but they are made in the right places, prioritizing flight stability and smooth video over raw sensor performance.

Final Verdict

The Holy Stone HS790 is not a DJI killer, and it doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, it’s an exceptional value for beginners and aspiring aerial photographers who prioritize stable, cinematic video over raw image quality. If you want to learn the ropes of drone videography with a capable, forgiving, and affordable tool that delivers genuinely smooth footage, the HS790 is one of the best entry points on the market today.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon