Tom’s Guide Verdict
The Potensic Atom is a fantastic entry-level drone starting at just $299.
The Atom captures lovely 4K/30fps and 1080P/60fps footage and detailed 12MP stills.
For the complete breakdown, read my full Potensic Atom review.
(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Future)
Also contributing to this is its weight.
It doesnt feel premium like DJIs drones, and borders on feeling too plasticky.
This extends to the propellers, which dont feel very durable thank goodness you get a bunch of extras.
Whether you buy the standard kit or the bundle, the DSRC02A controller will be included.
It comes with two detachable joysticks which can be slotted on the underside for easy transport.
The joysticks themselves are very responsive and comfortable to use.
The three-axis gimbal also helps the Atom withstand winds up to 10.7m/s (level 5 wind).
The DJI Mini 2 SE, on the other hand, is limited to 2.7K at 30fps.
The Atom has a 1/3-inch 12MP sensor and a 78 field of view from the lens.
The Atom has a fairly f/2.2 maximum aperture so it can capture decent images in moderately lit environments.
All five modes can be triggered through the app (more on that soon) and work very well.
it’s possible for you to use these to shoot content for quick sharing to your social channels.
Its important to note, though, that the Atom doesnt feature smart obstacle avoidance.
This means that youll have to be really careful when flying next to trees, under bridges, etc.
The Potensic Atom has a 12MP camera that takes surprisingly detailed stills with faithful color reproduction.
Speaking of color reproduction, I also love how the Atom handles contrasting shades.
The lighter shades of the tree in the first photo above against the lush green grass looks lovely.
Youre getting solid image quality for not a lot of money here.
you might see the difference between 1x zoom and 2x zoom in the photos above.
You lose some detail when zooming in as its just a 12MP camera and a small 1/3-inch sensor.
I tested two of these (Circle and Pull-away) and both worked well.
These tips can be quite handy if youre just starting out with aerial photography.
I love the video of the Royal Crescent above.
Its one of prettiest buildings in the U.K. and the Atom has captured it in all its glory.
Not only is the footage smooth but its also detailed with lovely colors.
Potensic Atom review: App
Youll need the PotensicPro app on eitheriOSorAndroidto fly the Potensic Atom.
I was still relying on DJI Fly even while testing a non-DJI drone.
Each battery also has a USB-C port for direct charging.
Battery life is strong too with a single charge resulting in 32 minutes of flight time.
However, the Atom doesnt feature any smart obstacle avoidance so you must be very mindful while flying it.
(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Future)
The build quality isnt fantastic either, although it suffices.
Also, it has a narrow FOV compared to other similarly priced drones.
(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Future)
(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Future)
(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Future)
