DECEMBER 2019 T3 63Budget drones
The D85 is easy to set up, and once you get it going controls are fast and
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otensic is another big player in the drone
world, with a vast selection of well-priced
and well-featured models. The D85 is in the
mid-range (it’s the most expensive of our
three budget picks) and includes some interesting features
that set it out against the others.
A fully-featured app enables you to switch from general
flight to a first-person view (FPV) racer, or with the 1080p
camera it’s an ideal travel companion. The camera in the
box offers a wide 130-degree field of view, is optimised
for aerial photography and can be operated from the
controller or app. There’s also the option to upgrade this
camera to another model from Potensic, or simply swap in
a GoPro instead if you want to switch to 4K HDR video and
add extra stabilisation.
The battery offers up to 20 minutes of flight time. The
D85 also features dual GPS, and this accurate positioning
enables the ‘return to home’ feature as well as the ability
to easily plot flight routes. Being equipped with FPV
potential is one thing, but with a top-flight speed of
50kph, this drone is fast enough for some true racing
action. The D85 looks the part, too. Unlike the other
drones on test there is a little construction required before
you get started, with legs and camera cage needing to be
screwed in place. Once charged, and the initial pairingP
With a top-flight speed of
50kph, this is fast enough
for some true racing action
and calibration procedure has been run through, the
drone is ready to fly.
Take off is a one-touch procedure, and in the air the
drone sits a metre off the floor, ready to be controlled.
Initial steady flight shows the drone to be a proficient flyer
with a little drift, but nothing major. Using the drone at
speed really shows the quality of flight, and the automatic
braking system is spot on. The controls are fast and
responsive, and after a few minutes this drone feels
natural to fly. Advanced features such as ‘follow me’
are all accessible from within the app and do their job
well, although you need to keep movement to a pretty
moderate pace for it to track you.
Set-up and first flight are all straightforward, and the
‘return to home’ feature works well. The FPV options
make for some fun flying, and with the ability to swap
out the camera for a GoPro, there’s plenty of options and
flexibility. The D85 is suited to those wanting the first
steps to flying FPV, flying at speed or alternatively looking
to get some high-quality aerial footage from their GoPro.POTENSIC
D85
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through the air with the greatest of easePOTENSIC D85