HoverAir just announced the Versa—a pocket gimbal camera that doubles as a drone. It promises to switch from handheld to hover mode in seconds, a first for 3-axis gimbals. The Versa targets vloggers and filmmakers who want smooth shots on the ground and in the air without swapping gear.
In handheld mode, the Versa resembles DJI’s Osmo Pocket 4 or Insta360 Luna. But HoverAir claims it brings superior dynamic range and low-light performance thanks to a new image processor. The camera also handles AI framing and offers smooth video with optically stabilized gimbals.
Switching to drone mode is simple: slide a back plate down the camera and snap it onto the drone carrier. Then unfold the wings and launch from your palm. The Versa includes over 10 intelligent flight modes, including AI-powered follow-me tracking and a 3D Worlds photo mode. This shoots a 360-degree flight path and reconstructs the image in 3D.
HoverAir hasn’t shared sensor size, lens specs, or prices yet. The Versa will debut on Indiegogo in August, but the company hasn’t confirmed U.S. availability. Early skepticism remains given HoverAir’s past models struggled with legal shipping and initial bugs.
Meanwhile, DJI expanded its Osmo Pocket line with the Pocket 4P. It adds a second telephoto lens with a 1/1.28-inch sensor and a faster f/1.8 aperture, alongside the main 1-inch sensor camera. The Pocket 4P weighs 230 grams, 40 grams more than the basic Pocket 4, making it bulkier but more versatile.
The Pocket 4P shoots 4K video at up to 12x zoom. Quality drops past 6x, with details softening and text blurring, so don’t expect miracles beyond mid-zoom. It also supports 37-megapixel stills and uses DJI’s new multi-person tracking plus wireless FrameTap remote control.
Battery life clocks in at 210 minutes, slightly less than the Pocket 4’s. It charges fully in 32 minutes and offers 107GB built-in storage with microSD support up to 1TB. The telephoto lens faces forward when powered off, making dust collection easier but exposing the lenses.
DJI’s Pocket 4P costs $680 in Europe and won’t be sold in the U.S. The extra zoom and tracking modes cater to prosumers who want compact gear with flexible framing.
July 2026 brought a surge of new camera and drone gear. HoverAir’s Versa aims to blend flying and filming into one tool. DJI’s Pocket 4P doubles down on zoom and tracking in a pocket-sized rig. Both push the limits of what you can carry on your palm—if you’re willing to pay and wait for availability.
Based on
- HoverAir’s Versa is a pocket gimbal camera and drone mashup — engadget.com
- What if your DJI Pocket camera could put on wings and fly? | The Verge — theverge.com
- Honor reveals the Robot Phone’s impressive camera specs. | The Verge — theverge.com
- A second lens makes DJI’s Osmo Pocket 4P my new favorite video camera | The Verge — theverge.com
