HoverAir Versa turns a pocket camera into a drone

At IFA in Berlin, HoverAir attaches the wing module to the back of a pocket camera. In just a few steps, the Versa becomes a selfie drone—a device that, according to the manufacturer, is designed for people who want to carry as few separate devices as possible. The planned launch date is October 29, and the bundle comprising the camera and flight module starts at €739.

The Versa is also a pocket camera: Its three-axis stabilized gimbal houses a 1/1.3-inch sensor. It takes 12 MP photos and records video at up to 4K at 60 frames per second; slow-motion recording is possible at 1080p and 120 frames per second. According to HoverAir, lossless vertical recording in 4K and 2x zoom are also supported. Recordings can be saved in 10-bit HDR and 10-bit H-Log to 64 GB of internal storage or a MicroSD card with up to 1 TB of additional capacity.

The mechanism is simple: A flap on the back is pushed upward, and the wing module then sits on the camera. The internal battery now also powers its motors. The trade-off is battery life: Maximum operating time drops from 3 hours to 14 minutes. At the same time, weight increases from 163 grams to 230 grams. HoverAir specifies a top speed of 36 km/h and wind resistance of up to 10.7 m/s, equivalent to Beaufort force 5.

The Versa is designed to hover autonomously above a person, fly backward away from them or circle around them. In AI Frame mode, the software ensures, according to the manufacturer, that the subject is appropriately positioned in the frame; 3D World creates a 3D view by flying around an object. Other features include an AI-powered editing function and the announced CoPilot mini-controller, which can be used to fine-tune distance, altitude and shooting angle. The Versa remains a selfie drone, not a conventional manually controlled camera drone.

More specifically, the Versa is aimed at users who want to take as few devices as possible with them when recording: The pocket camera and flight module can be combined without sacrificing typical video functions. The limitation is equally clear: According to HoverAir, only 14 minutes are available in flight. At 230 grams, the device remains below the 249-gram threshold above which an A1/A3 competency certificate is required. Because it has a camera, however, operation still requires insurance and registration with the Federal Aviation Office. The performance and flight data come from the manufacturer; the bundle is expected to become available starting October 29.