Optics Mag is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Read more.

Protocol VideoDrone AP Review 2024 – Pros, Cons, FAQ, and Verdict

Last Updated on

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Protocol VideoDrone AP a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Build Quality: 4/5
Features: 4/5
Price: 4/5

The Protocol VideoDrone AP is the perfect birthday gift for any young user who’s or for a curious drone enthusiast who wants to be part of the unmanned aerial vehicle world. It has a very friendly user interface, significantly longer range, and produces images of standard quality.

Is it pricey? No. And that’s actually one of its unique selling points. They found a way to lower the cost of production, to avoid overpricing the product. 

shutter camera divider

Protocol VideoDrone AP – A Quick Look

Protocol VideoDrone AP

Pros
  • Compact and sleek design
  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • User-friendly
  • Affordable
  • Ideal for beginners
Cons
  • Doesn’t offer smartphone connectivity
  • Not the best image and video resolution

Specifications

Item Weight: 1.67 pounds
Recommended Age: 14+
Batteries: Lithium Polymer
Control Type: Remote Control
Video Output Resolution: 480 pixels
Brand: Protocol

shutter camera divider 2 Protocol VideoDrone AP – The Details

User-friendly

Even if you know nothing about unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), you’ll know exactly what to do when you get your hands on this iteration. And if there’s still something that you need clarifications on, there’s a manual included in the package. It says the first step is to ensure all the batteries are well connected, before flipping on the switch. If nothing is happening, adjust them and then try one more time. Easy-peasy!

Flight Speed & Maneuverability

Speed is one of those features that you really have to look into whether you’re flying as an advanced operator or just a beginner. You don’t want to go for something that moves at 70 miles per hour if you don’t have the experience to fly at that speed.

You also don’t want to settle for a model that can only clock 20 miles per hour. As an advanced operator, you’ll be bored, frustrated, and feel like you never got value for money. The good thing about the Protocol VideoDrone AP is that it offers three selectable speeds. And that’s what you’d want to hear if you’re not totally sure what flight speed is most appropriate for you.

With regards to maneuverability, you can easily move this drone up and down, right or left, command it to make a 4-way 360-degree turn or even a banking turn. And all that is possible thanks to the 6-axis Motion Sensor Stabilizer feature.

Such a feature gives the drone the ability to change its flight path at the touch of a button, without lagging. Clearly, as you can see, the Protocol VideoDrone AP is way ahead of the pack. There are other brands that have released models that can pull some of these stunts, but once you get the chance to test them out, you’ll note that they are not as efficient as what we have here.

Protocol VideoDrone AP

 

Image Resolution

Unfortunately, the images and video resolutions are not that great for a professional photographer or videographer. It only provides 480p, which is the standard resolution. 480 pixels in the world of screening translates to 720×480. That’s to say, it can only provide 480 pixels vertically and 720 pixels horizontally. The same quality of images and videos as the ones that you get to see while watching your favorite TV shows.

But even though it’s not that impressive for a professional, it’s still perfect for intermediate fliers and beginners looking to have a good time while recording. It’s also one of the best pieces of equipment for any student hoping to become a sports photographer or journalist.

Memory & Data Transfer

Drones are meant to capture beautiful moments, among other things. So, when you hear someone talk about how they’ve been contemplating buying a “video drone,” one of the first questions that should pop up in your head is, “What memory size are they going to go for?”

It should come with a card that has a reasonable amount of memory space. Large enough to at least accommodate one gigabyte of data. Lucky for you, the Protocol VideoDrone AP features a 4GB card.

To put that into context, the operator will be able to capture and save close to 10,000 images, all having a resolution of 480p. What’s more, it has an extra card slot for anyone who’d wish to install an additional 4GB card.

“How are you supposed to transfer all that data to your PC?”

We’re glad you asked because we almost forgot to mention that it comes with a cable that can be connected to not just your PC, but a smart TV as well. So, if you wanted to, you could sit and enjoy all those recordings on a much larger screen.

2.4 Gig Transmitter

We can all agree that the reception range is a vital feature, in that it influences a lot of the buying decisions that consumers make. Nobody wants to fly a drone that has a short range. Your transmitter should be powerful enough to transmit signals over a wider area, and that’s why we smiled when we heard that the Protocol VideoDrone AP works with a 2.4 Gig transmitter.

top view of the Protocol VideoDrone AP

Flight Time

The company keeps telling us that this iteration has been designed with batteries that can support a 30-minute flight time. But if we’re being honest, it ran out of juice before we could clock that time. We even combed through the online reviews and learned that other operators had the same experience that we had.

It gave us a maximum flight time of 10 minutes, after a full charging session. Some say it only got them 7 minutes max.

shutter camera divider 2

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Is My Protocol Videodrone AP Not Charging?

If you’ve tried everything, but the drone is still not charging, chances are the cable is broken or you need to change your batteries. You could reach out to a dealer for replacements or buy from a reputable online store. Just make sure you’re dealing with a licensed dealer, and not someone looking to take advantage of your situation.

Can You Livestream the Videos?

Sadly, no. If you’d like to get a drone that has that feature, you’ll have to go for the TerraCopter Evo, Dronium III, Vento, or Corsa. All these models have been produced by the same brand, which is Protocol. We assure you that they all have solid builds and incredible features. You won’t be disappointed.

Is It Possible to Synchronize Two Protocol Videodrone AP?

Yes, it’s possible. Just turn on the first drone, set up everything including the transmitter, and then turn on the second one. If you know your way around the gadget, you should be able to control both drones using a single transmitter.

But they’ll be flying on different frequencies.

Protocol VideoDrone AP packaging

What The Users Say

Most users are generally satisfied with what the drone brings to the table. What stood out was how glad they were that the brand introduced to us a durable product that caters to the needs of every user, irrespective of their years of experience. You could fly it as a rookie, or work with it as a professional/advanced user.

The only thing that disappointed most people is the flight time. And that’s understandable, seeing as the company promised it would deliver 30-minute sessions. But hey, at least it comes with an extra battery, right?

shutter camera divider 2

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a handy drone with a sleek design, go for the Protocol VideoDrone AP. It’s easy to use, has functions that reduce the risk of crashing, and doesn’t discriminate based on user experience. Will it force you to break the bank? No. And once you get the chance to see what it can do, you’ll realize that there’s value in the money spent.

About the Author Robert Sparks

Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.