Drone Review: SkyView X2 — A Scenic Photographer's New Best Friend

The SkyView X2 arrives with an ambitious spec sheet and a list price that puts it squarely in the hands of serious hobbyists and professionals. We tested the X2 across a variety of scenic environments to evaluate image quality, flight reliability, handling, and the practicalities that matter when you are scouting vistas and chasing light.

Key specifications at a glance

• Sensor: 36MP full-frame stacked CMOS
• Max flight time: 44 minutes (manufacturer claim), ~34–36 minutes real world with winds
• Max video: 6K/30p, 4K/60p
• Gimbal: 3-axis mechanical with active stabilization
• Transmission: 15 km low-latency link
• Weight: 1.4 kg (without extra battery)

Image quality

The X2's full-frame sensor is the standout. Raw stills delivered excellent dynamic range and fine texture detail in foliage and rock faces. In high-contrast scenes at sunrise and sunset, highlight headroom and recoverable shadows made bracketed HDR less necessary — though we still recommend bracketing for extreme skies. Colors straight from the camera lean natural and restrained, which is a plus for scenic work since you can then craft the final mood in post without fighting an aggressive camera profile.

Flight handling and reliability

On calm days the X2 is a joy: responsive, stable in hover, and predictable in gusts. The pilot controls are tactile and precise, making slow cinematic passes and reveals intuitive. The real-world flight time settles in the mid 30s minutes per battery when shooting imagery and lightly windy conditions. The obstacle avoidance system worked reliably in canyon approaches and wooded areas, though we'd still recommend manual awareness in complex terrain.

Portability

At 1.4 kg, the X2 isn't featherlight, but it folds into a compact footprint that fits into a backpack with a dedicated pocket. The included case is protective and field-friendly. For long hikes we appreciated the modular battery system: swapping is quick and efficient. Add a second battery and you can shoot a full shoot day with breaks between flights.

Software and workflow

The SkyView app is clean and focused. Automated flight modes — orbit, waypoint stitching, and reveal — are useful, but the manual interface for camera settings is where pros will spend their time. Raw files were large but straightforward to process in Lightroom and the major drone-aware RAW converters. The video codec is modern and edit-friendly, with low artifacting for color grading.

What we loved

• Outstanding full-frame still quality for a drone in this price range.
• Reliable stabilization and smooth cinematic motion.
• Long range and robust transmission with minimal dropout.

Where it could improve

• Weight — for ultralight hikers, every gram matters.
• Pricey accessories (ND filter kit, extra high-capacity batteries).
• Obstacle sensing isn't perfect in dense foliage; manual caution required.

Performance scores

• Image quality: 92/100
• Flight reliability: 88/100
• Battery life: 82/100
• Portability: 79/100

Pros & Cons

Pros: Full-frame sensor in a compact drone; excellent low-light performance; long-range transmission; reliable gimbal.

Cons: Heavier than ultralight alternatives; expensive accessories; obstacle sensing needs care in dense environments.

Who should consider the SkyView X2?

If your work includes high-resolution mapping, scenic stills for prints, or cinematic aerial video where image quality matters most, the X2 is a compelling choice. For casual users or hikers prioritizing ultralight gear, smaller drones still offer compelling portability at a lower price.

Final verdict

Rating: 9/10. The SkyView X2 raises the bar for scenic aerial capture. It blends exceptional still quality with competent flight systems and a pro-oriented workflow. The main tradeoff is weight and accessory cost, but if image fidelity is your priority, the X2 delivers.

"A tool that expands what you can see from the ground — and keeps the emphasis on making thoughtful, composed images."