Recording 8K drone footage just got easier thanks to Potensic’s new upgrade

Drone cameras let amateur cinematographers, travelers and explorers get cinematic footage at the press of a button, and popular drone brand Potensic has just lowered the bar of how easy it is to record such videos thanks to a new unveiling at CES 2026.

The Potensic Atom 2, released in early 2025, has solidified itself as a popular lightweight consumer drone, standing out for letting you record 8K or 4K HDR video footage while weighing less than 250g. This weight is an important distinction, as it classifies the Atom 2 as a mini-drone; these have more relaxed flying rules, and are much easier for beginners to use to get to grips with drone flying.

With a host of AI-powered features like tracking and automated camera moves, a competitive flight time of 32 minutes and the ability to record video when the drone’s up to 10 kilometers away, the Atom 2 remains a drone operators’ favorite. But a new announcement makes the craft even easier to use in challenging conditions.

Introducing the PTD-1

This announcement is the release of the PTD-1, a remote controller for the drone with a built-in screen which removes the need to use your smartphone to pilot the Atom 2. 

Frequent drone flyers will know that there are some pitfalls when using your smartphone to control a drone. You risk getting interrupted by calls and messages, having to wade through a lengthy set-up process and, most importantly, draining your mobile’s battery.

If you’re somewhere remote or rely on your handset for safety, this alone could stop you spending extra time getting that shot you really want. You also can’t use your phone to find reference shots, storyboards or note-taking apps if you’re using it to fly.

That’s not an issue with the Atom 2’s PTD-1, which replaces your phone for piloting the drone. It maintains the 10km transmission range with a 120ms latency for its onboard 1080p screen.

Thanks to its 6,400mAh battery, it can last for three hours of use, which is much longer than you’ll need for flying, and with 27W fast charging it can boost back up to 90% battery in just an hour and 25 minutes of powering. The handset has 32GB of built-in storage, which you can expand if you’re going for long bouts of drone flying.

While those are useful features, Potensic has added a few extras that improve the flying experience for drone pilots. These include the ability to take off with just one hand, not two as many rivals require, improving the control you have over the craft.

The PTD-1 is now available to buy on Potensic’s website alongside the Atom 2, at $479.99 as part of the standard drone kit or $599.99 in the Fly More Combo which includes a carry bag, spare batteries, a charging hub and extra spare propellors.

However for a limited time, the brand is offering them for $419.99 and $519.99 respectively, letting you try out the controller for cheaper. Bundles with the original phone-requiring controller are still on sale, and are also enjoying their own discounts.