A handheld camera that snaps wings onto its sides and takes off on its own has landed on Indiegogo. HOVERAir's new Versa is a 3-axis gimbal camera that converts into a self-flying drone, and the whole kit weighs under 230 grams.
HOVERAir, made by Zero Zero Robotics, describes Versa as "the pocket camera that can fly." It looks like a typical vlogging gimbal in the style of DJI's Osmo Pocket line, but it splits into two connected pieces.
The camera module handles handheld stabilized footage on its own, while a separate Flight Kit turns it into an autonomous flyer.
How HOVERAir Versa switches from camera to drone
Switching modes is simple. Users dock the gimbal camera onto the Flight Kit base using a magnetic MagLatch system, which also passes power to the drone's four propellers through pogo pins, according to the company.
Undock it, and it's a pocket camera again.
The modular setup is designed to let creators use the same camera for both handheld filming and autonomous aerial footage without carrying a separate drone and gimbal camera.
Camera specs and 4K recording
The camera itself uses a 1/1.3-inch, 12-megapixel sensor capable of 4K video at 60 frames per second, HOVERAir says.
It also supports 10-bit H-LOG recording at 4K 30p, which the company says delivers up to 17.5 stops of dynamic range.
A 3-axis gimbal keeps footage stable whether the Versa is being carried by hand or flying overhead.
AI tracking and autonomous flight modes
Once airborne, Versa relies on an AI-powered tracking system to follow the user without input from a traditional controller.
HOVERAir says the drone includes AI Auto Framing to help keep subjects centered in the shot automatically, alongside more than 10 intelligent flight modes such as Orbit, Bird's Eye, Zoom Out and OmniTerrain.
Additional creative modes include Inception Shot, Dolly Zoom and Motion Timelapse, according to the company.
There's also a mode called 3D Worlds, which flies a 360-degree pattern around a subject and reconstructs the resulting footage into a three-dimensional capture.
Gesture, voice and smartphone controls
Control options extend beyond a phone app.
HOVERAir says Versa can be operated with hand gestures or voice commands through a small included controller called the Smart Mini MiCo, in addition to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections to a smartphone.
The combination is intended to make the device usable without requiring a conventional two-stick drone controller for many automated shots.
Weight, speed and battery life
On weight, the camera module alone is 163 grams, and the Flight Kit adds another 67 grams, for a combined 230 grams, according to HOVERAir.
That keeps the drone under the 250-gram threshold that triggers stricter registration requirements in some countries, although local drone rules still vary by jurisdiction.
As a drone, Versa can reportedly fly at speeds up to 36 kilometers per hour, or about 22 mph, and reach altitudes up to 15 meters, or about 49 feet, the company says.
Battery life is rated at up to 14 minutes of autonomous flight per charge, powered by a 2,070 mAh cell, according to HOVERAir.
HOVERAir Versa pricing and Indiegogo launch
HOVERAir launched Versa on Indiegogo on August 18, 2026.
Pricing starts at $449 for the camera alone, while a Fly More Combo bundling the Flight Kit, an extra battery and charger is priced at $629.
A Creator Combo, which adds accessories such as ND filters and a tripod, is priced up to $899.
Some of those figures reflect early-campaign discounts off HOVERAir's listed retail pricing.
The campaign passed $230,000 in pledges within its first days, according to Indiegogo campaign data reported by PetaPixel.
Shipping to backers is expected to begin in October 2026, according to HOVERAir's Indiegogo campaign page.
As with any crowdfunded hardware product, delivery timelines, final specifications and availability can change before units reach backers.
Key Takeaway
HOVERAir Versa combines a 4K handheld gimbal camera and a lightweight autonomous drone in one modular system. At 230 grams with the Flight Kit attached, the device targets creators who want both stabilized handheld footage and AI-assisted aerial shots without carrying two separate products.
Reader questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the HOVERAir Versa?
HOVERAir Versa is a modular 3-axis gimbal camera that can attach to a Flight Kit and become an autonomous self-flying drone.
What video resolution does HOVERAir Versa support?
HOVERAir says Versa can record up to 4K at 60 frames per second and supports 10-bit H-LOG recording at 4K 30p.
How much does HOVERAir Versa weigh?
The camera module weighs 163 grams and the Flight Kit adds 67 grams, giving a combined weight of about 230 grams.
How long can HOVERAir Versa fly?
HOVERAir rates Versa for up to 14 minutes of autonomous flight per charge.
How much does HOVERAir Versa cost?
Indiegogo pricing starts at $449 for the camera, with a Fly More Combo at $629 and a Creator Combo priced up to $899 during the campaign.
When is HOVERAir Versa expected to ship?
The Indiegogo campaign says shipping to backers is expected to begin in October 2026, although crowdfunding timelines and specifications can change.
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