Review: BetaFPV Pavo25 v2 – A Powerful Cinewhoop with a Caveat

Having experienced various models in the BetaFPV Pavo series, I found the Pavo25 v2 very interesting due to its dual capabilities of smooth cinematic filming and robust freestyle performance. However there are drawbacks you should consider before buying one.

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Learn more about Cinewhoops: https://oscarliang.com/cinewhoop/

Where to Buy?

Get the BetaFPV Pavo25 V2 from these vendors:

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlPrWhR
• RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-h4ur
• BetaFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-xeoq

The package includes everything needed. Inside, the drone comes with a set of Gemfan D90 propellers, an LED strip, a GoPro mount, and necessary hardware. The attention to detail and quality in components, including the injection-molded camera mounts, spoke volumes about BetaFPV’s commitment to quality.

However it does not come with FPV setup, and you need to install your own DJI O3 Air Unit.

Specifications

• FC: F722 35A AIO V2
• Motor: 1505 | 4600KV
• Battery Connector: Fixed XT30
• Frame: Pavo25 V2 Brushless Whoop Frame
• Support VTX: DJI O3 Air Unit, Walksnail Avatar HD Pro Kit, Caddx Vista Kit/RUNCAM Link, Analog camera
• Support Camera: DJI O3, Avatar HD Pro Caddx, RUNCAM series 19mm&20mm HD, Analog 19mm
• Flight Times: 6~8 min
• Props: GF D63 3-Blade
• RX Version: ELRS, TBS
• Recommend Battery: 4S 650mAh～850mAh

Comparison between Pavo25 V2 and Pavo35:

Design and Features

The BetaFPV Pavo25 V2 is considerably larger than the Pavo 20, measures 112mm motor to motor distance. The Pavo25 V2 is even slighter larger that the original Pavo25’s 108mm, with dimensions of 150x150mm. It weighs 190g with DJI O3 Air Unit, 286g with a 4S 850mah LiPo.

Pavo20 on the left, Pavo25 V2 on the right

Left: Pavo25 V2; Mid: Pavo35; Right: Pavo20

Its ducts have a well-studied aerodynamic profile, and BetaFPV claims the prop guards can actually help generate an additional 200g of thrust. The build quality is top-notch, with smooth carbon and aluminum parts. It easy to disassemble the Pavo25 V2, there are 8 screws to remove the prop guard.

The part at the front intended to accommodate the camera is mounted on a carbon plate with plastic reinforcements. The camera mount is soft, ensuring minimal vibration getting to the camera.

The XT30 connector fits in a plastic holder which is attached to the carbon fibre plate in the rear.

Flight Controller and Motors

The Pavo25 V2 features an F7 flight controller with a 35A ESC, suitable for 4S batteries. It has upgraded to larger 1505 4600KV motors from the previous 1404, providing higher power. The quad accommodates various cameras, including a full-size GoPro mount, and offers optional LEDs in multiple colors. The prop guards are easily removable, facilitating access to the flight controller.

I appreciated the well-thought-out battery mount setup, with a reflective strap for easy spotting in low light. The pusher motor configuration (inverted motors) is a standard setup in cinewhoops nowadays. It enhances the quad’s airflow efficiency, contributing to a smoother flight experience free from frame-induced turbulence.

Installing the DJI O3

The DJI O3 Air Unit is intended to be installed under the flight controller, inside the prop guard. No need to solder, just plug it in with the cable provided by BetaFPV. It easy to disassemble the Pavo25 V2, there are 4 screws to remove the bottom plate where the O3 is installed.

Disconnect the camera module and antenna from the O3 Air Unit first. Install the camera and antenna in the quad.

Then connect the camera and antenna to the O3, before mounting it to the bottom plate.

Installing the O3 is straightforward, though accessing the micro SD card and USB-C port on the DJI O3 is tricky due to the design of the ducts.

Flight Performance

In the air, the Pavo25 v2 shines with its stability and power. It’s surprisingly quiet compared to other 2.5″ cinewhoops I’ve tested, and handles well even on windy days. The drone is agile and responsive, making it a joy to fly.

Comparing to the smaller cinewhoops like the Pavo20, the Pavo25 V2 offers a very different flying experience! Indoors, including in Acro mode, it remains stable in place with minimal need for correction. But to be honest, It might be a little too big and powerful for flying indoor with little space. Because if you push the throttle, it goes up quickly. Throttle management feels harder than smaller quads. It’s definitely more suited for outdoor.

Despite its propeller guards, it is able to fly quickly and remain stable even when faced with gusts of wind. Because it is heavier and has bigger motors than the compact Pico Pavo and Pavo20, it benefits from better stability. The result is remarkable: no apparent vibrations, and the flights are smooth and precise. This is not a quad intended for freestyle flights, but it can still pull off some fairly challenging maneuvers.

BetaFPV provides a GoPro-like mount that you can install on the front of the drone, which allows you to install a GoPro on it. However it struggles too much with a full size GoPro and I would not recommend it. However, it can handle a lightweight action camera just fine, such as a naked GoPro. With the extra weight of a Naked GoPro, it loses a little maneuverability, it is cut by approximately one minute of flight time, but it is capable of carrying one.

Full size GoPro is too heavy for it, not recommended.

I get around 6 to 7 minutes of flight time using a 4S 850mAh Lava battery just cruising outdoor (no gopro). Whether cruising for cinematic shots or engaging in freestyle, the quad delivered exceptional performance.

How to Setup

The FC has a micro USB connector, which is hidden inside the frame. You can barely access it with a small cable without taking the drone apart.

The firmware is Betaflight version 4.4.2. Board target is BETAFPVF722. Find original CLI dump here: https://intofpv.com/t-cli-dump-for-betafpv-pavo25-v2-original

BetaFPV took care of most of the settings: the 2 UARTs for the DJI O3 Air Unit (or an Avatar VTX) and the ELRS receiver – so there are 4 UART’s left available. PIDs and rates are factory set.

The ExpressLRS receiver is easy to bind, follow one of these methods: https://oscarliang.com/bind-expresslrs-receivers/. If you need to flash RX firmware, the receiver is a BETAFPV 2.4GHz Nano RX. What’s slightly disappointing, is the fact that by plugging in the FC USB cable, it doesn’t power the receiver. So to bind or test receiver, you’d have to plug in the Lipo battery.

All that remains is to setup Modes tab in Betaflight Configurator – the switches for arming, the flight modes, the Flip Over After Crash, the beeper. Follow this guide to learn more: https://oscarliang.com/betafliaght-modes/

Final Thoughts

The BetaFPV Pavo25 v2 is a remarkable Cinewhoop that expertly balances the demands of cinematic shooting with dynamic freestyle flying. Whether filming in tight indoor spaces or performing high-speed outdoor maneuvers, the Pavo25 V2 is an excellent choice for FPV pilots seeking versatility and power in a compact package.

Get the BetaFPV Pavo25 V2 from these vendors:

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlPrWhR
• RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-h4ur
• BetaFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-xeoq

While it may struggle to stay under 250g, its performance more than compensates for this. My main critique involves the difficulty in accessing the O3’s micro SD card and USB. Overall, however, this drone stands out as a robust and high-quality option. If you wish to carry a full size GoPro camera, you may consider the bigger Pavo35: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-pavo35/