Cinewhoops are exceptional small FPV drones, perfect for capturing professional-grade commercials, real estate videos, and cinematic footage. With their propeller guards, they’re also safer for teaching beginners flying FPV drones. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the best cinewhoops available in 2023. Explore these top choices to enhance your filmmaking and flying experience.
Table of Contents
What is a Cinewhoop?
Cinewhoops are a unique type of micro FPV drones, featuring propeller guards (also known as ducts) and they can carry action cameras, like GoPros, for capturing smooth aerial footage. While not as fast as 5″ freestyle FPV drones, Cinewhoops prioritize safety and stability, allowing pilots to safely fly close to their subjects indoor and outdoor. The resulting footage boasts a level of cinematic quality that is nearly impossible to achieve with a 5″ quad.
Advantages of a Cinewhoop
- Safe indoor flying with propeller guards for added protection
- Smooth and slow flight capabilities, ideal for capturing relaxed cinematic shots
- Budget-friendly, thanks to their smaller size and less powerful components
Disadvantages of a Cinewhoop
- Shorter flight times due to the extra weight and relatively inefficient propeller motor combo
- Less nimble and slower compared to typical freestyle drones
- Steady cruising is a strong suit, but not the best choice for performing freestyle moves
Cinewhoop Sizes Explained
Cinewhoops come in 5 sizes: 16, 20, 25, 30, and 35. These numbers refer to the propeller sizes, with 16 being 1.6-inch, 20 being 2-inch, 25 being 2.5-inch, 30 being 3-inch, and 35 being 3.5-inch.
Smaller cinewhoops are more compact, lighter, less intimidating, and easier to carry around, allowing them to navigate through tighter spaces. Larger cinewhoops, on the other hand, are more powerful, handle strong winds better, provide greater outdoor stability, and can carry heavier payloads such as a full-sized GoPro.
If your goal is to stay under the 250g limit, a 1.6-inch or 2-inch cinewhoop would be ideal. With a battery and a naked GoPro, you can typically remain under 250 grams. A full size GoPro would be too heavy for them to handle. If you opt for a model with a DJI O3 Air Unit, you can eliminate the need for an additional action camera, resulting in a more compact setup that still can capture high-quality video.
For carrying a Naked GoPro or GoPro Bones, a 2.5-inch or 3-inch cinewhoop is recommended. While these sizes will likely exceed the 250-gram limit with the action camera and battery, they offer better stability, speed, and outdoor handling. A 3-inch cinewhoop may be able to carry a full-sized GoPro, but its performance will likely suffer. If you plan to fly outdoor, the 3-inch would probably perform better than the 2.5-inch, however for indoor only, the 2.5-inch can fit into more spaces and you won’t need the extra power from the larger propellers provided by the 3-inch.
To fly outdoor and carry a full-sized GoPro, such as the GoPro Hero 11 Black, a 3.5-inch cinewhoop would be the best choice.
For beginners learning to fly, all cinewhoop sizes will do the job. If you plan to use a GoPro later, 3-inch and 3.5-inch cinewhoops offer greater versatility. If you want a small drone for casual park flying without a strong focus on video quality, 2-inch and 2.5-inch are the best. Keep in mind that larger cinewhoops handle wind better, so consider local weather conditions when choosing your drone.
Though the onboard FPV camera isn’t as good as a GoPro, adding an action camera to your cinewhoop is recommended for the best possible footage. See my action camera recommendations: https://oscarliang.com/action-camera/
BNF Recommendations
In this section, we’ll recommend some top cinewhoop options (BNF – bind and fly models) for each size available on the market.
BetaFPV Pavo20
You can get the Pavo20 here:
- BetaFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-sdir
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-il57
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBYQrdp
- FPV24: https://oscarliang.com/product-zeyx
The BetaFPV Pavo20 Whoop is one of the smallest DJI O3 cinewhoops I’ve tested thus far. This drone excels in indoor flying conditions due to its excellent handling capabilities. Although it requires DIY assembly of the DJI O3 air unit, is relatively straightforward, even for beginners. In order to reduce weight and maximize flight efficiency, it might not be as crash-resistant due to reduced material use, it’s worth considering if you seek a compact, unobtrusive drone suitable for safely flying around people and property. See my full review here: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-pavo20-cinewhoop/
Flywoo CineRace20
Get the Flywoo CineRace20 with O3 Air Unit here:
- Flywoo: https://oscarliang.com/product-o9ju
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-xwsw
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DktQ6Kh
The Flywoo CineRace20 is a compact and durable 2-inch cinewhoop designed for both indoor and outdoor flights. Weighing only 220 grams with a 4S 750mAh battery, this drone offers 7-8 minutes of stable, jello-free flight time. Equipped with a DJI O3 Air Unit, it captures stunning videos without the need for an additional GoPro camera.
Some drawbacks include louder noise levels and potential yaw washout issues during extreme maneuvers. However, these issues are common among cinewhoops and not unique to the CineRace20.
Overall, the Flywoo CineRace20 DJI O3 Edition is a fantastic choice for those looking for a durable sub-250g drone with extended flight time and impressive cinematic footage capabilities, especially indoors. Check out my review for more info if you are interested: https://oscarliang.com/flywoo-cinerace20-o3/
BetaFPV Pavo25 V2
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 BetaFPV Pavo25 v2 cinewhoop catches the eye with its outstanding performance in both cinematic capture and agile freestyle flight, packed with features that underscore BetaFPV’s quality commitment. Sporting a F722 35A AIO V2 flight controller and 1505 4600KV motors, it promises 6-8 minutes of flight time with a 4S battery. Despite its strengths, including a thoughtfully designed battery mount and removable prop guards for easy access, the Pavo25 v2 faces challenges, such as tricky access to the DJI O3’s ports and a less-than-ideal fit for full-sized GoPros.
Nevertheless, its excellent flight stability and responsiveness make it a strong contender for those prioritizing dynamic flight and quality footage, albeit with some compromises. For more information, check out my full review here: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-pavo25-v2/
DJI Avata 2
The DJI Avata 2 is available in various combos. I recommend the “Fly More Combo” which includes the DJI Goggles 3, Motion controller 3, and 3 batteries.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3w0CyeX
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-971p
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-6u73
- NewBeeDrone: https://oscarliang.com/product-oeb0
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDnLmJX
Designed with flexibility in mind, the Avata 2 is an ideal tool for videographers who prefer to avoid the complexities associated with traditional FPV drones. Its ability to hold position and feature a tiltable camera adds a level of versatility unmatched by typical custom built FPV drones, making it a superb choice for aerial filming.
Building your own cinewhoop provides unparalleled flexibility. You have complete control over every component, allowing you to tailor your drone to your exact specifications and flying style. This level of customization can lead to superior performance, especially for those who enjoy tweaking and optimizing their setups. However, building your own drone involves a steep learning curve, especially for newcomers to the hobby. Building and maintaining your drone requires a thorough understanding of its components and systems, which can be daunting but rewarding for those who enjoy the technical challenges.
The DJI Avata 2 comes as a complete package which is ready to fly straight out of the box with very decent video quality. It’s equipped with built-in GPS for return-to-home functionality and one of the best video transmission systems on the market. For those less inclined to delve into the technical aspects of drone building and maintenance, the Avata 2 is a fantastic choice. It offers a hassle-free experience with the added benefit of professional appearance, which can be a significant factor for commercial use, such as aerial videography for real estate. It also looks more professional than custom built cinewhoops which matters for some people.
Learn more about the DJI Avata 2 in this post: https://oscarliang.com/dji-avata-2/
GEPRC Cinebot25
You can buy the GEPRC Cinebot25 from these AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBP0SJp
The GEPRC Cinebot25 stands out among cinewhoops due to its exceptional design and impressive flight performance. Running on 2.5″ props, the drone weighs 153g without batteries, delivering agile, stable, and smooth flights, although it may exceed the 250g limit when fully equipped.
The Cinebot25 features user friendly design, it’s super easy to access both flight controller and DJI O3 USB ports. The electronics are fully enclosed in protective plastic housing ensuring durability.
Overall, the GEPRC Cinebot 25 delivers a premium flying experience, exceptional design, and outstanding performance, making it a top recommendation for both hobbyists and professionals. Check out this post to learn more: https://oscarliang.com/geprc-cinebot25/
DarwinFPV CineApe35
Get the DarwinFPV CineApe35 from these vendors:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBNPBCD
- DarwinFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-m42q
The DarwinFPV CineApe35 emerges as a budget-friendly 3.5-inch cinewhoop, blending affordability with high performance. Its design, mirroring pricier counterparts with sturdy carbon and inverted motors, ensures durability and crash resistance. Despite a minor hiccup with the GoPro mount alignment, the drone’s construction is commendable.
Equipped with a F411 45A AIO flight controller and 2006 2030KV motors, the CineApe35 promises smooth flights and efficient handling. A notable feature is the inclusion of GPS, rare in its price range, although it may require additional setup for optimal use.
Flight tests reveal stable performance and impressive flight times, especially without added camera weight. Minor issues like antenna quality and current sensor accuracy could be improved, but overall, the CineApe35 offers exceptional value, making it an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate FPV enthusiasts seeking a cost-effective cinewhoop without sacrificing quality. See my review for more info: https://oscarliang.com/darwinfpv-cineape35/
Speedybee Bee35
Get the Speedybee Bee35 cinewhoop from:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCGC1Ul
- Speedybee: https://oscarliang.com/product-9db3
The SpeedyBee Bee35 Cinewhoop, a 3.5″ FPV drone, strikes a perfect balance between robust design and affordability, making it an ideal option for both beginners and intermediate FPV enthusiasts. Its size and power comfortably accommodate a full-size GoPro, a feature that sets it apart from smaller cinewhoops like the BetaFPV Pavo20.
The frame offers flexible battery mounting and ease of maintenance, with only four screws needed for internal access. A novel feature is the external USB port, simplifying flight controller adjustments. Although it uses a budget F405 Mini Stack, the Bee35 does not compromise on reliability or component compatibility. Flight performance is commendable, with factory-set PIDs ensuring a smooth ride and impressive flight times on a 6S battery. However, the 3D printed parts’ quality could be better, and the battery strap may feel short for recommended battery sizes.
Overall, the Bee35 stands out for its user-friendly design and solid performance, offering great value in the cinewhoop category. See my review for more info: https://oscarliang.com/speedybee-bee35-cinewhoop/
Choosing the Right Battery for Your Cinewhoop
Selecting the right battery for your Cinewhoop depends on various factors, including motor KV, propeller size, drone weight, and desired flight time. You don’t need an overly large or expensive battery with an extremely high C-rating typically used for racing, as Cinewhoops primarily focus on capturing smooth and relaxed footage, rather than aggressive flying.
Ensure that the battery has a matching connector for your drone, such as XT30 or XT60, to avoid compatibility issues. To find the recommended battery size and cell count for your specific drone, refer to the product page and specifications provided by the manufacturer. This information will help you choose the most suitable battery for optimal performance and flight time.
Selecting the Ideal Propellers for Your Cinewhoop
Cinewhoops often carry significant weight relative to their size, including propeller guards, a large battery, and a GoPro camera. To accommodate this weight, you typically need to increase the propeller size to generate more thrust and enhance efficiency. However, Cinewhoops are generally limited to 3.5-inch or even smaller propellers due to their compact size.
Bullnose propellers are a popular choice for Cinewhoops because they generate more thrust compared to pointy propellers, despite being less efficient. Pointy propellers, while more efficient and have some advantage in other types of FPV drones, may not be the best choice for Cinewhoops due to their lower thrust output.
To further increase thrust output, it’s common to use propellers with more than three blades. Five and even six-blade propellers are popular choices in Cinewhoops, as adding more blades effectively increases the surface area, increasing thrust production.
Since propellers are relatively inexpensive, testing various options with your specific setup is the best way to determine the ideal choice. When evaluating propellers, consider the following factors:
- Efficiency: How does the propeller affect flight time?
- Noise level: Quieter propellers are less likely to disturb people nearby.
- Power: Assess the thrust produced and the amount of throttle required to maintain hover.
- Smoothness: Determine if the propeller causes additional vibration.
- Responsiveness: Evaluate whether the propeller improves flight performance.
By considering these factors, you can select the most suitable propellers for your Cinewhoop, ensuring optimal performance and flight experience.
FAQ & Tips
Best Camera Angles for Flying Cinewhoop
The general consensus for optimal FPV camera tilt angle is 10-20 degrees, while a slightly higher angle is recommended for the GoPro due to its wider field of view (FOV).
Best Flight Mode for Cinewhoop
Both Angle and Acro modes can be used for Cinewhoops, depending on the flying environment. However, Acro mode is preferred in most cases, as it offers smoother flight performance. With Angle mode, you might constantly need to counteract the self-leveling which results in more wobbles in the footage.
Flying in Acro mode indoors is not significantly more challenging. You can transfer your regular flying skills to indoor environments by simply reducing the camera angle. When using Angle mode, consider reducing the angle strength to 20, so it doesn’t resist your inputs as much, providing a better flying experience.
My Cinewhoop Rates
Actual rate:
- Centre Rate 150
- Max Rate 800
- Expo 0.65
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cinewhoops are the perfect choice for capturing stunning, cinematic aerial footage. With various pre-built BNF models available, each offering unique features, choosing the right one depends on your specific needs. Experiment with propeller options and battery choices to optimize flight performance.
Edit History
- Jan 2020 – Article created
- Apr 2023 – Article revised
- May 2024 – Products updated
46 comments
I want to use inav on speedybee bee35. Can you provide me the dump files?
Hi Oscar. I was wondering if I could get your opinion on a comparison between GEPRC Cinelog35 V2 and the GEPRC Cinebot30? They both seem like exceptional fpv quads but I’m not sure which would work best for my needs. I want to use them for indoor and outdoor use, but I was also hoping to have the ability to use them with an average sized GoPro if the need arose. Thanks! Your reviews are extremely helpful!
The bigger the props, the more powerful it’s going to be, but gets bulkier.
For indoor only I think the 25 size is ideal, it can still fly with a full size gopro just fine, but it’s going to struggle when you want to go fast and incorparate freestyle flying. 35 is ideal if you want to mostly fly outdoor, but it will be harder to go through smaller gaps like real estate filming for example. The 30 size is a good balance between the two.
If you have the budget, I think it’s worth having both 25 and 35 sizes for the different environment, but if you can only have one size, the 30 is a good option too.
Thank you so much! Very helpful!
Hi Oscar..How about Flylens 85 ?
It flies great, but the design makes O3 installation and subsequent repair very tricky. Also I don’t feel good about landing on the O3 every time when landing, prefer to have it on top.
Hi Oscar, please advise, I would like to re-use the goggles and controller from Avata 2. Which configuration/drone will work with that?
Hi Oscar, I’m looking for which drone here has on-board recording. It’s a compromise, I know, but I don’t need gopro like quality.
Choose a cinewhoop with DJI O3 or Walksnail Avata Moonlight depending which FPV system you prefer. These video transmitters have onboard HD recording.
Hello! I’m glad I found your blog. In comparing the BetaFPV Pavo 25 v2 and the GEPRC CineLog 25 v2 for shooting real estate videos that can give me smooth footage, and can I mount a GoPro 11 mini on Pavo 25 v2?
Yes you can, not great for freestyle when carrying a gopro, but should be able to handle indoor shoots.
Hello oscar , i have speedybee 35 can u please suggest me a best PID Tunning for indoor smooth fly.
I’ve heard by a YT guy that the GEPRC Cinelog35 V2 would struggle with a full GoPro, just wanted to double check, do you think this was because his battery size wasn’t big enough?
Thanks very much in advance!
Depends on how you define the word “struggle”.
Most 35 size cinewhoop (3.5inch) will be able to carry a full size gopro, but it won’t have the same power as a 5″ freestyle drone. But if you are just doing some cruising it’s totally flyable, but if you want to do acro and freestyle, it might feel like it’s “struggling”. Anyway, cinewhoops are not really designed for freestyle so I wouldn’t consider that an issue really.
Hello Sir, thank you for that list.
I am a bit confused about your statement about the BetaFPV Pavo25.
You say that it is “one of the lightest 2.5″ cinewhoops”. But as you also wrote in your review about the Pavo25, the predecessor (Beta 95X V3) is 40 grams lighter! And they removed the rubber damping for the HD camera on the Pavo25. The Beta 95X V3 is already quite loud but the Pavo25 is much heavier with the same motors and propellers so even louder. I think this is a big step back and this quad definetely should not be listed as “one of the lightest 2.5″ cinewhoops” since even the predecessor is much lighter.
I put my Beta 95X V3 online some days ago and was surprised that some people wanted to pay more that I paid when I bought it new because of the problems with the Pavo25 (heavier, louder, no damping). Now I will keep it. because I couln’t find a better one and found some props that are quieter than the original ones, this is my test:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIOtVS_gIOM
Cheers!
Hello sir, im just new. and im having some issues with my 3inch cinewhoop. iwas a Cloud 149 v2. with 1806 2280kv motors running on 4s with a 5 bladed props.
It has a Gopro Mounted on top. When im flying outside, im having some wobbles everytime I turn, and even when im just cruising around. What should I do?
already tired different battery sizes 850mah 1100mah and 1500mah. but it’s just the same.
Your motor kv is for 6s
Hello oscar, I’m struggling to figure out how to fix this wobbles while im turning and even when im crusing around with my 3″ Cinewhoop, it was a Cloud 149 V2 frame.
tried different batteries but it flew just the same but different flight time, 850(4mins) 1100mah(5mins) 1500(mins)
running it with a 1806 2280kv motors on 4s with a hero 5 full size on top.
Here’s my clip, youtube.com/watch?v=naUFdd1zL28
It looks to me PID might need some tuning? It’s hard to say without blackbox, but I think it looks like I gain is too high, try lowering it see if the wobble gets better?
I just watched a pretty long introduction on PID Tuning before I tweak some of the numbers and sliders here. I’ve watched Chris Rosser’s video, he said that “the D->P->I” it was need to be tweaked from d-term to i-term.
But he said, that the betaflght P:D balance was good enough and tweaking manually might make my quad worst. Should I use the Master Multiplier instead? and if I do should I lower it down or up?
Though I know this will be a trial and error, where do I start? Sorry I’m a complete noob just started 2 months ago and I’m trying to get into FPV world.
Thanks in advance Oscar!
Hi Oscar! Between CineApe25 and Cloud Reptile 149 v2 which do you recommend for beginners?
From the reviews i see that CineApe fly smoother and quiter but I like that Cloud149 can carry a GoPro.
Personally I’d get the CineApe.
currently new to FPV and i have the betaFPV 95x with crossfire…
i was wondering how i can tune my cinewhoop to have a much more smoother flight? it feels like theres just too much sensitivity when steering and also when im trying to use the throttle.
Tips would be appreciated!
You can play around with rate and expo, these are the stick sensitivity settings.
Is motors direction for a pushup style configuration (CineLog for instance) differs from usual direction?
Depends on if you want to run props out or props in, then you mount CW/CCW props on accordingly. But when you mount the motors up side down, the direction would be reversed.
All of those cinewhoop fly like crap except the shendrone squirt.
Also, don’t bother with 140x or 150X motors unless you’re running a naked gopro sub 250g, you’ll get wobbles and motor over heat, and the drone will go crazy if you try to do a small dive. Save yourself the time and get a 2203.5 motor like FPVcycle or Xing.
In terms of frame, get the cloud 149 and go print some tuned ducts for the prop you’re running. Make sure your prop clearance is 1mm or less and get slammed ducts, they’re much quieter and efficient.
amazing blog Oscar. You got me into the FPV world!
Your thoughts on a bottom mount setup for cinewhoops?
I’m messing around with a little TinaWhoop frame (I realize it’s not a true cinewhoop) and wondering why Cinewhoops don’t prefer bottom mount batteries.
Going for smooth and stable vs agile and responsive flight characteristics. Does bottom mounting the battery not help accomplish this? Also considering the difference between toilet tank vs the ‘normal’ orientation.. Any thoughts on this ?rotorbuilds.com/build/26798
Hey Oscar
I’m around 30 h into my fpv journey. So far I only flew in the sim and that will continue until I get around 70-80 of fly time.
My question is are there any hybrid builds between a ordinary freestyle drone and cinewhoop? As a begineer I want to mainly
focus on smooth cinematic flying with occasional freestyle.
There’s no such thing as a hybrid of freestyle and cinewhoop. A cinewhoop is quite specific because it has some beefy ducts.
If you want something for training, that can do freestyle, and translate your skills better to cinewhoop, I’d recommend the GepRC Rocket. It’s got ducts, it’s small and it flies amazing. It’s 2″ quad, so flight characteristics would be more similar to a 3″, than say a 5″.
Hi Oscar my name is Bong I’m a new cinewhoop pilot do you have a smooth rates for a reptile cloud149 v2? thanks in advance peace! :-)
Hello Oscar.
iam happy i found your blog.
can i use 1300mah hour with a drone that the manufaturer recomends 850mah?
this recomendation is only about the weight of the drone?
Of course as long as it’s not too heavy for the drone.
Hi, my name is Marcelo and I write you from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I want to know if I can use Iflight Green Hornet v2 6s with 4s batteries or I can’t. Because I have 4s batteries y for the same price I can to buy the 6s cinewhoop instead of the 4s version. Best regards.
Hey Oscar, thanks for another great article. I got the Megabee a little while back, I recently upgraded the ducts to some aftermarket ones, with foam on outside like the bumblebee, and went ahead and upgraded motors. I went with the Xing 1507, 3000kv motors. Just finished the other day, only got a couple packs in on them, they seemed pretty good, but need to test out different. props. Wondering was 3000kv too low to go, and is lowering kv more crucial to increasing prop size or increasing motor size? Thanks!
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Oscar, why you don’t consider Dji Osmo Action camera?
Stabilization isn’t as good as Hypersmooth, yet.
dont buy an echine novice 1 the dtrone is ok but the controller and goggles are gasrbage thankfully i havre a pair of AOMWAY commander V1S they rock abnd jumoper T16 for transmitter fits nicely
Sir wht betaflight version u use for yr cinehoop … ? I hear that 3.5 is good for cinehoop ? Sir pls give information about yr betaflight version …
Is it possible to build a cinewhoop sub 250g with a 3s battery with a DJI system or caddx vista which is 30gms
As far as gopro is concerned. There is option of using a decased go pro which is around 25gms only.
Look and sound neat. Need more info on buying them.
I have rcinpower gts v2 1506 4300kv and T-Motor F20II 1408 3750kv, for diatone taycan frame which one should i choose ?
I’m building a cw on a reptile Cloud frame and t-motor f1507 Motors. Which propos would you recommend? I know that the space between the props and ducts shoul be minimal. Should i buy some bigger props and file them down?
Yes you can certainly cut down bigger props. Honestly you should try a few different ones at least, everyone has a different standard as to which props work the best, some might prefer a powerful prop, some might prefer a quieter one.