Best Cinewhoops in 2024: Top FPV Drones for Indoor and Outdoor Cinematic Shots

by Oscar
Cinewhoop Buyer Guide Tutorial What To Buy 2023

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.

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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

Cinewhoop Size Comparison 2 Inch 2.5 Inch 3 Inch 3.5 Inch 20 25 30 35 Propeller

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

Betafpv Pavo20 Cinewhoop Dji O3

You can get the Pavo20 here:

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

Flywoo Cinerace20 Dji O3 Cinewhoop Micro Fpv Drone 4k

Get the Flywoo CineRace20 with O3 Air Unit here:

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

Betafpv Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop Front

Get the BetaFPV Pavo25 V2 from these vendors:

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

Dji Avata Camera Drone Review

The DJI Avata is available in various combos. The DJI Avata Pro View Combo includes the DJI Goggles 2 and the upgraded RC Motion 2 controller.

For those interested in the new Goggles Integra, the DJI Avata Explorer Combo comes with both the Goggles Integra and the RC Motion 2 controller.

The DJI Avata is a 3-inch Cinewhoop-style FPV drone created by DJI, a leading consumer drone company. The Avata feels like a more polished product, requiring less tinkering to get it working reliably. It features a durable plastic build and impressive flight performance, with 12 minutes of real-world flight time. The Avata’s camera captures 4K video at 60fps and 12MP stills, offering a wide field of view and adjustable angle for flexible shooting. The drone is compatible with DJI Goggles 2 and the FPV Controller 2, providing an immersive and precise flying experience.

When comparing to custom-built Cinewhoops, the DJI Avata is easier to use and offers significantly longer flight times. Ultimately, the Avata is an excellent choice for beginners and those who prioritize portability and ease of use, while more experienced pilots and professionals may prefer a custom-built Cinewhoop with a GoPro. Learn more about the DJI Avata in this post: https://oscarliang.com/dji-avata-camera-drone/

GEPRC Cinebot30

Geprc Cinebot30 Hd Vista Nebula Pro Naked Gopro

You can buy the GEPRC Cinebot30 from these retailers:

The GEPRC Cinebot30 stands out among cinewhoops due to its exceptional build quality and impressive flight performance. Running on 3″ props, the drone weighs 220g without batteries, delivering agile, stable, and smooth flights, although it exceeds the 250g limit when fully equipped. The Cinebot30 offers multiple radio receiver options and is available in analog, DJI, or Walksnail versions for FPV systems.

The Cinebot30 features built-in LEDs around the prop guards, perfect for night flying, though their color cannot be changed. While it has the power to carry a full GoPro 11, the drone’s flight performance suffers under the additional weight. As a result, using a Naked GoPro or GoPro Bones would be a better choice for action camera.

Overall, the GEPRC Cinebot 30 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-cinebot30/

DarwinFPV CineApe35

Darwinfpv Cineape35 Cinewhoop

Get the DarwinFPV CineApe35 from these vendors:

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

Speedybee Bee35 Cinewhoop Fpv Drone

Get the Speedybee Bee35 cinewhoop from:

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:

  1. Efficiency: How does the propeller affect flight time?
  2. Noise level: Quieter propellers are less likely to disturb people nearby.
  3. Power: Assess the thrust produced and the amount of throttle required to maintain hover.
  4. Smoothness: Determine if the propeller causes additional vibration.
  5. 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
  • Mar 2024 – Products updated

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34 comments

Keir 28th February 2024 - 11:52 am

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!

Reply
Oscar 28th February 2024 - 4:01 pm

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.

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BlueFPV 1st August 2023 - 11:30 pm

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!

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Beyl 18th August 2022 - 11:47 am

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.

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Ricardo 9th September 2023 - 2:15 am

Your motor kv is for 6s

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Beyl 18th August 2022 - 4:06 am

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.

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beyl 18th August 2022 - 4:07 am

Here’s my clip, youtube.com/watch?v=naUFdd1zL28

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Oscar 18th August 2022 - 12:00 pm

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?

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BEYL 19th August 2022 - 3:01 am

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!

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Ammar Haikal 14th March 2024 - 12:48 pm

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.

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Oscar 15th March 2024 - 9:10 pm

Personally I’d get the CineApe.

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JohLou 14th August 2022 - 3:24 pm

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!

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Oscar 14th August 2022 - 8:31 pm

You can play around with rate and expo, these are the stick sensitivity settings.

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Yaron Shkop 17th July 2022 - 4:37 pm

Is motors direction for a pushup style configuration (CineLog for instance) differs from usual direction?

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Oscar 17th July 2022 - 8:33 pm

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.

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Arthur 31st August 2021 - 5:55 am

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.

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Luis Mardones 15th August 2021 - 7:20 pm

amazing blog Oscar. You got me into the FPV world!

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Ben 25th April 2021 - 9:24 pm

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

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Med. 13th February 2021 - 12:52 pm

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.

Reply
Oscar 14th February 2021 - 11:10 pm

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″.

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Bong 12th January 2021 - 7:47 am

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! :-)

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Marco Lomiller 22nd December 2020 - 4:05 pm

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?

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Oscar 11th January 2021 - 3:33 pm

Of course as long as it’s not too heavy for the drone.

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Marcelo 26th July 2020 - 4:11 am

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.

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SunnyRFF 7th July 2020 - 2:14 am

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!
????: ??????? ????? ????? ???? 1406 3600??, ? ??? 4? ?????? 1000??? ?? 1300???.)

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Ronald Pacheco Letona 2nd March 2020 - 3:40 pm

Oscar, why you don’t consider Dji Osmo Action camera?

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Oscar 11th March 2020 - 8:59 pm

Stabilization isn’t as good as Hypersmooth, yet.

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Patrick Riley 17th February 2020 - 9:14 pm

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

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SUBHAJIT SAHA 14th February 2020 - 9:10 pm

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 …

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Akash 30th January 2020 - 4:27 pm

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.

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Jerry Poirier 17th January 2020 - 4:55 am

Look and sound neat. Need more info on buying them.

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Adi Dwi Pranoto 14th January 2020 - 6:12 am

I have rcinpower gts v2 1506 4300kv and T-Motor F20II 1408 3750kv, for diatone taycan frame which one should i choose ?

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Bary_fpv 8th January 2020 - 10:12 pm

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?

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Oscar 13th January 2020 - 4:21 pm

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.

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