I’m at the moment out there for a brand new micro FPV drone that includes the DJI O4 Lite Air Unit. Whether or not it’s a tiny whoop or an open-prop 1.6-inch or 2-inch ultralight toothpick quad, I believed this could be a superb alternative to share my decision-making course of and assist others determine which mannequin would possibly greatest go well with their flying model.
Why Select DJI O4 Lite?
The DJI O4 Air Unit (Lite) is right for micro FPV drones if professional-grade footage isn’t your precedence and also you’re flying primarily for enjoyable. As talked about in my DJI O4 Professional overview, the Professional model is best in almost each side however is considerably heavier, bigger, and nearly double the worth. The O4 Lite is lighter, extra compact, and simpler in your pockets when you anticipate frequent crashes and repairs.
Sub250 Nanofly20
Specs:
- Battery: 2S
- Prop Dimension: 2inch tri-blade
- Motor: 1002 14000KV (not the advertized 21000KV)
- Weight (with out battery): 42g
- Worth: $279.99
The place to Purchase:
The Sub250 Nanofly20 is an open-prop drone designed for open areas. Open-prop drones are usually quieter, extra environment friendly, quicker, and considerably extra responsive than whoop drones with propeller guards. With a typical 2S 550mAh battery, anticipate roughly 5 minutes of flight time. One factor to remember is the motor KV score, which feels excessive for 2-inch tri-blade props. This could result in hotter motors if pushed aggressively. Be cautious when adjusting the grasp slider in your PID tuning settings to keep away from overheating or injury.
A big downside of the Nanofly20 is its video. Sub250 mounts the DJI O4 Lite digicam immediately inside a TPU cover with none gentle mounting. For the reason that DJI O4 digicam is delicate to vibrations, you’ll discover appreciable jello and shakiness within the goggles. Though it information in 4K, the gyro information is just too noisy for dependable stabilization, making cinematic footage tough. Moreover, the quad displays wobbling throughout aggressive maneuvers, probably on account of a PID tuning situation or motor overload from these heavy tri-blade props.
One other level of consideration is the worth tag. At $279, the Nanofly20 feels barely overpriced given its comparatively easy construct and video high quality issues.
General, the Nanofly20 is constructed for enjoyable and freestyle flying somewhat than cinematic work. Whereas it excels in agility and velocity for park flying, the noticeable vibration, jello, and excessive price ticket make it a difficult suggestion.
Sub250 Nimble65
Specs:
- Battery: 1S
- Prop Dimension: 65mm Tri-blade
- Motor: 0702 27000KV
- Weight (with out battery): 27g
- Worth: $229.99
The place to Purchase:
I can’t advocate this mannequin.
The motor and prop mixture is severely underpowered for a digital construct that weighs 27 grams. Anticipate sluggish efficiency, poor responsiveness, and an total unenjoyable flight expertise.
The actual deal-breaker is how Sub250 determined to energy the DJI O4 Lite immediately from the battery—a significant situation for 1S O4 builds. As I’ve repeatedly emphasised in my weblog posts, the DJI O4 Lite struggles when enter voltage drops under 3.7V, leading to unstable video and even full lack of sign. A correct 5V BEC ought to have been used to make sure constant energy for the O4 all through the flight. Sub250 clearly rushed their DJI O4 releases this time, and the Nimble65 is proof of that.
Flywoo Flybee 16/Flylens 75
Specs:
- Battery: 2S
- Prop Dimension: 40mm (1.6inch) 3-blade
- Motor: 1003 14800KV
- Weight (with out battery): 45.7g
- Worth: $249.99
The place to Purchase:
The Flywoo Flybee16 is basically the Flylens75 cinewhoop with out prop guards—I suppose that’s Flywoo’s straightforward option to making a brand new mannequin with out a full redesign. As anticipated, eradicating the prop guard reduces weight by over 10 grams, enhancing flight efficiency, effectivity, velocity, and noise ranges.
Nonetheless, the pusher design is probably not best for a freestyle drone that you just fixed crash and need to take off wherever within the discipline. The props are so uncovered and near the bottom it complicates takeoffs and landings, notably when utilizing turtle mode, as props can simply get caught by grass or particles. Moreover, putting the O4 Air Unit on the underside, even with protecting plastic, raises sturdiness issues since you are repeatedly touchdown/crashing on it.
On a optimistic be aware, Flywoo’s technique of mounting the DJI O4 digicam seems among the many cleanest, most dependable for Rocksteady or Gyroflow stabilization. Different methods of mounting the O4 digicam, just like the one within the BetaFPV Meteor75 Professional, tends to provide barely extra inconsistent outcomes (though it did work nicely for me a lot of the occasions).
The Flybee16 appears to be a fairly nimble drone for open air, it’s not probably the most highly effective drones on the market, and is extra suited to cruising or mild freestyle flying. And it displays noticeable prop wash throughout aggressive maneuvers.
On condition that it’s an open-prop micro quad, indoor flight or flying close to folks isn’t advisable. And on this case, would I take into account the Flylens75 with O4 Lite? Most likely not, as a result of the O4 digicam is simply not ok for any cinematic flying. I’d somewhat get the model with bare O3 to be sincere, which provides superior video at comparable weight.
Flywoo Flybee 20 / Flylens 85
Specs:
- Battery: 2S
- Prop Dimension: 2inch 2-blade
- Motor: 1003 14800KV
- Weight (with out battery): 47.6g
- Worth: $249.99
The place to Purchase:
The Flybee20 mirrors the Flybee16 however incorporates a bigger 85mm body and 2-inch bi-blade props. The remainder of the {hardware} are similar, together with motors. And it’s primarily a ductless Flylens85, over 20g lighter, providing method higher flight time and efficiency.
I beforehand reviewed each the Flylens75 and Flylens85, and I most well-liked the Flylens85. The bigger Flylens85 merely flew higher for me and supplied barely longer flight occasions, probably on account of its extra environment friendly two-blade propellers. For the reason that Flybee16 and Flybee20 are primarily ductless variations of the Flylens collection, I anticipate comparable efficiency variations between the Flybee fashions as nicely. Contemplating their comparable weights, I’d go for the mannequin with bigger props any day.
Between the Flybee16 and Flybee20, the Flybee20 is the higher total drone. Likewise, between the Flylens75 and Flylens85, the Flylens85 can also be the superior choice.
Flywoo Flytimes 85
Specs:
- Battery: 2S
- Prop Dimension: 2inch 2-blade
- Motor: 1003 14800KV
- Weight (with out battery): 58.9g
- Worth: $269.99
The place to Purchase:
The Flytimes85 is basically a hybrid of the Flylens85 and Flybee20, that includes lighter prop guards for diminished weight and a few degree of propeller safety. Its weight falls between these two fashions, whereas different specs stay similar.
Except you particularly require propeller safety, I’d advocate the Flybee20 for outside freestyle flying. The Flytimes85 would possibly go well with combined flying environments the place you often transition between indoor and outside areas. Nonetheless, realistically, a 2S 2-inch whoop is barely too giant and highly effective for flying in the home for my part. Moreover, the DJI O4’s video high quality isn’t adequate for cinematic functions. If cinematic footage is your purpose, take into account upgrading to the DJI O4 Professional.
GEPRC T-Cube18
Specs:
- Worth: $269.99
- Battery: 2S
- Prop Dimension: 45mm 3-blade
- Motor: 1002 18000KV
- Weight (with out battery): 50g
The place to Purchase:
It is a new providing, and there isn’t a lot data obtainable on-line but moreover the specs. Let’s take a more in-depth take a look at that.
The very first thing that stands out to me is how heavy the T-Cube18 is for an open-prop micro quad. It’s 2.5g heavier than the Flybee20 which even has larger motors and propellers. Whereas the motors are smaller, they compensate with a really excessive KV score of 18000KV, nevertheless that may be a little excessive and raises issues about effectivity and potential motor overheating.
The body design is tanky and seems crash-resistant. It additionally retains the props out of the digicam view, stopping them from showing in your footage. Nonetheless, I nonetheless suppose the burden is a bit extreme for my liking given these tiny props. Moreover, its value of $269.99 feels barely excessive IMO.
BetaFPV Meteor75 Professional
Specs:
- Battery: 1S
- Prop Dimension: 45mm tri-blade
- Motor: 1102 22000KV
- Weight (with out battery): 37.2g
- Worth: $199.99
The place to Purchase:
I actually loved flying this whoop indoors—it’s most likely my favourite 1S whoop outfitted with the DJI O4 for the time being. I gained’t go into an excessive amount of element right here since I’ve written an entire overview you possibly can try: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-meteor75-pro-o4-whoop/
BetaFPV Pavo Femto
Specs:
- Battery: 2S
- Prop Dimension: 40mm 3-blade
- Motor: 1102 14000KV
- Weight (with out battery): 54.8g
- Worth: $224.99
The place to Purchase:
The Femto, powered by a 2S battery, is noticeably extra highly effective than the1S Meteor75 Professional and might deal with stronger winds open air. Nonetheless, this elevated energy comes with trade-offs: the Femto is noisier and fewer agile indoors on account of its heavier weight. The smaller props imply that the motors need to work more durable (spinning at larger RPM) to maintain the drone afloat in comparison with the Meteor75 Professional, making it louder and considerably much less environment friendly. On the flip facet, the quicker RPM response interprets to higher uncooked efficiency and responsiveness.
Whereas the Femto’s enhanced energy is interesting for outside flying in calm circumstances, it’s in a clumsy place. For indoor flying, I nonetheless suppose the Meteor75 Professional provides superior dealing with. Outdoor, the Femto flies nicely, solely when the climate is calm; as quickly because the wind picks up, I begin to discover some wobble and jello within the footage, and the drone may be pushed round extra simply than bigger fashions. Take a look at my overview to study extra: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-pavo-femto/
HappyModel Mobula7 O4
Specs:
- Battery: 2S
- Prop Dimension: 45mm 3-blade
- Motor: 1102 10000KV
- Weight (with out battery): 38.2g
- Worth: $272.99
The place to Purchase:
The Mobula7 O4 presents an fascinating setup. It’s primarily in the identical class because the 1S BetaFPV Meteor75 Professional regardless of being 2S. That’s as a result of its motor KV is lower than half that of the Meteor75, they usually have the identical prop dimension, the motor RPM could be comparable since RPM=KV*voltage. Their weights (with out batteries) are additionally fairly shut.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that 2S batteries have two cells, making the battery weight not less than double—and certain even heavier because of the XT30 connector in comparison with BT2.0. This elevated battery weight considerably raises the takeoff weight, affecting total flight efficiency.
By way of precise flight efficiency, the Mobula7 O4 seems to fly nicely, each agile and steady. But, regardless of its mild body, it lacks adequate energy for critical outside freestyle, which is predicted from a tiny whoop of this dimension. You possibly can fly it open air, however solely in calm circumstances, and also you shouldn’t anticipate distinctive freestyle capabilities.
For me the first downside is video high quality, which exhibits noticeable jello and vibration—even earlier than any stabilization is utilized. This possible stems from the digicam being mounted immediately inside the cover with out vibration isolation. One other draw back is that the digicam angle doesn’t seem like adjustable.
Conclusion – Which is the Greatest DJI O4 Micro Drone?
2S or 1S for DJI O4?
A 2S setup is absolutely the candy spot for the DJI O4 Air Unit as a result of it may be powered immediately from the battery, simplifying the construct considerably. In distinction, a 1S setup requires powering the O4 through a BEC or devoted voltage regulator to make sure reliability. At present, most 1S AIO flight controllers lack a sufficiently highly effective 5V BEC, which means producers should develop new flight controllers particularly outfitted with strong BECs. As of now, BetaFPV is among the many few producers offering this feature (particularly the 3in1 Matrix FC board).
For Indoor Flying
For indoor flying, my best choice is the Meteor75 Professional. Personally, a light-weight 1S setup is right indoors—2S drones really feel too heavy and too highly effective for snug flying in the home. The 1S batteries are additionally cheaper, simpler to cost, and the setup produces much less noise total. Some pilots dislike the digicam gentle mounting on the Meteor75 Professional, believing it introduces jello in footage. Nonetheless, in my expertise, it labored completely effective, so the precise reason for their situation stays unclear.
Get the Meteor75 Professional right here:
One other good choice is the Mobula7 O4, nevertheless it’s a 2S drone, and also you’ll want to contemplate in case your house comfortably accommodates its additional energy and weight. Though extra highly effective than the Meteor75 Professional, if you end up flying at solely 30-40% throttle, the lighter and cheaper Meteor75 Professional makes extra sense, particularly given the Mobula7 prices $73 extra.
Get the Mobula7 O4 right here:
For Out of doors Flying
For outside use, an open-prop, 2S setup is important right here, and my suggestion could be the Flywoo Flybee20. Whereas I’m not an enormous fan of its inverted design, it delivers the cleanest video high quality I’ve seen on this class, with little to no jello current in most footage I’ve seen. Flight efficiency additionally appears to be strong; it’s not absolutely the strongest 2-inch quad obtainable, nevertheless it’s greater than succesful for informal freestyle flying in your native small parks.
Get the Flybee20 right here:
The following best choice could be both the Nanofly20, or the T-Cube18 – not my best picks however we’ve run out of choices 🙂 I lean barely in the direction of the T-Dice, simply wished it was both lighter, or has barely larger motors and run bigger 2inch props would make it a extra succesful freestyle park ripper.
For each Indoor and Out of doors?
When you’re on the lookout for one thing versatile sufficient for each indoor and outside flying, it must be a whoop after all. Many choices just like the Happymodel Mobula7, BetaFPV Femto, and Flylens85 are all succesful—however they don’t excel at both class. I extremely advocate selecting a drone that excels in a single setting somewhat than settling for mediocrity in each. As an illustration, whereas the Meteor75 Professional can even deal with outside flying below calm circumstances, it’s slower than 2S quads and higher suited as an indoor whoop.
