Xiaomi FIMI A3 quadrocopter review with advantages and disadvantages

FIMI A3 is a new portable drone from the best manufacturer Xiaomi and FIMI Technology Ltd, whose set of pluses is able to compete with the popular Spark model.

Based on the experience of early drones (MiTu and Mi drone 4K), the creators managed to make a worthy contender for this market. That is why today's article provides an overview of the Xiaomi FIMI A3 quadrocopter with advantages and disadvantages.

Positioning

A3 from Xiaomi Corporation is a quality unmanned device with a GPS function, as well as a camera on a gimbal. Exactly like the DJI Spark and Parrot Anafi, the gimbal suspension of the novelty is mechanically stabilized in two directions, and along the yaw axis it is processed electronically.

With another rival in Hubsan Zino, DJI will have to respond soon or they could lose the lion's share of sales, according to buyers.

There is not a single drone on the market that has the parameters of a new model at a price offered by Xiaomi Corporation, and only 2 products at a cost of less than 27,500 rubles can be compared with it in terms of functionality.

The novelty looks like it is determined to take the lion's share of the implementation of DJI Spark, and will compete with Hubsan Zino to achieve its own goal. And here FIMI has a plus - its cost is lower when compared with competitors.

It is worth noting that Xiaomi has previously produced drones that can successfully compete with DJI. For example, the Mi drone model was released to “fight” with the Mavic, and the MiTu product was released with the Tello.

Review

A3 from Xiaomi Corporation is an inexpensive drone with a minimalist appearance, made in a corporate style, which the brand has been delighting its customers with for several years.

The drone contains a video recording unit for recording videos in 1080p resolution at 30 FPS, with a viewing angle of 80 degrees, aperture of 2.0 f and the maximum resolution for photography due to the 8 MP module. All this is complemented by ISP Ambarella.

Equipment

The budget drone comes with:

• Battery for 2,000 mAh;
• Control equipment with integrated FPV LCD screen, which diagonal is 4.3 inches;
• USB cord;
• 6 quick-release rotors;
• Balanced memory;
• Connecting charging cord;
• User Guide (ENG).

Motors

The robust drone is equipped with a brushless motor. At the moment, the creator does not specify information about the power.By the way, the power plant is adapted for 7.5-inch quick-release rotors.

Camera

The camera is equipped with an 8 MP photographic module. It can shoot 1080p videos at 30 FPS. Fasteners are carried out on a mechanical biaxial gimbal, and are also electronically stabilized along 3 axes.

The camera is equipped with a 1/3.2 sensor and has an aperture of 2.0 f. The viewing angle is 80 degrees, and the maximum bit rate is 60 Mbps. These, of course, are not parameters for ultra-high quality shooting, but much higher when compared with the descriptions of other drones in the spectrum of this cost.

How long does the battery last?

Inside the performance drone is an impressive “smart” 3-cell lithium-polymer battery, the power of which is 2,000 mAh with an ordinary charging port (LiHV - provides the ability to safely charge within 4.35 V per cell). Guarantees a flight time limit of 25 minutes.

Control

To control a convenient drone, specialized equipment is enough, equipped with an integrated FPV screen with a diagonal of 4.3 inches. By the way, it functions in combination with an analog-type video receiver.

The video signal frequency is 5.8 GHz, radio monitoring - 2.4 GHz. All this is powered by an integrated 1S battery with a capacity of 2950 mAh.

Autonomy from one charge is approximately 2 and a half hours, the battery charging time itself is not specified. Charging is done with the included USB cable. The equipment guarantees a maximum control range of 1 km.

Need to know! For the error-free implementation of SMART modes, the control equipment was equipped with a full-fledged navigation system.

Important! The integrated video recorder on the control equipment supports the installation of flash drives to store information about the video stream, taking into account flight telemetry with a resolution of 720 x 480 px.

Remote control

One feature that greatly distinguishes this drone from others is the integrated display in the remote control. No need to search for a wireless network or install auxiliary software. This makes it possible to increase the rate of climb.

The claimed signal is 5.8 Gs, but it is not clear if this is a 5.8 G wireless signal or a 5.8 GHz digital type signal. The DVR option is also stated on the remote control, as mentioned above.

Flight modes

The drone can be controlled in the following modes:

1. Navigational (Standard) - Ensures ultimate stabilization and positioning. Independent flight modes are also available. The maximum flight speed in a horizontal position is 36 km/h. The maximum rate of descent and ascent is 10 km/h.
2. SPORT - reveals all the functionality of the drone. The angles are limiting, and the navigation block is used to accurately maintain the position. Independent flight modes are available. The maximum flight speed in a horizontal position is 64 km / h. The maximum speed of ascent is 21 km/h, and the maximum speed of descent is 18 km/h.
3. ATTI - turns on during loss of GPS signal or due to incorrect operation of the compass. In this mode, the drone does not maintain position and will drift in a horizontal direction. Independent modes are not available. Flight in this mode is allowed in open areas away from animals and people within the line of sight of the drone.

SMART modes

The owner is provided with 6 modes:

1. “Following” – the drone flies behind the control equipment, keeping the user centered in the frame. Available in navigation and SPORT modes. Enabled if the control equipment and the aircraft have six or more satellites for communication. The user is given the opportunity to set the maximum flight altitude for the "Following" mode, as well as the distance between the drone and the remote control.
2. Orbit (Around-point) - allows you to perform a circular flight around the designated point. The user is given the opportunity to change the range, speed and altitude of the flight using the sticks on the equipment.
3. Fixed-wing - when enabled, the drone can only fly in a straight line and at a constant speed. The user is given the opportunity to control the speed and route of the drone using the control sticks on the remote control.

4. Droni (Self-timer) - before turning on, the owner sets the position of the drone so that the subject is in the center of the frame. After that, the tilt angle of the photographic module is set. After turning on the mode, the drone will independently “depart” from the object along an ascending straight line at a distance of 150 m and a height of 120 m. Upon reaching the limit, the quadcopter will automatically return to its original position.
5. Return to Home (RTH) - turns on automatically during signal loss, low drone battery voltage and forcibly at the request of the user. Guarantees the free return of the drone to the point of ascent with a further landing.
6. Headless - disables the forward/backward orientation of the drone, allowing the beginner to quickly get used to the control of the drone, and the experienced user to concentrate on shooting.

FPV

The 1st person flight for this year's best quadcopter is at 5.8GHz analog-type frequency via a 40-channel video transmitter.

The image from the photographic module is transmitted in real time to the LCD screen integrated into the control equipment, the diagonal of which is 4.3 inches. The quality of the video stream is 1080p, and the maximum transmission range of the video stream is 1 km.

Advice! To fly with FPV goggles or helmets, you just need to activate the automatic search for a busy frequency on the connected FPV device. The transmitted image is also allowed to be displayed on any gadget that supports connection via an AV cord.

DIY slot

A DIY connector is needed to connect different payloads in order to control them from a distance. Creator provides 3 usage methods:

1. Electronic type fuse for firing fireworks at a distance;
2. LED backlight;
3. Servo.

Characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

• Portability;
• 3rd generation flight controller from FIMI based on the Cortex M7 core;
• Navigation positioning GPS+GLONASS;
• Brushless power plant;
• Quick release propellers.

• Not detected.

How much does it cost and where is it profitable to buy?

Xiaomi's FIMI A3 drone is currently open for pre-order on Banggood.The average price is 19,000 rubles. The first deliveries will start on 30.12. 2018.