As a member of the Xiaomi ecosystem, we were introduced to FIMI drones about 2 years ago. At the time, the Mi Drone 4K was the first co-production without a direct successor. The most recent FIMI A3 and X8 SE models, launched back in 2018, were no longer sold with the Mi logo, with the two models mostly sold through separate channels. The X8 SE was the most popular model, with the highest sales in Hungary. The model intended to be DJI's direct rival was a better value for money buy, but the competition did not sit on its laurels either, and several new models were introduced during the life of the X8 SE, which put it well ahead of FIMI. In 2020, they had to act, and so the FIMI X8 SE 2020 Edition model.
But what has changed is explained below:
The weight has been reduced to 765 grams, battery life has been improved to up to 35 minutes of continuous operation, while the new Aeropart components have been made even more stable in use. The airborne radius has been increased from 5km to 8km, in ideal geographical and weather conditions, of course, while respecting local regulations.
The biggest difference between the 2020 and 2018 versions
FIMI X8 SE 2020 EDITION
FIMI X8 SE ORIGINAL
Dimensions
204 x 106 x 72,6 mm
204 x 106 x 72,6 mm
Weight
765 grams
790 grams
Maximum flight time
35 minutes (at a constant speed of 8 m/s)
33 minutes (at a constant speed of 5 m/s)
Battery capacity
4500mAh
4500mAh
Maximum speed
18 m/s
18 m/s
Maximum take-off height
500 m
500 m
Satellite positioning systems
GPS + GLONASS + BEIDUO
GPS + GLONASS
Maximum flight range
about 8000 metres
about 5000 metres
Size of the sensor
1/2.6″ CMOS
1/2.3″ CMOS
Firing distance
3,54 mm
4,73 mm
Video resolution
4K UHD (3840×2160) 30 frames/sec
4K UHD (3840×2160) 30 frames/sec
2.7K (2716×1524) 60/50/30/25/24 fps
2K (2560×1440) 60/50/30/25/24 fps
1080P (1980×1080) 90/60/50/30/25/24 fps
1080P 100/60/50/30/25 /24 fps
720P (1280×720) 120/100 frames per second
720P 200 frames/sec
MicroSD card
max. 256 GB
max. 64 GB
Dimensions and weight : "Pocket" drone
Both the 2020 FIMI X8 SE and the 2018 FIMI X8 SE are the same size, but the weight reduced (the 2020 version is lighter at just 765g, while the original version weighs 790g) Both drones are compact and easy to assemble. When folded, the drones measure 204 x 106 x 72.6mm.
Maximum flight time
The FIMI X8 SE 2020 drone now offers a control range of 8 km in the 5.725 - 5.850 GHz frequency range. The range has been improved by up to 3 km compared to the original version. This is due to a 25g weight reduction.
Flight time and battery
Both drones have a 4500mAh battery, but due to the lighter weight of the 2020 version, the flight time has increased by 2 minutes (from 33 to 35 minutes). In practice, the 2018 X8 SE can fly for up to 28 minutes, so we can hope that the new model will last 30 minutes.
High quality 4K Ultra HD sensor
Small Change in video resolution, with 4K (3840×2160) 30fps remaining for the 2020 model, but the real 2.7K (2716×1524), replacing the old 2K (2540×1440) resolution. A FIMI X8 SE 2020 drone 4K HDR-and can also record video using HEVC/H.265 compression. This is probably one of the best new features, apart from the sensor upgrade.
The 2020 edition Sony IMX378 It uses a 12MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and a size of 1/1.26″.
What has changed?
The camera sensor has been replaced, the 2018 model still has a 1/2.3″ CMOS, the 2020 model has a 1/2.6″ CMOS, which is smaller. The focal length in the new model is 3.54 mm (instead of 4.73 mm). The camera is stabilised by a mechanical 3-axis gimbal with a nacelle. The 4K mode is unchanged, but the 2,7K mode (2560×1440) may be more important to many. At 720p resolution, they've dropped the 200fps speed from slow motion, so you'll have to settle for 120fps. Previously, HDR was missing for both stills and video, this is now made up for in the 2020 version.
Published a night recording mode for low-light recording, and H.265 for more efficient compression.
Panoramic mode - although it was advertised in the 2018 model, it was not included in the global version, the 2020 model has 3×3 or 180° horizontal and vertical options (on paper). Also improved the camera horizontal stability (drift), which can be used even when the GPS is not active. According to FIMI, it operates at an altitude of 30 metres. Also new is FIMI Premium Care, a service similar to the ones offered by Apple and DJI, which is a form of insurance. If the X8 SE 2020 crashes due to pilot error or battery failure (electrical fault), the insurance covers part of the repair or replacement. This service is expected to be offered only in China in the first round.
Pricing, availability
The FIMI X8 SE 2020 release is currently available in major Chinese online stores, on sale for just $349.99, with an average price of around $400. European or Hungarian distribution is not yet known, but we will try to report as soon as this changes.
What has changed?
