The Chinese company FIMI, which is part of the Xiaomi ecosystem, recently released the X8 Mini – a direct competitor to the advanced compact drones DJI Mavic Mini and DJI Mini 2. The characteristics of the device clearly fall into the same category as the Mini 2, and the main feature is the weight of less than 250 grams. – such solutions do not require registration in Russia, the USA and many other countries.

Despite its light weight and compactness, the drone’s camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal (stabilization accuracy – 0,005 °) and is able to offer a 12-megapixel Sony 1 / 2,6 ″ sensor and a lens with an 80 ° field of view (focal length – 26 mm in 35mm equivalent) and f / 2 aperture. The device is capable of recording HDR video in H.265 format at 4K resolution, 30fps and 100Mbps bitrate. When recording video, the F-log mode is available, as well as shooting photos in JPG and RAW formats.

FIMI reportedly uses HiSilicon’s professional AI algorithm to reduce noise in low light conditions. The camera supports 3x intelligent digital zoom. Pilots can create panoramas, set time-lapse shooting, share broadcasts on social networks.

We should also touch on the connection. The remote control operates at 5,8 GHz and can transmit video data up to 8 km (FCC standard). In reality, noise usually interferes, so the distance will be lower, but headroom is always good. It is also worth noting that Russia requires the European CE standard, in which the signal strength is limited, which will also reduce the range. Without a remote control, the drone can be launched directly from a smartphone via Wi-Fi, although the flight range in this case will be no more than 100 m.

Curiously, unlike the DJI Mini, this miniature drone does not seem to be limited in automation – it claims support for flight along predefined routes and points. There is also an intelligent object tracking mode and one-click art clips shooting on preset programs.

FIMI claims that small magnetic gap motors and specially designed low-noise propellers provide wind gust resistance up to 35 km / h (about 10 m / s). The maximum declared speed is 16 m / s.

The X8 Mini measures 165 x 89 x 47mm folded and 200 x 145 x 56mm unfolded (almost identical to the DJI Mini 2). The weight is 258 grams when using a regular lithium-ion battery, which allows you to fly for up to 30 minutes. The more expensive lithium polymer battery reduces the total weight to 245 grams, providing up to 31 minutes of flight time in addition. Fast charging is done via the USB-C port located directly on the battery.

Other features similar to those of the DJI Mavic Mini or Mini 2 include smart return to home on lost connectivity, real-time GPS tracking, no-fly zones, high wind and low battery alerts. A camera is located at the bottom of the device to assist with positioning and landing.

It seems that while DJI is marking time due to US sanctions and corporate governance problems, competitors are gradually gaining strength. Pre-orders for the FIMI X8 Mini are already taking place, but the drone will officially hit the market on the 18th for a starting price of $ 449 through retailers like Banggood or AliExpress. The time of the appearance of the device in Russia has not yet been reported.