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Syma X8HW – new generation of “poor man’s Phantom” is here. What’s new?

Syma X8HW – new generation of “poor man’s Phantom” is here. What’s new?

Drone Reviews April 23, 2016

Hello and welcome to our second review of the new Syma X8H series. Syma’s X8 continuation series. Today we review X8HW a large WiFi FPV drone, a quadcopter very similar to another Syma release we have previously reviewed the Syma X8HG with some minor differences.

Syma-X8HW-fpv-camera

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Syma X8HW Overlook:
Flight Time: 5 to 7 minutes
Camera: 1MP or 8MP WiFi FPV
Mount: Compatible with Syma action cameras and others
Battery Type: 7.4V 2000mA Lipo Battery
Range: 70 meters
Remote: 2.4 GHz Frequency
Gyro: 6 Axis
Features: Headless Mode and Altitude Holder also known as Barometer Set Height
Price : check price on Amazon

We will analyse this recent Syma product and compare to the other same series model and see what distinguishes them from one to another. Syma is one of the most recognizable names in the Toy Grade drone industry, their products are shipped and advertised worldwide. Mainly due to their affordable price and ease of use. However Syma drones do fail in some aspects when comparing to other same price drones. On the other hand if you ever need to fix or replace or Syma drone you won’t have any trouble finding the right component since they are available almost anywhere nowadays. This being said let us move on to the Syma X8HW Review and check what this drone has to offer.

Syma X8HW vs X8HG

If you have read our X8HG review you may find X8HW extremely similar to that other model, well you are right. Syma has produced these two models with almost the exact same features and specifications. Yet, they diverge in some aspects. Firstly X8HW most common package includes a better camera than the X8HG. X8HW comes with a 1MP (option of 8MP) and X8HG comes with a 0.3MP (also optional 8MP). Secondly X8HW is larger, 50 x 50 x 19 cm. Another less important difference is the colour of the quadcopter model. Besides this there are no other differences important enough to highlight. Concerning the live video image quality expect about the same results with a slightly better quality in case of the 1MP camera.

==> Read customer reviews on Amazon <==

Syma-X8HW

FPV & camera

Now that we have informed you on these minor differences, let’s move on to analyse this Syma large FPV quadcopter. One of the reasons why X8HW is such an affordable FPV quadcopter is because it uses pilot’s smart device has a First Person View screen. While more expensive quadcopters come with a FPV monitor working at 5.8 Ghz frequency, X8HW saves buyer’s some money by connecting to their device. This connection is done via WiFi (drone provides its own hotspot connection) through a free application available for both Android and iOS. The 1MP is not good quality therefore if you are buying X8HW or X8HG for that matter consider the 8MP as it will be much better. Live video transmission is not very good with the 1MP camera but if you go for the 8MP Syma camera it will be much better. If you own a GoPro or other sport action cameras such as the SJCam or Xiami, even better, you can purchase the 1MP package because these Syma drones come with a mount compatible with all those great cameras.

Features

Syma-X8HW-360-degree-flipsX8HW comes with very useful features, especially for photography and videography. This affordable large quadcopter features one of the most rare to find functions for drones within this price range. Altitude Holder (also known as Barometer Set Height) is an astonishing feature for camera lovers, as it allows the drone to lock its height and maintain it without pilot’s input. This allows pilot to focus on recording the video or taking photos. This used to be a feature only seen in higher-budget drones but has recently began to be introduced in low-cost Toy Grade models. Besides this innovative feature, Syma X8HW also includes Headless Mode for easier orientation despite where the quadcopter’s front is pointing at. This feature is great for both beginners and children as it makes the drone much easier to control. Other common features in X8HW are the LED lights for night flights and the 360º aerial stunt with just the push of a button. However I wouldn’t advise you to perform many aerial stunts per flight, due to the quadcopter large size you may end up over-heating and consequently burning the motors. Perform one or two per flight, amaze the crowd at the park and that’s it, keep on recording your videos and flying FPV.

Control range and flight time

Much like the X8HG model, this X8HW quadcopter also has some negative sides which in my opinion are the biggest weaknesses of Syma. Firstly, the control range, Syma products have always had a short control distance (perhaps because they are targeted at beginners and younger audience) but the 70 meters to me is just not enough. Same price products, and even cheaper drones, have a better range. The 70 meters are a bit below the average control distance (100 meters) for drones within this price range. The second negative side is the flight time. Powered by a 7.4V 2000mA Lipo Battery X8HW is only capable of flying between 5 to 7 minutes depending on camera and real time video transmission usage. Also, heavier the payload, less flight time it will have, therefore don’t add to much weight to it.

Syma-X8HW-package

Conclusion

If you are a beginner or just someone looking for a good gift to offer, Syma surely is a good choice for you. An easy to pilot drone, very affordable, nice design, very easy to find in local stores but much cheaper on Amazon. Give it a try and you will see it does make a decent Toy Grade quadcopter which will provide you many hours of fun at the park or even indoors.

What do you think of this new Syma X8HW review? Are you a fan of Syma products? Will this be your first quadcopter? Let us know on the comment section below, we at Drones Globe love to read your opinion on the products we review. Do you know a friend looking for an affordable WiFi FPV drone? Link him this review and share this information with him. Do you have a drone you would like us to review? Awesome! Let us know with a comment or contact us, our aim is to bring you the best and most updated drone information! Happy flying!

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Anthony Turner
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