BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop Review
Overview
The BETAFPV Pavo 25 V2 is the latest iteration of the popular 2.5-inch Cinewhoop drone. With several upgrades from its predecessor, this drone promises an improved flight experience and better performance. In this review, we will take a closer look at the key features and specifications of the Pavo 25 V2.
Upgraded Components
One of the notable upgrades in the Pavo 25 V2 is the flight controller. It now features an F7 processor, replacing the previous F405. This enhancement allows for more precise and responsive flight controls. Additionally, the motor has been upgraded from 1404 to 1505, with an increase in KV from 4500 to 4600. This results in improved thrust and overall performance of the drone.
Design and Build
The Pavo 25 V2 sports a classic blue color scheme, reminiscent of the BFPV branding. It comes as a kit, with motors and the F7 flight controller pre-installed. The drone also features the Express LS receiver for easy control. The bottom plate of the drone has both 25mm and 20mm screw holes, allowing for compatibility with various types of video transmitters. Whether you prefer analog or HD systems, the Pavo 25 V2 can accommodate your needs.
Recommended Video Transmitter
In this review, we used the RunCam Link video transmitter with the Link antenna. This combination worked seamlessly with the Pavo 25 V2. However, you can choose other options such as the Z-Walks Snail or the DJ3 transmitter, depending on your preferences. The flexibility in video transmitter options makes the Pavo 25 V2 suitable for different filming requirements.
Camera Quality
The Pavo 25 V2 comes with the CadX Nebula Pro Camera. This camera delivers excellent image quality, ensuring clear and crisp footage. Its compact size and reliable performance make the Pavo 25 V2 an ideal choice for aerial videography.
BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop Review
Mount System Upgrade
The BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop comes with a new and improved mount system for the HD camera. In the previous version, the camera was hard mounted to the carbon frame, which sometimes caused vibrations and jello effect in the footage. However, in the V2, BETAFPV has introduced a soft mount system. This new mount provides a certain level of cushioning, reducing the chances of jello effect in the footage. Although it is not extremely loose, it does offer some amount of vibration dampening.
Flight Performance
The flight performance of the BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop is impressive. With the updated 32-bit electronic speed controllers (ESCs) and RPM Filter, the drone has a smooth and stable flight. The 32-bit ESCs offer better performance compared to the previous version’s BEC ESCs. The drone is well-tuned out of the box, making it ready to fly without any major adjustments needed. Even in windy conditions, the drone performs admirably, maintaining steady flight without any jello effect in the footage.
Camera Performance
The BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop is compatible with the DJI O3 camera. However, for this review, an Action 2 camera was mounted on the drone. The camera delivers excellent video quality, capturing detailed and vibrant footage. The soft mount system ensures that the footage remains free from vibrations and jello effect, providing a smooth and pleasant viewing experience. While the camera performs well in overcast conditions, further testing is required to determine its performance on sunny days.
BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop Review
Improved Performance with 32 BDSC and Blue Jay Firmware
When it comes to flying quadcopters, I usually prefer using the 8 BDSS, but recently I had the opportunity to try out the 32 BDSS on the BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop. I must say, the difference in performance is remarkable. Whether it’s properly tuned or not, the 32 BDSS always seems to fly better and a lot smoother. The transition from 8 BDSS to 32 BDSS is a definite upgrade in terms of performance, especially for high-performance applications like aerial cinematography.
Impressive Tune and Stabilization
The tuning on the BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop is on point. The flight footage captured on the DVR looks almost as smooth as stabilized footage from an action camera like the GoPro Hero 2. The overall tune of the quadcopter is exceptional, making it a top choice for those looking for a stable and smooth flying experience.
Extended Flight Time and Battery Efficiency
One of the standout features of the BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 is its impressive flight time. With an 850mAh 4S battery, you can expect up to 8 minutes of flight time. Personally, I flew for about 6 minutes and still had plenty of battery left. This is a great advantage, especially for those who require longer flight durations for capturing the perfect shot.
Improved Design and Easy Maintenance
In terms of design, BETAFPV has made some notable changes. They have introduced a new CNC part that requires only three screws for removal, compared to the four screws previously needed. This small but significant change makes maintenance and part replacements much easier and quicker.
Overall, the BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop is a great option for anyone looking for a stable and high-performing quadcopter. With its improved tune, extended flight time, and user-friendly design, it is a reliable choice for aerial cinematography enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Build Quality and Accessibility
The BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop comes with a bottom plate that can be easily removed to access the flight controller and make any necessary repairs. By unscrewing four screws, the prop guard, along with the attached VTX, can be detached effortlessly. This design feature allows for convenient maintenance of the motor and easy access to the internal components.
VTX Installation
When installing the video transmitter (VTX), it is recommended to use the screws that are included with the drone. The package also contains extra connectors for convenience. Detailed instructions for the assembly of the drone are provided, along with wiring diagrams that are essential for setting up the flight controller. These resources ensure that users can easily understand and follow the installation process.
LEDs for Aesthetic Appeal
Although the BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop includes the option to install LEDs, it is not a requirement. If chosen, the LEDs can be attached using the small plug located on the drone. The LED strip can then be wrapped around the drone with the help of adhesive. However, for individuals who prefer to minimize additional weight on their drones, like myself, the option of not installing LEDs is available. Nonetheless, for those who are interested, the product page displays various available colors and showcases how the LEDs would look on the drone.
Spare Parts and Props
The BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop package includes the provision of spare parts, ensuring that users have replacements readily available if needed. Additionally, two sets of props are provided, offering users the convenience of having backup options. This ensures that individuals can continue using the drone without interruptions due to damaged or broken parts.
By providing reliable accessibility, detailed instructions, and optional aesthetic features, the BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop caters to the preferences and needs of a wide range of users. Whether for professional cinematography or recreational flying, this drone offers a high level of build quality and versatility.
Gem Fan Props
The BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop comes equipped with the Gem Fan bullnose, three-bladed props. These props come in two sizes, 2 and 12 inches. While they may seem ordinary, they offer a reliable and efficient performance.
CNC Parts
The Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop features CNC parts, which are strategically placed on the frame. These parts serve a dual purpose – one is to provide stability, and the other is to hold the battery strap securely in place. The CNC parts are located on both sides of the frame, ensuring a balanced design.
Battery Configuration
Although there may be some creative possibilities with the battery configuration, it seems that the design of the Pavo25 V2 limits the options. The camera mount interferes with swapping the battery to the side, suggesting that the design focuses on a front-to-back battery placement. However, it is still possible to make certain modifications with the battery position.
XT30 Mounting
The frame of the Pavo25 V2 includes an XT30 mounting, which eliminates the need for an external battery connector. This feature allows for easy maneuvering and accessibility.
Express LRS Receiver and USB Port
The Pavo25 V2 is equipped with an Express LRS receiver, as well as a conveniently placed antenna. However, one drawback is the placement of the USB port. It is situated in a hard-to-reach spot, making it challenging to access.
Overall, the BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop offers a reliable and efficient flying experience. With its Gem Fan props, CNC parts, and thoughtful design elements such as the XT30 mounting and Express LRS receiver, it is a solid choice for aerial cinematography enthusiasts. Despite the slight limitation in battery configuration and the inconvenient placement of the USB port, the Pavo25 V2 still presents a well-rounded option for drone enthusiasts.
Main Features
The BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop is a drone that comes with some notable features. Let’s take a closer look at what this drone has to offer.
Convenient Design
The design of the BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop is quite convenient, allowing users to fly with ease. However, there are a few design elements that could have been better. One such element is the positioning of the USB port. It is located in a spot that is not easily accessible, making it difficult to connect a cable directly.
Challenges with USB Port
To overcome this challenge, users have to resort to using a right angle adapter. Unfortunately, due to the presence of a duct, the right angle adapter cannot be used. As a result, users need to strip off the shielding and plastic covering of a micro USB cable to make it bend and fit into the port. Although this workaround is possible, it is not ideal, and it would have been better if a dedicated cable or easier access had been included in the packaging.
Comparison with Other Models
Comparing the BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop with other models in the Pavo series reveals differences in the design team’s approach. While the Pavo Pico and Pavo 20 utilize GST T plugs on the flight controller, accompanied by an extension cable for the USB C port, the Pavo25 V2 sticks with the hard-to-reach micro USB ports. This suggests that different teams were involved in the design process, potentially explaining the inconsistency in USB port placement across the models.
BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop Review
Design and Build
The BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop comes with a unique design that sets it apart from other drones in the market. However, there are a few design flaws that could have been improved upon, especially in terms of accessibility to USB ports. While these issues were not addressed in the V2 version, it still offers a solid design overall.
Weight
When it comes to weight, it’s important to note that the Pavo25 V2 is not a sub-250g drone. With the action 2 battery, it weighs approximately 345g. This means that if you’re specifically looking for a drone in the sub-250g category, this might not be the best option for you. However, with a different battery configuration, such as an 03 with a smaller battery, it may be possible to get closer to the 250g mark. For example, with the 854s battery, the weight is around 283.15g. If you opt for the 4S 650 battery and the 03 air unit, you might be able to achieve the desired weight limit.
Performance
One of the standout features of the Pavo25 V2 is its impressive flight performance. The quadcopter flies super smoothly, thanks to its well-tuned pit tune. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot, you’ll enjoy flying this drone. Additionally, the footage captured by the onboard camera is of high quality, making it suitable for capturing cinematic shots. If you want to see the footage in 4k resolution, links will be provided in the video description.
BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop Review
Design and Build
The BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop is a compact and lightweight drone designed specifically for capturing high-quality cinematic shots. It features a sleek and durable carbon fiber frame that is capable of withstanding crashes and rough landings. The overall design is well-executed, with attention to detail evident in every aspect of the drone.
Flight Performance
One of the standout features of the Pavo25 V2 is its exceptional flight performance. Equipped with powerful motors and efficient electronic speed controllers (ESCs), this drone has impressive speed and agility. Whether you’re looking to fly through tight spaces or capture fast-paced action shots, the Pavo25 V2 delivers an incredibly smooth and stable flight experience.
Camera Quality
The onboard camera of the Pavo25 V2 is where this drone truly shines. With its high-definition video recording capabilities, you can expect crystal clear footage with vibrant colors and excellent detail. The camera also supports real-time video transmission, allowing you to see exactly what the drone sees in real-time. Whether you’re a professional cinematographer or a hobbyist looking to capture stunning aerial shots, the Pavo25 V2’s camera is sure to impress.
Remote Control and User Interface
The Pavo25 V2 comes with a user-friendly remote control that is comfortable to hold and easy to use. The control features intuitive buttons and a clear LCD screen that displays vital information such as battery level and flight mode. The user interface is straightforward, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced pilots. With precise control and reliable signal transmission, you can focus on capturing the perfect shots without worrying about losing control of the drone.
Battery Life and Charging
The Pavo25 V2 is powered by a high-capacity battery that offers an excellent flight time. Depending on the flying conditions and flight maneuvers, you can expect to get around 5-7 minutes of flight time per charge. The battery charges relatively quickly, so you can spend more time flying and less time waiting for it to recharge.
Conclusion
Overall, the BETAFPV Pavo 25 V2 is a formidable Cinewhoop drone that offers significant upgrades from its previous version. With improvements in key components such as the flight controller and motor, this drone delivers a smoother and more responsive flight experience. Its versatility in accommodating different video transmitter systems allows for customization according to individual preferences. If you are in the market for a high-quality Cinewhoop drone, the BETAFPV Pavo 25 V2 is definitely worth considering.
Overall, the BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop is a reliable and high-performance drone for capturing cinematic footage. The upgraded mount system effectively reduces vibrations and jello effect, resulting in smooth and stable footage. The drone’s flight performance is commendable, thanks to the 32-bit ESCs and RPM Filter. With its compatibility with DJI cameras and impressive video quality, the Pavo25 V2 is a great choice for aerial cinematography enthusiasts.
Although the USB port placement is not a deal breaker, it is worth considering if easy accessibility is important to you. Despite this minor issue, the BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop still offers a range of impressive features that make it a desirable choice for drone enthusiasts. From its convenient design to its performance capabilities, this drone has a lot to offer. Overall, it is a solid option for those looking to explore the world of aerial cinematography.
In conclusion, the BETAFPV Pavo25 V2 Cinewhoop is a top-of-the-line drone that offers exceptional performance and versatility for capturing cinematic shots. Its robust design, excellent flight characteristics, high-quality camera, and user-friendly remote control make it an ideal choice for both professionals and aerial photography enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to capture stunning footage for commercial purposes or simply enjoy the thrill of flying a high-performance drone, the Pavo25 V2 will not disappoint. So, grab your controller and take to the skies with this impressive Cinewhoop drone.
