Introduction
The Syma X400 drone has gained popularity among drone enthusiasts for its affordable price tag and various features. In this review, we will delve into the performance, camera quality, and outdoor usability of this drone.
Design and Durability
The Syma X400 drone is a reliable and durable quadcopter that is suitable for beginners and experienced drone enthusiasts alike. It is slightly larger than other small-sized quadcopters, allowing for outdoor flights in calm winds. This drone comes with a robust build, making it able to withstand crashes and bumps without easily breaking. While it is not completely indestructible, it is considerably more durable compared to other models in its class.
Battery Life and Charging
The Syma X400 drone comes with two batteries, each with a different flight time. The first battery provides approximately 6 minutes of flight time, while the second battery lasts for approximately 12 minutes. However, it is important to note that the charging time for each battery is 90 minutes. This means that to maximize your flying time, you will need to plan your flights accordingly and ensure that you have enough charged batteries available.
Controller vs. App Control
The Syma X400 drone can be controlled using either the included controller or through an app on your smartphone. While the app control option is convenient, providing a way to navigate and control the drone using your phone’s touchscreen, many users prefer using the physical controller. The controller offers tactile feedback, which allows for more precise control and reduces the risk of drifting controls, especially during long flights. Additionally, using a controller eliminates the need to constantly look down at your phone to ensure accurate finger placement.
1080p Camera and FPV
One notable feature of the Syma X400 drone is its built-in 1080p camera. This camera allows you to capture high-quality photos and videos during your flights. You can easily attach a smartphone to the controller, connect it to Wi-Fi, and view the live feed from the drone’s perspective on your phone screen, giving you a first-person view (FPV) experience. This feature enhances the overall flying experience and allows you to capture stunning aerial shots and videos.
Unboxing and Contents
I will now begin by unboxing the Syma X400 Drone and showing you the contents of the package. Inside, you will find the battery, camera, and an instruction manual. It is important to remove the camera before flying the drone. Additionally, there is a land pad, an extra battery, a set of propellers, and a guard to protect the drone from bumps. There is also a phone mount and a battery charger included. Make sure that the battery is properly seated in the charger for it to charge effectively.
Propeller Assembly
For propeller assembly, the package provides an included screwdriver. It is important to follow the instructions on the propeller packaging. Propellers with the letter “A” should be installed diagonally across from each other, and those with the letter “B” should be installed in the remaining slots. The direction of rotation is also important to note. Clockwise spinning propellers push the air downwards, whereas counterclockwise spinning propellers slant in the opposite direction. Ensure that all tie wraps are removed before proceeding with the propeller assembly.
Pairing and Controller Setup
To pair the drone with the controller, make sure the batteries in the controller are functional. Turn on the drone and wait for it to start blinking. This indicates that it is ready to pair with the controller. It is important to have four AA batteries in the controller for optimal performance. Follow the instructions in the drone’s manual to complete the pairing process.
Guard Installation
The drone does not come with the guard installed, but it is included in the package. If you want to add the guard for extra protection, follow these steps: Remove the plastic cap, slide on the guard, ensuring that the two pins on either side fit into the designated slots, and then replace the cap. This will securely lock the guard in place.
Blade Replacement
If you need to replace a damaged propeller blade, use the included screwdriver. Remove the propeller by unscrewing the hexagonal pin that holds it in place. Carefully replace the damaged propeller with a new one, and then secure it with the screw.
Now that you are familiar with the unboxing, assembly, pairing, guard installation, and blade replacement processes of the Syma X400 Drone, you are ready to start piloting and enjoying your new drone!
Tightening the Drone
When it comes to tightening the Syma X400 drone, it is important to be cautious. The plastic inside each battery is encased in plastic, so you should be gentle while tightening it. There is a specific direction to follow the contacts should face upwards. If you look at the battery, it even says “up”. Push the battery in that way and hold the button on the drone until it turns on. The back of the drone will glow green and the front will glow red. Personally, I would have preferred the colors to be switched as I am used to seeing red lights at the back.
Using the Controller
Turning on the controller is the next step. Move the throttle up and it will beep once. Then, move the throttle down and it will beep once again. Once these steps are completed, the drone is locked into place. There are three ways to begin flying: normally, by using the automatic takeoff feature, or by using the automatic land feature. To start flying automatically, just push the button once and the drone will start ascending. To land automatically, simply push the same button used for auto takeoff.
Performing Trick Moves
If you want to add some excitement to your flight, the Syma X400 drone has a trick button. By pushing and holding this button, you can perform flips. You can flip forward, backward, to the left, or to the right. Let’s try a forward flip. Push and hold the trick button, and then bring the drone back to its normal position. You can also try left flips and right flips by following the same process. These pre-programmed trick moves can add a fun element to your flying experience.
Increasing Speed
If you want to enhance the speed of the drone, simply push the right button down. It will beep twice, indicating that the drone will now move much faster. You can observe the increased speed by flying the drone left and right at full throttle.
Overall, the Syma X400 drone offers an enjoyable flying experience with its various features and ease of use. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced drone pilot, this drone is sure to impress.
Slow Speed Controls and Propeller Guards
The Syma X400 Drone is a popular choice for beginners who are just starting out in the world of drone flying. It offers a range of features that make it easy to control and maneuver, while also providing a stable and smooth flight experience.
One of the standout features of the Syma X400 is its slow speed controls. With the ability to adjust the speed of the drone, users can practice their flying skills and gradually increase the speed as they become more comfortable and confident. This allows for a smooth learning curve and ensures that beginners can fly the drone without feeling overwhelmed.
In addition to slow speed controls, the Syma X400 also comes with propeller guards. These guards are essential for protecting the propellers from damage during crashes or collisions. Not only do they prevent the propellers from breaking, but they also help to keep the motors centered, avoiding any potential damage. This is particularly useful for beginners who are more prone to crashing their drones. As users become more skilled, they can remove the propeller guards to make the drone lighter and increase its flight time.
Using the Syma X400 Drone
To start using the Syma X400 drone, you will need to connect it to the app called “Simly”. Ensure that your mobile device is connected to the drone’s Wi-Fi network. Once connected, you can control the drone through the app and view the live feed from the drone’s camera.
The app allows you to perform various functions, such as starting and stopping the drone, initiating video recordings, and calibrating the controls. To calibrate the drone, press the left control button and then push it forward. This action will trim the drone and make it move forward slightly. Calibration is essential for ensuring the drone’s stability and responsiveness during flight.
Performance
Upon testing the Syma X400 drone, it became evident that it requires careful handling to maintain stability. Without any momentum, the drone tends to drift in a particular direction. To counter this, users must push the opposite way to trim the drone and ensure it hovers in place. However, during our test flight, a crash occurred, highlighting the need for cautious handling during operation.
Camera Quality
Recording video footage straight from the drone revealed that the camera lacks gyroscope stabilization. Unfortunately, this means that every slight twitch or movement of the controller affects the entire video. As a result, the footage appears somewhat twitchy, compromising the overall video quality.
Outdoor Usability
Taking the Syma X400 drone outdoors proved to be challenging due to high winds. The drone struggled to maintain stability, requiring constant adjustments to keep it in place. Furthermore, attempts to record video footage while navigating through windy conditions resulted in limited visibility and reduced maneuverability. It is worth noting that during an outdoor flight, the drone crashed into a tree, further highlighting its limitations in such conditions.
Design and Build
The Syma X400 is a compact and lightweight drone designed mainly for indoor use. It features a sturdy build with a sleek black body. The propellers are well-protected with guards, making it safe to fly indoors without the risk of damaging furniture or walls. Its small size and lightweight structure also make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Flight Performance
Although the Syma X400 may not have the fastest speed, with a maximum speed of 10 mph, it is perfectly suited for indoor flying. It offers a stable flight experience, allowing beginners to easily control and navigate the drone without much difficulty. The drone also has a built-in altitude hold function, which aids in maintaining a steady hover at a specific altitude.
Camera Quality
One of the standout features of the Syma X400 is its built-in camera. It comes equipped with a 2-megapixel camera, capable of capturing decent aerial shots and videos. While it is not a professional-grade camera, it provides satisfactory image quality for casual users and beginners. The camera can be controlled remotely from the transmitter, allowing users to capture breathtaking aerial footage.
Control and Features
The Syma X400 is controlled through a 2.4GHz remote transmitter, which offers a decent range and stable connection. The controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easy for users of all skill levels to operate the drone. Additionally, the drone has a headless mode feature, which eliminates the need to adjust the drone’s orientation, simplifying the flying experience for beginners.
Battery Life
The Syma X400 is powered by a removable 3.7V 750mAh LiPo battery. While the battery life may not be the longest compared to other drones on the market, it provides an average flight time of around 8-10 minutes. It is recommended to have spare batteries on hand for an extended flight session.
The Syma X400 drone offers a reliable and durable flying experience for both beginners and experienced drone pilots. Its robust build ensures that it can withstand crashes and bumps, providing peace of mind during flights. The inclusion of two batteries with different flight times allows for extended flying sessions, although charging times must be taken into consideration. Whether through app control or using the physical controller, the drone offers precise and intuitive control options. The built-in 1080p camera and FPV capabilities further enhance the overall flying experience, allowing users to capture stunning aerial footage. Overall, the Syma X400 drone is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed quadcopter.
The Syma X400 Drone is a reliable and user-friendly option for beginners who are looking to explore the world of drone flying. With its slow speed controls and propeller guards, it provides a safe and enjoyable flying experience. The integration of the Simly app allows for easy control and access to the drone’s camera feed. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced flyer, the Syma X400 is a great choice for anyone looking to have some fun with drones.
The Syma X400 drone offers an affordable option for drone enthusiasts. However, it is important to exercise caution and practice careful handling to maintain stability during flight. The camera’s lack of gyroscope stabilization is a drawback, as it affects the overall video quality. Additionally, the drone’s performance in outdoor conditions with high winds may be compromised, limiting its usability in such situations.
The Syma X400 is an excellent choice for those looking for an indoor drone. With its sturdy build, stable flight performance, and decent camera quality, it offers an enjoyable experience for beginners and casual users. While it may not have the fastest speed or the longest battery life, it more than makes up for it with its ease of use and maneuverability within confined spaces. Overall, the Syma X400 is a reliable and affordable option for indoor drone enthusiasts.
