Fimi X8 SE 2020 Edition Review - Part 1 In-depth [Unboxing, Comparison, Setup & Updating] GIVEAWAY?

Let's take an in-depth look at the updated Fimi X8 SE 2020 Edition in part 1 of my review series!
Combo amzn.to/2EWDUgt 10% off use code 10XQJCJ9
Basic bit.ly/36t355r 15% off use code BGFIMIX8SEUS
More X8SE accessories bit.ly/30ttBbf
*Don't miss my GIVEAWAY for one FIMI X8 SE 2020 Edition Drone! The Giveaway video is coming up very soon. I want the winner to get the drone by Christmas. Subscribe and make sure your notification bell is on so you don't miss it.*
The Fimi X8se drone has many of the advanced features that are missing in something like the DJI Mavic Mini Drone at a similar affordable price. Can the new 2020 version perform better than the last? Let's find out together and put it to the test in this review series!
My Tried and True Gear that works:
Drone Launch Pad amzn.to/2ucvqsg
One+ 6T Phone - amzn.to/2Ea6O9u
Ipad Mini 5 amzn.to/35YOK0r
Ipad Air 2 amzn.to/2kjcBPw
DJI Action 4K Hat Cam amzn.to/2MAdcgG
Sony 4K Action Hat Cam amzn.to/2I08fKN
DJI Osmo Pocket 4K Tracking Cam amzn.to/2ZyHMeF
Portable Body MIC amzn.to/33cCFjb
SD Card for all 4K Recording that lasts amzn.to/2N8pCce
3D Printable SD Card Tool bit.ly/2QICVns
Portable Compact Table amzn.to/2Q58g41
Portable Chair with built-in Sunshade amzn.to/2DOgPum
Full Featured Mobile Power Station amzn.to/2Whn2rb
Wrist Watch amzn.to/2pHllFk
Series videos will be linked here when complete:
X8SE 2020 In-Depth Unboxing & Setup • Fimi X8 SE 2020 Editio...
X8SE 2020 Flight Test Review
X8SE 2020 In Depth Range Test
X8SE 2020 Cinematic shots in Hawaii
If you want to see how the first edition X8SE did check out my series below:
Cinematic 4K Hawaii Coastline Test:
• FIMI X8 SE Drone Revie...
Residential Range Test:
• Xiaomi FIMI X8 SE Rang...
Country Range Test, No Interference/No Boosters:
• FIMI X8 SE Range Test ...
Maiden Flight Review:
• Xiaomi FIMI X8 SE Maid...
Flight Review Part 2, More Smart Functions:
• Xiaomi FIMI X8 SE Flig...
Unboxing:
• Xiaomi FIMI X8 SE Revi...
Stay tuned and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss future reviews, flight tests, range tests, giveaways and cinematic video here in Hawaii.
Aloha,
- Dustin & Family
Help support our channel / dustindunnill

[@DustinDunnill]

Got some new discount codes guys! Combo amzn.to/2EWDUgt 10% off use code 10XQJCJ9 Basic bit.ly/36t355r 15% off use code BGFIMIX8SEUS

[@edycafe]

The Basic code is already expired.

[@homeofcreation]

@@edycafe yep

[@uberamd]

While I enjoy my FIMI X8 SE 2020, I still find it to be a less polished drone compared to the comparably priced Mavic Mini. The FIMI is faster, which is a plus for some, but the gimbal occasionally moves in a step-like fashion which leads to shaky video and the polish is a hair lacking. There have also been reports of the arms stress-cracking when flying in sport mode. Haven’t experienced that yet personally. Support will also be hit or miss, especially from Banggood. I’ve been fighting with Banggood on my second FIMI X8 SE 2020 order, they sent the completely wrong item and its been weeks already with next to no progress on getting them to actually mail me the correct drone. Just email after email of “we’re sorry.” FIMI X8 SE 2020 vs Mini: go with the mini FIMI X8 SE 2020 vs Mavic Air 2: not even close, Air 2 FIMI X8 SE 2020 vs an old Phantom 4: honestly, I still prefer my Phantom 4. FIMI X8 SE 2020 vs Holy Stone E720/720: FIMI, hands down. This drone can’t really compare to a DJI, but it is 100x better than anything Potensic, Holy Stone, or the other toy drone manufacturers have made.

[@dom_ination0013]

Wow

[@nickmusco8038]

I'm a fan of both but I will agree that the developers suck at writing firmware updates. It was fine when I got it and did the most recent camera update and it messed with my horizon big time. The price for what you get is incredible but the reliability of the features that you get with dji isn't there....I have a friend with a mavic 2 pro and our range from the same area is about what and what and so is battery life. His camera is wayy better but like I said....$$$$ $600 combo with 2 batteries and case vs $1350 fly more combo. However, I'd say the mavic mini and this drone run a close race depending on what you want. I am more of a sport flyer and camera quality and reliability doesn't matter much to me as long as I can cut a few good clips out of a 25 minute flight....I've flown my x8 in 30mph winds. While not the smartest thing to do, it was a test and I really doubt a mavic mini could do that. That being said I will be buying a mavic mini fly more combo for a travel drone/ quick photography. The size of the mavic mini and the features it has puts it in a class of its own, but so does the x8. This is the ultimate drone for someone just getting into the hobby of someone looking for an awesome beater that they aren't scared to crash because it's so affordable.

[@MrCcfly]

@@nickmusco8038 affordable for 100+ $ u joking right ?

[@labhmhatre7805]

u r the best drone guy in this youtube xd

[@Jonnymule]

Thank you so much, just ordered this drone and I feel like I'm ahead of the game.... You Rock!

[@jimjrw]

I have watched most if not all your video's, you are the best reviewer of all of them. I thank you for what you do!

[@timcurry6725]

Thanks for all of your in-depth reviews... Always really informative before I buy my next drone. Thanks again.

[@michaeldaramola]

Hello Dustin, can you kindly make a comparison of the Fimi with the DJI Mavic Air 2. I have a DJi Drone which I use for my b-roll on my KZbin videos. Thanks

[@littlephilo585]

2020 version specs upgrade!! Thank you. Look forward to actual comparison...your the man !!!!

OMG when you showed the gimbal protection but not put in on my OCD started itching. Those last 5 secs of the video put my soul to rest 🤭🤓

[@garypeterson9083]

I bought one of these also but I haven't had a chance to get out and fly it yet. One of the differences between the new and old models is the new one does not have an internal cooling fan. Keep up the good work.

[@WaterWater-hq9tb]

Bro I always learn a ton watching ur channel I’m a rookie but my collection is growing I can only afford lower priced drone but I love flying no matter what I appreciate u taking the time to explain keep doing what u do

[@gimpman1357]

The 2020 doesn’t have a fan and is lighter. Hence longer flighttime. Vents bigger to aid in cooling.

[@MegaStephen1972]

Still loving my original 25 min flight time upto 2mile range in uk and good quality video

[@jimwhite1964]

Why only 2 miles in the UK?

[@Iwotsa]

14:10 adjustable remote I'm loving it. with different cable awesome ❣️

[@NightBandit13]

I'm really looking forward to the rest of your videos on the X8 SE 2020. I'm really torn between this and the Mavic Mini for my first "real" drone.

[@Noises]

I fly this drone down to 10% and I get about 25 minutes off each battery. Depends on conditions, obviously, in higher winds it uses more power. I have had it up in 35 knot winds (!) but it struggled to make any headway in that wind. I've flown it out to 5500m with DLOS and taken it to it's max altitude once (500m) I've had auto return to home kick in a few times due to lost signal because of terrain, but the drone has come back into range and I've been able to regain cotrol of it quickly and easily. Even in perfect low wind conditions with open sky and 16 satelites connected, the X8 Se 2020 struggles to hold a stable hover. It also tends to drift a little even in straight, level slow flight. It's very hard to do flythroughs with smaller gaps with this drone. The speed is pretty fast but it's not a racing drone. The tripod mode I use quite a bit and it flies pretty stable in it, but just flying dead straight forwards or backwards seems to be something it always struggles with, regardless of the wind. It's not too hard to work around though. One thing to be cautious of, I've found at low altitude over water (liek less than 2 meters above water) the drone sometimes loses altitude. I've stopped flying low over water with mine, Once you get over 10m it behaves very well over water, just something to be aware of. Oh and if you want to hand launch and catch it you can like DJI drones, just hover it, reach out, grab it and hold your altitude stick full down and the motors will shut off. This isn't in the manual so it's a good thing to know. (especially since the props and gimbal don't have much clearance at all when landing on the ground! Hand launches and catches will help keep dust and grass out of your drone's moving parts.) The controller is amazing, they really nailed the design. It fits an 8 inch tablet or ipad mini, but will not fit a ten inch tablet. It feels really comfortable to hold for long flights. I get about 6 full battery flights before I have to think about recharging the controller. The 3 axis gimbal is also really well built. Perfectly stable video is one thing this drone very well. I've seen some people complain that the camera is only 4K 30fps but seriously, evry single video I've ever seen about shooting cinematic video on a drone says the same thing, shoot 24fps. This drone does that, so I'm happy with it. The FLOG flat color profile works nicely (I use Davinci Resolve for editing and it has DJI LUTS built right in to the color correction panel.) I have to say I'm really impressed with the video quality in both 4k and 2.5K 24fps. Just the last few weeks I've had my filters arrive, a set of 3, ND8, ND 16 and Circular Polarising. They have made a huge difference in the quality of footage I'm getting now. I have a ND32 on the way too which should let me shoot manually in 24fps, 1/50s 100iso in full sunlight. Overall for filming, this drone punches well above its buy price. The camera is on par with a mid range action camera. Auto modes are ok but I really like the fact I can take full manual control of the camera settings and get exactly the kind of footage I want. The app is OK but it's not great. My main gripes are I wish it was easier to change the RTH location to the phone's location, not the take off position and I wish the camera settings stayed the same. evry flight I have to go back into video settings and set it to manual and reset my video preferences. I've found the tracking modes aren't very good, but the waypoint modes do work great. To be honest I tend not to use the programmed modes. I prefer to fly it manually. Fixed wing mode looks awesome. Oh and one thing that really helps is with my android phone I have downloaded my local area map in a 300x300km block. That means even without a mobile data connection, I get full satelite map connectivity no matter where I'm flying within 150km of home. You can't get a better drone for the price. For a cheap drone it does a lot more than you can reasonable expect. Anyone buying one would be smart to buy two spare batteries, a case, a few sets of props, filters, a gimbal cover and the 12v car charger that charges two batteries and the controller all at the same time. Even with all these accesories, it's still less than a DJI Mini flymore combo. I'm really happy I chose this drone. You can't beat it on a budget.

[@rpguy4]

I have found when flying in windy conditions, to use the Sport Mode setting, really helps with control.

[@moodberry]

Really a great review. Thanks. One question though. I noticed in Dustin's video that on the main screen it doesn't show the number of satellites obtained. Am I missing something there?

[@rpguy4]

@@moodberry @19:30 in Dustin's video, just to the top/right of 'Ready To Go' there is a little GPS icon 14. At this point he had 14 GPS satellites established

[@helenavanheerden8455]

Noticed the new ones bottom vents are slightly larger

[@huntermark1160]

After having the drone for 2 years, I really only dislike the fact that it doesn't have the best range. It's always returning before I get the footage I need. It needs a stronger connection to the controller.

[@mrmr-hm4xi]

Hey , you have a small star wars dude on your table there , I just found a bouch of them , Little metal figures. Never seen those till the other day . O the drone was killer two bra✌cheers✌

[@JDOutlaw1976]

Great in depth review! Trying to decide between the fimi or a dji mavic mini.

[@helenavanheerden8455]

I'm in the same boat. What did you decide and are you happy with your decision?

[@AstroNootFPV]

Hey Dustin! You're awesome! I bought my 2020 version based on your review for the 2018 one and im super happy! Some things to check out: It has bigger SD card support. It has better white balance and also please check out the F-LOG/General footage. Looks a bit grainy to me.

[@potassiumcyanide3857]

Can you review and range yest x8 mini version

[@MrYashka12]

Dont the motors camber in towards the body on the 2020?

[@richierich515O]

Thanks for the great review. You’re awesome 👍

[@kens5431]

One difference is in the motors. Put the two together and the 2020 motors are a little difference.

[@edycafe]

Hello, Dustin! Wow... I love this drone so far! Thank you so much for your review and keep doing the amazing job that helps us a lot before we make a purchase.

[@joberttolop7155]

Damn.. love that drone.. awesome in depth video. Love watching it.

[@taticaldroid9288]

You can decorate it like a stormtrooper drone which maybe popular among Star Wars fans like me . This one is like a long range version of Mavic mini with less perfect hovering stability.

[@r-wheelz7691]

I had to sell my Mavic Santa put me on your Christmas list Dustin lol!!

[@r-wheelz7691]

Bet the ex is kicking herself in the but. Your blowing up man!! I'm happy for you. Hope all is well.

[@fireislandmavic5939]

flight distance test!

[@anandkumargb]

I really appreciate all of your reviews have . I have learned a lot in your channel

[@shaheerburney398]

This is a review I was waiting for. Nice review well explained everything

[@FeverheadClips]

Love your vids my dude their the best

[@Ytremz]

Imagine a FIMI X8 Pro

[@Bixler1743]

Been watching you from the very start Dustin! Love your videos!

[@BigAlFPV17]

Excellent in depth review Dustin!! Looking forward to the flight test video 😊

[@jmoney7233]

You should review the 2022version now.

[@pradyuthurs1477]

great energy... love your videos love from india

[@dronereviewman9580]

I LoVe DRONES!!!!! Thanks 4 all you do!! A camera drone would help my depression so MUCH!!!

[@loopy750]

Nice review. Would be good to see you take out both the 2020 and 2018 versions and compare camera quality.

[@entengsanpedro8007]

Very nice and informative video,awesome knowledge about the product.keep it up man!

[@buildingjmpr67]

Great video once again! Was that the iPad mini 2 that you used?

[@DustinDunnill]

Mini 5

[@gvanausdle]

I always look foreward to your reviews. So thorough. Look foreward to the flight and suspense.

[@charcoal777]

Hi..does the old fimi battery work on the 2020?

[@DustinDunnill]

Yes it does 🍻

[@charcoal777]

@@DustinDunnill thanks ☺

[@anthonyargao9075]

can i use a Fimi x8 remote on a Mi drone 4k? planning to buy Fimi X8

[@Mupshot]

I enjoy watching your review of these different makes and models of drones. I have hit the subscribe and hope to see new content soon. Im envious of your test location, I hope to be back there for my 20th anniversary next year. Im curious about the capabilities of the Fimi X8 in this video. in your opinion, can this machine carry a payload of 6 OZ reliably? I know the mavic pro is capable, but its more than I want to risk.

[@DustinDunnill]

I'd think 6oz wouldn't be an issue at all for the X8 🍻

[@BoneCruncherFPV]

Your the reason I buy drones because you give good feedback

[@jpdionne9922]

I think by far your making the best review on drone .....thanks for that.

[@abdulkarimkalalibachabi5275]

RANGE TEST PLEASE

[@jeremyboyce1537]

There is already one that just type it in .

[@gdhall5311]

Very informative review Dustin, I ordered mine last December and got it in mid to late January so I don't know if this is a 2020 edition or not but I noticed that it does work with both apps.

[@AudioGearhead]

Wish you were here on Oahu. I'm being gifted a Mavic Mini and have watched your videos on it. Seems like an awesome little drone, can't wait!

[@dar309]

Hello everyone, I have two questions: 1. Could someone tell me what the WiFi/RC switch does? This is placed next to the SD card slot. 2. How can I download the videos I am recording with it without removing the SD card? I tried to download them from the gallery option that is placed in the Navi application but the videos and photos are downloaded in 480p.

[@hamishgr7233]

Exceptional work as always Dustin loving your drone reviews that really help me select the perfect drone for me :)😃

[@BennyBalnco2024]

Awesome work I got into drones from watching your videos. Thanks

[@megaglowz8540]

I've always thought these have a very stormtrooper aesthetic. Great video Dustin!!

[@coreymcconnell2329]

The new drone is lighter than the older drone that's why it can fly maybe one or two minutes more

[@GSPhotographybg]

Nice review. Looking forward for the range test.

[@rasterman2792]

Like how you doing your video's very good work 👍💯

[@hrishi_hs117]

Fimi has upgraded much than before growing up just they must include obstacle avoidance sensors

[@doyankuliner9806]

Been a long time Dustin!! Glad to see you again..

[@shotgun4257]

I am so glad I discovered your channel! Hows it bra!! Lol I also never thought i would find someone who is as big of a fan of Stormtroopers as I am. God bless

[@rulonwaite3852]

Nice bird! I have a mavic pro. it would give my pro a run for its money for sure. Thanks for the video and cant wait to see the range distance and battery flight time. Thanks Dustin!!!

[@brucebotti5098]

Thanks for the thorough unbiased review. I am in the market for my first drone to spend more quality time with my three Grandsons.

[@robertbdrone6835]

I always liked your videos. Let’s see what this one’s about today.

[@GARYGOLDIE1]

Great review as usual keep up the great work dustin ! 👍

[@robertrocovelarajr1530]

Great review as always ❤️

[@gold5907]

I really wish luck was on my side for once

[@GiovanniOmegaBarilla]

I'm not surprised so much that there's no physical upgrades other than I'm sad to see that there's no Optical avoidance. I'm perfectly happy with the controller and the way it looks... (Both the controller and the drone) however I've been very disappointed with the company with their lack of communication as well as I ordered new replacement propellers 6 months ago and they just never arrived. I look forward to seeing if they have at least improved the hardware though it had reasonable flight time and distance already. Even though I don't have the 2020 model so far my only regrets is that I don't have more propellers because this was my first and I quickly went through the original six propellers due to lack of any avoiding system. On a personal note I love your channel and value the information you provide

[@Joe_Blo]

You went through 6 propellers because as you stated, this was your first drone. Not because there are issues on how the Fimi X8 drone flies. In fact, it can take off, fly from point to point, hover, take videos, return home and land safely without the pilot having to ever touch the joysticks. It flies just as well and as easy as DJI consumer drones. These type of drones are flying camera platforms, not cheap toy, learner or dedicated sport drones. However, the X8 is fast, agile for its class, and just as easy for beginners to crash into a tree or the ground as any other drone. You get what you pay for. Want a drone with avoidance sensors? Then buy one. Just don't buy one like this without sensors then complain it does not have them. Fimi X8 Propellers are widely available at Banggood, AliExpress, Amazon and Ebay. Complaining in the comments section of KZbin product demo video about sales and service of an unrelated company solves nothing.

[@GiovanniOmegaBarilla]

@@Joe_Blo dude have you lost your mind? I compliment this drone and I compliment your station. I bought this drone because of your knowledge of it and out of all the drones that you have tested. I say that I'm sad because the new version doesn't come with collision avoidance and you go on this rampage. I mentioned the sales of propeller because now they're trying to sell a 2020 version as if it's something new and I'm hoping, waiting for your video so we can find out. Never said I didn't love the drone and obviously you forgetall the other compliments on this drone that I have posted. Whatever

[@rfknapik]

Very informative video compared to what's out there. Thanks

[@billkaroly]

I have this drone. It's not bad. No problems with the drone. I killed my LG V60's usb port inserting it onto the remote. What's the mfg date if your tested 2020? HDR is a joke and some features flight modes do not work.

[@monkeyfpv7866]

Brilliant Dustin. Looking forward to next episode. Will be a fantastic give away. Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelweeks9273]

I'm waiting the next couple days for the fimi mini

[@k1ortia]

Is it just me, or does the front of this quad remind anyone of the stormtroopers..🤔

[@reesrs248]

been waiting for this since you said you’d do it 😊

[@mrguitman99]

I remember the first one you reviewed. Well see if it outperforms it’s predecessor when you do the park review. It looks the same, (stormtrooper look) I remember you mentioned that last time. It be nice to win. Is Senayia helping with giveaway video this time also? We shall see.

[@rowanb7430]

Comparing the two drones it appears the 2020 has larger underside vents 9:19 Perhaps due to the exclusion of the fan for the 2020 model.

[@commanderjhay2958]

Supper cool 😯😯 such a drone I am asking for this Christmas

[@edw9270]

Hello Dustin, great in-depth video. I am curious before you updated the firmware did you insert and format an SD card? The reason I ask is that on my Fimi x8 SE 2020 it would not automatically update the firmware unless a formatted SD card was installed. Thanks for part 1. I look forward to your part 2 video. Take care and good ‘bye for now. Ed W.

[@Iwotsa]

Thanks for reviewing ❣️ love from india

[@django1364]

the Vents on the new version is a bit bigger, I would assume that the internal componants would be different.

[@DeneF]

The center venting on the bottom is a different size on the new one.

[@oscr_zen]

seems legit, same drone, 2020 edition with better specs

[@willproduction2138]

Fimi drones are looking good!

[@dragonpower974]

Hi, I was unable to turn on the power for the controller and I even didn't hear any beep sound when pressing the power button. Do you have any idea what is wrong with it?

[@deshaunmendoza2784]

I've been watching you since a year and a half

[@vikingrage]

DUSTIN - just bought this drone and while i am waiting - i was wondering - do you have to use a mobile phone WITH data enabled to fly this drone? for example - can i use an extra phone with NO sim card in it?? cannot seem to find an answer online...

[@DustinDunnill]

Data not needed as long as you can connect to WiFi initially 🍻

[@vikingrage]

@@DustinDunnill wifi? as in to the drone? i have bought a 7" tablet to u se instead of my phone and i connect to the phone with tethering but i assume its only to get map data right? like if i dont connect the tablet to the phone tether then its just wont show google map data yes? i am scared to try in case something serious goes wrong lol

[@DustinDunnill]

You can usually cache maps of the area you will fly in from your home WiFi before heading out.. You'll need home WiFi/internet to connect and activate everything from home. Internet connection not needed while flying at other locations unless you want to stream in map while flying 🍻

[@vikingrage]

@@DustinDunnill appreciate the answers - thanks :-) friggin LOVE this drone :-D

[@shaheerburney398]

That would be a great Christmas gift

[@shaheerburney398]

I always like your videos before even watching

[@oscardahal4357]

big fan from nepal 😍😍😍😍

[@bedrascal]

Looking forward to the flight test.

[@swyper3690]

You just made my day and Christmas

[@amoghrawal6406]

I was always wating for your video.

[@rpguy4]

There is no fan in the 2020 version, and it weighs a bit less than the 2018, explains the longer flight time.

[@jasfpv106]

what ipad is that ? Mini 1 ?

[@jmoney7233]

Mini 5

[@406fpv9]

Can't wait to see the country range test!

[@ALTN8NRG]

Great demo! Do you think Fimi X8 Mini will beat out DJI Mini 2?

[@DustinDunnill]

We shall see 😊

[@simplefact4u]

Is this device geo zone and lock free ? As in can you fly it anywhere without restriction ? Any difference in RC like CE and FCC DJI has? I’m after best drone without geolock and full power RC

[@keithy4129]

Funny you mentioned that, one of the perceived negatives to DJI are no fly zones but to be honest I haven't run into a location where I cant fly my mini or Mavic Air 2. Yes I own these drones because of Dustin's reviews!

[@uksewingmachineservice7030]

Nice unboxing mate really cool info on it mate keep it up mate great job stay safe mate and your family don 🤠🇬🇧👍👍👍👍👌🙋‍♀️

[@moereefer]

Sweet ur the best love ur reviews long and impressive

[@MrsCynfuller]

How pretty is that!