Budget CineWhoop // DarwinFPV CineApe35 // 4S & 6S

[@that_jason_black]

@9:10 Nick. You could just post a video of your self petting a dog and we'll still watch it. ❤ Enjoying that corner tree powerloop too! 🙌

[@greenfefo_fpv465]

I do a lot of action sports filming. Having a fast and responsive drone with prop guards allows me to get closer to the athletes without fearing injuring them. With that worry out of my head, i can focus on flying and getting the shot even if i need to get aggressive and close up.

[@ruanmakesvideos]

These cinewhoops with prop guards are awesome to jump right into the action and allow me to fly around people to get some awesome action shots! I have been flying sim for around 3 months and a Pavo 25 V2 for the last month and a half. The prop guards give me so much confidence to fly close and around people for things like mountain biking, skiing, indoor, etc. Thinking about a non-protected 4-5" soon but I keep thinking the applications of it will be more limited considering I fly in tighter spaces both indoor and out.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

So would you say your flight goals are capturing scenic and visually appealing flights?

[@kennethheintzeman2892]

Speaking for myself, yes I fly for fun 80% of the time. The rest I'm trying to get that money shot for a video.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

@@kennethheintzeman2892 ah gotcha. Thank for the follow up information.

[@StognaBolognaFPV]

I just picked up one of these in analog 6s variant. I got it for "safety" reasons. I often film chasing rc cars and moving soft targets. Ive gotten lightening fast on the disarm switch but having the guards make people feel better about a 600g quad ripping 60mph at their face

[@willfpv4475]

Thanks for the review! I’ve just built up a meteor 75 pro frame with the walksnail vtx so I can get some safe inside footage. The prop protection helps me feel a bit more secure around furniture and such. My five inch is not prop protected so hitting twigs and branches affects the “smoothness” of my flight a bit more. I wish this came in a walksnail version, I’d be super interested.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic flying and review, Nick! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@stevemartin2274]

Also, you asked why people buy quads with prop guards. As I am quite new to fpv, only flown BETAFPV Air 65, I would like the added protection for the props and as l have lost teo whoops so far, the gps, return to home function could be very valuable.

[@johncarold]

Hi Nick, Great video and review of the Darwin Ciniape35, I happen to like the Darwin lineup, I own 3 and each one is still flying. The cinewhoop 35 looks like another good quad. Thanks again for the video and information on this quad.

[@TheLucidor]

The length of your videos is fine. I enjoy the indepth review and being able to see what battery drain is like based on your flying style is helpful. I have a few darwinfpv 4S batteries. Nothing very notable. They were less expensive than pther options but performance is same as other brands i have. I get 10+ min on a 4s 850 with my crux35

[@philloufpv-zq4vh]

4s vs 6s with a gopro on top... does it "require" the 6s for a full gopro or does it handle the 4s well enough? i'm guessing flight time would probably be cut down a decent amount for the extra 100g

[@JeromeCourtoisCA]

I have a kinda off topic question question: How do you use the amp draw rate information? What does it tell you during the flight and how does it help?

[@NickBurnsFPV]

basically it tells us how efficient or inefficient the motor/prop combination are. The higher the number the more energy they use and therefore the more battery they use. Of course as our throttle going up we expect the amp draw to go up as well. So from quad to quad we want to not only compare amp draw but also the amp draw at the same throttle values. Some motor/props are really efficient at low throttle but not at high throttle and the other way around as well.

[@Nspecthergadget2010]

The only reason I bought one is because I didn’t have one. I’ve built a few and now I’m down to one the cinelog 35 HD. I use it to carry my 11 mini and to cruise around. I’m not a photographer, I just do it for myself and I don’t post too many on KZbin. The over lay on the video looked great 👍. The videos aren’t too long, people just don’t want to take a minute. I see it as the more you. Great review and nice fast flight.

[@stevemartin2274]

I'm thinking about buying one of these quads. Could you tell me more about updating ELRS and Betaflight, should l need to do this at a later date please. 🙏 I don't want to buy one and then find out everything needs updating. Thanks.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

There is much more to updating ELRS and betaflight than I can cover in a typed message. I suggest searching youtube on those terms, there will be many tutorials on those topics.

[@stevemartin2274]

One other question Nick. What type of charger do l need to buy for the XT30 battery connection. I'm totally unsure as most chargers seem to have XT60. Thanks and sorry to bother you again.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

@@stevemartin2274 I use xt60 to xt30 adapters like this one www.getfpv.com/xt60-female-to-xt30-male-adapter.html?afid=ak43czc2Q3dEVk09&referring_service=link

[@stevemartin2274]

That's great Nick. Thank you so much.

[@ko1n570]

How about the flight time with 6s battery ?

[@GR8SCOTT]

Thanks for the review! I love how they do what they can to lower the cost. The Darwin FoldApe4 will probably be my next purchase.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

Creating a budget friendly quad is also good for the hobby. No need to chase newer things just because they are new :)

[@partickstar1135]

I have loads of 4s 1300mah batts so i'm drawn to the 4s version, but is the 6s better for lifting a full size gopro? if I got 6s version would the lower kv suck when I run out of 6s batteries and use my 4s batts on it?

[@partickstar1135]

(or would getting the 4s version and occasionally running 6s batts on a higher kv motor be better?)

[@amin0_acid310]

Great review. Its hard to get excited over another cinething. Not that i have any issues with them, especially in the budget area. Love DarwinFPV for that. It sure rips good in your backyard. Thanks for the video!

[@scottmilano2940]

Maybe this style is attractive to newbies? Prop protection is interesting to new pilots. Certainly a Cetus Pro is perfect for new flyers, but at this size it may just be another thing to break. Also that powerloop you do against the tree in the corner is a nice addition.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

Getting a bit of feedback so far. The most interesting is that the prop protection provides a feeling of durability and therefore less overall cost. Looking to see if that holds up long term. I can certainly see that if the prop guard stays intact it can help save money on props at least.

[@cpn6769]

I upgraded from the DJI Mini 3 and Avata to the Cinebot30. I am loving flying that and my analog tiny whoops. I would love to get into a 5 inch soon.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

what drew you to the cinebot30? Similarity to the Avata?

[@XYZ-2XYZ]

how to install elrs diversty on this cineapa35.... should i change the port from to spi to other port..? thanks before..

[@NickBurnsFPV]

It should have come with an elrs receiver built in. Did you flash a new version of betaflight or something?

[@XYZ-2XYZ]

@@NickBurnsFPV no sir.... i just need to install eksternal elrs on this cineape....... cause the elrs onboard is suck for penetration... on my area.

[@XYZ-2XYZ]

hopelly you can make video tutorial for this quad to install eksternal elrs diversity..

[@NickBurnsFPV]

@@XYZ-2XYZ I am not sure I don't have this one to investigate. I suspect we need to use one of the connectors to attach the RX wiring then turn on that uart for serial connection. Unfortunately I don't see a wiring diagram on the flight controller on the darwinfpv website. Maybe reach out to darwinfpv direct?

[@smokyFPV]

Nick, what are your thoughts on DroneCampts and Botgrinder dramma?

[@MrMartinRome]

Hi Nick, I only have one of these (similar model) and I fly it in my backyard where there is a pond and some trees and it's in a neighborhood. The prop protections make it less intimidating and able to go through small branches. Frankly, it's too heavy and does not fly as well as a light 3.5 inch, like the Crux35.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

yea, no prop guard will outperform prop guard, its additional weight and wind resistance for sure.

[@darkback2]

First off, thanks for doing this review. I used to fly a lot. My current quads are about 10 years old. Part of why I stopped flying was because local ordinances made it difficult to fly pretty much everywhere within 40 minutes of my house. A couple months ago a coworker introduced me to tiny whoops . Given that I live in the Pacific Northwest where it rains 9 months of the year flying whoops indoors has made it so I can actually fly again. I am a school teacher, and I can see using these with the flight club. Mostly because the kids will also be mostly flying indoors.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

certainly, whoops are so nice to have. some hula hoops in a gym would make a nice little course in the school gym, or foam pool noodles or pvc pipes.

[@darkback2]

@@NickBurnsFPV we put together a racegow kit in a box and can set up a few courses pretty quickly. For the beginner kids we have a 2x scale set of pipes so it is easier to get through the gaps. It is also good to just set up a few obstacles spread out for practice.

[@somebodyspecific2410]

I really like the mixed view of goggles and gopro

[@NickBurnsFPV]

okay thank you for the feedback

[@fpvdotkiwi]

​@@NickBurnsFPV As do I . But on mobile a more/semi split screen style would help as the effect is lost somewhat.. can only imagine the same would benefit a larger screen experience? 2c 🖖chur.

[@Mupshot]

I have only one of this style of quad. I won a Veyron35 frame and built it up. I dont fly it often, and it is noisy. I much prefer if I am going to have 3.5in props, that it be open prop, but I like the idea that it has some coverage over the props. it is the biggest PITA to work on given the prop guards are a cage that covers the motors and is a part of the frame. so to access anything on the FC, you must remove one or more motors

[@NickBurnsFPV]

Would you say that the proprotected quad was just an experiment to see if you would like it, or it provides some other benefit which will keep it as part of your fleet?

[@Mupshot]

@@NickBurnsFPV yh. Mostly experimental. I have drawn up several versions of prop protection for my printed quad. That was a miserable failure, but I gained experience points for sure.

[@MADFlyFpv]

2:45 Hmm... that frame shape is suspiciously similar to that of the BetaFPV Pavo25... Regards, Nick

[@Tecorenato]

Hello ! I bought This drone, but 6s iflight 4000mah battery, do you think it Will work? The battery seems to heavy

[@NickBurnsFPV]

wow, that has got to be a huge battery. My guess the quad will lift it but the flight will be hard to control with any speed, and turns will also be challenging. The flights might actually be somewhat short as well.

[@Tecorenato]

@@NickBurnsFPV yeah… i think i Will have to sell the battery and but an right one. Thanks !

[@small-n-fun2061]

I do like that style, because of the protection for the props. I'm a rookie FPV pilot, and I hit walls/branches/things...

[@ssgllc7007]

My neighborhood is relatively close together. drones like these allow me to ease the worries of the mothers in myneighborhood. Also, they seem to be more durable. I have never broken a frame on a Darwin FPV Cinewhoop. As much as I would like to get into the super agile 2 1/2 inch and under “micro” drones… I can’t seem to find a durable DNF in that size. Certainly willing to take suggestions though, I’m all analog and all expressLRS. (I know I could build one, I just really don’t have the time… as much as I would love to)

[@StognaBolognaFPV]

Tinyhawk 3 freestyle or darwinfpv tinyape. Both 2s 2.5" park rippers. The Darwin is a bit cheaper

[@mx118racer]

You have your hands on the new cinebot25 yet ?? So keen . Another one with prop protection like this .

[@NickBurnsFPV]

I do have it. I don't suspect my review will be out for that one until late next week. I have more flying to do with it. So far it seems pretty solid at the size. Carry a naked gopro just find and hasn't given me any fits yet.

[@mx118racer]

@NickBurnsFPV you are the king of micros so your reviews are important to me / us / the community. I have so many quads and builds I kinda don't wanna keep having excessive quads . So looking for a solid 2.5 that will carry the gopro . Ease of changing prop guards if needed . The ymzfpv does look appealing design if they did a 2.5"

[@NickBurnsFPV]

@@mx118racer oh thank you so much. When you are looking for a 2.5incher that carries a gopro, is that a full gopro or a "lite/naked" gopro?

[@mx118racer]

@NickBurnsFPV use onboard o3 for alot , but also have naked hero8 and naked hero11 in geprc case ,

[@scu-dub]

I bought the cineape25 based off your review nick and I love it! The things does whatever I want it to and that's hard to say for alot of cinewhoops.... but you would never know it was the way I fly it 😁✌🏼

[@NickBurnsFPV]

Good to hear your enjoying the quad. Flight experimentation doesn't have to be a top priority. Enjoy the flights however we choose.

[@scu-dub]

@@NickBurnsFPV Exactly!😁👍🏼

[@robertolevy6496]

what drws me towards this type of prop protection is the safety with flying around objects. flying smaller gaps without fear youll hit the props. You can get better videos flying through small gaps.

[@cristianjosadec]

Hello great video ,Do you think the 6s version is better?

[@NickBurnsFPV]

depends what better means. Certainly not better to be under 250grams.

[@davidwlee0351]

GPS tech is kinda strange I have gps units that take a min or so but I have one for rc racing and it locks in on 10-14 sats within 10-15 seconds lol

[@dizzydeanfpv45]

Love your content you've helped me a lot in fpv....thanks for everything!!! I bought a skylite it can be a ciniwhoop 3.0.....or 3.5 ripper!! So both of best worlds!!! STAY FLY😊

[@noohohno]

Excellent review. The good and the bad. Thanks. Adding this quad to the "list". ELRS good. SPI, ehh. OSD update latency is a bit of a bummer. Older hardware is fine. Me, not the hardware is the limiting factor. History of crash, salvage parts, and trash the rest. Would a Caddx Ratel2 fit into the camera housing? Similar price to the Geprc Cinebot30 analog. The other quad on the "list". Nice to have choices.

[@Shauny_D]

This format is great for gigging. That’s the appeal for me, but not strong enough to move away from the pizza boxes i usually have on gigs haha

[@lynsmith1096]

Good review again Nick

[@NickBurnsFPV]

Thank you

[@kitten-whisperer]

I personally am a fan of the two videos over layed like that. Better than having the two clips side by side or one after the other.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

alright. Thank you for the feedback

[@BenadrylBillFPV]

Had my eye on the cineape35 for a bit now… blew an ESC on the Cinewhoop you sent me last year 🤷🏻‍♂️😂

[@NickBurnsFPV]

oh no. Which cinewhoop was that?

[@BenadrylBillFPV]

@@NickBurnsFPV the protek35 I believe, maybe protek25

[@BenadrylBillFPV]

But it got me into digital so I have that to thank you for amongst other things lol

[@Hajile_Ibushi]

I think that's too big. I fly indoors and there's risk of bumping into furniture, it atleast allows me to recover when i hit something, but when you're going to be flying in the open where thre's little or no risk of bumping into objects or people, there's no reason for the propguard. At the speed you fly in open areas, i don't think the propguards are going to save you. That said, having both GPS and propguards seems to contradict each other on what the quad is supposed to be. Usually you use a GPS when you're covering a large area, but flying in large areas would mean the propguards are just excess weight/drag.

[@captaindronieversefpv]

The Props Protector is great . i use cineape25 , withgopro crash from 10meters altitude ,speed 40Km/hours plus minus, and still no damage .

[@mattalford3932]

I like that style. I don't do much freestyle. I like to cruise around. Go through gaps. The prop guards make that easier for me, at least.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

ah got it. Thank you for the information

[@ShadowOppsRC]

For tree and obstacle exploring I use my cinewhoop. Way less to worry about.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

I believe I have seen a similar type of flight comment 3x. thank you

[@GMx_1]

Great review as always. Darwin is a neat brand, the baby ape was a great low cost drone... this one coming to $559 for the DJI 03 does seem like too much... the $259 for the analog is about right. I don't see why all the manufacturers are selling the kits with the 03's in them for $200 more, $300 more... things don't add up. Starting just at $259 you could buy a complete 03 camera and vtx for $229... and still only come to about $490 and for all intents and purposes with a little fitting the 03 system will fit in... but for the manufacturer if they supply the 03, then they are NOT supplying the analog system which has to cost more than zero dollars... so take $259 and subtract out the analog camera and VTX ...those 2 items got to be at least $75, probably more. So $259 - $75 + $229 = $413 so what am i missing??? How are they asking $550+ Regarding this kind of frame design, I bought the GEPRC CineBot 30... it was a struggle to decide between that model and the bot 20, or even the very small super lightweight DJI 03 compatible frames like the Flylens 85. So why did I pick this one? Well, it is a safer drone than a drone that does not have ducts... It should add some toughness to the drone. Certainly the Foxeer Foxwhoops will be super durable, they are really great frames and I actually started off with the smaller Foxwhoop 25 but putting the DJI 03 in there was not working out well... very tight fit. Even the CineBot 30 is not a perfect fit for the large 03 VTX... and I thought it was directly compatible... it is if you also happen to own a saw, a Dremel, some sand paper, etc... I am going to try to add a purpose built heat sink for the 03 to this build and I noticed something interesting, I think the fins align fairly well with the existing cooling slots. So with some minor mods I can have the fins drop outside of the carbon plate on the bottom of the drone - hopefully leading to a way to really keep the VTX cool. Also, you mentioned Darwin batteries - that is a very interesting subject to me as it is impossible to tell if a battery is a good one or not before you buy it - as it is all but proven that the numbers on the batteries is not always correct... capacity and internal resistance being 2 of those items that are important to know "the truth" about their values. So it seems like Chris Rosser has taken the torch on this issue and is currently doing some battery testing and has made some videos on the tests. This is with some pro equipment that he got from Joshua Bardwell so that is cool that Bardwell gave the machine over to someone that would use it to help us all learn what's what when it comes to the different battery brands and types. Some of the findings have been interesting, it is worth checking out what he has done so far. It has influenced me on what batteries I will buy and why... so hopefully what we are seeing is genuine, reliable, well executed testing without any agenda at all tied to the testing other than learning the facts, just the facts ma'am... sorry, very old reference. Cheers

[@SparQz]

I'm looking at them as an indoor video not so much racing style but more cinematic shots. Especially since it doesn't have GeoFencing

[@NickBurnsFPV]

Indoor as in a house? I ask as a 3.5inch prop inside a house is going to be fairly challenging even in a slower flight.

[@KevFPV]

You are fast if you fly, i like SloFlo cinema flying thats why i like these whoops with o3 so i don’t need a GoPro.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

When you say you like to fly slow is that just to explore and maybe the feeling of flying like a bird or is the slow flying to solely get that cinematic shot?

[@KevFPV]

Hi Nick, I live by the sea, surrounded by numerous World War II bunkers. Most of them are closed off, but I enjoy flying slowly over the area, scouting for any openings to explore. I also love gliding low over the beach, experimenting with slow-motion filming flights alongside the waves and kite surfers. For bird's-eye views, I use a DJI Mini 3 Pro with the Motion 2 controller, along with the Integra (i Know 😇)

[@NickBurnsFPV]

@@KevFPV Oh wow, it does sound like you have many great opportunities for scenic flights.

[@StiloFpv]

Nice flying. I bought one today🤠🤠👍🇿🇦

[@NickBurnsFPV]

Thank you

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

I like the set up cool details

[@Editer38738]

U gotta fly a 5 inch in a video Nick !!! Your to good man in alot of our opinions..im sure i speak for alot ..

[@NickBurnsFPV]

I would prefer to "stay in my lane". :) I have flown a 5inch about a year ago, and I was so out to lunch I thought it was a 3inch. smh

[@MrCrowleyandhisdrone]

Cool quad, nice flyin Peace🙂

[@rikofpv]

thanks Nick for your rate link 👍

[@NickBurnsFPV]

my please. Its a question that comes up fairly frequently. Might not be for everyone but its what I use.

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

Really nice drone

[@timofpv6]

Great review!

[@NickBurnsFPV]

Thank you

[@popsfitch7938]

Hi Nick, I like them because I crash ALOT. I think the guards save me $’s on props…. I enjoy the view in view. It helps me see the differences. Later Pal. God bless, Sincerely Other Pops

[@NickBurnsFPV]

ah, so durability and repair savings. Gotcha, Thank you

[@GM_Mack]

0:37 Because I'm scared of killing something with a five inch

[@Divefpv1]

I like it because its more durable

[@NickBurnsFPV]

Got it. Thank you for the feedback. Do you have any quads that aren't prop protected?

[@Divefpv1]

@@NickBurnsFPV yes crux 35

[@NickBurnsFPV]

@@Divefpv1 Thank you

[@HB_cubing]

its so you can fly indoors

[@alexanderallanjoipin8939]

It not really cheap

[@dondupuis4007]

Fly with grandkids, just feel better fly with proper protection.

[@JuicySmullietFPV]

DarwinFPV is at normal quad prices now... hmmm.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

lol, that is a good take :)

[@JuicySmullietFPV]

@@NickBurnsFPV I’m not knocking Darwin. I’ve owned 2 Baby Apes v1’s and my only gripe was the durability of the original motors. I’m just surprised to see their prices as high as they are. If they start to get into GepRC, iFlight, etc. pricing, would you still take the Darwin?

[@NickBurnsFPV]

@@JuicySmullietFPV I wouldn't if the saving isn't substantially enough.

[@JuicySmullietFPV]

@@NickBurnsFPV me neither. I hope they can get back to being budget. That’s their niche.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

@@JuicySmullietFPV I have had some comments that a $40-$50 savings is worth it to some....I suspect it comes down to one's own fpv budget.

[@itsgoofy3189]

Hi❤

[@NickBurnsFPV]

hello there

[@cold-frontin_penguin7902]

Not a fan... to clean for me. I like Frankenstein builds

[@georgeaura]

Separated better.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

Got it. Thank you

[@GreasypoleNation]

They copied OddityRC No doubt

[@NickBurnsFPV]

That could be an oddityRC original design. I wouldn't say that publicly as there could be some other little known designer or company that "did it first".

[@GreasypoleNation]

@NickBurnsFPV I worked in the industry for a Vietnamese guy who owns manufacturing. No names. He definitely copied a few designs. It's a very common thing to do as you know.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

@@GreasypoleNation Yes, when something is good or popular the competition will do just that compete. It might not be on the level competing, but competing none the less.

[@GreasypoleNation]

@NickBurnsFPV keeps designs improving! Lol. Do you feel the oddity was among the best of the bunch ?

[@NickBurnsFPV]

@@GreasypoleNation Yes, in my opinion they build like I would build and the pid tune is really good.... fast or slow flight.

[@HeyMaxBlue]

Why? Kids.

[@130lexa]

Extremely bad customer service. I don't recommend it.

[@NickBurnsFPV]

Can you elaborate please?

[@philthayer4087]

SPI no!