Nick Burns kicks off with an unexpected reveal — this DollyFly16 built by GepRC under the Sub250 storefront. That small detail matters if you track parts sources in the FpV hobby.
This review matters because the DollyFly16 packages an O4 Pro and RockSteady processing into a sub‑250g frame. That combination changes expectations for the FpV hobby.
TL:DR
DollyFly16 ships around $109 without O4, $379 with ExpressLRS and O4 Pro. It flies cinematic, handles wind well with RockSteady, whistles indoors, and needs basic maintenance.
Specs at a glance
Taker F411 12A AIO FC, 1103 motors at 14,000KV, JimFan 1639 quad props, 2mm carbon frame, ~85mm motor‑to‑motor. Camera sits on rubber balls for dampening.
Weights and battery times
Nick tested multiple packs. Tattoo 5.5 gave ~3:45 indoor cruise. GNB 5.3 and others sat at ~3:30. Smaller 380mAh lasted ~2:30 with low‑voltage warnings.
Calm morning flight — what flying feels like
In light winds (effectively calm on the ground) the DollyFly16 stays tidy. RockSteady onboard recording smooths the footage. For the FpV hobby, that’s an easy win for cinematic runs.
Wind test — RockSteady earns its keep
Nick pushed the quad in 23–32mph gusts. Goggles show movement — onboard RockSteady footage looks much smoother. You can fly in wind, but cinematic shots still require planning.
Indoor sample — props whistle and noise
Indoors the JimFan props produce a noticeable whistle with the prop guard aerodynamics. The sound peaks at certain throttle ranges — not a flight risk, but a sensory quirk for indoor shoots.
Faster/aggressive flying — limits and damping
The DollyFly16 tolerates more aggressive flying. Heavier batteries damp acceleration and cornering. Rubber‑mounted camera jiggles under high speed and crosswind — worth noting for professional shoots.
Build quality, repairs and battery tray
Frame is flexible 2mm plastic with visible stress points near angles. Motors are soldered to the board — replacing a motor means removing the VTX and likely the guards for access.
Practical tip — props that fly off
Press‑on props can eject during turtle recoveries. Community tip: use a short dental floss/thread through the prop hole to tighten the fit before trimming the excess.
Pricing and verdict
Price varies: $109 for frame/O4 optional, $379 with O4 Pro and ExpressLRS. For the FpV hobbyist who wants HD captures under 250g, it’s a strong candidate if you accept a few ergonomic tradeoffs.
FAQ
Does it work with DJI controllers?
Nick links a DJI compatibility chart. If your controller supports O4 Pro, buy the plug‑and‑play version for receiver compatibility.
How long will batteries last outdoors?
Outdoor flight times vary with lines and wind. Expect slightly longer than indoor cruise times if you fly long, uninterrupted lines and avoid heavy headwinds.
Can you repair it in the field?
You can repair basic damage, but motor swaps need soldering and VTX removal. Carry spare press‑on props and basic tools for roadside fixes.
Is the whistle a hardware fault?
Whistle appears aero‑related between guards and props. Nick heard it at mid‑throttle bands. It’s annoying, not catastrophic.
Takeaway
Final note: DollyFly16 punches above its weight for cinematic HD in the FpV hobby. RockSteady delivers; the package needs routine upkeep and acceptance of some build compromises.
Quick nuggets for the skim reader
- RockSteady works: Smooths high‑wind footage impressively.
- Battery choice matters: 5.5Ah gives longest indoor cruise; smaller packs warn early.
- Repair note: Motors are soldered — bring tools or a radio shop friend.
- Indoor quirk: Prop guard causes audible whistle at certain throttle ranges.
Credits
Source: Video by Nick Burns. Original footage and test methodology come from his DollyFly16 Sub250 review on YouTube.
This article was based from the video Big Surprise Early in the video // DollyFly16 Sub250 // DJI O4 Pro Filming Drone
