Are you in the market for a new cinematic drone? We’ve synthesized reviews from various YouTube reviewers to bring you a comprehensive look at the Emax CineHawk Mini. This review combines insights to save you time and help you make an informed decision.
The Good
Design and Build
The Emax CineHawk Mini features a robust design with a clean and dirty system using rubber grommets, ensuring a stable flight experience. The frame is carbon fiber, approximately 3mm thick, which offers durability without adding excessive weight. The design also accommodates a GPS module, though it doesn’t come pre-installed.
Camera and VTX
Built for the DJI system, the CineHawk Mini includes a camera and VTX, positioned for optimal performance. The camera provides smooth video indoors, making it suitable for cinematic shots within confined spaces. According to Half Chrome, the DJI O3 air unit offers excellent camera quality, further enhanced by gyro flow or DJI's RockSteady for stable footage.
Flight Time
When it comes to flight time, the CineHawk Mini performs admirably with various battery options. Using a 930mAh 4S battery, you can achieve up to 9 minutes of flight time. Other battery options, like the 850mAh and 720mAh, offer respectable durations ranging from 6 to 8.5 minutes.
Durability and Build Quality
Half Chrome praises the durability of the CineHawk Mini, noting the solid build of the propeller guards and the overall sturdy construction. The drone's dampening system helps stabilize the battery, adding to its resilience during flights.
The Bad
Outdoor Performance
The CineHawk Mini struggles with stability in outdoor settings. Reviewers noted consistent jitters and wobbles in the video footage, even on calm days with minimal wind. This instability undermines its potential for outdoor cinematic work. Nick Burns highlighted that the drone's footage was not smooth outside, which is a significant drawback for those looking to capture stable outdoor shots.
Lack of GoPro Mount
A significant drawback is the absence of a GoPro mount. If you want to use a light or naked GoPro, you'll need to engage in some heavy DIY modifications, which isn’t ideal for most users. Half Chrome prefers the DJI O3 air unit over adding a GoPro, citing the camera's quality as sufficient for most needs.
Build Complexity
Reviewers found the assembly process challenging, with a lack of clear instructions. Routing cables and ensuring secure connections took considerable effort, and some parts, like the antenna, seemed loosely fitted, potentially contributing to the vibration issues. Half Chrome mentions that installing the VTX is a tedious process that requires patience and precision.
Why You Should Buy This Product
Indoor Cinematics
If your primary use case involves indoor filming, the Emax CineHawk Mini excels. Its design and flight stability indoors provide smooth video quality, making it a strong contender for indoor cinematic projects.
Competitive Pricing
The pricing of the CineHawk Mini is competitive, especially if you opt for the version without the VTX and camera. This makes it an affordable entry point for users looking to experiment with cinematic drones without a hefty investment.
Lightweight and Durable
The drone’s lightweight design at 144 grams (without battery) makes it easy to handle, and its carbon fiber frame ensures it can withstand minor crashes and bumps during flights. The durable propeller guards add another layer of protection, making it suitable for tighter indoor spaces.
Final Thoughts
Based on the reviews, the Emax CineHawk Mini is a mixed bag. It shines in indoor settings but falters outdoors due to video stability issues. The lack of a GoPro mount and the complex assembly process may deter some users. However, its competitive pricing and decent flight times make it worth considering for indoor cinematics.
Half Chrome's review provides a more favorable view, highlighting the drone's durability, build quality, and excellent indoor performance. He recommends the CineHawk Mini for its smooth footage capabilities with the DJI O3 air unit and praises its construction and design features.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a drone primarily for indoor filming and are okay with some DIY modifications, the Emax CineHawk Mini is a viable option. For outdoor enthusiasts, other drones in the same price range might offer better stability and versatility.
Where To Buy
Do you have any questions or experiences with the Emax CineHawk Mini? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
