Today, we're diving into a fancy quadcopter designed specifically for action sports filming. Meet the Red Kite XDrei – a unique, innovative drone that not only carries the power of a GoPro but also offers speed, agility, and reduced noise levels. Join us as we explore the features that make this filming quadcopter stand out from the rest.

The Need for a Better Drone

Creators from Red Kite Media, Pascal Zander, found that regular cinema drones didn't quite cut it when it came to filming action sports events. The noise levels were often unbearable, especially during events with live music or a moderator. Not to mention the risk of injury from larger drones like the five-inch models. Enter the Red Kite XDrei – a drone designed to provide the speed and agility needed to film action sports while minimizing noise and risk.

Innovative Design

The Red Kite XDrei is an all-in-one flight controller and ESC, weighing in at 155 grams dry. It also supports full DJI V2 video transmission and comes with a naked GoPro Hero 9, 10, or 11, mounted on a custom PCB. This innovative design allows for better durability and protection of the GoPro in the event of a crash.

Not Your Average Naked GoPro

The XDrei's GoPro is entirely self-contained within the top plate, making it more durable than a regular naked GoPro. The main board mounts onto a custom PCB which houses the power supply for the GoPro and a status LED. The lens element is adjustable, allowing for customization of the angle.

Footage Quality and Performance

The main question on everyone's mind is how well the XDrei performs compared to other drones like the CineWhoop. Upon testing, the drone provides smooth, stable footage, even during sharp turns and high-speed maneuvers. The XDrei is also quieter than the CineWhoop, making it a better option for events where audio quality is essential.

Comparing the Red Kite XDrei and the Gap RC Cinebot 30

When comparing the XDrei with the Gap RC Cinebot 30, a heavier lift CineWhoop, the differences are clear. The XDrei offers a longer flight time, better agility, and a quieter flight experience. While both drones fly smoothly, the Cinebot 30 struggles with prop wash oscillation, resulting in a less stable flight during high-speed maneuvers.

Community Feedback

Looking at the comments about this drone on the internet, the general sentiment surrounding the drone with a naked camera integrated within its frame is a mix of excitement and skepticism. Many users are enthusiastic about the lightweight and compact design, with some considering it a groundbreaking innovation for filming rigs. However, others express concerns about the camera's durability and practicality, particularly in the event of a crash. There are also discussions about the long-standing association between GoPro and the FPV community, with some users suggesting that GoPro has not paid enough attention to this niche market.

Despite the concerns, the overall sentiment appears positive. Many users are intrigued by the drone's potential for filming close-up action shots and its legality in certain regions due to its lightweight nature. Others praise the elegance of the design and the effort put into creating a lightweight setup. While some users compare it to other models and mention potential drawbacks, the drone continues to generate interest and spark conversations about its capabilities and future developments.

Conclusion

The  is a game-changer for action sports drone filming. Its unique design, carrying a naked GoPro while maintaining speed, agility, and reduced noise levels, sets it apart from other drones on the market. If you're looking for a drone that can keep up with high-speed action while delivering top-quality footage, the Red Kite XDrei is definitely worth considering.

In conclusion, although the Red Kite XDrei discussed is not the first of its kind to integrate a naked camera within its frame (there are many builds who have been building naked black magic cameras into the frame), it serves as an excellent example for those seeking to construct small, lightweight filming rigs. This innovative design showcases the potential of such setups, offering valuable insights and inspiration for future drone builders aiming to create efficient and powerful aerial filming platforms. By exploring and refining this concept, we can expect even more advanced and versatile drones to emerge in the years to come.

FAQ

Here are some questions and answers you may have about this drone

Q: Is the camera sensor protected in case of a crash? A: Some users express concerns about the lack of protection for the camera sensor, which could result in damage or loss during a crash.

Q: Can I move the camera between multiple drones? A: A user mentioned that it may not be possible to move the camera easily between drones, potentially requiring one camera per quad.

Q: Are there any similar models available? A: Some users have compared this drone to models like the umma85 and Cinebot30, but there are differences in design and performance.

Q: How does this drone perform compared to other cinewhoops? A: Users have varying opinions on its performance, with some stating that it flies better than traditional cinewhoope which have issues with propwash or drifting.

Q: Is the drone legal to fly in certain regions? A: A user mentioned that in the UK and EU, the drone's lightweight nature may make it legal to fly over people, which could be advantageous for event filming