I’m presently available in the market for a brand new 3-inch FPV drone that’s appropriate with DJI O4 or O4 Professional Air Items. I’ve rounded up the favored fashions and examine them intently. I assumed this is able to be a superb alternative to share my decision-making course of and assist others work out which mannequin may greatest go well with their flying model.
If you happen to’re keen on even smaller FPV drones with the DJI O4 Air Unit (2-inch and under), take a look at this comparability:
Why 3-inch?
A 3-inch FPV drone hits the candy spot for park freestyle ripping— highly effective sufficient for acro tips, but small and quiet. Not like 5-inch FPV drones which are intimidating and loud, and require extra open area, 3-inch quads are compact, extra discreet, and simpler to manage whereas nonetheless being extremely enjoyable to fly.
They usually weigh underneath 250g together with battery, protecting them regulation-friendly in lots of areas. In addition they deal with wind much better than smaller drones like whoops and nonetheless supply round 4–6 minutes of flight time per battery. On high of that, they’re highly effective sufficient to hold small motion cameras such because the DJI Osmo Nano or Insta360 GO 3.
This makes 3-inch drones extremely versatile — good for each clean cinematic flying in tighter areas and agile freestyle in parks, all with out the noise, threat, or problem of bigger drones.
Specs Comparability
Other than my previous expertise with these manufacturers and their drones, and suggestions on-line, we will get a reasonably good thought the strengths and weaknesses of every drone from this specs comparability desk.
Let me clarify the specs and what to look out for.
Relating to FC, the precise processor (F4, F7, and so forth.) doesn’t matter a lot as of late. You gained’t discover any actual efficiency distinction so long as the drone is well-tuned from the manufacturing facility.
For the ESC, the next present score is usually higher, however something 30A or larger ought to be sufficient for a 3-inch construct. One other vital issue is the firmware. Ideally, select open-source firmware resembling AM32 or Bluejay (or BLHeli_S, which may simply be flashed to Bluejay for a efficiency increase). The explanation open-source firmware is most popular is long-term assist — closed-source tasks might be discontinued with out discover, as we noticed when BLHeli_32 was successfully shut down final yr. Whereas present BLHeli_32 ESCs will nonetheless work tremendous, you gained’t be capable to replace them anymore. It’s not a deal-breaker, however value protecting in thoughts for future compatibility. Between AM32 (32-bit) and Bluejay (8-bit), there’s presently little to no noticeable efficiency distinction, so both will serve you effectively.
The enter voltage (battery cell depend) a drone helps will depend on each the FC/ESC and the motor KV. Some FC/ESC stack may take each 4S and 6S, however the motor KV are often designed for a selected voltage, for example, 2500-3000KV for 6S, 4000-4500KV for 4S. Though we suggest 6S for 5inch builds, personally I discover 4S completely sufficient for 3-inch quads — it supplies loads of punch with out the additional weight, price, and fragility of 6S batteries.
GPS is non-compulsory for micro drones of this dimension until you intend to fly lengthy vary. That mentioned, it’s good to have — you’ll be able to allow GPS Rescue mode, which may save your drone within the occasion of sign loss or disorientation. You may at all times add a GPS module later, however for those who’re not very technical, having it preinstalled is a handy bonus.
Lastly, arm thickness is an efficient indicator of sturdiness and crash resistance. Thicker arms typically imply a more durable body that may deal with extra abuse. Concentrate not solely to the arm thickness but in addition to how broad the arms are formed in product photographs — skinny or slender arms are inclined to snap extra simply on influence.
AstroRC Shuttle V2
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The AstroRC Shuttle V2 is essentially the most inexpensive drone on this listing, however I’m not positive about how sensible that body design is. Personally, I’m not a fan of the inverted rear motors. Whereas it seems to be distinctive, it complicates repairs and configuration — notably for newcomers. It additionally makes takeoffs and landings tougher, because the inverted motors can simply get caught in grass or particles.
Due to this unconventional body, the Shuttle V2 is barely heavier than a lot of the different drones right here. Mixed with its comparatively small 1404 motors, it lacks the identical stage of energy and responsiveness as the highest contenders.
Axisflying Manta30
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The Axisflying Manta30 is the costliest drone on the listing — and you’ll see the place the cash goes. It has a stupendous, well-engineered body, high-quality electronics, and beefy 2004 motors designed for 6S batteries. Nevertheless, it’s additionally extraordinarily heavy — greater than 40% heavier than the favored Seeker30! The sturdy body design contributes to that additional weight.
Whereas the Manta30 is probably going a quick and highly effective machine, the added mass makes it much less environment friendly, noisier, and fewer nimble than lighter opponents. One other limitation is its restricted FPV compatibility — it solely helps analog and DJI O4 Lite air unit, making it one of many least versatile fashions on this listing.
Another factor to notice: the digital camera sits fairly far again behind the entrance motors, which suggests you’ll see propellers within the video when utilizing wide-angle mode (each within the goggles and HD recording) — one thing to bear in mind for those who favor clear, cinematic footage.
Fee S30 Professional
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The S30 Professional from Fee is likely one of the most inexpensive choices on this comparability. Whereas its specs might not stand out on paper, it presents glorious worth for cash for those who’re on a finances.
It’s light-weight and outfitted with appropriately sized motors, giving it loads of energy and snappy responsiveness within the air. One widespread criticism I’ve seen is its mediocre PID and filter tuning out of the field, however that’s not a dealbreaker. If you happen to get pleasure from tuning your personal quad (like I do) or don’t thoughts copying another person’s tune, you’ll be able to simply get it flying the way in which you want.
Observe that the S30 Professional are bought with out an FPV system preinstalled, so that you’ll have to buy and set up your personal digital camera and VTX. Nonetheless, for pilots who wish to customise their builds or have already got spare gear, this can be a nice entry-level 3-inch choice at a really cheap value.
DeepSpace Seeker3
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The DeepSpace Seeker3 sits on the premium finish of the market — and it exhibits. The construct high quality and {hardware} choice are top-notch, and the general design feels considerate and well-executed. You’re positively getting what you pay for right here.
Regardless of together with a GPS module, the Seeker3 stays one of many lightest drones on the listing — a uncommon mixture that offers it an edge for each freestyle and long-range flying.
In comparison with the opposite high-end choice, the Manta30, I personally favor the Seeker3’s open development. True, you get much less safety from particles or water splashes, however in change, it’s a lot simpler to entry the electronics, and so they get significantly better airflow for cooling. Most significantly, it’s considerably lighter, which interprets to raised effectivity, flight time, and total agility within the air.
Sub250 Oasis30
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The Oasis30 is basically a 3-inch model of the Oasis25 — Sub250 merely prolonged the arms and fitted it with bigger 3-inch propellers. Nevertheless, it nonetheless makes use of the identical 1404 motors as the two.5-inch mannequin, which struggles on this bigger setup and feels underpowered.
Whereas the 1404 motors can deal with 3-inch props, they’re greatest fitted to effectivity and endurance flights, not for freestyle or racing the place quick throttle response and torque are essential. Don’t get me unsuitable, the Oasis30 will cruise easily and ship first rate flight instances, however it merely can’t match the ability and agility of opponents utilizing bigger 1505 or 2004 motors.
One other concern is its 3mm thick arms — the thinnest on this listing. This raises questions on sturdiness and crash resistance, particularly for those who fly aggressively or follow acro.
If you happen to’re a fan of the Oasis lineup, I’d truthfully suggest sticking with the Oasis25 as a substitute. It’s extra compact, extra responsive, and total flies higher due to the identical motor-to-prop ratio being extra balanced.
Conclusion – Which 3-inch FPV Drone Would I Select?
For me, the DeepSpace Seeker3 stands out as the very best 3-inch FPV drone with DJI O4 on this comparability. It presents the proper steadiness of energy, weight, and design, comes with a strong manufacturing facility tune, and even consists of GPS straight out of the field. It’s light-weight, environment friendly, and versatile — all the pieces I need in a micro freestyle or cinematic park flyer.
Nevertheless, for those who’re on a decent finances, the Fee S30 Professional can be an important worth choose. It’s the most cost effective choice, but nonetheless has first rate specs and strong efficiency. For newcomers or these searching for a easy, inexpensive entry into 3-inch drones, it’s a really sensible alternative. However it appears you’ll be able to solely get it from Banggood in the intervening time.
