If you're a drone enthusiast or a filmmaker, you may have heard of cinewhoops. But what exactly are cinewhoops?
A cinewhoop is an FPV drone that can be used to film in confined spaces. Smooth filming and the safety of people involved in the filming process are paramount. In contrast to conventional drones, cinewhoops are smaller and have so-called prop guards or ducts around their propellers. These not only provide protection for the drone, but also make it quieter and safer around people.
Cinewhoops are usually equipped with high-quality cameras (GoPro, Insta360, DJI Action) in addition to the built-in FPV system. Thanks to their design and the skill of the pilot, the images captured by Cinewhoops are steady and stable. This makes them perfect for filming indoors such as warehouses, offices and restaurants. In addition, the footage can be digitally stabilized afterwards using programs such as GyroFlow and Reelsteady.
FPV Cinewhoops have revolutionized the way (drone) filming is done. As we have already mentioned, the prop guards not only provide protection for the drone, but also make it quieter and safer when flying close to people, buildings and objects. So you usually don't have to worry about scratching a car with it. In addition, crashes are less likely, as the copter simply bounces off a wall and can continue flying. However, the prop guards not only protect the propellers, but also contribute to the overall weight of the drone due to their weight. This makes it smoother and easier to control in flight. Cinewhoops are much less maneuverable than their 5-inch counterparts, which in this case benefits the video recordings.
Most cinewhoops come in 3 inch and smaller sizes, which makes them perfect for action cameras. But not so good for the larger, more professional setups. However, they are still able to fly around obstacles quickly.
Thanks to their ability to easily navigate through obstacles and tight spaces, they have become a popular tool for capturing stunning images that were previously impossible to achieve. For example, flying through tree branches, through slightly open windows and between people.
What has brought cinewhoops so deep into the movie world? One of the biggest advantages of FPV cinewhoops is the ability to capture footage from unique angles. Sure, a person with a gimbal can probably walk between people in the office, but can that same person fly out the window in the same shot without editing to show the beautiful background? Or fly from the park into the office? No.
Cinewhoops can fly close to the ground or even through small openings, providing a perspective not possible with traditional cameras. This unique perspective adds depth and creativity to footage, making it more interesting and visually appealing.
Powerful FPV cinewhoops are also ideal for capturing fast-paced action sequences. Thanks to their small size and prop guards, they can easily follow a subject without getting in the way.
But Cinewhoops don't just have to be used as a professional tool for cameramen and film productions. Thanks to their light weight and smooth behavior, they are suitable for beginners and professionals alike! If you're a hobbyist who doesn't have large spaces available for your usual training or flying sessions, Cinewhoops are perfect for having a lot of fun in small spaces (such as woods, playgrounds, houses, etc.). They are also popular for creating stunning content for Instagram, TikTok and more! Here are a few hobby and professional uses you can consider:
FPV cinewhoops are becoming increasingly popular. The market is literally exploding with possibilities!
The most popular cinewhoops under 250g include:
GEPRC CineLog25 HD
GEPRC CineLog25 HD can be purchased as an analog version (Runcam Wasp camera) or as a digital version (DJI system). With the DJI system, you can dispense with the additional action camera on the drone, depending on the intended use. The quality may not be perfect, but it is good enough to publish on YouTube, for example! The GEPRC CineLog25 has also been designed to be durable and easy to repair. The modular design allows the user to easily replace or upgrade components.
Available in: Digital and Analog
Flyable Action Cameras: Naked GoPro, Insta360 GO2
BetaFPV Pavo25
The BetaFPV Pavo25 is available in analog (140g) and digital (153.3g) versions. BetaFPV is known for developing products that are easy to assemble and use. With the new 2.5 inch pavo, they have ensured that the frame can be mounted with just 6 screws! Made from high quality PA12 material, it has a sturdy injection molded frame for durable use. In addition, it supports many FPV cameras.
Available in: Digital and analog
Flyable action cameras: Naked GoPro, Insta360 GO2
iFlight Defender 25
Depending on the battery selected, the iFlight Defender 25 can appear in the category under 250g as well as under 500g (with a 550 mAh battery it weighs 249g, with a 900 mAh battery 280g). The standard 550mAh battery is included in the package. The iFlight Defender 25 is the newest member of the iFlight Cinematography family and the most compact and lightweight cinewhoop of its kind.
Available in: Digital
Flyable Action Cameras: Naked GoPro, Insta360 GO2
The most popular cinewhoops under 500g include:
GEPRC Cinebot30
The new Cinebot30 series takes your drone videography to the next level and brings you into the real world to capture extreme footage. The Cinebot 30 is a new generation of FPV camera drones developed by the GEPRC team. The aluminum parts of the camera are still made of high-strength 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. The special feature of some GEPRC drones: The shock-absorbing TPU pad is designed to do an excellent job of isolating the high-frequency vibrations of the fuselage, so the camera can still capture jello-free, high-resolution images even during high-speed flights.
Available in: Digital and analog
Flyable action cameras: GoPro Hero 11, DJI Osmo Action 3
iFlight Protek35
The iFlight Protek35 (SALE) is a powerful 3.5-inch cinewhoop designed to capture cinematic shots. The Protek35 has also been designed to be durable and easy to repair. The modular design allows the user to easily replace or upgrade components. An external action camera can be attached for the best video quality. The copter offers 50% more speed and thrust compared to its 3-inch predecessor. In addition, the battery connection has been integrated into the frame.
Available in: Digital and analog
Flyable action cameras: GoPro Hero 11, DJI Osmo Action 3
DJI Avata
The DJI Avata is currently DJI's flagship FPV drone. There are several good reasons why it is very suitable for beginners. These include the many safety functions. There is an emergency brake that holds the drone in place when activated. In addition, the drone automatically returns to the starting point when the battery runs out. The starting point (marked as "H") is also permanently visible in the FPV video goggles. This means you won't lose your bearings so easily.
New pilots can gradually feel their way towards free FPV flying (acro), as there are different levels of control. With the motion control unit, the DJI Avata can be flown in normal and sport mode. The drone is controlled by hand movements. Once you feel really confident, you can upgrade to the DJI FPV remote control 2 and unlock manual mode. Here, the drone is no longer stabilized and you have complete freedom of control. A great thing!
Available in: Digital
Flyable action cameras: Not intended for this purpose
The most popular cinewhoops for hobby and professional use include:
Diatone FPV Taycan C3.1 6S
The Diatone Taycan C3.1 6S is a popular cinewhoop known for its high performance. It is normally flown with 6S batteries. This enables longer flight times. The copter can stay in the air for more than 5 minutes with a battery and an action camera. The Taycan requires an external, high-quality camera to be placed on top of the Taycan to achieve the best cinematic results.
In addition, the Taycan C3.1 6S is designed to be durable and easy to repair. The modular design allows the user to easily replace or upgrade its components.
Available in: Analog, upgradeable to DJI Air Unit
GEPRC Crown HD
The GEPRC Crown HD is known for its low noise level during flight, which can be advantageous when flying close to people. Although it is already equipped with a digital FPV system, it is recommended to use an external camera on this cinewhoop. Depending on the digital system, the onboard quality is already very good, but still not good enough for professional use.
Available in: Digital
GEPRC CineLog35 V2
The GEPRC CineLog35 V2 (soon available from us) is the new version of the popular CineLog35. The GEPRC team has implemented some improvements here. For example, the aluminum parts have been improved, which provides more stability. In addition, the battery connection has been integrated into the frame so that there is less cable clutter. The DJI O3 Air Unit is now easier to access and the copter should have more power thanks to new motors. This all sounds like a successful update of this model.
Available in: Digital and analog
Flyable action cameras: GoPro Hero 11, DJI Osmo Action 3
Before you decide on a Cinewhoop that meets all your requirements, you should ask yourself a few important questions:
We hope this guide has helped you make the best decision when it comes to the Cinewhoops. If you have any questions, feel free to write to us and share your flight footage on Instagram and TikTok.
Du möchtest immer auf dem Laufenden bleiben?
Dann abonniere jetzt unseren FPV24 Newsletter!
