The Yuneec Typhoon Q500+ received rave reviews when it was launched
and the new 4K variant will doubtless build on this success. Many
looking for a 4K Drone will check out the new
DJI Phantom 3 Professional
but the
Yuneec Typhoon Q500 models have more to offer with their
Personal Ground Station which enables you to use the camera detached
from the drone, the Watch Me/Follow Me which is the ultimate selfie
tool, the ability to record UHD at 120fps and the integrated screen .
Lets summarise some of the Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ultimate UHD Video
- Ease of control.
- Follow Me/ Watch Me Function.
- Built in FPV screen on the controller – No external video device needed.
- Gimbal is highly rated and provides great stability for videos.
- Excellent handling in Windy conditions.
- Yuneec Customer Services receives high praise.
- A Hand Grip is included enabling you to use the camera off the drone
Cons
- Controller video occasionally freezes.
- A little slow in speed at 8 m/s
- Flight Limit – will not function above 8,000ft
Conclusion
This space has very much been dominated by DJI with their
Phantom 2 series and now the
Phantom 3 Professional with its 4K Camera. The Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K Drone has a few missing
features and a lower speed but has some great extras such as the
ability to dock the camera on SteadyGrip Hand Controller, the ability to
record in 120fps for Slow Motion and the Follow Me feature . Oh and
lets not forget the integrated screen so no need to house you smart
phone or tablet to fly. We have read many reviews from owners that
have migrated from DJI so we think this new drone a great investment.
Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K Drone
Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K Quadcopter is the latest
drone to be announced from Yuneec International. This new model ships
with a brand new CGO3 4K camera that shoots the latest UHD video and 12
megapixel still images.
What makes the Typhoon Q500 Quadcopters unique is that they are
supplied with Yuneec’s Steady Grip handheld camera mount, so users can
detach the camera from the drone and get impressive close-up footage and
stills.
The new Yunnec 4K drone also includes the latest firmware update to
the Q500 series which includes the ultimate “selfie tools” – enhanced
‘follow me’ and ‘watch me’ modes which keep the drone’s camera locked on
to a single subject as the quadcopter moves through the air.
Many have praised the Typhoon Q500 series for its ease of use and
which makes it accessible to first time drone pilots. With the new
option of this high end camera this drone is severe competition for the
recently released
DJI Phantom 3 Professional Drone particularly as it doesn’t yet have a handgrip.
Key Features of Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K
- Personal Ground Station with built-in touchscreen
- Camera with integrated 3-axis gimbal
- 4K Ultra High Definition Video at 30fps
- 1080p/120fps Slow Motion Video
- Manual Control of video resolution, white balance and light exposure
- 12 megapixel stills with No-Distortion Lens
- Handheld SteadyGrip for capturing video footage
Features in Detail
All-in-One Controller
The Typhoon Q500’s ST10+ Personal Ground Station is an all-in
transmitter and receiver that gives you full control over the quadcopter
during flight. It allows users to capture photos and video as well as
featuring a 5.5-inch touch screen that displays in-flight telemetry
data. When revisiting you device you do not need to re-install portable
devices and your system retains setting so is always ready to go.
3-axis Gimbal Camera – CGO3 4K
With ultra-high definition (UHD) resolution that is 4x higher than HD
of the Yuneec Typhoon Q500+, the camera delivers high-quality images
with the ability to even capture slow motion 1080p/120fps and 12
megapixel photos.
Professional Camera Interface
Real-time telemetry data displayed on the screen during flight
includes flight mode, altitude, ground speed, distance from home, camera
status, GPS positioning coordinates and the drones battery status.
Controls expected by professionals
videographers/photographers include adjustable video resolution and
white balance, while light exposure can be controlled automatically or
manually, including ISO and Shutter Speed.
The camera also allows users to take pictures while recording video,
and the still images are available in RAW (DNG) and JPEG format.
Distortion-free Lens
The CGO3 camera features a 115-degree wide-angle distortion-free lens
that allows you capture your subject without the need for distortion
correction.
Handheld SteadyGrip
Use the Camera on the included Hand Grip in conjunction with your smart phone/tablet
CGO3 Smartphone App
The CGO3 mobile app enables the pilot to capture images, shoot videos and control the gimbal.
Dynamic Return Home
The Typhoon will fly back towards the location of the pilot holding
the ST10+ Controller and will automatically land within 13 to 26 feet (4
to 8 meters).
Watch Me and Follow Me
When
Follow Me is enabled, the aircraft is leashed
to the pilot who is controlling the ST10+. With this feature engaged,
flying and capturing video following the pilot is easy, flexible and
intuitive. When
Watch Me is functioning the Typhhon
Q500’s 4K camera remains directed at the pilot holding the ST10+, in
focus and in frame, no matter which way the drone is directed to fly.
25 Minute Flight Time
The Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K comes with a 5400mAh 3S 11.1V LiPo battery
enabling a superior flight time of up to 25 minutes. The sleek pop-open
compartment ensures you can quickly and exchange batteries for even
more flight time.
Legal Flying Height
The No Fly Zone feature also prevents flight above 400 feet from the ground.
Smart Circle
The built-in GPS establishes a 26-foot (8-meter) diameter Safe Smart
Circle around the pilot, and also creates a geo-fence that keeps the
aircraft from traveling farther than 300 feet (91 meters) from the
pilot’s position.