Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 vs JJRC X12 Aurora Camera Drone Comparison

Spec Comparison of the Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 and the JJRC X12 Aurora

In this comparison we compare the brand new for 2020, the Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 and the 2019 release, JJRC X12 Aurora, which is also known as the Eachine EX4 camera drone.

There is a price difference of about $150 between the two camera drones, with the JJRC X12 costing $250 depending on where you look and the Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 costs $449 at the time of release

Physical Comparison

They are both folding drones, with the Fimi being slightly larger when folded up by 1cm.

All other dimensions are much bigger on the Fimi too, meaning that the volume of the two camera drones is quite different with the Fimi X8 SE 2020 taking up 1.5L and the JJRC X12 is less than 1L, at 924cm cubed.

The weight difference is quite large, with the Fimi X8 SE 2020 weighing in at 765 grams compared to the lighter JJRC X12 which is 437 grams ready to fly.

Performance Comparison

There is a large difference in flight speed between the two camera drones. 

The Fimi X8 SE 2020 is capable of speeds up to 65kmh and the JJRC X12 is only capable of 21kmh, that means the Fimi is three times faster in the air, which is better suited to following subjects on the ground.

This continues on with the ascent and descent speeds, with the Fimi capable of 5m/s ascent speed and 4m/s descent speed. The JJRC is only capable of 2m/s ascent and 1m/s descent speed, which is much slower.

You do get a slightly larger transmission distance of 9km for the JJRC X12 Aurora of 9km. The Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 is capable of 8km transmission distance.

For their flight times you get an incredible 35 minutes for the Fimi and 25 minutes for the JJRC X12 Aurora. That is a 10 minute improvement over the smaller camera drone which is similar to the Eachine EX4.

Photo and Video Comparison

The two camera drones both share the same field of view, of 80 degrees, this means the will both see the same image and area from the same location in the sky.

The bitrate on the Fimi X8 SE 2020 is much higher at 100 mbps compared to that of 60 mbps for the JJRC. This does not mean better quality but an indicator of how big the files will be when you record video.

The image sensor sizes are also much different, with the Fimi using a 1/2.6" sized image sensor compared to the 1/3.2" of the JJRC which is much smaller.

In fact, it is 1.08mm smaller diagonally, which isn't that much when the image sensors are around 6-7mm in size.

They both take 12 mp photos but the Fimi is capable of RAW photography and saves DNG file as well as JPG photos.

They are also both 4K video cameras and record at 30 fps in that resolution.

If you require slow motion footage, the Fimi is capable of 100fps at 1080p which means better slowmo video compared to the 60fps of the JJRC X12.

You also get HDR video and F-Log flat profile with the Fimi X8 SE 2020, and just regular video recording with the JJRC X12/Eachine EX4.

Both camera drones use a 3-axis gimbal to stabilize their footage so you will get smooth video throughout their flights.

Summary

If you are looking for a budget camera drone, either of these options are great to start off with.

The Fimi X8 SE 2020 is packed with more features, is quicker and flies for longer.

But the JJRC X12 and Eachine EX4 is smaller and capable of recording decent footage for a beginner aerial photographer and drone film maker.