Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 vs UpAir 2 Ultrasonic 3D Camera Drone Comparison

Spec Comparison of the Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 and the UpAir 2 Ultrasonic 3D

This is a comparison of two very different camera drones, the Fimi X8 SE 2020 is a folding arm camera drone for aerial photography and film making.

The UpAir 2 Ultrasonic 3D is a fixed wing quadcopter which resembles the style of a DJI Phantom.

The Fimi was released in the last few weeks with the UpAir being released early in 2019, so just over a year old.

The price is very similar between the two camera drones, between $399 and $499 depending on where you look online.

Physical Comparison

The physical dimensions of these two camera drones are very different. Because of the folding arms on the Fimi, it means it can be folded way to a size of 21cm in diagonal length and 10cm wide, when looking from above. It is only 7cm in height when all folded up too.

The UpAir 2 is much larger, because it doesn't fold away, it is 43cm by 36cm when looking at from above and 25cm tall.

This makes the volume of the UpAir 2 Ultrasonic 3D nearly 4L in size, compared to the 1.5L of the Fimi X8 SE 2020.

There is also a considerable difference in weight too, with the UpAir 2 weighing nearly double that of the Fimi X8 SE 2020.

The Fimi X8 SE 2020 weighs 765 grams ready to fly and the UpAir 2 weighs 1350 grams.

Performance Comparison

These two drones have great performance features and to start off both have decent max top speeds.

The Fimi is capable of speeds up to 65kmh, whilst the UpAir 2 is slightly slower but also capable of decent top speeds of 50kmh.

Ascent and descent speeds a little better on the Fimi, with a 5m/s ascent speed and a 4m/s descent speed.

The UpAir 2 falls short a little here and is slightly slower, with a 4m/s ascent and a 2m/s descent speed.

The transmission distance is not as good as the Fimi either, UpAir 2 is capable of 2km transmission distance.

The Fimi has one of the best transmission distances on the market, capable of up to 8km.

Same with the flight time, Fimi are pushing this features capabilities with a 35 minute flight time. Compared to 24 minutes for the UpAir 2 Ultrasonic 3D.

Photo and Video Comparison

We don't have all the details on the UpAir 2 and missing the sensor model information for the Fimi.

The UpAir 2 actually has a larger image sensor, infact it uses multiple sensors to create the 3D photos and video and uses two 1/2.3" sized image sensors in its camera.

These are slightly larger than the Fimi which uses a 1/2.6" sized image sensor.

Both take 12MP photos and are 4K video ready camera drones.

At 1080p the Fimi can record frame rates of up to 100 fps and the UpAir 2 is only capable of 60fps, which means if slow motion footage is required you are better off with the Fimi X8 SE 2020.

The UpAir 2 Ultrasonic 3D does have 2 camera sensors though which means that 3D footage can be recorded if that is required and one of the only camera drones on the market that we know about with this feature.

The Fimi can also take DNG and RAW photos, whilst the UpAir 2 is limited to JPEG photography.

You also get HDR and f-log flat profile video recording with the Fimi, and neither of these with the UpAir 2.

Both use a 3-axis gimbal to smooth their cameras footage and recording in the air.

Summary

You have two very solid options here in terms of photo and video features, both offering completely different things.

If you want portability, the Fimi X8 SE 2020 is the drone for you, it has 1080p with slow motion and 4K video recording.

The UpAir 2 Ultrasonic 3D can take 3D photos and videos which is a unique feature not found anywhere else on any camera drone we are aware of.

It is bulkier and slighty more expensive but not by much.