Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 vs Xiaomi Fimi A3 Camera Drone Comparison

Spec Comparison of the Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 and the Xiaomi Fimi A3

The Fimi X8 SE 2020 is new for 2020 and just released this summer, whilst the Fimi A3 camera drone is over a year old now.

These are Xiaomi Fimi's two camera drone models, with the X8 SE 2020 being the 2nd generation of the X8 SE version, newly released this year with some new features.

If you're looking for a camera drone for less than $599 and are new to the hobby and industry, maybe one of  these two drones could be for you.

The Fimi A3 costs $299 brand new and the Fimi X8 SE 2020 costs $449 brand new, depending on where you look online.

Physical Comparison

There are some differences between these two camera drones, with the A3 being a fixed wing camera drone and the X8 SE 2020 being a folding arm camera drone.

This means the dimensions are much different because of the modular differences.

The Fimi X8 SE 2020 is 21cm in length diagonally when folded up, in its smallest form, with a width of 10cm and a height of 7cm.

The Fimi A3 is 28cm diagonally, 7cm longer than the X8 SE 2020 and 22cm wide and 7cm tall.

This makes the volume of both the camera drones much different, the Fimi X8 SE 2020 wins this one with a 1.5L volume in it's smallest form.

The Fimi A3 has a smallest volume of 4.5L because of it's fixed arms.

The weight difference goes in favour of the Fimi A3, at 560grams in total, ready to fly.

The Fimi X8 SE 2020 weighs 200grams more, at a total of 765grams, ready to fly. This is mainly due to it's battery size being larger.

Performance Comparison

The drones are almost identical in terms of top speed, both capable of 64-65kmh, which is amazing for the price of the Fimi A3.

The A3 also has a better ascent and descent speed of 6m/s and 5m/s which is 1m/s faster in both directions than the Fimi X8 SE 2020.

Transmission distance is only 1km on the Fimi A3, so close up shots are preferred here, compared to 8km transmission distance of the Fimi X8 SE 2020.

Flight time is much different as well, but to be expected with the price difference, the Fimi X8 SE 2020 has a fantastic 35 minute flight time.

With the A3 offerin 25 minutes, which isn't bad as a beginner camera drone.

Photo and Video Comparison

They both have 80 degree field of view which means they should see the same amount below them when flying side by side in the air.

The image sensor size is also different, both offering slightly smaller options in size than the standard 1/2.3" image sensor size most camera drones use.

The Fimi X8 SE 2020 has a 1/2.6" image sensor and the Fimi A3 has a 1/3.2" image sensor.

This means the A3 is capable of taking just 8MP photos whilst the X8 SE 2020 is capable of more pixels and 12MP photos.

It can also take raw photos and save in DNG format.

For video you are limited to 1080p at 30fps with the A3, it does create lovely looking video in bright daylight.

The Fimi X8 SE 2020 is capable of slow motion at 1080p, at 100fps and 4K video resolutions.

It can also record in f-log flat profile, h.264 and h.265 video formats.

The Fimi A3 only has a 2-axis gimbal and uses electronic image stabilization to help smooth out the footage. This is totally usable when you fly in a straight line from one point to another but not so if you are flying about rapidly.

The X8 SE 2020 uses a 3-axis gimbal which makes for smooth film making footage.

Summary

Both are incredibly well priced camera drones at under $449.

You get a sporty little drone in the Fimi A3 and a compact and feature packed drone in the Fimi X8 SE 2020.

Both should see you enter the world of Aerial photography and film making at an affordable price.