Evaluation: Caddx GoFilm 20 Cinewhoop with Walksnail Moonlight Digicam

I beforehand reviewed the Walksnail Moonlight digicam, a competitor to the DJI O3 Air Unit. Now, now we have the primary commercially obtainable cinewhoop outfitted with the Moonlight—the Caddx GoFilm20 Cinewhoop. Let’s dive deep into what this drone provides and if it really lives as much as its expectations.

A number of the hyperlinks on this web page are affiliate hyperlinks. I obtain a fee (at no further value to you) if you happen to make a purchase order after clicking on certainly one of these affiliate hyperlinks. This helps help the free content material for the group on this web site. Please learn our Affiliate Hyperlink Coverage for extra info.

Taken with Cinewhoops? Take a look at my purchaser’s information: https://oscarliang.com/cinewhoop/

The place to Purchase?

The GoFilm20 is on the market for buy from the next distributors:

Contained in the field, you’ll discover quite a lot of equipment:

• 4 x M2*6mm screws
• 4 x M2*8mm screws
• 1 x 1.5mm Allen wrench
• 1 x USB knowledge cable
• 1 x 180mm strap
• 1 x set of paddles
• 1 x Micro USB cable for FC
• 1 x Instruction handbook

Specs

Drone Specs:

• Flight Controller (FC): CADDXF4_AIO_ELRS
• Video Transmitter (VTX): Moonlight Package
• Wheelbase: 94mm
• Motors: 1303 6000KV
• Propellers: HQprop T2×2×3
• Weight: 115±5g
• Dimensions: 133×123×39mm
• Flight Time: Roughly 5.5 minutes with a 4S 650mAh battery
• Receiver: ELRS 2.4G
• Battery Interface: XT30

FC Particulars:

• Microcontroller Unit (MCU): STM32F405RGT6
• Gyroscope and IMU: ICM42688
• Barometer: BMP280
• ExpressLRS Receiver: ELRS V3.0 UART
• Digital Pace Controller (ESC): 20A 4-IN-1
• Blackbox: 8MB
• Supported Energy: 2~4S Lipo/LiHV
• Mounting Gap Distance: 25.5×25.5mm
• Firmware Goal: CADDXF4_AIO_ELRS

Construct and Design

The Caddx GoFilm20 Cinewhoop stands out with its light-weight and compact design, weighing in at simply round 121 grams.  This makes it potential to maintain the entire weight underneath 250 grams with a 4S 650mAh battery (sometimes weighs round 75g), an important issue for these acutely aware about drone laws.

For context, right here’s a dimension comparability with the BetaFPV Pavo 20.

On the coronary heart of the GoFilm20 is the Walksnail Moonlight digicam. This 4K digicam comes with an ND filter and is mounted on an anti-vibration mount on the entrance of the drone, aiming to attenuate shaky footage. The flexibility to vary ND filters simply is a plus for adapting to totally different lighting situations shortly.

The body is designed across the Walksnail Moonlight digicam which helps 4K 60fps recording, and provides 1080p video feed again to your Walksnail goggles. On the underside there’s a big reduce out for airflow and cooling.

From a design perspective, the GoFilm20 is remarkably user-friendly. Key elements like firmware replace connectors, the SD card slot, and management buttons are all readily accessible, which I drastically recognize. This considerate format enhances the general consumer expertise, particularly when within the discipline.

The drone options 1303 6000KV motors paired with tri-blade propellers enclosed inside protecting ducts. This setup enhances security, minimizing dangers throughout indoor flights or shut encounters with obstacles.

One minor gripe I’ve is the continued use of a micro USB connector for the flight controller. In an period the place USB-C is turning into commonplace resulting from its robustness and ease of use, this appears like a missed alternative for modernization. Nevertheless, the silver lining is the position of the micro USB port, which is strategically positioned for simple entry.

The video transmitter and receiver antennas are thoughtfully secured on a 3D printed mount on the drone’s rear, which provides a layer of sturdiness and stability to the setup.

The all-in-one (AIO) flight controller integrates an ExpressLRS receiver (UART based mostly), simplifying the setup. The drone’s meeting is user-friendly, making disassembly and repairs comparatively simple—there are solely 5 screws you might want to take away.

Right here’s an in depth up of the flight controller board.

Flight Efficiency

Flying the GoFilm20 Cinewhoop is really a delight. Its agility and responsiveness make it a pleasure to pilot. The drone handles properly, able to executing nimble maneuvers and sustaining secure flight, even when navigating near obstacles.

Nevertheless, I seen some propwash and vibration with the inventory PID tune. Thankfully, Gyroflow is impressively efficient at eliminating these shakes and jello, making certain that after the footage is stabilized in post-production, these minor points are hardly noticeable. Usually, these shakes aren’t a serious concern as a result of with a cinewhoop, you’re sometimes cruising easily moderately than performing aggressive acrobatics. With some further PID and filter tuning although, I’m assured that propwash and vibration might be additional minimized. In the event you’d like me to fine-tune this quad and share the settings, please drop a request within the feedback.

The GoFilm20 provides 5 minutes of flight time with a 4S 650mAh LiPo battery and about three to 4 minutes with a 4S 450mAh. That is pretty commonplace for 2-inch cinewhoops, offering first rate flight time for a satisfying session.

Concerning picture high quality, the Moonlight digicam impresses with its 4K 60fps video functionality and help for Gyroflow stabilization. Nevertheless, to be utterly trustworthy, whereas the picture high quality is kind of good, it nonetheless barely lags behind the DJI O3 Air Unit with the present firmware. I hope they’ll enhance it in future updates as a result of I do consider the Moonlight has potential. Regardless of this, being able to file in 4K in such a compact drone is a major benefit, and the general design of the GoFilm20 is commendable for its integration of high-level options in a streamlined package deal.

The way to Setup

Contained in the field, you’ll discover the official handbook, which provides detailed steerage for getting began with the drone.

Out of the field, the drone arrives pre-configured with Betaflight, which was surprisingly effectively arrange. I discovered that solely minor tweaks had been obligatory for the maiden flight. It’s value noting that whereas the PID and Filters have been barely adjusted, based mostly on my testing, there appears to be some room for enchancment.

The drone was loaded with Betaflight 4.4.3, and the FC board goal is BETAFLIGHTF4. You will get the unique CLI dump/diff right here.

Changes I Made in Betaflight:

• Configuration Tab: Allow ESC Beacon to assist find the drone in case of a crash.
• Preset Tab: Apply the ExpressLRS preset appropriate in your packet fee to optimize smoothness of your inputs
• PID Tuning Tab: Alter Charges/Expo based on your flying model and preferences.
• Modes Tab: Assign an arm change.

Binding the Receiver:

The GoFilm20’s receiver is a Happymodel EP1/2 2.4GHz, pre-loaded with firmware model 3.0.1. To bind the receiver, comply with the information obtainable right here: https://oscarliang.com/bind-expresslrs-receivers/

ESC:

The built-in ESC within the AIO Flight Controller is pre-flashed with Bluejay firmware (0.19, 48KHz, goal F-H-40), so there’s no want for added flashing.

Last Ideas

The Caddx GoFilm20 Cinewhoop is right for anybody seeking to seize high-quality video in tighter areas the place bigger drones wouldn’t dare to fly. Its ducted propellers and compact dimension enable it to slide by way of tighter gaps safely, making it good for indoor shoots or carefully packed environments. Furthermore, its comparatively quiet in comparison with bigger FPV drones, making it much less intrusive, preferrred for locations the place noise could possibly be a priority. Its integration with the Walksnail system, ease of use, and strong construct high quality make it a compelling selection for each seasoned pilots and newcomers to the drone cinematography scene. Nevertheless, it’s not made for crashing because of the skinny prop guards.

The GoFilm20 is on the market for buy from the next distributors:

In conclusion, if you happen to’re out there for a small, succesful HD drone that mixes portability with first rate filming capabilities, the Caddx GoFilm20 Cinewhoop is value contemplating. Its efficiency and have set present nice worth, promising exhilarating flying and filming experiences proper out of the field.