Comparison Syma X8SW vs Syma X8HC

Maximum flight time of a quadcopter on one full battery charge. This indicator is quite approximate, since it is most often indicated for ideal conditions - in real use, the flight time may be less than stated. However, by this indicator it is quite possible to evaluate the general capabilities of the copter and compare it with other models - a longer declared flight time in practice usually means higher autonomy.

Note that for modern copters, a flight time of 20 minutes or more is considered a good indicator, and in the most “long-lasting” models it can exceed 40 minutes.

Resolution of the matrix in the standard camera of the quadrocopter.

Theoretically, the higher the resolution, the sharper, more detailed image the camera can produce. However, in practice, the quality of the "picture" is highly dependent on a number of other technical features - the size of the matrix, image processing algorithms, optical properties, etc. Moreover, when increasing the resolution without increasing the size of the matrix, the image quality may drop, because. significantly increases the likelihood of noise and extraneous artifacts. And for shooting video, a large number of megapixels is not required at all: for example, to shoot Full HD (1920x1080) video, which is considered a very solid format for quadrocopters, a sensor of only 2.07 megapixels is enough.

Note that high resolution is often a sign of an advanced camera with high image quality. However, this quality is not determined by the number of megapixels, but by the characteristics of the camera and the special technologies used in it. Therefore, when choosing a quadcopter with a camera, you should look not so much at the resolution as at the class and price category of the model as a whole.

Possibility of online video broadcasting from the quadcopter to an external device — smartphone, laptop, control panel with display, virtual reality glasses, etc.

This feature provides several benefits at once. Firstly, it greatly simplifies the control of the device, even if it is within sight; and if the copter is not visible from the ground (which happens often, especially when using heavy professional equipment), then it is very difficult to do without "eyes on board". Secondly, live broadcasting makes it possible to use a drone for real-time observations, as well as full-fledged aerial photo and video shooting; recording of footage can be carried out both on an external device that receives the broadcast, and on the aircraft’s own carrier (usually a memory card — see below).

The specific features of the live broadcast for each model should be clarified separately; however, nowadays, thanks to the development of technology, such an opportunity is available even in low-cost devices.

The control method provided in the copter.

Modern drones are usually controlled by a remote control, a smartphone, or both. Here is a detailed description of each of these options:

— Remote control only. Management carried out exclusively from the complete remote control. The most common option, found in all varieties of drones — from the simplest entertainment models to high-end professional devices; and heavy commercial / industrial models (see "Type") are completely controlled exclusively in this way. Such popularity is explained by two points. Firstly, the functionality of the remote control can be almost anything — from a small device with a couple of levers and buttons to a multifunctional control unit with a screen for live broadcasts and displaying various specialized information. Thus, the equipment of the remote control can be optimally matched to the features of a particular copter. Secondly, you can install a powerful transmitter with a large range in the remote control (whereas the range of smartphones is very limited, and it also depends on the specific gadget model). Well, besides, the control panel is initially supplied with the drone (except that the batteries in some models need to be purchased separately).

— Smartphone only. Management carried out exclusively from a smartphone (or other similar gadget — for example, a tab...let) through a special application; communication is usually carried out via Wi-Fi. This option is good because almost any functionality can be provided in the control application; and the copter itself turns out to be convenient in transportation — in the sense that you do not need to carry a separate remote control with it. However, the range in such a control is very small — even under perfect conditions, it usually does not exceed 100 m, and in some models it does not even reach 50 m; and the actual communication range also strongly depends on the characteristics of the control gadget. In addition, the controls on the touch screen are not tactile, making blind control almost impossible. As a result, this option is very rare — in certain models of mini-drones and selfie-drones (see "In the direction"), for which the absence of a remote control and ease of carrying are important, and the described disadvantages are not critical.

— Remote control and smartphone. The ability to control the drone both from the remote control and from a smartphone. The features of both options are described in detail above; and their combination is found mainly in relatively simple devices, for which the shortcomings of control via a smartphone are not critical (although there are exceptions). At the same time, the main option for such copters is often control from an external gadget, and the remote control may not be included at all; This point does not hurt to clarify before buying. However, anyway, this control format gives the user the opportunity to choose the best option for a specific situation. For example, for recreational flights during a "sally" in nature, you can get by with a smartphone, and for aerobatic training, a remote control is better. So most modern quadcopters that can be controlled from a smartphone / tablet fall into this category.

The presence of a mount for a smartphone or tablet on the quadcopter control panel.

This feature allows you to fix the electronic gadget in such a way that in the process of controlling the machine, its screen is constantly in front of the operator's eyes. This function is relevant primarily for live broadcasts from the device (see "Live broadcast (FPV)"). At the same time, the mount for the gadget can be found both in quadrocopters that initially have FPV mode, and in models that are not equipped with cameras (in which the possibility of live broadcasting depends on the characteristics of the installed camera). However, note that the size of the mount and its compatibility with various electronic devices may be different, so before buying it's ok to clarify what exactly can be installed on the remote control.

The presence of an information display on the quadcopter control panel.

Note that this feature should not be confused with the FPV broadcast screen (see below). The information display is usually a simple segment display capable of displaying numbers, individual letters, and, on some models, a limited set of special icons. However, even such equipment significantly expands the capabilities of the remote control and allows the operator to receive a lot of additional information: battery charge, signal level, range, flight altitude, etc. At the same time, the auxiliary screen is inexpensive and can be used even in low-cost models. And in advanced drones, it may well complement the broadcast display: separating data into different screens contributes to ease of control.

The ability to charge the quadcopter battery from a standard USB port. This charging method is convenient primarily due to the prevalence of USB: such ports are available in the vast majority of modern computers and laptops, corresponding adapters for 230 V sockets and car cigarette lighters are available, and portable power banks use USB as standard connectors. Thus, models with USB charging have very extensive connectivity options and are not limited to the "native" charger. And although the power of such charging is relatively low, however, for most copters, even this is quite enough.