By technical editor Matt Allard:
Shenzhen Hubsan Technology is probably not a name that most people are familiar with. Based in Dongguan China they have been making remote control helicopters, planes and quadcopters since 2010.
Until now, most of their product releases have been aimed more at the hobbyist rather than the film maker. This has changed with the introduction of the Hubsan X4 Pro. The X4 Pro features a 3 axis gimbal, GPS positioning, a 40 minute flight time, automatic take off and land as well as a parachute system that deploys in the event of an emergency. The parachute system is re usable which is a nice feature.
Aimed at professional users, the X4 Pro features its own 1080P camera that looks very much like a GoPro. Interestingly enough earlier test videos of the X4 Pro showed the quadcopter using a GoPro. Whether the included camera on the X4 Pro is actually a rebadged GoPro is unknown – but it may be that a genuine GoPro can be fitted to the craft in any case.
The remote control features a built-in screen where a real time image can be viewed. The video transmission range is said to be between 300-2000 meters (clover leaf or patch antennas with different range). Just how good the quality of the camera is will very much determine if the X4 Pro is adopted by film makers.
Waypoint settings can also be set to allow the X4 Pro to go to a pre-determined spot, shoot video and then move on to the next location.
Below is a video of footage taken from the X4 Pro. Sadly the vision does not seem to be that impressive in my opinion – a better camera may be called for.
There is no indication of pricing yet but the X4 Pro is expected to start shipping in March this year. Industry experts are predicting that the price will be well under $1000 US by the time is reaches US and European stores. Online store Banggood has it priced at $499 US on pre-order if you want to import it yourself. If these estimates prove to be correct, it could make it a very interesting competitor for bigger brands such as DJI. Hubsan will have a stand at CES in Las Vegas where they will have the X4 Pro on display.
Hubsan X4 PRO Description:
Brand Name: Hubsan
Item NO.:H109S
Item Name: Hubsan H109S X4 PRO RC Quadcopter Drone
Battery:11.1V 7000 mAh Lipo battery (To be confirmed)
ESC:30A
Flight time: Approximately 25 minutes
Transmitter: FPV version
Frequency: 2.4GHz/ 5.8GHz
Video Distance:300-1000 meters
Motor to Motor distance:260mm
Hubsan X4 Pro Features:
Precise Aerodynamic light weight Design
Super strong PC plastic material body shell
High definition 1080 Hubsan Camera
Fatshark goggles compatible (To be confirmed)
3D Camera Gimbal
Wireless Upgradable design for future update
Customer preference setting adjustable on TX(no need to connect to the computer)
Multifunctional landing gear
Battery charging time adjustable.
GPS with Return To Home with Intelligent Orientation Control Headless mode (To be confirmed)
Barometer precise altitude hold
Safe return to home mode and safety parachute feature
APP Waypoint settings can be enabled to set flight path
Automatic take off and landing
Package included:
1 X Hubsan H109S X4 PRO RC Quadcopter Drone
1 x First Person View RC Transmitter
