Many sources agree that the Eachine EX5 is modeled after the DJI Mavic Mini. However, the look and styling is just about all they have in common.
This quadcopter comes with a 4K camera, long battery life of 30 minutes and FPV transmission among others. It is also packed rich with automatic functions so that even beginner pilots can have a great time with it.
While this drone claims it comes with a 4K camera, it lacks a 3-axis gimbal for stabilizing the camera. In that case, it does not always take distortion-free footage.
This doesn’t mean it does not have a means of stabilization. It comes with electronic stabilization, but it is just never as good as a mechanical one.
There is no information about whether the drone has a micro SD card slot. Another downside is that it is not possible to adjust the vertical angle of the camera on the remote controller. There just isn’t a key for that function.
You can buy the 2.4G or the 5G WiFi versions of this quadcopter. The former has an image transmission distance of 200 meters while the latter can transmit over a distance of 1000 meters.
In the upcoming sections, we are going to see the features that the EX5 comes with, the design and build quality, battery, remote controller and many more.
Note: we are reviewing the EX5 2.4GHz version here.
Eachine EX5 Features & Technical Details
A quadcopter is only as good as the features that it comes with. Here are the most notable things about this quadcopter:
Design and build quality
Design – It is foldable, which makes it easy to carry with you. Besides, it comes with its storage bag. You can fold it with everything intact, including the blades.
Size and weight – This is a small, toy-class quad. It measures 9.8 by 11.4 by 2.3 inches when it is unfolded. When you fold it up, it measures 5.5 by 3.3 by 2.3 inches.
It weighs 229 g, so you do not need to register it with the FAA if you are in North America.
Motors – You can fly this quad through two or three batteries and the motors will not overheat. It uses 1406 brushless motors. Of course, brushless is better than brushed, anytime.
Material and color – The hull is made with high quality ABS material. It does not sustain cracks easily and you can be sure the interior parts are well protected.
This drone comes in white/silver color.
Camera Quality
The truth is that most people buy quads to be their aerial cameras. FPV is also very exciting, which explains why every drone, even the minis have a camera. So, what do you get with this one?
Electronic stabilization – You can take distortion-free footage when the drone flies in calm weather. However, electronic stabilization is never as good as the mechanical one.
Resolution – This camera can take photos with a 4K resolution of 3840*2160. It can also capture 4K videos at 25 frames per second.
The FPV resolution is 1080P, which is quite commendable as most smartphones do have that or higher resolution.
Field of view and distance – The FOV for the camera is 150°, which as you can see is just short of 180°. Usually, such wide angles of view are mostly found with drones that have panoramic cameras.
The camera adjusts vertically to help you get the best view. The angle of adjustment is 90 degrees. You can adjust it from the remote controller.
The camera connectivity range is 1000 meters.
Remote controller
The design of the remote controller is quite pleasing. First, it has enough keys to make flying this quad fun, even when you have not downloaded the app.
Some of the common keys on remote controllers include photo/video key, on/off key, return to home, landing, takeoff, headless mode and others.
Battery – The transmitter uses AAA battery. You will have to buy it separately
Frequency – 2.4GHz is the most common frequency for transmitters. It has low to zero latency so the drone responds to your commands promptly.
Maximum distance – 1000 meters
Battery and Flight Time
You will be grateful for the long flight time of up to 30 minutes. This comes from the 7.5V 2200mAh battery and you can order a spare battery or two for longer flight time.
However, things such as wind resistance can affect the flight time. If there is wind, the drone will consume more power. If you fly it at higher speed, it will consume more battery. Remember, this drone has wind resistance and can do a maximum speed of 35km/h.
Charging time – This battery takes about 300 minutes to charge. That is a bit long, and that is why you need a spare battery or two. Use the provided charging cable only.
App
This is where you get total fun and enjoyment everytime you put this quadcopter in the air. First, the app is detailed and it packs extra things such as filter, video effects and social media, which means you can share photos and videos with friends and family on different platforms.
Other things that you will find on the app include the automatic flight functions, camera tilt feature, popular song, which you can add to your videos, and many more.
Flight functions
Once again, Eachine excels here. This little bird has a good number of flight functions. Here are the most notable of them all:
GPS and Optical Positioning System
These two functions are very important. They ensure you know where the drone is all the time, as long as it is connected to the GPS in your mobile phone. They also enhance precision during hovering so that you can take high quality footage.
Gesture shooting mode
Take incredible selfies with the drone by showing it the victory sign. You can also show it the palm sign and it will start taking video footage.
Follow Me Mode
The drone will recognize you and lock onto you. After that, it will follow you wherever you go, keeping a decent distance all the time.
Retrieve Function
Quadcopters do get lost. Sometimes, they just lose the connectivity with the smartphone or remote controller.
If that happens, just open the map interface on the app and tap on the GPS symbol 3 times to see the last location the quad was seen. You can start looking for it from there.
Surround Mode
Set the Eachine EX5 to fly around a point of interest. This is a favorite function for many travelers.
Way Point Mode
Open the map interface on the app and make dots along an interesting route. Connect the dots and the drone will follow that route when you launch it.
Eachine EX5 Pros
- Long flight range and video transmission distance of 1000 meters
- MV production function enables you to filter, add music and share footage
- Long flight time of 30 minutes
- Minimal weight and foldability make the drone good for traveling
- Has a decent storage bag
- Electronic stabilization is better than none
Eachine EX5 Cons
- Not possible to adjust vertical angle of camera on remote controller
- No micro SD card slot
Who Should Buy The Eachine EX5?
This quad is available in two versions – the 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The latter is cheaper but the connectivity range is shorter. The 2.4GHz one is costlier, but it also has better perks such as longer connection range.
If you are a beginner and you want a quad that will make you feel as if you are in the big boys’ league, get the EX5. Even if you are an experienced drone user, you will not find this one boring at all.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Order the Eachine EX5 with the 2.4GHz connectivity because it has longer range, but it will cost you about $50 more than the 5GHz one. Before flying it, read the user manual to see how to use features such as MV production.
You also need to know what app you need to download, and how to use all the functions. Other things you might want to bear in mind include flying the drone in open spaces, and cutting your teeth on low speed first.
