Xiaomi FIMI A3 | Is this the best beginner drone you can buy?

The Xiaomi FIMI is an intriguing drone with GPS and an HD camera on a gimbal. Like the two drones it was built to compete with, the DJI Spark and the Parrot Anafi, the FIMI gimbal is stabilized in two directions mechanically, while yaw is handled electronically. With a sub-$300 price tag this is a great beginner drone. Right now it is on sale for $195 and that is an absolute steal. Use the link and code at the bottom of the article.

The Xiaomi FIMI A3

The Xiaomi FIMI a steal at $225. To score that price you’ll have to use the link at the bottom of this article and enter the code. There aren’t any drones that have near the capabilities of the FIMI for under $300, and only two drones under $400 that can match its specs. The FIMI took a bite out sales of the DJI Spark when it was release and now that it is less expensive is a great beginner option.

Xiaomi has produced drones to compete directly with DJI before. Their Mi drone was built to compete with the Mavic and their MiTu was designed to compete with the Tello.

The Xiaomi FIMI Camera

The camera sports an 8 MP senor it it is capable of shooting 1080p video at 30 fps. It sits on a mechanical two-axis gimbal but is also stabilized in three-axes electronically. It has a 1/3.2″ sensor and an aperture of f/2.0 The field of view is 80-degrees and has a max bitrate of 60Mbps. While these may not be Hollywood-quality specs, it is head and shoulders better than anything in this price range.

Xiaomi FIMI Flight Modes

The FIMI also has a handful of interesting flight modes. It is equipped with a return-to-home, follow-me, orbit, fixed-wing, and dronie flight modes. It also has a DIY port, so the user can customize the drone with lights or servos. They recommend parachutes and fireworks, but you can seemingly  program it to do endless things.

Xiaomi FIMI Remote Control

One thing that sets this drone apart is the built-in screen in the remote control. You do not have to connect to WiFi or set up any additional app. This will allow you to get the drone up in the air even faster. It claims to be a 5.8G signal, but it is unclear if that is 5.8G WiFi or a 5.8 GHz digital signal. The remote claims to have a DVR function, but that seems to be limited to 720p. We recommend saving on board the drone whenever possible.

Xiaomi FIMI Specs

The Xiaomi FIMI has a range of up to 1000 meters. This falls short of the DJI Spark. It does, however, have a flight time of 25 minutes! That is 9 minutes better than the Spark and 5 minutes better than the Mavic Air. It also sports a top speed of 40 miles per hour.

Dimensions : 285*229*69mm
Diagonal Size: 323mm
Weight: 560g
Hover Accuracy: Vertical: ± 0.5 m & Horizontal: ± 1.5 m
Max ascending speed: 6 m/s
Max descending speed: 5 m/s
Max cruising speed: 18 m/s
Max R/C distance: about 1km
Flight time: 25mins
Satellite positioning systems: GPS+GLONASS
Operating frequency: 2.4-2.483GHz; 5.725-5.850 GHz (40CH)
Battery: 11.1V 2000 mAh 3S Lipo Battery
Screen resolution: 480*272
Screen size: 4.3inch
Lens: FOV 80°
Aperture: f2.0
Focal Distance: 3.54 mm
Equivalent Focal Distance: 27mm
Sensor: 1/3.2″ CMOS
ISO Range: 100 – 3200 for video;  100 – 1600 for picture
Shutter Speed: 4 ~ 1/8000 s
Max Bitrate: 60Mbps
Max Photo Resolution: 8M 3264*2448
Video Resolution: 1920×1080 30 fps / 1920×1080 25 fps
File System: FAT32 / exFAT
Image Format: JPG
Video Format: MP4
DVR: 1920×1080 30 fps / 1920×1080 25 fps

Should you order the Xiaomi FIMI? I think it is an excellent option and I would recommend it as one of the best beginner drones you can buy. I prefer it to something like the MJX Bugs 12 or Bugs 20. You can get it on sale now by clicking the link below and entering the code. (code: BGA3US)

What Is the BEST Drone?

So what is the absolute best drone out there? That question isn’t as easy to answer as you’d think. BUT…for most people the answer is the DJI Mavic Air. It is portable, has an awesome camera and excellent flight modes. Learn more about the Mavic Air HERE.

What Is Our FAVORITE Drone?

The Mavic Air is great but the drone that has us excited to go fly the most right now is the Parrot Anafi. The camera and gimbal setup on this drone allow it to do things that no other drone can. Plus, having the ability to zoom in on what you are filming is priceless. Learn more about the Parrot Anafi HERE.

What Drone Is the Best VALUE?

The best value on the market today has to be the DJI Spark. Now under $400, this little dynamo can do things that once upon a time cost over $1000. Learn more about the DJI Spark HERE. Still too much money for you? There are still some great options. Check out our list of the best drones under $200.

Want More Options?

Every month we update what we believe are the best drones on the market. Check out Best Drones Now. We have also created the one-of-a-kind Half Chrome Drone Cipher™. You answer a few questions and we’ll pair you with the best drone for you.

Do you want to search by price? Click on your menu above or we can break it down for you. Check out drones under $50, from $50-100, from $100-200, from $200-500 or over $500. Maybe you like a good Top Ten list, we’ve got you covered.

Learn More…

If you want to learn more about taking great pictures or flying FPV then check out our comprehensive guides on those topics. Also, take a look at our articles on how to choose the right drone for great aerial photos or for getting started flying race drones. Learn more about drones and how to get the most out of them in our Drone Academy. In the Academy, we also detail some of the advanced testing we do including drone thrust testing and camera quality testing.

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