Syma has released the new X5UW-D. It is a new version of the old X5UW with a couple of new features. It has added optical flow and has servos that allow you to adjust the angle of the camera. In theory this sounds like a solid upgrade, however, the implementation of these two new features aren’t the best. We are not putting on much of a sales pitch for Syma’s latest X5, so read on to learn about some other options.
Better, but Not Really Better…
The original X5UW is a solid drone. It has some really nice features and this X5UW-D has all of those features and more. The latest version has a 720p camera, is super durable and has a pretty stable altitude hold. Syma has added optical flow and an adjustable camera. In theory, the optical flow sensor should help to make this quad more stable. In our testing, it didn’t work very well and ended up drifting more than it should. Other drones, like the Ryze Tello, have much more reliable optical flow.
The camera quality is decent and the ability to change the camera angle is nice. However, this is done with some servo motors. Changing the camera angle remotely is fairly abrupt. The biggest drawback is that the camera now doesn’t sit firmly in its housing and there is some unwanted jello in the video. If you are planning on taking still photos this shouldn’t matter as much, but the video suffered badly.
Should I Get the Syma X5UW-D?
Probably not. We would recommend the original X5UW instead. It is cheaper and works pretty well. Perhaps Syma will address the issues of the X5UW-D model and make it the drone it should be. Until then take a look at the original X5UW or maybe even the Syma X8. If your goal is just optical flow then the Tello reigns supreme. The Tello also has pretty good electronic image stabilization that will make you much happier than you would be with the jello-happy X5UW-D.
| Order an original Syma X5UW from Amazon | Order a Syma X8 from Amazon |
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