Table of Contents
Introduction
In the dynamic world of aerial cinematography, the quest for the perfect drone is never-ending. Enthusiasts and professionals alike are constantly on the lookout for a device that not only meets their technical needs but also elevates their creative potential. Enter the Exo Cinemaster 2, a drone that promises to blend advanced technology with cinematic prowess. Designed to cater to both hobbyists and seasoned filmmakers, this drone has stirred quite a buzz in the drone community. In this Exo Cinemaster 2 Review, we’ll delve deep into the Exo Cinemaster 2, exploring its features, capabilities, and determining whether it truly lives up to the hype. Whether you’re a budding drone operator or a seasoned cinematographer, this comprehensive review aims to provide insights that will guide your next drone investment.
About Exo Drones
Exo Drones, a name that has rapidly carved its niche in the drone industry, embarked on its journey in 2020. Originating from the United States, this drone manufacturer quickly gained traction for its innovative approach to drone technology, blending affordability with quality. Their line of GPS camera drones, celebrated for their impeccable performance, didn’t take long to garner widespread consumer praise and critical acclaim. By 2021, their meteoric rise was evident as they were hailed as the fastest-expanding drone company in the USA.
A pivotal moment in Exo Drones’ trajectory came in 2022 when they announced a strategic partnership with Hubsan, a renowned consumer drone engineering firm. This collaboration allowed Exo Drones an exclusive right to market Hubsan drones solely in North America. This partnership not only leveraged Hubsan’s manufacturing expertise but also ensured that Exo Drones maintained its reputation for stellar customer service and rigorous quality control.
Further cementing its position in the industry, Exo Drones underwent a significant transition in August 2022. The Miami-based tech startup, OpenStore, acquired the company, marking a new chapter in Exo Drones’ illustrious journey. With a commitment to innovation and a vision to redefine aerial cinematography, Exo Drones continues to soar to new heights in the drone landscape.
Design and Build
The Exo Cinemaster 2 stands out not just for its technical prowess but also for its meticulous design and robust build. At first glance, its foldable design immediately catches the eye, emphasizing portability and ease of storage. This feature ensures that whether you’re heading to a nearby park or embarking on a cross-country adventure, the drone can be conveniently packed and transported.
Drawing parallels with the Parrot Anafi drone, the Exo Cinemaster 2 boasts a similar aesthetic, exuding a sleek and modern appeal. But it’s not just about looks; the drone is equipped with powerful brushless motors, ensuring a smooth and efficient flying experience. These motors, combined with the drone’s aerodynamic design, promise stability even in challenging weather conditions.
A notable addition is the LED lights positioned on the end of each front arm, as well as lights on the bottom and rear of the drone. These aren’t mere decorative elements; they play a crucial role in troubleshooting, helping users identify and address potential issues during flight.
The centerpiece of the Exo Cinemaster 2 is undoubtedly its HD camera, stabilized by a 3-axis gimbal. This gimbal not only guarantees smooth footage but also comes with a protective plastic cover, ensuring the camera’s safety during transport and rough landings. However, users should note that the front arms need to be unfolded before releasing this cover.
Beneath the drone, a couple of optical flow sensors can be spotted. These sensors are pivotal in ensuring flight stabilization, particularly in areas where the GPS signal might be compromised.
In terms of size, the Exo Cinemaster 2 is relatively large for a foldable drone, measuring 12x9x2 inches when fully unfolded. With a weight of 565 grams (including the battery), it’s essential for potential users to be aware of FAA registration requirements, especially if the drone is intended for commercial use.
In summary, the Exo Cinemaster 2’s design and build reflect a blend of aesthetics, functionality, and durability, making it a formidable contender in the world of drones.
Camera Quality
In the realm of drones, camera quality is often the make-or-break factor for many enthusiasts and professionals. The Exo Cinemaster 2, with its emphasis on cinematic capabilities, brings to the table a camera system that aims to impress.
At the heart of its aerial photography prowess is a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor. This sensor is capable of capturing stunning 12MP still images and recording 4K video footage, ensuring that every shot is rich in detail and vibrancy. Whether you’re capturing the serene beauty of a sunset or the bustling life of a cityscape, the Exo Cinemaster 2 promises clarity and precision in every frame.
Complementing the sensor is a camera with a 180° Field of View (FOV) and an f/2.8 aperture. This combination ensures that the drone can capture wide-angle shots without compromising on light intake, making it versatile for both day and low-light shooting scenarios.
Stability, a crucial aspect of aerial cinematography, is addressed with a 3-axis gimbal. This gimbal ensures that regardless of the drone’s movements or external factors like wind, the footage remains smooth and jitter-free. Additionally, the electronic image stabilization feature further refines the video quality, eliminating any potential shakes or abrupt movements.
However, it’s essential to note a limitation: the images can only be captured in JPEG format. While this might suffice for hobbyists and casual users, professionals looking for more post-processing flexibility might find this restrictive. Despite this, with the right skills, one can still extract breathtaking visuals, both in still photography and video.
In conclusion, while the Exo Cinemaster 2 might not be the ultimate choice for professional cinematographers, it offers an impressive camera system for its price range. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to capture memories or a content creator aiming for high-quality footage, the Exo Cinemaster 2’s camera won’t disappoint.
Flight Features
The Exo Cinemaster 2, beyond its camera capabilities, is also packed with a suite of advanced flight features that cater to both novice pilots and seasoned drone enthusiasts. These features not only enhance the flying experience but also ensure safety and precision in every flight.
GNSS Module Integration
The drone is equipped with a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) module, allowing it to connect seamlessly with both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems. This dual connectivity ensures accurate positioning and stable flights, even in areas with weak GPS signals.
Extended Image Transmission Range
One of the standout features of the Exo Cinemaster 2 is its impressive image transmission range of up to 800 meters. This ensures that pilots can fly the drone to greater distances while maintaining a clear live video feed on their control device.
Smart Battery System
Powering the Exo Cinemaster 2 is a high-capacity smart battery that promises up to 28 minutes of uninterrupted flight time. This battery system also provides real-time data on its health and remaining charge, allowing pilots to plan their flights accordingly.
Wind Resistance
The drone boasts a Level-5 wind resistance capability. This means that even in moderately windy conditions, the Exo Cinemaster 2 can maintain its stability and continue capturing high-quality footage without being swayed off course.
Intelligent Flight Modes
To assist pilots in capturing cinematic shots, the drone offers a range of intelligent flight modes:
- Follow Me Mode: The drone autonomously tracks and follows a subject, ensuring they remain in the frame.
- Circle Me Mode: The drone orbits around a specific point of interest, capturing 360-degree footage.
- Route Fly Mode: Pilots can predefine a flight path, and the drone will follow it, allowing for precise and repeatable shots.
Automatic Return to Home
Safety is paramount, and the Exo Cinemaster 2 doesn’t compromise on this. In scenarios where the battery is running low or the drone loses its connection with the controller, it automatically initiates a ‘Return to Home’ function. This ensures that the drone safely returns to its takeoff point, minimizing the risk of loss or damage.
In essence, the Exo Cinemaster 2’s flight features are designed to provide pilots with a seamless, safe, and enhanced flying experience. Whether you’re capturing cinematic shots, exploring new terrains, or simply enjoying a leisurely flight, this drone ensures you do so with confidence and ease.
Pros and Cons
The Exo Cinemaster 2 drone, like any technological product, comes with its set of strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a succinct breakdown of its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Impressive Video Quality: Equipped with a 4K video recording capability and a 12MP camera, it promises stunning visuals in every shot.
- Advanced Flight Performance: With GNSS integration, intelligent flight modes, and a smart battery system, the drone ensures a smooth and reliable flying experience.
- High Portability: Its foldable design makes it convenient for transportation, catering to on-the-go aerial enthusiasts.
- User-Friendly: Designed to be accessible, it boasts an intuitive interface, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned drone operators.
- Safety Features: With additions like Automatic Return to Home and Level-5 wind resistance, the drone prioritizes user safety during flights.
Cons:
- JPEG Limitation: The camera system only captures images in JPEG format, which might be restrictive for professionals seeking more post-processing flexibility.
- Price Point: While it offers a range of advanced features, its price might be a hurdle for hobbyists or those on a budget.
- Payload Restrictions: The drone has a limited capacity for carrying additional equipment, which could be a concern for professionals requiring specialized gear.
In conclusion, the Exo Cinemaster 2 drone, while boasting a plethora of commendable features, does have certain limitations. However, its strengths significantly outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthy consideration for those venturing into the world of aerial cinematography.
Alternatives to Consider
While the Exo Cinemaster 2 drone offers a compelling blend of features and performance, it’s always wise to explore alternatives before making a purchase decision. Here are some notable drones that could be considered alongside the Exo Cinemaster 2:
- DJI Mini 2:
- Pros: Compact and lightweight, 4K video capability, 31 minutes of flight time, and a 10km transmission range.
- Cons: Lacks advanced obstacle avoidance systems.
- DJI Mini SE:
- Pros: Affordable entry-level drone, 2.7K videos at 30fps, 12MP images, and a 4km transmission range.
- Cons: Limited intelligent flight modes compared to other DJI models.
- Potensic Atom SE:
- Pros: 4K videos at 30fps, 13MP images in both JPEG and RAW formats, 31 minutes of flight time, and a 4km transmission range.
- Cons: The mobile app interface can be a bit clunky for some users.
- Parrot Anafi:
- Pros: 180° tilt gimbal, 4K HDR video, 21MP photos, and compact foldable design.
- Cons: Lacks obstacle avoidance sensors.
- Skydio 2:
- Pros: Best-in-class obstacle avoidance, 4K60fps video, 12MP photos, and autonomous flying capabilities.
- Cons: Higher price point and limited availability.
When considering an alternative, it’s essential to weigh the features, price, and intended use. While the Exo Cinemaster 2 stands out in many aspects, the drones listed above offer unique features and capabilities that might better suit specific needs or preferences. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a content creator, or a professional cinematographer, the right drone is out there waiting to elevate your aerial adventures.
Final Thoughts in this Exo Cinemaster 2 Review
The drone industry has witnessed a plethora of innovations in recent years, with each new model striving to outdo its predecessor. Amidst this competitive landscape, the Exo Cinemaster 2 has emerged as a noteworthy contender, offering a blend of advanced features, robust design, and cinematic capabilities.
Its camera system, while not entirely catering to professional standards, offers impressive quality for its price bracket. The drone’s flight features, from its GNSS module integration to its intelligent flight modes, reflect a commitment to user experience and safety. The design, emphasizing portability and durability, ensures that the drone is not just a tool but a reliable companion for aerial enthusiasts.
However, like any product, the Exo Cinemaster 2 is not without its limitations. The restriction to JPEG format for images might deter some professionals, and its price point, while justified by its features, might be a hurdle for hobbyists on a budget.
Yet, when one weighs the pros against the cons, the Exo Cinemaster 2 stands out as a commendable choice for those venturing into aerial cinematography or seeking to upgrade their current drone. It encapsulates what many drone enthusiasts desire: a reliable, feature-packed, and quality-driven flying experience.
In conclusion, the Exo Cinemaster 2, with its array of features and focus on user experience, is a testament to how far drone technology has come. It’s a beacon for what the future holds, and for those considering an investment in a drone, it’s undoubtedly worth a closer look.
