NOTE: Yuneec has since come out with an upgraded 4K model of this quadcopter with better specs. A complete package with case, two batteries, handheld gimbal attachment and more is currently available at Amazon. The camera in this model is far superior to the original.
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Introduction
The electric aviation company Yuneec has released the RTF (Ready to Fly) Q500 Typhoon quadcopter – their first entry into the video/photo category. Despite all of the interest in drones, there are very few models currently on the market which are purpose made for best performance in APV (Aerial Photography and Video. A short list would include these:
1. DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ – This model is – by far – the most popular in the <$1500 price range. Our estimates are that it holds at least 75% of that particular market.
2. Blade 350QX3 AP - this is an updated model of the Blade 350 which features the same gimbal/camera combo as the Yuneec Q500 - Yuneec makes them for Horizon (owner of the Blade brand). It holds a small part of the market compared to the DJI model and, while it sells for about $200 less, does seem to provide less in terms of a reliable and stable video platform (short flight times, some reliability questions, etc.).
3. This model - the new Yuneec q500 Typhoon.
About Yuneec – The Company
Yuneec, Yaneec, Yunec – it’s a difficult name to spell. The best way of making sure that you get it right is to realize is has a U in the name…this and the double e’s will get you spelling it correct – Yuneec – when you do your google or bing searches.
Yuneec is a company with vast experience in electronics and electric propulsion and aviation. This means they do most all of the development and testing in-house, which should provide an advantage when it comes to reliability. Although they announced their intentions to enter this market years ago, they have taken time to assure their first entry would be competitive. They have also announced more professional multirotors – some of which you will see on their web site.
Yuneec also makes cameras, an electric skateboard and an electric airplane!
The Quadcopter – Yuneec Q500 Typhoon
The Q500 is purpose built for aerial video and photography and it shows. It’s larger in size than the DJI Phantom, which helps with stability. The new gimbal/camera combo is getting decent reviews, although hobbyists should remember that quadcopters in this price range should not be expected to produce videos fit for production (mid or upper level commercial) use. When you buy a Q500 or a DJI P2V+, you are actually buying a $100 camera on a $300 gimbal controlled by a $50-$150 transmitter which is lifted by a $800 quadcopter.
One advantage of the Q500 is that the smart device and FPV monitor is built into the Transmitter. A smart phone or tablet is not required as with many other models.
Initial Summary
It’s fair to say that the Q500 is a strong contender for the video and aerial photography segment of the hobbyist market. Droneflyers.com will closely monitor the early adopters and do some of our product testing when we can get our hands on a unit.
NOTE: Yuneec has since come out with an upgraded 4K model of this quadcopter with better specs. A complete package with case, two batteries, handheld gimbal attachment and more is currently available at Amazon. The camera in this model is far superior to the original.
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If you want to read a fairly detailed review on the Yuneec Q500, check out this one by Jason Cole over at Rcgroups.
