The GEPRC Cinelog 30 V3 is marketed as the go-to drone for tight indoor spaces and cinematic fly-throughs, but does it live up to the hype? In this review, we’ll explore everything from what’s in the box to how it performs indoors and whether it can handle freestyle flying. Plus, I’ll walk you through some lessons learned during my time testing this drone in a €2.9 million property.
What’s in the Box?
GEPRC has done an excellent job with the Cinelog 30 V3’s packaging. When you open the box, you’re greeted by some impressive artwork and important flight safety information. The drone comes in a tray, securely padded with GEPRC-branded material, and the antennas are mounted outside with blue tape for protection. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- One extra black frame
- Three additional canopies (orange, black, and gray)
- One set of spare props (I would have liked two sets)
- A battery strap, grip pads, spare hardware, manuals, and stickers
The Cinelog 30 V3 I tested is a Bind and Fly (BNF) version with TBS Crossfire, and setup was fairly straightforward in BetaFlight. I made a few adjustments like adding angle and horizon mode and customizing my OSD (On-Screen Display) for telemetry information. This setup ensured a smoother experience when flying indoors and made everything more accessible on my goggles.
Setup & Batteries
For my testing, I used several battery options, including the Gasi’s own Storm 720mAh lipo, Tattoo Airlines 750mAh and 650mAh lipos, and a Buzz Power 900mAh lipo. The battery type and usage greatly affect flight times. In cruising mode, you’ll get around 5 to 6 minutes of flight, while pushing the drone harder for freestyle will reduce the flight time to 3 to 4 minutes.
It’s worth noting that while GEPRC includes extra canopies, they don’t support cameras from Insta360 or DJI, so I had to get a custom mount printed. After some trial and error, I successfully mounted cameras like the GoPro 3S (the lightest), the DJI Action 2, and even the heavier DJI Action 5. To my surprise, the Cinelog 30 V3 supported the DJI Action 5 without issue, which is a great option for those looking for high-quality backup footage.
Antenna Issue & Repairs
One major flaw I ran into during my testing was with the antennas. The original antennas didn’t have any protective PVC piping, so during a hover test, I lightly landed the drone, and the TBS antenna was destroyed. After talking with a friend, I added PVC piping for better protection. This mod helps prevent the antennas from being damaged if the drone lands lightly, especially since the props can easily snag them.
GEPRC might address this issue in future models, but for now, adding PVC piping to protect the antenna is a must. Also, it’s worth securing the DJI VTX antennas with a zip tie, as they’re prone to coming loose after hard landings. In general, make sure to check these areas before you fly.
The Dampening System
The dampening system for the O4A unit is a nice feature, reducing vibrations during flight. However, I noticed that the O4 cable can sometimes come too close to the props. To prevent it from getting caught, I used electrical tape to secure it. While this works for now, a more permanent solution would be ideal.
Key Specs: What Actually Matters?
Instead of overwhelming you with endless specs, let’s focus on the ones that truly matter. The Cinelog 30 V3 weighs around 260-270g with a light setup. The drone uses HQ Props DT76mm 3-bladed V2 props, and you can opt for 5-blade props if you’re looking for something different.
The frame is made from injection-molded plastic, and the drone has removable LED strips, which can be swapped if you prefer to mount it into the black frame. One of the standout features of this drone is its ease of maintenance. The screws are placed in a way that makes it simple to access and replace parts when needed.
While the drone doesn’t come with a GPS unit, this isn’t an issue for indoor flying. If you plan to use the drone for longer-range flights, you can add a GPS mount, though that’s not necessary for most users. The Cinelog 30 V3 is more suited for local, indoor flights, where GPS isn’t critical.
The motors are 1404 3,850KV, which are lower than the higher KV motors found in the Cinelog 25. Lower KV motors are better for carrying heavier payloads like action cameras, providing more torque but less speed. This makes the Cinelog 30 V3 a great choice for carrying cameras without sacrificing stability or agility.
Indoor Performance: Perfect for Tight Spaces
The Cinelog 30 V3 truly shines in indoor environments, which is what it was built for. To test this, I decided to do an indoor FPV fly-through at a €2.9 million property in Cyprus. The idea was to see how well the drone could navigate tight spaces while capturing smooth cinematic footage.
When I arrived at the property, I realized I hadn’t brought a backup quad or spare props, which could have been a huge mistake. Luckily, nothing went wrong during the shoot, but it was a lesson learned for future flights.
One issue I did run into during the shoot was the drone bouncing so hard that the dampening unit was knocked loose, causing the prop to get stuck inside. Fortunately, I had some string on hand to secure the unit, but packing more repair supplies is always a good idea when flying in challenging environments.
Despite these challenges, the indoor flight went well. After a few practice runs and adjustments to the flying mode, I was able to capture some great shots. The key takeaway here is that the Cinelog 30 V3 is excellent for indoor FPV fly-throughs but requires some preparation to avoid mistakes during a shoot.
Can It Freestyle?
While the Cinelog 30 V3 excels indoors, you might be wondering if it can handle freestyle flying. The answer is yes, but with limitations. While you can perform flips and rolls, don’t expect to do high-speed maneuvers like a professional drone racer. The lighter weight and lower KV motors make it more floaty, which works well for controlled indoor flying but less so for high-speed acrobatics.
If you plan to freestyle with this drone, using a larger battery or adding a heavier camera will affect the drone’s balance and center of gravity. While you can still fly outdoors and chase skaters or perform low-altitude maneuvers, the flight time will drop to around 3-4 minutes during freestyle flights.
Who’s This Drone For?
The GEPRC Cinelog 30 V3 is perfect for anyone looking to film FPV fly-throughs for real estate or other cinematic projects. It’s easy to fly, even in air mode, and the design makes it very repairable if anything goes wrong. However, it does have a few weaknesses, such as the antenna mount and potential issues with the dampening system, which need reinforcement.
Despite these minor flaws, the Cinelog 30 V3 is a solid, well-built drone. If you’re looking for a lightweight, indoor-friendly FPV drone that can carry action cameras and perform some freestyle tricks, this one might be just what you need.
Article Summary
The GEPRC Cinelog 30 V3 is a fantastic choice for indoor FPV flying and cinematic projects. While it may not be the best for high-speed freestyle flying, it offers great stability and smooth footage in tight spaces. Just make sure to secure the antennas and check the dampening system before flying.
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