Newbies are always looking for affordable models with an onboard camera so this new Eachine H8C Mini quadcopter seems to be dedicated to them. It has a nice design and an extremely attractive price.
Eachine had great success, with the previous H8 model being probably the only multi-rotor sold under $13. To attract even more customers, they released this new H8C Mini, which comes with an HD camera. The retail price increased by about $15. Compared to the previous model, the H8C Mini is much bigger and has a much nicer remote controller.
I’m sure that a lot of children would like such a toy. Today’s quadcopters are easy to fly so the basic maneuver techniques can be learned in a short time. Of course, we can not expect to get the most solid remote-controlled toy for approximately $28. I bought for my boy a drafting RC car and after he played three times for a maximum of one hour, he “succeeded” in breaking the transmission shaft :).
As model name and design the H8C mini reminds of the JJRC H8C which I own it and is a very nice beginner’s quadcopter, it had only one issue the motors fail very often…
Eachine H8C Mini review and test
This quadcopter was offered by James from Banggood in order to make an honest product review, thanks for their professional attitude. BTW, H8C-mini is available in white and black. I requested a black one with a blue cockpit because it appeared to have a more excellent appearance.
The H8C mini quad comes in a nice box with a handle, which can be used in the feature for storing and transportation. The package contains only a few accessories: a screwdriver, USB battery charger, 2 pieces of propellers (1 CW and 1 CCW), and the H8C mini user manual.
On fist impression, it has a nice build quality, and both the aircraft and remote controller feel good in hand.
Being designed mainly for newbies this model is completely assembled and and ready to fly. No need to waste time mounting the propellers, blade guards, and landing skids just load 4 pieces of AA batteries into the remote controller and you are ready to have some fun.
Eachine H8C Mini: Features and specs
- Headless flight mode;
- One key return to home;
- Low and Fast flight speed rates;
- Integrated 2MP camera for aerial videos;
- LED lights for night flights;
- About 100 meter control range;
- 250mA Li-Po battery;
- Average 5 minutes of flight autonomy;
- H8C mini size: 18cm x 18cm x 5.5cm (h).
This H8C Min quadcopter is powered with a tiny 250mA Li-Po battery which is replaceable, so you can always have a couple of spare ones ready for the next flight. The battery is loaded in an unusual way from the top of the cockpit. I got an average of 5 minutes of flight autonomy which is less than the advertised 6-8 minutes. The battery can be recharged via any USB phone charger or computer USB port using the included USB charger cable.
Eachine H8C Mini: Remote controller
As I previously mentioned, the 2.4GHz transmitter looks nice and feels very good in hand, it can be used easily by kids as well as by adults. Through the left top button, the quadcopter can be switched between “Low” and “Fast” flight speed rates. I recommend for indoor flights and practicing flights, use the “Low” speed rate. The 3D flip mode can be activated with the right top button and should be tested only when the aircraft is at least 2 meters above the ground.
If I remember correctly, I read somewhere that the adopted TX protocol is compatible with the BayangToys transmitters.
Eachine H8C Mini: Camera quality
This model is advertised with an HD camera which somehow is true because the video resolution is HD 720p (1280×720). Unfortunately, both photos and videos have very poor quality and have nothing to do with the term “HD quality”. The integrated camera is located in the front of the aircraft and faces down, offering a very strange field of view, you will see in my test video exactly about what I’m talking. One minute of recorded video occupies about 300 MB on the micro SD memory card.
Eachine H8C Mini: Flight Performance
As my son was inquisitive about this model, I had to test it immediately after I received it. Frankly, I was curious about how this inexpensive model will be performed. Firstly, I tested it indoors, and it behaved excellently, it responded very well and was accurate to my controls. The “headless mode” feature worked very well, but I still prefer to fly without it.
The second day I went out to test it, and I was totally disappointed by its flight capabilities. I could not bring it back even if I fully pushed the left stick on the opposite direction with the wind. I can say that this model has almost zero wind tolerance, so you can fly it outdoors only on calm days.
Pricing and avaialiblity
If you don’t have big expectations from the on-board camera and you want to play with it only indoors, you can order it from Banggood here. In case you lack ideas, near Christmas can be a lovely gift for those who want their first remote-controlled drone.
I also have the same problem with my h8c. Did you manage to fix it? please tell me how
The new quadcopter worked well the first 2 days I had it. Now when I try to sync the two units, this is what happens. I turn on the control box and the light flashes as it should. I turn on the copter and its lights flash quickly then slowly as they should. Then I move the throttle up then down. The control box light stays on. no more flashing, BUT the copter lights continue to slowly flash and no communication happens between the two.
What is the problem? What am I doing wrong when syncing or binding the 2 units?