We’ve taken a look at some of the best beginner drones on the market like the UDI U818A HD+ and Syma X5SW. Next on our list is the Landvo JJRC H8D 5.8GHz FPV drone. If you are just starting out, this is one flier which is highly recommended. It is a more advanced version of the Landvo H8C model, and it has some crucial differences. This JJRC H8D 5.8GHz FPV Drone review should give you some idea if this is the one for you.

JJRC H8D Technical Specification:

• Length – 12.9 inches
• Width – 12.9 inches
• Height – 4.3 inches
• Weight – 2.6 lb.
• Rotors – 4
• Wingspan – 18.4 inches
• Battery (quadcopter) – 7.4V 500 mAh Li-Poly (included + extra battery)
• Charging time – 110~ minutes (USB charge)
• Battery (controller) – 4 AA batteries, not included in package
• Materials – plastic
• Control system – 2.4GHz remote control
• Lights – light emitting diodes (LEDs)
• Price – $120~
• Color – red

What Sets This Drone Apart

First off, many Wi-Fi FPV fliers operate with 2.4GHz. This FPV camera, however, transmits video at 5.8GHz, which is a huge leg up. The reason? Well, when you are transmitting a video signal at 2.4, there is a good chance that it will interfere with the controller’s output signal. With this flier, there is no interference whatsoever, since the frequency is different. What you end up with is a nice, crisp video signal that will provide you with great footage.

This flier comes with a 4GB SD card. It also comes with its own FPV screen, so there is no need to mount a phone or tablet onto the remote controller. The only down side of the monitor is that its battery is the built-in rechargeable type. It is sealed and non-replaceable, so when your monitor’s battery dies, you will have to recharge it using the provided charger. I, for one, would have liked the option of installing a more powerful battery.  

As for video, the highest resolution is 720p. In other words, it is HD at its lowest quality, but it is still HD. For the average flier, the 720p is adequate, and it can provide great video. The camera is not up to a professional level, but it isn’t meant to be professional. For the purely recreational flier, it is a lot of fun. The max still image size is 1600 X 1200.

Other Cool Features

Other features include headless mode, one key return, mode 1 / mode 2 transmitter, and 2MP HD camera which swivels. If you are looking for a quality flier in the $100~ range, consider getting this one. The list price is closer to $120, but you can probably find it for less than that online and offline.

While in headless mode, the craft will go back and forth in the same way, regardless of where the nose is pointing. This can make it easier for beginners, but for the more experienced fliers it is not necessary. Orientation is usually more fun when controlled manually, but headless is a good way to start. It basically frees the flier to some degree, which can be good or bad. Whichever way the nose is pointing, when headless mode is activated, then becomes a set forward point.

Flight duration, according to the manufacturer’s website, is 8 minutes. Depending on your battery power and payload, it can fly for longer than that. Be careful with attaching any extra weight, be it that of a larger battery or other gear. This drone is designed for use with the provided equipment, and adding anything else may very well reduce flight time and potentially harm the body of the craft. Remember – safety first.

The controller’s operating range is 300 meters, and it is pretty awesome watching your drone turn into a small dot in the distance. The live video feed provides constant control, and once you get passed the basic steps of learning to fly, you will (hopefully) find it enjoyable and satisfying.

Stability And Response

The weight of this drone is slightly above average, but you should still not attempt to fly it while there is strong wind. Chances are it won’t be able to take it, but it also depends on the amount of control you have. For beginners, it is definitely not recommended to fly this drone while the winds are blowing.

This device responds quickly, which is great when you are attempting maneuvers. This drone flies well, and for the time that it is up in the air, the experience is full-on fun. Handling it is easy, and a teenager will have no problem learning to control this copter.

The H8D’s 6-axis gyro will help keep it pretty stable. Again, your mileage may vary. It has a lot to do with the amount of control you have. As you grow more accustomed to this quadcopter, you will find it easier to control. There are many people who expect drones to be fast and easy to operate, but there is a reason that these devices come with a manual, and there is a reason why every instructional video says not to rush into anything. It takes time. No way around it. Push it too far, and you could end up with a glorious mess after a spectacular crash!

The controller has an LCD monitor, which gives you real time measurements. There are buttons for video start/stop, photo start/stop, and flip. You can adjust the flying strength, and get it to a precise percentage. Flying at 100% for a long period of time can blow out the motors, so again, use caution.

To Sum It Up

This drone is more of a beginner’s model. Are there cheaper ones out there? Yes, of course, but like the Syma X5SW, this one is on the more “professional” side of beginner models. It has a higher price tag, but is totally worth it. All you need to do is start slow, and gradually enhance your power and speed. Once you master concepts like takeoff, landing, and hovering, you will find that your skills will grow with each flight. You get great value for your money with this quadcopter, and if you take care of yourself and your drone, it can last for a long time.