Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 vs DJI Spark Camera Drone Comparison

Spec Comparison of the Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 and the DJI Spark

This is a comparison between the brand new for 2020 Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 and the DJI Spark which was released 3 years ago in 2017 by DJI as one of their first pocket and portable camera drones.

The dimensions are the first we'll look at, with the folded size of the Fimi being just 4cm longer than the DJI Spark in their smallest forms. The Spark does not have folding arms but is a very small camera drone and the Fimi has the advantage of folding it's arms in to make it smaller and more portable when not in use.

To see the actual size difference of the two drones when not in use, we have worked out the volume of each from their smallest dimensions.

The Fimi is slightly larger at 1556cm cubed compared to the 1124cm cubed of the DJI Spark. The difference between the two is the size of a drinks can.

The weight difference is much different between the two, with the Fimi X8 SE 2020 weighing in at 765 grams and the DJI Spark being 465 grams lighter at a total weight of 300 grams.

It's not as light as the DJI Mavic Mini but is a very lightweight camera drone.

The physical performance difference between the two camera drones is much different, with the max speed of the Fimi topping out at 65kmh and the DJI Spark having a max top speed of 50kmh.

The speed differences continue on with the ascent and descent speed as well, with the Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 capable of 5m/s ascent speed and 4m/s descent speed. The DJI Spark has an ascent and descent speed of 3m/s.

There is also a considerable difference in the max wind speed they can both tolerate. The Fimi has one of the best tolerances of high wind speeds of any camera drone on the market and is stated at handling 50kmh wind speeds. The DJI Spark on the other hand is only capable of 28kmh wind speeds, so nearly half that of the Fimi.

The transmission distance is also very different, with 8km for the Fimi X8 SE 2020 and 2km for the DJI Spark.

Another major difference is that of flight time, the Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 has a max flight time of 35 minutes and that is double and then some over the DJI Spark, which has a max flight time of 16 minutes.

Photo and Video Comparison of the Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020 and the DJI Spark

You will find many differences in the hardware and features of each camera drones camera.

One of the few similar features is that of field of view, the Fimi has an 80 degree FOV and the DJI Spark has 82 degrees, so a slightly wider FOV of the two.

If you are looking at quality video and bigger file sizes, the Fimi wins here with 100 mbps video bitrate, compared to just 24 mbps for the DJI Spark. This isn't entirely an issue of quality though as we have filmed plenty with many different cameras at 1080p and the bitrate has been between 20-30 mbps and resulted in great quality footage.

The image sensor size is slightly larger on the DJI Spark, as it uses the more common 1/2.3" sized image sensor, whilst the new Fimi for 2020 has gone with the 1/2.6" sized sensor.

There is only a difference of 0.62mm, so just over half a millimetre between the two.

In terms of photography, they both take 12MP photos but the Fimi is also capable of RAW photos, saving them in DNG format.

In video, the DJI Spark tops out at 1080p at 30fps, which in our opinion is still fantastic for film making and learning drone film making.

The Fimi X8 SE 2020 on the other hand is capable of 1080p up to 100fps, which means slow motion greatness and 2.7k and 4K video resolutions.

They both share different intelligent flight modes to take cinematic shots of you and your surroundings.

But the main difference other than the video resolutions is the stabilization, you get a better 3-axis gimbal on the Fimi X8 SE 2020 and only a 2-axis gimbal on the DJI Spark.

This still helps but when you turn or yaw you will come in to smoothness issues with your footage.

Summary

If you don't have that much to spend on a camera drone, then either of these will get you in to film making and aerial photography.

You might find a cheaper DJI Spark second hand but the Fimi can be bought for less than $399 brand new at the moment in 2020.

They offer very different things, with the Fimi outclassing it in many areas. But if you want the smallest you can get, the DJI Spark wins this department.