BETAFPV Pavo360 Review

BetaFPV Pavo 360 Review: A Comprehensive Look at the Invisible 360 Drone

Introduction
In this review, we will delve into the features and performance of the BetaFPV Pavo360, an innovative invisible 360 drone that captures stunning panoramic videos. This hands-on assessment will provide you with 18 essential insights to help you make an informed decision.

1. Striking Aesthetic Appeal
The BetaFPV Pavo 360 boasts an impressive design, making it the most visually appealing FPV quad in my collection. Its captivating red and black color scheme is complemented by matching motor colors, creating a truly cool appearance.

2. Solid Build Quality
With meticulous attention to detail, the Pavo 360 exhibits impressive build quality. Even the decals surpass expectations, as they are not ordinary stickers that deteriorate over time. Instead, they are semi-hard plastic decals with a durable matte finish.

3. Enhanced Power
Compared to the Invisi360, the Pavo 360 offers significantly more power. During flight, I found myself hovering at around 35% throttle, a substantial improvement from the Invisi360's 60%. This increase in power allows for greater control and maneuverability.

4. Flight Characteristics
Due to its relatively higher weight, the Pavo 360 flies similarly to a tinywhoop, posing a slightly greater challenge in achieving smooth flights compared to other cinewhoops I have flown. It is advisable to use a lens protector until you become accustomed to its handling.

5. Lens Protector Compatibility
The SMO 360's matte finish presents a challenge when attempting to attach the One X2's adhesive lens protector. To address this, I found that using scotch tape to secure the lens protector during practice runs was an effective workaround.

6. Tuning and Vibrations
In terms of tuning, the Pavo 360's performance is average, in my opinion. While flying at slow speeds, I noticed slight vibrations, which, interestingly, did not translate to visible shaking in the SMO 360 video. It is worth noting that the flight controller lacks a built-in blackbox.

7. Surprising Flight Time
The Pavo 360 exceeded my expectations in terms of flight time, clocking in at approximately 5 minutes and 26 seconds at cruising speed. This duration was achieved using two 850mAh 3S batteries in series, effectively providing the performance of a 6S 850mAh battery.

8. Motor Efficiency
Despite initial concerns about the high 2400kv motor rating on a 6S setup, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the motors did not overheat even after a flight at cruising speed. It is important to consider environmental factors, and in my case, the flight took place in relatively cool weather conditions (approximately 56°F).

9. Battery Insertion
Inserting the battery into the Pavo 360 can be a slightly challenging process, as it requires a precise fit. Even a slightly longer battery may pose further difficulties. To alleviate this issue, I used a nail file to trim the battery claws, facilitating easier battery insertion.

10. Camera Installation
Ensuring proper camera installation requires some effort. It is crucial to ensure that none of the wires obstruct the camera's path and that the camera is fully inserted. The frame surrounding the camera should align flush with the top frame; any deviation indicates an incorrect installation.

11. Inconvenient Micro USB Port Access
Accessing the flight controller's Micro USB port can be inconvenient due to its diagonal angle and partial obstruction by a power cable. It is necessary to uninstall the camera temporarily to maneuver the cable out of the way. A magnetic swiveling USB cable proved helpful in this scenario.

12. Side Access to Micro SD Card
Fortunately,

the Micro SD card can be accessed from the side without having to remove the camera entirely. This configuration simplifies the removal process, especially with the use of angled tweezers.

13. Precautions for Sticker Placement
To ensure easy access to the receiver's bind button, it is advisable to perform the binding process before applying the stickers. One of the stickers may obstruct the bind button, making it inaccessible once applied.

14. Sticker Application and Top Frame Removal
For clean sticker application, it is almost necessary to remove the top frame. The sticker should be placed below the bolts securing the Caddx Vista, which unfortunately cannot be removed without the aid of pliers to grip the nuts.

15. Compact Interior Space
The Pavo 360 features a tightly packed interior, and I strongly recommend having a hemostat on hand to navigate and manipulate components during maintenance or customization.

16. Straightforward Landing Gear Setup
Setting up the landing gear is relatively straightforward. However, it is important to note that the landing gear utilizes Aux 4. Creating a new model with a different auxiliary channel assignment allows for convenient use of the desired landing gear button.

17. Caddx Vista Mode Adjustment
My unit came with the Caddx Vista in CE mode, which limits the output to 25mW. To unlock the full potential of 1200mW maximum output, I utilized the naco hack to switch it to FCC mode.

18. Improved Stitching and Banding
Contrary to initial concerns, the stitching on the Pavo 360 is surprisingly well-executed. The banding issue that plagued earlier versions has been rectified, resulting in improved performance. In low-light conditions, I no longer observe banding artifacts when comparing it to footage captured with the Insta360 One R.

Additional Remarks and Nurk FPV's Review
In addition to my review, I would like to address some key points raised by Nurk FPV in his own review of the Pavo 360:

a. Usage of Tiny Planet View: While Nurk frequently utilizes the tiny planet view to emphasize the drone's 360 capabilities, it is essential to note that this is not the only way to leverage 360 video. In my review, you will see that I explore various other filming styles when cinewhooping, with minimal use of the tiny planet effect.

b. SD Card Accessibility: Although it would have been preferable for the SD card slot to be located on the top or bottom, it is worth mentioning that the SD card can be accessed from the side without having to remove the camera from the quad. This design choice provides a convenient alternative.

c. Banding Issue Resolution: As mentioned earlier (#19), the banding problem has been effectively resolved in the updated version of the Pavo 360.

d. Landing Gear Reliability: Personally, I have experienced no issues with the landing gear on my unit. While concerns about landing gear reliability may arise, you can explore alternative methods to land an invisible 360 drone, such as the five methods I outline in my review.

e. X-Knight 360 Assessment: Nurk expressed a negative opinion of the X-Knight 360, labeling it as "hot garbage." However, I respectfully disagree with this assessment. Having flown the X-Knight 360 extensively, I appreciate its flight characteristics, which resemble those of a toothpick quad. Nurk's experience might have been influenced by a crash into water shortly after takeoff. In my X-Knight 360 review, I share my positive experiences with the drone, as it has become one of my favorites.

Conclusion
In summary, the BetaFPV Pavo 360 offers a compelling package for those seeking an invisible 360 drone. Its appealing design, reliable build quality,

improved power, and respectable flight time make it a noteworthy option in this category. The drone's minor quirks, such as tuning nuances and challenges with certain components, can be overcome with some adjustments and precautions. Taking into account Nurk FPV's perspectives, it is important to consider the diverse ways to utilize 360 video and individual experiences with other drone models.