Affordable alternative to DJI drones comes with touchsreen and 4K video

The selection of affordable drones, including those from Chinese manufacturers, is extensive and continues to grow. The XiL 017 is a new model that promises a solid price-performance ratio and is advertised as being able to record high-resolution videos and photos. The camera is mounted on a movable gimbal and promises a very sharp resolution of 3,840 x 2,160. According to the manufacturer, the drone can be used in force 5 winds, with the gimbal providing stabilization and ensuring blur-free shots.

The XiL 017 measures 410 x 410 x 60 millimeters out of the box and the take-off weight is given as 247 grams, which is just below the common legal limit of 250 grams. A flight time of around 35 minutes is specified, while the charging time is stated as 90 minutes, which means the drone can only be flown with several batteries in rotation and without waiting for charging. A remote control with joysticks and a 5.5-inch touchscreen is supplied, which supposedly ensures a operational range of up to 6,000 meters.

A GPS module is integrated, allowing the drone to fly to waypoints. According to the manufacturer, position over a specific location can also be easily maintained with the help of optical sensors.

The XiL 017 is currently available for direct import at a price of just under $280, not including shipping costs. Customers should also keep in mind the potentially long delivery times and the unlikelihood of being able to enforce warranty rights in the event of a defect. Those not willing to accept these risks are advised to take a look at an alternative in the form of the DJI Mini 3 at Amazon.