Quick Answer
GEPRC makes four cinewhoop lines that we stock: the Cinelog35 V3 (3.5-inch, O4 Pro), the Cinelog30 V3 (3-inch, O4), the DarkStar22 (2.2-inch, O4 Pro), and the Cinebot25 V2 (2.5-inch). For most pilots, the Cinelog35 V3 with DJI O4 Pro is what we recommend. It carries a full-size action camera, handles wind, and the duct guards make it survivable for indoor work.
The GEPRC Cinewhoop Problem We See Every Week
Customers message us asking which GEPRC cinewhoop to buy, and we understand the confusion. GEPRC has Cinelog, Cinebot, and DarkStar lines, each in multiple sizes, each with different video systems and receiver options. The naming tells you nothing about what the drone is actually good at.
We have built, flown, and repaired enough of these to tell you which one fits your situation. The short version: pick by propeller size and video system, not by the name. A 3.5-inch cinewhoop carries an action camera in wind. A 2.2-inch one is for tight indoor spaces. The 2.5 and 3-inch models sit in between.
GEPRC Cinelog35 V3 O4 Pro: Our Default Recommendation
The Cinelog35 V3 O4 Pro is what we point most people toward. It weighs around 300g without a battery according to our shipping scale. That puts it comfortably in the A1 Open category for UK flying with some restrictions near people, though you will need an Operator ID since the CAA lowered the registration threshold to 100g for camera drones. The 3.5-inch props with ducts generate enough thrust to carry a GoPro or Insta360 in moderate wind without fighting for altitude.
The V3 ships with the DJI O4 Pro air unit, which gives you 4K recording and excellent low-light performance. PNP variant means you bind your own ELRS receiver. GPS comes standard on this model, which we appreciate for failsafe return-to-home on a drone carrying expensive camera gear. We have seen too many cinematic builds float away on a failsafe without GPS to recommend anything less for this weight class.
| Spec | Cinelog35 V3 O4 Pro |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 155mm (3.5-inch class) |
| Video System | DJI O4 Pro |
| Flight Controller | TAKER series (H743 or F4) |
| ESC | 60A 32-bit |
| Battery | 4S or 6S LiPo (6S recommended) |
| GPS | Yes (included) |
| Receiver | PNP (bind your own ELRS) |
GEPRC Cinelog30 V3 O4: The Do-Everything Mid-Size
The Cinelog30 V3 O4 sits in the middle of the range. At 3 inches, it is more nimble than the Cinelog35 but still carries enough prop authority for outdoor work. We have used these for real estate walk-throughs where you need to transition from indoors to outdoors in a single take without the prop wash disturbing curtains and paperwork.
The V3 uses the standard DJI O4 unit (not the Pro version), which means 1080p flight feed with the option to mount a separate action camera for 4K recording. If your budget does not stretch to the Cinelog35 V3 O4 Pro, this is a capable alternative that handles most of the same scenarios at a lighter all-up weight.
GEPRC DarkStar22 O4 Pro: The Indoor Specialist
The DarkStar22 is the one we grab for tight indoor spaces. At 2.2 inches, it is small enough to fly through doorways and around furniture without the prop wash blowing everything off the shelves. Despite the size, it carries the DJI O4 Pro unit, giving you the same 4K recording quality as the larger models.
The trade-off is wind resistance. The DarkStar22 struggles in anything beyond a light breeze outdoors, because the small props cannot generate enough authority against the duct drag. If your flying is mostly indoor or very close-quarters outdoor, this is the better tool. For anything else, step up to the Cinelog30 or Cinelog35.
If you are comparing the DarkStar22 against the BetaFPV Pavo20 Pro II (a 2.2-inch competitor we also stock), the GEPRC has a more robust frame and better duct design for rebounding off walls. The Pavo20 is lighter and more agile. Both use DJI O4 Pro. We stock both because some pilots prefer the GEPRC frame rigidity and others prefer the Pavo20's lighter feel.
GEPRC Cinebot25 V2: The Budget Entry
The Cinebot25 V2 is the most affordable way into the GEPRC cinewhoop ecosystem. At 2.5 inches, it splits the difference between the DarkStar22 and Cinelog30. The V2 is marked as O4-ready, meaning it has the mount and power capacity for a DJI O4 unit but you need to confirm which video system is installed on the specific variant you select.
This is the model we suggest for someone who wants to try cinewhoop flying without committing to the higher-end O4 Pro system. Pair it with DJI Goggles N3 for the most budget-conscious digital HD setup.
What Is Coming: Cinebot35 O4 Pro
GEPRC has announced the Cinebot35 O4 Pro, a 3.5-inch powerhouse using the SPEEDX2 2105.5 2450KV motors, TAKER H743 flight controller, and H60 60A ESC. Oscar Liang reported top speeds of 140-150 km/h in his review, which is remarkable for a ducted cinewhoop. At approximately 388g, it is heavier than the Cinelog35 but trades that weight for serious punch-out power. We expect stock soon. If you want maximum thrust in a 3.5-inch platform and the weight does not concern you, this one is worth waiting for.
What You Need to Fly Any of These
Every GEPRC cinewhoop we sell comes as a PNP or BNF package. To fly, you need:
- A radio controller with ELRS (we recommend the RadioMaster Pocket Crush for beginners)
- FPV goggles compatible with your video system (DJI Goggles 3 or N3 for DJI O4 units; see our Goggles 3 vs N3 guide)
- LiPo batteries in the correct cell count and capacity for your model
- A battery charger
For the full range, browse our cinewhoop collection. If you are starting from zero, our guide on why we stopped recommending 5-inch drones to beginners explains why a cinewhoop is the smarter first FPV purchase. And before your first flight, check the UK drone regulations. All of these drones exceed the 100g Operator ID threshold and require registration with the CAA.
FAQ
Q: Which GEPRC cinewhoop is best for a beginner?
The Cinelog30 V3 O4. It is forgiving to fly, carries the DJI O4 system for clear video, and is not so large that it feels intimidating indoors. If budget allows, the Cinelog35 V3 O4 Pro is a step up with GPS failsafe.
Q: Can I carry a GoPro on these?
The Cinelog35 V3 and Cinelog30 V3 both have the thrust to carry a GoPro or Insta360. The DarkStar22 can carry a stripped-down GoPro Session but struggles with full-size action cameras. Always check that your battery voltage does not sag excessively under the added payload weight.
Q: PNP or ELRS, what is the difference?
PNP (Plug-N-Play) ships without a receiver, so you install your own. ELRS variants come with an ExpressLRS receiver pre-installed and ready to bind. If you already have ELRS equipment, the PNP gives you flexibility. If you are new, get the ELRS variant.
Q: Do I need a separate action camera if I have DJI O4?
The DJI O4 Pro unit records 4K footage to its internal storage, so for many use cases you do not need a separate camera. However, for professional work, a dedicated action camera like a GoPro Hero gives you better stabilisation and frame rate options. See our DJI O4 setup guide for details.
Q: What battery should I use?
For 3.5-inch models: 6S 1300-1550mAh. For 3-inch: 4S 850-1300mAh or 6S 850-1100mAh. For 2.2-2.5-inch: 4S 450-850mAh. Our FPV battery guide covers cell counts and C ratings in depth.