Syma X5sC-1: Stylish Drone for Beginners

Syma X5sc-1 Quadcopter review

All the kids are now back to school, and the parents (ok probably only the dads :)) will have more time to play with their favorite remote-controlled toys. Yesterday was my 6-year-old son’s first school day, he looks very enthusiastic, I’m curious if he will continue this way until he graduates college. We had a few agitated days with this school thing, but finally, everything looks calm and I have time to review my new toy, the Syma X5sC-1 quadcopter.

The Syma X5 series is known as the best beginner quadcopter. I’m very curious whether this new upgraded X5sC-1 maintains this reputation. “Steroid” features like headless mode and return to home never impressed me to much as I’m more interested in improving my the flying skills. It is not logical to fly your quadcopter too far away if you can’t bring it back by yourself.

Since I started my journey in the world of quadcopters, I have tested many Syma models, from the smallest X12 to the biggest X8W. Unfortunately, not everybody can buy all the models from the market to have the proper multi-rotor for indoor, outdoor or FPV flights. This X5sC offers an excellent intermediate solution, it has the perfect size for both indoor and outdoor flight. There is available an FPV upgrade kit for this aircraft that transforms it in a first-person view quadcopter.

I will be a bit shorter with my Syma X5sC-1 review because two more products are waiting in the box to be reviewed.

The package was delivered very fast; it took only eight days to have the X5sC in my hand. I thank Adam from GearBest for the professional approach by offering multi-rotors and related products for honest reviews. It is more consumer-friendly to offer products for review than just to buy banner spaces or other advertising techniques.

Syma X5sC-1 review

The main difference (and probably the only one) between the X5sC and the upgraded X5SC-1 is the smaller, more shipping-friendly packaging.Syma X5sC-1 first impression

There are two different models of this drone, one without a camera which is called X5s, and the X5sC with a camera. Usually, the letter “C” in the name of the Syma models points to the aircraft being equipped with a camera.

I opted for the orange version of the Syma X5sC Quad, which was preferred by my son but is also available in white and black finishes.

The package includes everything that you need for your first flight, even a 4GB memory card to immortalize some decent aerial videos. For beginners, I recommend RTF quadcopters because they are ready out of the box for learning flights.

Prior to your first test flight, you should install the landing skids and the propeller guards. You should also check the battery voltage if you have a volt meter.

Syma X5sC-1: First impressions

As is shown in the image below, the aircraft was a bit redesigned compared to its predecessor. To allow a higher ground guard, the bridge-type landing skids are placed with 4pcs of taller individual landing legs. To protect the main gear and rotor shaft from excessive dust, strands of hair or grass are enclosed in the main airframe. These tiny brushed motors can easily burn out prematurely if these unwanted impurities slow them down.X5 vs X5sC

left side Syma X5C – right side X5SC

The camera mount was redesigned, too, it can be easily removed in the field without any additional tools. Without the extra weight and power consumption of the camera, you can earn about 1-2 minutes of extra playtime.

To solve another design inconvenience of the previous model, the engineers from Syma have reallocated the battery compartment’s door from the aircraft’s belly to the bottom of the body. The battery compartment is slightly bigger, so there is probably enough room for a higher-capacity battery.

Syma X5sC-1: Transmitter (remote controller)

The transmitter looks 100% identical to its predecessor, and yes, the fake plastic antenna on the top is also present. I read it somewhere that, unfortunately, the transmitters are not compatible and interchangeable, the X5SC-1 transmitter won’t bind with the older X5C-1 quadcopter. For those with some DIY skills, the 50-meter control range can be extended by adding a real Wi-Fi antenna to about 100 meters. I made this easy hack to my X5C’s remote controller with successful results, you can read my step-by-step guide here.

A small LCD screen is present on the bottom of the transmitter and displays information like: the transmitter’s battery level, trim levels, yaw rate, and throttle level.

Syma X5sC-1: CameraSyma X5sC-1's camera

This X5SC-1 is equipped with the same well-known 720P camera used by many Syma models. The only improvement is regarding the storage space as it is delivered with a higher capacity 4GB microSD card. The 2MP offers decent image quality in good light conditions but nothing spectacular. The time stamp can be set through a text file (TIME.TXT) that must be copied in the root folder of the memory card. If you are curious about the beauty of first person flights and ready to spend some extra bucks (around $50), there is available a compatible 5.8GHz FPV upgrade kit.

I promise to add to my review some sample images and videos captured with the X5sC’s camera.

Syma X5sC-1: Flight performance

4pcs of 8mm provide the X5SC-1’s lifting power brushed motors, 1 mm thicker as the ones the previous model has. Leaving aside the wind bug (probably solved with a future software update), the X5SC is very stable and can easily hover. I recommend that beginners to set the flight speed on low, especially when they practice indoor. After familiarizing them with the basic flight movements, they can switch to HIGH speed, which causes the Quad to become even more responsive and agile.Syma X5sC-1 upgraded

My only disappointment regarding this quad-copter is the playtime. 5 minutes of continuous flight is just not enough for me. When I started to have fun, I was warned by the low battery alarm. By removing the propeller guards and the camera, the flight time can be increased by 2 minutes.

As usual, being pressed by my wife with household stuff, I forgot my camcorder at home, so I can’t show my test flight. I scheduled for next weekend my second flight with this beauty and I will post the results on my YouTube channel.

REVIEW OVERVIEW
Price\performance ratio
Design and build quality
Camera / FPV
Transmitter
Flight performance
Senior editor and co-founder of FirstQuadcopter.com. Everything started about 4 years ago when I purchased my first drone. I still own that Syma X5C . Since then I have had the luck to review and test more than 100 drones.
syma-x5sc-1-quadcopter-reviewAfter I reviewed many Syma models, I can say that they are a serious manufacturer who tries to improve their product lines in many ways. This X5SC-1 is a good proof of this concern. Another advantage of Syma products is the good availability and affordability of the spare parts. In case of some damages, they can easily be repaired with minimal costs. <br> Pros:<br> +Easy to fly;<br> +Headless flight mode;<br> +On/Off power switch;<br> +Enclosed main gears;<br> +High landing skids;<br> +Decent 2MP camera;<br> +FPV upgrade possibility.<br> <br> Cons<br> -Short flight time, around 5 minutes;<br> -Suitable only for low wind conditions;<br> -More expensive than the older X5C-1.<br>

15 COMMENTS

  1. I can’t find directions on how to set up the X5SC-1 drone for using a cell phone with the camera. Nothing I’ve tried works?? Can you please send me some directions so I can get this thing flying and use my cell phone to see the images live while in flight?

    Thanks and have a great day!

  2. Hello, I just received my first X5SC-1 Drone in the mail. The manual said to use the QR code to download the user manual which I did. I downloaded the Syma app for use with my iPhone but it is asking for a username and password to pair and they do not have one in any of the directions.
    The manual that came with the drone was in terrible broken English and I can’t hardly understand what it is saying but there is definitely no password.

    I am hoping there is a default password you can give me so I can get this thing paired.

    Thanks for any help you can provide.

  3. Hi i´m looking for a starter drone and i would like to know your opinion about wich one is the best choice between Syma x5c or Eachine E58. I read your post about Eachine E58 with FPV and i also found a lot of information online about Syma x5c that is making my choice even more dificult. My budget can rise up to 100 USD.

  4. Just got my 1st drone, Syma X5 SC-1, for Christmas and while it flies ok initially(have had it up to @100feet) It has now started to veer to the right on take off (assuming the camera is pointing away from me). I have tried the re-calibration method, but it has made no difference.
    Can any one help ?

    I notice that the props, which can fitted, are C1, 2 x C2’s (opposite each other) and c3. Does it matter how they are fitted ? The replacement set are made up of 2 x A4 and 2 x B3

    Thanks

  5. Thanks! You cleared up the difference between the old and new versions. And it’s great to hear that I can add FPV later. (I see Amazon has the kit for $50).

  6. Thank you for the review.
    I am looking for a cheaper quad but good quality, could you guide me for the any other brand?
    thanks in advance.

    • Honestly, it’s hard to find cheaper quadcopters than the X5C-1 which support video recording. Even the smaller H107C is more expensive.
      Nano sized drones without a camera, like the Cheerson CX-10 are cheaper of course, but they are mainly suitable only for indoor flights.

  7. Looking to purchase motors for my Syma x5 sc-1 upgraded version quad copter. Ordered some on line only to find out that they were skinnier and longer.
    Any body know were I can get the correct ones?

  8. I’m having problems with my X5sc. I originally thought a motor was bad and replaced two of them but that has not fix the issue. When I go to fly all four of my props are spinning and it seems the ones I thought were damaged are not spinning fast enough for an equal lift. In fact it tends to flip on it’s side instead of going up.
    Any clue what is going on and what can be done to fix it?

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