le idea IDEA 32 – GPS camera drone for beginners with 2 batteries
The le idea IDEA 32 is a drone with camera for beginners and novices. The GPS drone records videos in 2K and photos in 4K. The flight time per battery is about 23 minutes and the range is up to 500 meters.
Design and weight
The all-gray le idea IDEA 32 is a foldable drone that is ideally suited for beginners in this exciting hobby. With a weight of about 235 grams, the quadrocopter is relatively light.
On the front of the le idea IDEA 32, there are two bright LEDs to keep a good eye on the drone even in low light conditions. For transporting the copter as well as the remote control and accessories, all utensils can be conveniently and safely stored in the included zippered carrying bag.
Equipment and flight characteristics
The le idea IDEA 32 has a number of features that not only make it easier for beginners to handle the drone. For example, the IDEA 32 independently returns to the takeoff position (Return to Home) when you press the corresponding button on the controller. Even if the battery falls below a critical value or the signal to the remote control becomes too weak, the drone independently returns “home”, so there is no danger of losing the drone.
Thanks to the built-in brushless motors, the le idea IDEA 32 is quieter and more powerful than comparable drones equipped with the cheaper brushed motors.
Takeoff and landing of the copter work conveniently at the touch of a button. Once in the air, the drone then automatically maintains the current flight altitude (Altitude Hold).
The built-in positioning module can not only use GPS satellites, but also receive data from the Glonass and Galileo systems. The Optical Flow Positioning System, which consists of a camera on the underside of the drone that permanently scans the ground and uses the data to adjust and stabilize the current flight attitude, ensures a stable flight even indoors where no satellite connection is possible.
According to the manufacturer, the drone can withstand wind speeds up to wind force 4 (12 to 17 mph or 20 to 28 km/h) outdoors, so you can fly outside even in moderate winds.
Flight time and range
The flight time of the le idea IDEA 32 is about 23 minutes per battery. Since the drone comes with two batteries (7.4 V, 2200 mAh) from the factory, you can enjoy a total of up to 46 minutes of flight time before the two batteries need to be recharged.
The LiPo batteries are charged via the included USB charging cable. You simply connect this to the power adapter of your smartphone or connect it directly to a PC, laptop or power bank. One charging process takes about 180 minutes.
The control range is up to 546 yards (500 m) in open terrain. The transmission range of the FPV live image of the drone camera works up to distances of approx. 328 yards (300 meters).
The camera of the le idea IDEA 32
The camera of the le idea IDEA 32 takes photos in 4K (3840 x 2160) or 8 megapixels and videos in 2K. The camera’s field of view (FOV) is 120°, making it highly wide-angle.
The camera can be panned vertically up to 90° during flight, from horizontal forward to vertical down. This allows you to capture different perspectives and add more dynamics to your video recordings.
Unfortunately, the le idea IDEA 32 does not have a gimbal for image stabilization, which is also the norm in this price range. Your recordings will therefore always be a bit shaky. However, the quality is quite sufficient for first experiences with camera drones. On the other hand, if you are looking for a drone for high-quality video recordings, you will probably have to spend a bit more money and buy a more expensive camera drone.
The transmission of the camera’s live FPV image works up to distances of about 328 yards (300 meters) thanks to the 5 GHz frequency. Please note that your smartphone must support the 5 GHz WLAN frequency – which should be the case with all current models.
Flight modes
The le idea IDEA 32 has a total of three different flight modes for automatic video recording: Follow Me, Waypoint and Surround. In addition, there is a headless mode and the possibility to trigger photos and videos via gestures.
In Follow Me mode, the drone follows the signal of the remote control and thus you as the pilot, while simultaneously recording a video.
In Waypoint mode, you can set various waypoints in the app before the flight, which are then flown independently by the IDEA 32 while you can take care of recording the video.
The Surround Mode (often called Orbit or POI) allows you to independently circle an object or person while simultaneously recording a video.
Absolute beginners will be especially happy about the headless Mode, since this mode provides simplified control. In fact, in headless Mode, it doesn’t matter how the drone is instantly oriented in the sky when you give a command to change direction. Normally, you always have to consider whether the front or rear of the copter is facing you when you issue a left, right, front or rear control command. In headless mode, this doesn’t matter and the drone will always fly in the direction you’re facing – so there’s no need to rethink here.
However, we recommend that you do not fly in headless mode for too long and also learn how to control the drone normally, as not all drones have headless mode by a long shot.
With the le idea IDEA 32’s gesture control, you can control the capture of photos and videos by hand gesture. Extend your outstretched palm toward the drone and a video recording starts or stops. Wen nyou form your fingers into the “victory sign,” the IDEA 32 will take a photo. However, both gestures only work at a relatively short distance from the drone’s camera and are therefore mainly suitable for taking selfies.
Scope of delivery
- 1 x IDEA 32 drone
- 1 x Rechargeable remote control with device holder
- 2 x 7.4V 2200mAh LiPo battery pack
- 4 x spare propellers (16 pieces in total)
- 2 x screws for blades
- 1 x Screwdriver
- 1 x USB charging cable
- 1 x user manual
- 1 x Carrying bag
Conclusion
The le idea IDEA 32 is a well-equipped entry-level drone at a fair price. Thanks to the built-in GPS module, it maintains a stable position in the sky even in moderate wind and can generally be navigated with pinpoint accuracy. Thanks to two included batteries, a total of up to 46 minutes of flight time is possible before both batteries need to be recharged.
The range is sufficiently high at 546 yards (500 meters), and thanks to Return to Home mode, the copter can independently return to the starting position if desired.
The camera takes photos in 8 MP and videos in 2K. Unfortunately, the le idea IDEA 32 does not have a gimbal for image stabilization, which is common for drones in this price range. However, the recordings are completely sufficient for first experiences with a camera drone.
Overall, the le idea IDEA 32 is a great beginner’s drone with all kinds of features at a good price-performance ratio. We can therefore highly recommend the quadrocopter!