Ruko F11GIM2 Review

The Ruko F11GIM2 is equipped with a 4K camera and a 2-axis gimbal, allowing for stable footage and smooth image capture. It boasts a flight time of up to 28 minutes with its two included batteries, and its 3km real-time transmission range provides ample coverage, although not in the UK as that would break the Rules. The drone features an easy-to-fly design, making it accessible to beginners and those new to drone piloting.

However, when it comes to safety feature there is a clear lack, with no object avoidence sensors, so it’s a good idea to fly this only where you know you’ll have plenty of space and no obsticles that could get in the way.

In terms of build quality, the Ruko F11GIM2 falls short of the premium standards set by the industry leaders. While it may feel a bit cheap and lacks the refined aesthetics of higher-end drones, it still manages to offer a solid and sturdy construction. The drone’s arms are feel robust enough, and feature the usual array of indicator lights to assist in maintaining safe operations. The general layout of features and controls is straightforward, and the included smartphone app is an essential and enhances the overall user experience.

The Ruko F11GIM2 has the use base features that you need to enable you to capture a few creative aerial shots. The small gimbal enables plenty of flexibility over the tilt and then you can directly operate the video or stills as you require. There are a few other options within the App, but compared with the DJI and Autel offerings the App is limited.

The Ruko does feature some advanced automated flight odes sucah as the waypoint mode that enables you to mark specific points for the drone to navigate, creating dynamic and pre-planned flight paths. Then theres the obligitory follow-me mode that ensures that the drone steadily tracks and follows your movements, capturing activities from above.

Then theres the circle fly feature that enables you to capture circle shots while keeping the subject centered. The drone’s 5G Wi-Fi compatibility should ensure long-range transmission although we’ll be unable to check this out in the UK.

In terms of performance, the Ruko F11GIM2 delivers satisfactory results. The 4K camera captures footage with good colour reproduction and detail, although it does show a little more noise than I’m used to seeing.

The combination of the 2-axis gimbal and EIS effectively reduces camera shake, but the 2-axis is no substitute for a true 3-axis mechanical gimbal. Overall the drone while equiped with a camera shouldn’t be the reason that you opt for this model. You can get a basic DJI Mini 3 for the same price and the footage from one of those will be far superior.

The drone’s wind resistance is commendable, and it handles moderately windy conditions with ease, it’s also surprisingly nimble in the air and great fun to fly. The flight controls are responsive, allowing for agile manoeuvres, and the flight time was actually decent at 24 minutes per battery.

While the camera was disappointing, the flight controls of the Ruko F11GIM2 are good, although again, the control and precision are by no means DJI or Autel, with the drone gradually rising and drifting rather than sitting static when your hands are taken off of the controls.

The Ruko F11GIM2 drone offers a fun solution for anyone looking for a camera drone, but it shouldn’t be seen as a competitor for any of the DJI or Autel models. While not classed as a toy, this is closer to a drone to have fun with rather than an imaging device; the image quality and controls aren’t there.

The flight characteristics are also a little too loose to be able to hold the drone in position for any length of time.

When you look at the standard price, the Ruko F11GIM2 is still expensive and in line with the base-level DJI Mini 3, albeit with an additional battery. However, keep an eye out on the Amazon store and the price of the drone plummets in value and can be purchased for almost half the usual price.

Essentially the Ruko F11GIM2 is a drone for fun, not imaging. Keep an eye out, and you’ll pick one up for cheap and will no doubt have loads of fun, and while the footage is OK, you’ll need a bright sunny day to maximise the quality.