GEPRC DarkStar22 vs BETAFPV Pavo20 Pro – Which CineWhoop Does It Better?

Sub 250g CineWhoops have become the go-to choice for creators who want cinematic FPV shots without the hassle of heavy batteries or complex builds. Two models currently leading the scene are the GEPRC DarkStar22 and the BETAFPV Pavo20 Pro. Both promise stability, smooth HD footage, and excellent power efficiency — but they take different approaches to get there.

1. Design Philosophy & Build Quality

The GEPRC DarkStar22 adopts a clean 2.2-inch format that merges compactness with surprising lift. It feels like a scaled-down CineLog25 — lighter, quieter, and easier to maneuver indoors. The carbon frame and protected ducts are solid but minimalistic, keeping weight well under 250g even with a 4S 650mAh LiPo installed.

The BETAFPV Pavo20 Pro, on the other hand, embraces a slightly different tuning philosophy. It’s optimized for cinematic flow rather than freestyle punch. The 2.0-inch props and updated canopy help reduce vibration and jello, especially with the DJI O4 Pro air unit onboard. It’s a filmmaker’s CineWhoop, less aggressive, more fluid.

2. Flight Feel & Performance

Out of the box, both drones deliver excellent hover stability and smooth throttle control. The DarkStar22’s motors feel snappier, giving it more agility during quick directional changes or close-proximity flights. It’s clearly tuned with precision pilots in mind — great for mixed indoor/outdoor shots.

The Pavo20 Pro feels calmer. It holds altitude beautifully with less throttle input, ideal for slow pans and cinematic tracking shots. With a 3S battery, it achieves around 5–6 minutes of stable flight time indoors, while the DarkStar22 can stretch slightly longer on a 4S 650mAh pack.

3. Camera & Video Stability

Both CineWhoops integrate the DJI O4 Pro digital system, delivering crisp 1080p feeds with low latency. GEPRC slightly edges ahead in vibration isolation — thanks to its redesigned camera mount with rubber grommets that absorb motor resonance effectively.

In real-world flights, the DarkStar22 produces cleaner footage during quick turns, while the Pavo20 Pro wins on longer, smoother shots with minimal prop shadowing. If your goal is indoor cinematic work like real estate or short film FPV scenes, both are top-tier, but GEPRC has a slight lead for hybrid indoor/outdoor use.

4. Battery & Power Options

Battery choice can make or break CineWhoop performance. Both drones use XT30 connectors, but their voltage preferences differ:

• DarkStar22: Supports 3S and 4S LiPo packs (650–850mAh recommended)
• Pavo20 Pro: Works best with 3S packs (600–850mAh range)

During tests, the CNHL MiniStar 850mAh 3S 70C offered the best stability for the Pavo20 Pro, while the CNHL MiniStar 650mAh 4S 70C unlocked the DarkStar22’s full punch and throttle response without voltage drop.

Both batteries keep the weight comfortably under 250g, ensuring compliance with most sub-250 FPV regulations.

5. Practical Use & Flight Scenarios

If you’re flying mainly indoors — tight corridors, offices, event spaces — the Pavo20 Pro’s soft tune and low-noise setup are unbeatable. It glides like a camera on rails. For outdoor b-roll or dynamic reveal shots, the DarkStar22’s 4S setup offers noticeably more power to fight wind or climb altitude quickly.

Both quads handle DJI O4 Pro transmission well, offering around 800–1000 meters of clean range in open areas, which is plenty for most FPV filmmakers.

6. Verdict: Which One Wins?

It really comes down to style. The GEPRC DarkStar22 feels more performance-oriented — agile, powerful, and confident in small spaces. The BETAFPV Pavo20 Pro feels smoother and more cinematic out of the box. You can’t go wrong with either, but if you value that extra throttle authority and 4S flexibility, the DarkStar22 edges ahead slightly.

Recommended Power Setup

• CNHL MiniStar 850mAh 11.1V 3S 70C — best for Pavo20 Pro
• CNHL MiniStar 650mAh 14.8V 4S 70C — best for DarkStar22

Learn More

Looking for more CineWhoop battery options? Check our full CineWhoop LiPo Battery Collection to find your perfect match for 2S–4S FPV builds.

FAQ

• Q: Can I use 4S batteries on the Pavo20 Pro?
  A: Technically yes, but only with motor and ESC tuning adjustments. For safety and balance, 3S 850mAh is recommended.
• Q: Are these drones compatible with DJI RC 2 or Goggles 3?
  A: Yes, both support DJI O4 Pro systems out of the box, which pair with RC 2 and Goggles 3.
• Q: What’s the average flight time?
  A: 5–7 minutes depending on battery choice and payload weight.