To meet the drone payload requirements and environmental challenges of professional aerial cinematography, the U.S.-based drone filming team Skyecam designed a custom heavy-lift multirotor drone with 1200mm wheelbase and 30mm arm tubes.

When selecting the propulsion system for their drone, Skyecam prioritized stability, payload capacity, adaptability to harsh environments, and compatibility with various flight controllers. Ultimately, they chose HOBBYWING H8M integrated propulsion system, which integrates motor, ESC, and propeller.

Before committing H8M to commercial drone shoots, Skyecam conducted a series of test flights:
No-payload test flight
30 lb payload test flight
LED-lighting systems effect tests.

"This fully carbon fiber, 1200mm size quadcopter is capable of lifting heavy cinema camera gear, large gimbals, LED lighting, drop systems, and more," said Trinidad, Skyecam's founder.

Cinematography Project in Nevada, Summer 2024

Located in the Nevada desert, Skyecam’s filmming drone—equipped with four H8M units, a heavy 360° cinema camera on the Freefly Movi Pro gimbal, DJI A3 flight controller, and two 6S 10,000 mAh batteries (12S configuration) —— was capable of carrying a total payload of 21.5 lb and achieving flight time of 10 minutes.

Despite scorching temperatures and strong winds, HOBBYWING H8M propulsion systems maintained optimal operating temperatures without overheating issues, while delivering sufficient thrust and stable power output. "This project was shot in the desert in Nevada. It was really hot and windy. In this environment, we focus more on the payload due to the windy conditions and how much heat is generated from the propulsion system due to the heat in the desert. We had no issues with this H8M propulsion system heating up too much, which was great.” Trinidad noted.

On-set Lighting

Following these successes in test flights and actual flight missions, Skyecam adopted H8M systems across multiple critical projects. For night scenes, they deployed a custom quadcopter drone with LED lighting system for on-set illumination. Powered by H8M propulsion, this lighting drone maintained consistently efficient and stable operation throughout long shooting hours. "On set with our custom heavy-lift lighting drone using HOBBYWING H8M motor, esc and propeller system. HOBBYWING products are true workhorse," Trinidad reflected.

With its exceptional stability, heavy-lift capacity, and resilience in extreme environments, HOBBYWING’s H8M integrated propulsion system has consistently met Skyecam’s rigorous filming drone demands, delivering robust and reliable power. Looking ahead, HOBBYWING will remain dedicated to advancing drone propulsion solutions for the industry.