Overview

The Hubsan Black Zino Folding Drone with 4K FPV Camera, GPS & 5.8G Transmission (H117S) represents an exceptional entry point into professional-grade aerial photography and FPV flying. This compact quadcopter combines cutting-edge imaging technology with intelligent flight modes, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists, content creators and anyone seeking a ready-to-fly RC drone UK enthusiasts can rely on. Whether you're capturing cinematic aerial footage, exploring intelligent autonomous flight modes, or experiencing immersive first-person view flying, the Zino delivers performance and reliability at an affordable price point that doesn't compromise on quality.

What sets the Hubsan Zino apart is its remarkable blend of portability and capability. The folding arm design makes this brushless RC quadcopter genuinely convenient to transport and store, fitting easily into a backpack or carrying case for location scouting and travel. Yet when deployed, it reveals the features of a professional aerial platform: 4K ultra-high-definition video recording, stable 3-axis gimbal stabilisation, advanced GPS navigation, and long-range 5.8GHz FPV transmission for real-time immersive piloting. This is a ready-to-run RC drone that arrives fully assembled and calibrated, requiring no building or complex setup before your first flight.

The H117S Zino is engineered for smooth, stable flight in a wide range of conditions. Its brushless motor system ensures efficient, reliable operation with minimal maintenance, whilst the intelligent battery management system optimises power delivery and flight time. With a maximum flight time of 23 minutes per charge, transmission range reaching 1 kilometre via 5.8GHz FPV and 2.5 kilometres via GPS range, and intuitive autonomous features like Return to Home, Follow Me and waypoint navigation, this drone empowers both beginners and experienced pilots to capture professional-quality aerial content with confidence.

Key Features

• Built-in 4K UHD Camera — Records ultra-high-definition video at 3840×2160 resolution at 30 frames per second, delivering exceptional clarity and detail in every aerial shot. The native 4K capability eliminates the need for external cameras or gimbal upgrades, streamlining your aerial photography workflow and reducing total system weight.
• Ambarella Sports Image Processor — Dedicated video processing hardware ensures smooth, high-fidelity footage with minimal dropped frames and optimised colour grading. This professional-grade processor is specifically designed for action and sports cinematography, making it ideal for dynamic aerial sequences and fast-moving subjects.
• 3-Axis Stabilised Gimbal — Gyroscopic suspension system on three axes eliminates camera shake, vibration and drift, delivering silky-smooth video footage even during aggressive manoeuvres or gusty weather. The F2.2 aperture and 89-degree wide-angle lens capture expansive scenes whilst maintaining focus and clarity across the entire frame.
• 5.8GHz FPV Video Transmission — Real-time first-person view broadcast directly to your Hubsan HT016B transmitter provides immersive, low-latency piloting without the need for separate FPV goggles or external receivers. The 5.8GHz frequency band offers stable, interference-resistant signal transmission at extended ranges.
• HD Wi-Fi Video Transmission — Simultaneous HD video streaming via Wi-Fi allows you to monitor your flight on a smartphone or tablet, enabling stable platform operation and better situational awareness. This complementary transmission method provides redundant monitoring capability independent of the 5.8GHz FPV link.
• Compact Folding Design — Innovative arm-folding mechanism reduces the drone to a highly portable package measuring just 304.6mm × 252.4mm × 90mm, making it practical for travel, backpacking and location-based aerial work. The 700-gram flying weight (excluding propeller guard) qualifies as a lightweight portable quadcopter suitable for diverse operating environments.
• Brushless Motor System — Maintenance-free brushless motors deliver consistent, efficient power output throughout extended flight sessions. These electronically commutated motors generate smooth thrust curves, minimise heat generation, and provide superior reliability compared to brushed motor alternatives.
• Intelligent GPS Flight System — Integrated GPS positioning enables autonomous navigation features including Return to Home failsafe, waypoint navigation for pre-programmed flight paths, Follow Me autonomous tracking, and Point of Interest orbiting modes. The GPS system integrates seamlessly with the flight controller for precision altitude hold and stable hover characteristics.
• Multiple Intelligent Flight Modes — Waypoint mode allows you to program complex flight paths that the drone executes autonomously. Image Tracking mode follows designated subjects automatically. Follow Me mode maintains locked distance and altitude relative to the remote controller. Orbiting Point of Interest mode circles a specific location for 360-degree perspective capture.
• Panoramic Photography Mode — One-button panoramic capture automatically sequences multiple overlapping images that can be stitched together in post-production to create expansive ultra-wide landscape photographs. This feature simplifies complex aerial composition workflows.
• Line Fly Mode — Automated flight along user-defined lines produces smooth, professional camera motion tracking across landscapes or architectural subjects without manual stick control, ideal for cinematic establishing shots.
• Movie-Quality Video Recording — Dedicated video mode optimises frame rates, colour grading and stabilisation specifically for cinematic content production, enabling broadcast-quality aerial sequences directly from the drone's onboard processor.
• Hubsan HT016B Transmitter — Dedicated 2.4GHz radio control transmitter with integrated smartphone holder provides tactile control feedback and intuitive stick-based flight command input. The transmitter features dedicated buttons for mode selection, flight initiating and emergency landing procedures.
• Automatic Return to Home — GPS-guided autonomous return functionality brings the drone home automatically if signal is lost, battery runs critically low, or if the pilot activates the return mode. The failsafe logic ensures your investment is protected even in challenging flying conditions.
• Automatic Take-off and Landing — Single-button autonomous launching and precise automatic landing eliminates manual throttle management during launch and recovery phases, reducing pilot workload and improving safety margins especially in confined spaces.
• Headless Mode — Simplified flight control orientation where the drone's forward direction remains independent of its nose-pointing direction, making it easier for beginners to maintain control during complex manoeuvres or when the drone is far away and orientation is unclear.
• Altitude Hold Mode — Barometric pressure sensor automatically maintains current altitude once engaged, allowing pilots to focus entirely on horizontal camera positioning and framing without managing vertical lift constantly.
• Flight Control Failsafe — Redundant flight safety systems monitor signal integrity and battery status continuously, initiating automatic failsafe procedures if communication is disrupted or power reserves become critically depleted.

Technical Performance

The Hubsan Zino H117S represents a carefully engineered balance of flight performance and imaging capability. Powered by brushless motors driving optimised propeller geometry, the quadcopter achieves a maximum ground speed of 60 kilometres per hour whilst maintaining stable hover characteristics essential for smooth video work. The 11.4-volt 3000mAh intelligent lithium polymer battery (with 3-axis protective balancing circuitry) delivers up to 23 minutes of flight time per charge, with a 180-minute charging cycle via the included balance charger and AC adapter. The flight controller processes inertial measurement unit data from internal gyroscope and accelerometer sensors, maintaining stable attitude control across six axes of motion. The Ambarella A12 processor paired with an IMX258 image sensor enables real-time 4K video encoding at 30 frames per second, writing MP4 video files and JPEG still images directly to internal storage. The 5.8GHz FPV transmission operates at a 1-kilometre control range with low-latency video feedback, whilst the GPS receiver enables position-holding and autonomous navigation functions up to 2.5 kilometres away. The 3-axis gimbal stabilisation system isolates the camera from vibration and dynamic motion, allowing the Ambarella processor to apply additional digital stabilisation algorithms for exceptionally smooth footage. Every component from the brushless motor controllers to the gimbal servos has been selected for reliability and smooth operation during extended aerial photography sessions. The folding arm design uses precision hinges that secure positively during flight without rattling or flexing, maintaining the tight tolerances necessary for gimbal calibration stability.

What's in the Box

• 1 × Fully assembled Hubsan Zino H117S quadcopter airframe with integrated 4K camera and gimbal
• 1 × Intelligent 11.4V 3000mAh lithium polymer flight battery with integrated battery management system
• 1 × Hubsan HT016B 2.4GHz remote control transmitter with integrated smartphone/tablet holder
• 1 × AC power adapter for mains charging
• 1 × Balance charger for intelligent battery charging
• 1 × USB charger cable for aircraft battery
• 1 × USB charger cable for transmitter battery
• 1 × RC control cable with Lightning connector (for iPhone/iPad)
• 1 × RC control cable with standard Micro-USB connector (for Android devices)
• 1 × RC control cable with USB Type-C connector (for modern Android devices)
• 2 × Complete propeller pairs (4 propellers total)
• 2 × Propeller mounting screws (1 pair)
• 1 × Propeller protective guard
• 1 × Propeller installation and removal wrench
• 1 × Comprehensive user manual in English
• 1 × Gimbal protective cover for transportation and storage

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Hubsan Zino H117S suitable for beginners new to drone flying? — Yes, the Zino is expressly designed as an accessible entry-level platform for pilots new to FPV and autonomous flight systems. The ready-to-fly configuration means no assembly or complex calibration is required straight from the box. Intelligent flight modes like Altitude Hold and Headless Mode simplify control dynamics for learners, whilst automatic Return to Home and landing functions provide safety margins even if the pilot loses orientation. The compact size and forgiving flight characteristics make it ideal for learning in confined spaces, though outdoor open areas are recommended for full performance exploration. The included comprehensive manual and intuitive HT016B transmitter interface make the learning curve gentle and rewarding.
• What is the flight time on a single battery charge? — The Hubsan Zino delivers up to 23 minutes of maximum flight time per battery charge under ideal calm-weather conditions with conservative throttle management. Real-world flight time typically ranges from 18-23 minutes depending on wind conditions, flight aggressiveness, altitude changes and the weight of any external accessories. The intelligent battery management system automatically monitors voltage and alerts the pilot when reserve power is becoming depleted, triggering low-power failsafe procedures to ensure safe landing.
• What transmission range can I expect with this drone? — The Hubsan Zino features dual transmission systems with different ranges. The 5.8GHz FPV video link operates reliably up to 1 kilometre, providing immersive real-time first-person view feedback. The GPS-based remote control link extends to approximately 2.5 kilometres, allowing the drone to operate at much greater distances when using the transmitter screen view rather than immersive FPV. In practice, most users will maintain visual line of sight within 500-800 metres for safety and regulatory compliance.
• What camera specifications does the Zino feature? — The Hubsan Zino incorporates a built-in 4K UHD camera recording at full 3840×2160 resolution at 30 frames per second. The camera features an F2.2 aperture providing excellent light gathering capability and an 89-degree wide-angle lens capturing expansive landscapes and architectural subjects. The Ambarella A12 sports image processor provides real-time video encoding and digital stabilisation algorithms. The IMX258 image sensor delivers excellent low-light performance and colour accuracy. Video is recorded in MP4 format and still images are captured as JPEG files, both compatible with standard editing software and online platforms.
• Does the Zino require obstacle avoidance sensors or collision detection? — No, the Hubsan Zino H117S does not include obstacle avoidance or collision detection systems. Pilots are responsible for maintaining safe separation from buildings, trees, power lines and other airborne hazards through visual observation and situational awareness. The compact size and agile flight characteristics allow skilled pilots to navigate confined spaces safely, but obstacle avoidance functionality is not available on this model.
• What is included for controlling the drone with my smartphone? — The Hubsan HT016B transmitter features an integrated smartphone holder capable of securing most modern phones including iPhone and Android devices. Three different connector cables are included: Lightning connectors for iPhone, Micro-USB connectors for older Android devices, and USB Type-C connectors for newer Android smartphones. The transmitter itself communicates via 2.4GHz radio frequency and is fully independent of Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity. However, the drone also broadcasts HD video via Wi-Fi that can be received by a second smartphone or tablet for monitoring purposes, with optional dedicated FPV goggle systems available separately.
• Can I use this drone with existing FPV goggles? — Compatibility with third-party FPV goggles depends on the specific goggle model and its receiver specifications. The Hubsan Zino transmits 5.8GHz FPV video natively, which is compatible with many FatShark and similar goggle systems that support this frequency band. However, we recommend verifying specific goggle compatibility before purchase, as some legacy systems or proprietary models may require additional adapters or signal converters that are not included with the Zino.
• What is the weight and how does it affect regulations? — The Hubsan Zino weighs 700 grams when fully assembled and ready to fly, excluding the optional propeller guard. This weight classification is significant in many jurisdictions as it falls below the threshold where certain regulatory requirements apply. However, regulations vary significantly by country and region, so pilots should always verify local laws and requirements with their national aviation authority before operating the drone.
• How long does the battery take to charge? — The included balance charger recharges the 3000mAh intelligent battery in approximately 180 minutes when connected to the supplied AC adapter. The USB charging cable allows direct connection to computer USB ports or standard mobile chargers for emergency top-ups, though charging rates via USB are typically slower. For frequent flying sessions, purchasing additional intelligent batteries allows continuous operation whilst previous batteries recharge.
• What happens if I lose the radio signal during flight? — The Hubsan Zino incorporates redundant failsafe systems that activate automatically if the 2.4GHz control signal is lost. The drone will initiate Return to Home mode, using GPS positioning to navigate back to the launch location and attempt autonomous landing. If GPS signal is also unavailable, the drone will execute a controlled descent to the ground. The 5.8GHz FPV video transmission provides additional monitoring of drone status independent of control commands, allowing observation of failsafe procedures as they execute.
• Can I purchase additional batteries for extended flying sessions? — Yes, Hubsan supplies genuine replacement intelligent batteries (model H117S-28) as accessories, allowing you to purchase additional battery packs and maintain continuous flying rotation. Having multiple charged batteries available enables all-day flying sessions without waiting for recharge cycles between flights. The intelligent battery management system in each battery monitors voltage, temperature and cycle count to optimise longevity.
• What spare parts and upgrade options are available? — Hubsan offers an extensive range of genuine spare parts including replacement propellers in types A and B, complete gimbal assemblies, motor units, electronic speed controllers, remote controllers, body shell covers, protective guards and numerous smaller components. These are available through authorised retailers including RC Model Shop, ensuring you can maintain and repair your Zino throughout its operational lifespan.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Hubsan Black Zino Folding Drone with 4K FPV Camera, GPS & 5.8G Transmission – H117S today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.