GEPRC MOZ7 Review: Why It’s My Favorite Long Range FPV Drone in 2024?

With the rise of FPV drones like the DJI Avata and Tiny Hawk, micro quadcopters have undoubtedly taken the spotlight.

But in 2024, one might ponder, do 7-inchers still hold their ground?

I recently embarked on a trip, wishing I had a 7-incher by my side. My 5-inch FPV drones simply lacked the velocity and stamina to fetch the breathtaking shots alongside a full-scale airplane.

This made me ponder the unique strengths of 7-inch quadcopters. Contrary to the common sentiment, there are instances where a 7-incher outperforms its 5-inch counterpart.

Imagine you needing:

• Extended flight durations
• Payload capacity for hefty cameras
• Swift top speeds to chase fast-moving subjects
• Greater flying range

It’s in these scenarios where a 7-inch quadcopter truly comes into its own. And to delve deeper into this category, let’s dissect GEPRC’s latest gem – the MOZ7!

In this comprehensive review, I’ll scrutinize the components, build quality, and the flight performance of this captivating 7-incher.

GEPRC MOZ7 Overview

After extensive testing, I can responsibly say that the GEPRC MOZ7 hits all the high notes you expect from a premium 7-inch freestyle FPV drone.

It packs a huge power system, great damping, and extremely durable construction into a compact frame loaded with mounting potential.

Especially considering its larger size and payload capacity. It locks into horizon and angle modes nicely, with smooth cruise control style sticks.

Swapping into Acro or Manual mode, it can flip and roll on command with crisp authority. It really sets a new benchmark for performance vs value at this size class.

So if you’re looking to push your FPV adventures farther and capture epic aerial footage along the way, I can highly recommend adding the GEPRC MOZ7 to your drone hangar.

My first impression with the GEPRC MOZ7 HD O3

The quadcopter we’ll reviewing today has the DJI O3 Air Unit in it. That’s pretty cool, because the O3 Air Unit can record up to 4K 120 FPS on board without needing a GoPro.

This is especially useful for hobbyists not pursuing professional-grade footage. But a heads-up – if the O3 camera isn’t soft-mounted, its image stabilization doesn’t work.

For cinematic cruising, which is common with 7-inch FPV drones, stabilization is crucial. Thankfully, the MOZ7 has taken this into account by incorporating TPU printed inserts for camera mounting.

I will explain this in detail in a later installment.

What’s in the box?

The package includes the following:

1 x MOZ7 HD O3

4 x HQ 7.5×3.5×3（4pair）

2 x M20*250mm battery straps

2 x M20*300mm battery straps

2 x Battery Silicone Pads

I must say, the package doesn’t include batteries. You can procure 6S batteries here:

GEPRC MOZ7 HD O3 Key specs

Here are the key specs of the GEPRC MOZ7 O3 version:

Specs
Dimensions	280mm×310mm
Flight Controller	SPAN F722-HD-BT V2
ESC	GEP-BLheli32-50A
Receiver	PNP, TBS NanoRX, ELRS 2.4G, ELRS 915M
FPV Camera	DJI O3 Air Unit
VTX	DJI O3 Air Unit
GPS	GEP-M10
Motor KV Rating	1280 KV (lower than GEPRC Crocodile’s 1350 KV for efficiency)
Flight Modes	Angle, Horizon, Acro
Weight	700.5g (without battery)
Flight Time	Up to 30 minutes (with recommended 6S 5500mah Li-Ion battery)
Transmission Range	Up to 10km

GEPRC MOZ7 Design & build quality

The Moz7 follows GEPRC’s typical aesthetic, with rounded edges on its 3mm thick carbon fiber frame plates. The quad measures approx.

280mm motor to motor and weighs around 850g without a battery. Some of the standout features include:

• 28xx size brushless motors
• 50A BLHeli_32 ESCs
• DJI Air Unit with HD recording
• GPS unit for autonomous flight modes
• 30x30mm stack for flight controller and ESCs
• Plenty of mounting options for GoPros and other gear
• Durable TPU printed components
• ExpressLRS receiver option

Let’s take a closer look at some of the components and build quality.

Carbon fiber frame and body

Unlike a ready-to-fly drone, the Moz7 comes in kit form. So I’ll need to get out my tools and assemble it before we can take the maiden flight.

The first thing I noticed is that this frame uses removable side panels to enclose the electronics. It gives the quad a sleek, finished look when assembled.

But I’ll need to take them off to access things like:

• The DJI Air Unit’s USB and SD card slot
• The Air Unit’s bind button
• The ExpressLRS receiver

It’s a minor annoyance compared to frames with open sides. But the tradeoff is a more refined and professional appearance when built.

Camera protection

With the side panels removed, I can see how GEPRC approached protecting the Air Unit’s camera. Like many modern frames, the Moz7 utilizes 3D printed TPU mounts to isolate vibrations.

The camera is positioned far enough forward to avoid props in view. And it’s recessed back slightly for some impact protection.

I do wish the camera was pushed back just a hair more. But given the Air Unit’s wide lens angle, it’s probably fine. Overall, GEPRC did a good job balancing camera protection vs optimal FOV.

One must-have accessory when running the Air Unit is a protective lens cover. I prefer the CameraButter ones over GEPRC’s filters. They seem to adhere more securely. But either will work fine.

Frame build quality

As with most GEPRC models I’ve tried, the component quality and overall build of the MOZ7 feels solid.

The MOZ7 frame consists of 3mm thick carbon fiber plates on both the top and bottom, and has clearly marked wiring passages.

The enclosed electronics are well protected, and all the included hardware is high grade. The slightly curved arms also help distribute crashes forces for less likelihood of breakage.

The overall shape is smooth and rounded compared to the more angular styling on some competitors like the iFlight Chimera7. Whether you prefer one look over the other comes down to personal taste.

The ESC and flight controller stack is enclosed within the main frame, while the Air Unit mounts underneath a TPU canopy on top. Everything fits together cleanly with well matched tolerances on the TPU and 3D printed parts.

The assembly process is straightforward, following typical practices found on other racing drones.

Air Unit cooling mod

With all the side panels installed, the Air Unit can overheat quickly if the motors aren’t spinning. To combat this, GEPRC devised a cooling duct that routes air over the video transmitter.

It’s not a perfect solution, as the Air Unit is still enclosed. I’d recommend pointing a small fan into the duct if bench testing for an extended period. But in flight, it seems to get adequate airflow.

The GoPro mount is one of the better implementations I’ve seen, with a carbon fiber plate integrated into the TPU mount. This helps prevent the typical problem of TPU ripping over time from GoPro screw pressure.

There are ample TPU-printed antenna holders, GPIO covers, and other mounts throughout the frame.

Flight controller and receiver

With the top plate removed, let’s look at the electronics layout:

• ExpressLRS Receiver – Mounted conveniently next to buzzer
• 30x30mm FC/ESC Stack – More durable than 20x20mm components
• 50A BLHeli_32 ESCs – Plenty of current overhead for 7-inch props
• Capacitor – Helps smooth out power from high-draw motors
• Air Unit – Hard mounted securely to heatsink

Underneath the ESC stack sits a MATEK flight controller running Betaflight. It has a built-in Bluetooth module for wireless passthrough connection to Betaflight configurator.

A buzzer mounts to the front of the stack for audible alarms and beeps. The flight controller does not have an integrated compass, which would be useful for certain autonomous flight modes.

But an external compass module can be added if desired.

The BNF version ships with TBS Crossfire, while ExpressLRS is another popular option for users looking for lower latency control links.

Everything looks very well thought out and durable. No complaints here!

The power system

The MOZ7 runs GEPRC’s own 2809 series brushless motors, with a stator size of 28mm diameter by 9mm height. Surrounding each motor is a plastic shroud to help protect the windings and wires.

While not quite as large as some 7-inch options, the 2809 size is a good fit for 7.5” propellers.

For the BNF version, Gemfan 7.5×4.5 tri-blade props are included, offering a good balance of thrust and efficiency. These ISO triangle shaped props are fairly typical for 7-inch builds aiming for speed and agility.

The motor KV is 2800, which is fairly low for good efficiency with the larger battery sizes used on 7” quads.

The 30x30mm gear and name brand BLHeli-32 ESCs give me confidence in this quad’s power system.

Battery

The MOZ7 has an XT60 power lead with a plug mount to secure your battery. This prevents loose battery leads from getting cut by props.

I recommended battery sizes start around 4S 1500mah up to 6S 5000mah. The included Xilo 6S 3500mah 100C LiPo is a good match for the power system, offering a nice blend of punch and flight time.

There’s an onboard voltage monitoring system that provides current battery voltage via the OSD, as well as alarm thresholds for low voltage. The large motors and ESCs are optimized for high voltage, high capacity LiPo packs.

So you can expect punchy performance on 4S/5S batteries, with 6S really allowing the full speed and power potential of the MOZ7 to shine.

FPV video system

For analog HD video transmission, the MOZ7 includes the DJI Air Unit module. This offers digital 720p 60fps with minimal latency. The unit is soft mounted with TPU dampers to isolate it from vibrations, and it sits recessed in the frame to help protect the camera in crashes.

The camera itself has a 150 degree FOV, and supports upto 4K 60fps recording to the onboard microSD card. Image quality is quite good, providing sharp HD footage and the ability to enable RockSteady digital stabilization in post processing.

An HDMI output port allows a direct wired connection to external recorders.

The Air Unit has active cooling from a heatsink above it, helping prevent overheating issues during bench testing and pre-flight setups. SMA connectors allow the use of aftermarket antennas, though it ships with the standard dipole antennas.

Overall the HD video system on the Moz7 delivers great performance for analog FPV.

Antenna choice

One gripe I have is the antenna selection. The Air Unit uses linear polarization, while the Moz7 ships with circular polarized cloverleaf antennas. This results in reduced range compared to matching linear pairs.

The cloverleaf design does provide more height for better line-of-sight. So it’s a bit of a tradeoff. But switching to linear antennas like the FlyFierce offerings would likely improve penetration and range.

Most competitors make the same mistake though. And good linear options are still fairly limited.

GEPRC MOZ7 HD O3 Software setup

The MOZ7 ships pre-configured with clean Betaflight 4.1 and tuned PIDs. After binding my receiver, everything was ready for flying out of the box.

For peoples wanting to customize settings, you’ll need to remove the side panels and connect your computer via USB.

The Bluetooth module is handy here, allowing wireless connection to Betaflight configurator without plugging into USB. Just make sure to re-install the side panels before flying so the electronics stay protected.

As mentioned earlier, the MOZ7 would benefit from a compass module for unlocked GPS navigation modes in Betaflight.

But the GPS rescue, position hold, and return to home features work well even without compass integration. No major changes needed in my experience to get the MOZ7 flying smoothly.

Now, let’s go fly this beast and see what it can do!

Testing the GEPRC MOZ7 HD O3: flight performance

Even with a GoPro and hefty 6S 3500 mAh battery, the Moz7 has plenty of punch for a 7-incher. GEPRC really nailed the power system on this quad. The efficiency of the 2809 motors means our battery life doesn’t suffer too badly from the added weight either.

Let’s run through some flying impressions:

• Handing – Very locked-in feel despite the size. Responds crisply with minimal wobble on hard turns.
• Prop Wash – Impressively little prop wash oscillation. Throttling down rapidly doesn’t upset it at all.
• Vibrations – Onboard footage appears smooth throughout throttle range. TPU soft mounts doing their job!
• Speed – Hit 140km/h in level flight at 70% throttle with room to spare!
• Endurance – Over 5 minutes on a heavy 3500 mAh battery with heavy throttle use.

The Moz handles like a much smaller quad thanks to GEPRC’s spot-on components choice and tuning. It can rip around a field course easily. Yet also has the efficiency for effortless long-range cruising.

So far, I’m quite impressed with its versatility!

Who do I recommend the GEPRC MOZ7 for?

The GEPRC MOZ7 hits a nice sweet spot that makes it appealing for many pilots:

Beginners – It’s easy and forgiving enough for new FPV pilots to learn on. Beginner mode restricts speed and altitude until you’re ready.

Intermediates – Strong performance keeps the MOZ7 engaging as your skills improve. The 7-8 inch size offers stability for capturing smooth video.

Experts – Experienced pilots will appreciate the MOZ7 too. It’s fast and nimble enough for freestyle aerobatics. The long range capability also enables next level exploration.

Videographers – With the stable DJI FPV camera up front, the MOZ7 is great for capturing cinematic FPV footage. The GPS modes help grab tracking shots.

DJI Users – If you fly DJI drones or have their goggles/controllers, the integrated DJI FPV system makes the MOZ7 plug and play compatible.

The MOZ7 is flexible enough to grow with pilots of any skill level. It also appeals to fliers who value extended flight range or great video quality. For these reasons, it earns a strong recommendation as an all-around long range FPV drone.

GEPRC MOZ7 Pricing

GEPRC MOZ7 vs iFlight Chimera7 Pro V2

Now for the hard part – comparing the MOZ7 to my previous favorite BNF 7-inch – the iFlight Chimera7 Pro V2.

These are two very closely matched quads. Choosing between them really comes down to priorities:

Ultimately, both are superb, confidence-inspiring 7-inchers. The differences come down to priorities and flying style. You really can’t go wrong!

GEPRC MOZ7 Alternatives

Alternatives like the iFlight Chimera7 Pro V2 or DIATONE ROMA F7 offer similar performance and features. But I think the GEPRC MOZ7 can compete with any of them in terms of quality, while offering advantages in configuration options and expansion potential within the frame.

FAQs

Final verdict on the GEPRC MOZ7

After many (fun!) flights with the MOZ7, I’m thoroughly impressed with both its speed and overall handling.

The 7-inch platform really allows GEPRC’s design to shine here, offering advantages in flight time and top speed over a smaller quad. It retains the GEPRC pedigree of great components and durable construction.

If you’re looking for a turnkey rocketship that can still carry GoPro with ease, the GEPRC MOZ7 checks all the boxes. While not cheap at $430, it does include premium hardware like the Air Unit, GPS module, quality receiver, and more.

So value is quite good considering everything that’s included.

So that wraps up my thoughts on this beastly new offering from GEPRC MOZ7. Let me know which way you’re leaning in the comments! And don’t forget to check out my full iFlight Chimera7 Pro V2 review before deciding.

Clear skies and happy flying!