With the same size props a flat 8 will give more lifting power than an X8 because, by the nature of the coaxial motor arrangement, the lower prop is having to deal with air that is already moving downwards quickly. But then the X8 booms are spaced further apart so you can use larger props. Bart has addressed the prop wash issue by installing a higher pitched lower prop.
On redundancy, don't forget the video we were all shown last week where one of the props on an X8 broke and then the broken bit went and broke its coaxial partner prop, thereby removing the whole drive on that boom in an instant, and flipping everything into the ground.
Bart's XY-8 arrangement is an innovative solution to keeping the 8x motor power, yet preventing the boom & props coming into frame, but for the highest degree of redundancy and lifting power it has to be a flat 8 with long booms and large props.
Alternatively, if you want to lift really heavy cameras, use a single rotor heli. They can still be fitted with all the stabilization electronics, can handle wind with less fuss, are very much more efficient with power usage and are a hell of a lot more convenient to transport.
Have you named your creations at all? Looking forward to seeing your video mate, if for no other reason than curiosity.
