FPV stands for First Person Viewing. Why do we need a camera? Good question right!!! An FPV camera must provide a live analog video feed to the pilot such that the pilot can maneuver his drone. The video feed from this FPV camera is going to help the pilot to fly. HD cameras are another breed of cameras used on mini quads.
Here We will discuss the features and benefits of each camera, before buying FPV Camera for your Quad.
What’s the Best FPV Camera Size?There are four FPV camera sizes: Full Size, Mini, Micro, and Nano.
In order to my opinion, micro size is the best for a mini quad. It usually has the same performance as the full-size camera but in a smaller and lighter package. There are adapters you can use if your frame only supports a full-size camera so they are still compatible.
The Best Micro FPV CameraFPV cameras keep getting smaller, yet retaining the same performance from full size cameras.
1. Runcam Micro Eagle — Best All Around Camera
It is undoubtedly the best “all around” FPV camera in my opinion. The best things about this camera is the incomparable wide dynamic range performance. It can handles even the toughest lighting condition that other cameras would struggle with. It also works well at low light.
2. Runcam Phoenix — Best Day Time Camera
Designed for day time flying, this has one of the best image quality of all the FPV cameras in both color and detail. It’s sharp without digital artifacts, and the UART feature allows you to connect this camera to your flight controller for easy access to the camera setting. However, it doesn’t perform as nice in low light.
3. Caddx Ratel — Best Value Camera
This camera is a relatively cheap camera for the performance it has to offer. Good balance of WDR and contrast, no digital artifacts and natural color. However due to the lower price, it’s not as reliable as the more expensive cameras
The Best Full Size FPV Camera
1. Runcam Swift 2
The Runcam Swift 2 is basically the original Swift with some additional features: OSD for timer and voltage monitoring, audio, wider input voltage and more flexible mounting solution. There are 3 lens options available to meet all your FOV requirement (2.1mm 165°, 2.3mm 150°, 2.5mm 130°).
This is just a simple OSD that reports voltage, you can’t do PID tuning or other advance stuff like that with it. If you don’t need the OSD you can also turn it off. A lot of FC these days offers OSD capability, but if yours doesn’t, then the Swift 2 would make your day a lot easier.
2. Runcam Eagle 2
The Runcam Eagle 2 is probably one of the most recommended FPV cameras for its outstanding image quality and amazing WDR ability.
The wide dynamic range and light handling is phenomenon IMO and it’s just as good as those CCD’s if not better. In the V2 they’ve lowered the latency to be on par with the Swift, and it handles low light even better in this version with very close performance to the Owl 2.
The Eagle 2 exists in 4:3 and 16:9 versions, so you can choose whichever matches the aspect ratio on your FPV Goggles or display.
3. Foxeer HS1177 V2
The HS1177 is made by Foxeer and it’s been around the longest in this list. When it came out in 2015, and it kind of revolutionized the FPV camera industry by its compact form factor. HS1177 took over board cameras as the new dimension standard. Since 2016, nearly all mini quad frames are designed to support the HS1177 form factor cameras, and all popular cameras nowadays followed this size.
Because it came out to the market early, many people adapted to it and are still using it today. Due to the high popularity, there are clones being sold more cheaply. Therefore be aware when searching for HS1177, as there is no guarantee on the performance of the counterfeit.
4. Runcam Night Eagle 2 Pro
The military grade” Night Eagle is designed strictly for low light FPV. It only does black and white mode but it’s really magical as it allows you to see clearly in extreme darkness when you think it’s impossible.
Only get this camera if you plan to only use it at night, I’d steer away from this camera for day time flying.
Best Nano FPV Camera
The performance of Nano cameras is not as good as Full size or Micro cameras due to the smaller sensor and lens. I’d only use Nano cameras under extreme restrictions of weight and size, like in a whoop or 2.5″ micro.
1. Runcam Nano 2 — Best Budget
It works well for the most part out of the box. Easy to use as you don’t have to mess with the setting.
2. Runcam Racer Nano — Best Performance
It allows you to change settings and have full control of the camera, more powerful and works better in a wider range of conditions.
Go here To see additional info about FPV Camera
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