An FPV video system is the heart and soul of your immersive drone flying experience.
Table Of Contents
What is an FPV video system?
An FPV video system is the heart and soul of your immersive drone flying experience. This system consists of four main components: the camera, the transmitter, the receiver, and the display device (usually a pair of goggles). The camera on the drone captures live video footage and transmits it wirelessly to the goggles.
And among these components, the one that most affects the overall drone flight experience is the goggles you wear on your head. It is also the most expensive part of the entire video system, and you better not damage your goggles.
For some people, flying with goggles on at first can be a strange and disorienting experience, to the point of wanting to vomit! Because your view becomes so wide that your brain can’t immediately coordinate what’s happening!
Please don’t panic, it’s normal and I recommend that you be patient and choose the right FPV goggles for your style and budget for the first few flights.
Types of drone FPV goggles
There are two types of FPV drone goggles on the market today. One is binocular goggles, and one is box goggles. These goggles vary greatly in price due to form, comfort, features, etc. Typically binocular goggles are more expensive, retailing at $400-$900 before.
Binocular goggles
Box goggles
FURTHER READING:
No matter which type of goggles you choose, the transmission signal will have a huge impact on how much detail you can see. Let’s take a closer look at each.
What is an analog signal?
What is a digital signal?
Digital vs. Analog FPV goggles: what are the main differences?
I like to compare it to the PC versus the Apple world. Analog is more like a PC, and digital is more like Apple because you are locked into an ecosystem. Only things that are compatible with that ecosystem will work.
Here is an overview:
However, digital goggles do have some downsides. They tend to be more expensive and have higher latency than analog goggles. This may result in the pilot being unable to make timely adjustments to the next direction of the flight.
Also, they may not be compatible with all drones and flight controllers.
How to choose the right FPV system for you?
Now that you know the main differences between digital and analog goggles, let’s discuss how to choose the right FPV system for your needs. Before you make the decision, think about it from three perspectives:
1. Are you a new one or a veteran?
The first thing to consider is your experience level. If you’re starting with drones, you may want to consider an analog FPV system. Analog systems typically have lower latency, meaning there is less delay between what you see and what your drone is doing. This can make them easier to fly for beginners still learning the ropes.
If you’re a seasoned veteran, you may want to consider a digital FPV system. While digital systems may have a slightly higher latency, they offer higher image quality and resolution, which can benefit advanced flying and racing.
2. Confirm your budget
Another important factor to consider is your budget. FPV systems can range from a few hundred dollars for an analog system to thousands of dollars for a high-end digital system.
For example, digital FPV goggles cost anywhere between $300 to $1000, while analog FPV goggles can be purchased for as low as $30. Therefore, consider how much you’re willing to spend and what features are most important to you.
