FPV Drone Camera: What You Need to Know?

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on choosing an FPV camera for your racing drone! As an experienced FPV pilot and blogger at RC Hobby Lab, I’ve tested my fair share of drone cameras over the years.

In this 8,000 word guide, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know to pick out the perfect FPV camera for your needs and budget. We’ll cover all the key specs, features, and factors to consider.

By the end, you’ll have all the info to shop confidently for a top-notch FPV camera that delivers a crystal clear aerial view and keeps you racing fast.

Let’s get started!

FPV Camera Basics: Sizes and Mounts

The first decision is what size camera you need for your racing drone frame and mounts. FPV cameras come in a range of sizes, from large to tiny.

Full Size FPV Cameras

Full size FPV cameras used to be the only option back in the day. They have the largest form factor, similar to an action camera like a GoPro.

While too chunky and heavy for many modern racing drones, full size cameras can still be a good fit if you’re building a larger custom frame with enough space to accommodate.

They often come with handy mounting accessories like adjustable metal brackets. When screwed into place properly, full size cameras stay locked in solidly.

Mini FPV Cameras

Mini FPV cameras offer very similar performance to full sized in a smaller form factor, roughly halved in all dimensions.

Many mini cameras use the same image sensors and lenses as their full sized counterparts packed into a pint sized package. Less heft equals better performance on a racing drone.

Mini cameras usually come with some type of mounting bracket or adjustable holder to secure firmly to frames. The image quality is so good these days that mini cameras have become the most popular size.

Micro FPV Cameras

As you may have guessed, micro cameras get tinier again, about half the size of mini cameras. They keep all of the top notch visuals and low latency transmission in a seriously tiny package.

With ultra lightweight micro cameras, you’ll likely need an adapter or custom 3D printed mount to get it to fit in your racing drone frame properly. It’s worth the effort for the whisper weight and performance gains.

There are generally two types of micro FPV cameras:

• Exposed circuit board style that show off all the electronics inside. These are the lightest and most hardcore but less protected in crashes.
• Enclosed micro cameras feature a protective casing around the circuitry for added durability at the cost of a little extra weight.

Many micro cameras feature either M8 or M12 lens mounts (more on lens mounts later). M8 is smaller and minimizes weight, while M12 allows more visual information through its larger glass lens.

Nano FPV Cameras

Tiny little nano cameras push the limits of miniaturization even further. Weighing just a few grams, they work beautifully to maximize agility and speed on the most elite racing drones.

The downside of nanos is their teeny size makes fitting them into frames tricky. Very few come with any kind of built-in mounts at all. You’ll likely need a 3D printed adapter bracket customized to lock it in place.

When every gram matters, nano cameras paired with micro video transmitters are the ultimate combo that top FPV pilots turn to shatter speed records and threads impossibly narrow gaps.

The right balance of weight, protection, and imaging performance for your custom build depends on your skill level and frames you’re looking to kit out with an FPV camera.

Camera Sensor Showdown: CMOS vs CCD

The imaging sensor inside the camera body plays a pivotal role in determining video quality. There are two main players in the sensor game:

• CMOS sensors
• CCD sensors

Back in the day, CCD sensors were the only way to go. But CMOS camera technology has improved by leaps and bounds over the years, giving CCDs a real run for their money.

Let’s break down the differences between CMOS and CCD drone cameras so you know what to look for.

CCD Sensor Benefits

• Natural looking video that faithfully represents the actual colors, contrast, and light levels of the environment in real time. No overly saturated or strangely skewed hues.
• Consistent image quality with very rarely any odd visual artifacts, distortions, or other anomalies even in challenging conditions like low evening light. Just clean, raw footage.
• Proven technology that’s been around for ages. Reliable and trusted sensor system.
• Often superior low light and night performance with less noise and better light sensitivity without compromising image quality.

CMOS Sensor Benefits

• Wider dynamic range and light sensitivity allows for finer tuning of visual settings like saturation, sharpness, and brightness to achieve the desired “look”.
• Tend to offer higher resolutions and more TV lines (improved image crispness) compared to similarly priced CCD models.
• Some feature larger imaging sensors that collect more visual information with superior low light capacity. Great for dusk flights.
• Newer technology benefits from more recent innovations in visual processing algorithms and rapid firmware upgrades.

As you can see, both CMOS and CCD sensors have their merits. It largely comes down to personal preference in terms of visual style and intended lighting conditions.

CMOS definitely offers more flexibility in fine tuning the aesthetics and post-processing possibilities. But some pilots simply prefer the raw authenticity of CCD’s more straightforward imaging.

I suggest trying both types if possible and deciding which you like better in terms of general look and feel on your FPV goggles after test flights.

Lens Considerations: Focal Length, Distortion, Mounts

The lens is the “eye” of the FPV camera system. It focuses incoming light from your environment into the imaging sensor and dictates several key characteristics:

• Field of view
• Fisheye distortion
• Overall image clarity

Let’s break down the important lens specs to understand so you can match your lens selection to personal preference.

Focal Length Explained

The focal length lens measurement determines the field of view: how zoomed in/cropped or wide angle the lens perspective will be.

Lenses are labeled with seemingly random numbers like 2.1mm or 2.8mm. This numbering represents the actual focal length.

The shorter the focal length, the wider the field of view. For example:

• A 1.8mm lens provides an ultra wide angle view. You’ll have expansive peripheral vision all around you.
• A 2.8mm lens delivers a slightly more zoomed in perspective. Still wide angle but with less side and rear visibility.
• A 3.6mm lens offers a narrow field of view, feeling quite zoomed in and cropped.

Most FPV pilots prefer focal lengths between 1.8mm to 2.8mm. This provides a nice balance of forward visual range while still allowing you to see obstacles and track your drone’s position.

But it’s also a matter of flying style and personal preference. Experiment to see what focal length gives you the right balance of visual range versus environmental awareness for your needs.

Fish Eye Distortion

Typically, the wider angle the lens, the more the inherent optical distortion warps the image around the edges into an ultra curved fisheye perspective.

Some lenses are well corrected and keep distortion minimal even at wider widths. So you’ll want to research specific lens models to see example footage.

If keeping the horizon line straight and minimizing weird edge warping is a priority, lean towards higher focal length lenses in the 2.5mm to 2.8mm range.

M8 vs M12 Lens Mounts

FPV lenses screw into the camera body via lens mounts cut to specific widths. You’ll generally come across either:

• M8 lenses = 8mm diameter
• M12 lenses = 12mm diameter

M12 lenses have a larger front optical element than M8, allowing more visual information into the imaging sensor.

But bigger is not always better on micro sized racing drones! M8 lenses weigh less, adding minimal heft. Either will provide stellar image quality.

If swapping lenses frequently, ensure your new lenses match the camera mount size for guaranteed compatibility.

Aspect Ratio Matching

Making sure to match the aspect ratio of your FPV camera and goggles prevents awkward image distortion during flights.

You’ll generally find two aspect ratios across FPV systems:

4:3

The more squarish, almost vintage TV-like ratio. Basic, gets the job done, and stretches video less if opting for HD recording.

16:9

Widescreen style. Offers a more immersive, cinematic effect but can introduce slight pillarboxing if recording HD video in 4:3.

I suggest matching your FPV camera, goggles, and any onboard recorders to the same aspect ratio if possible for consistency across the entire setup.

No one wants to battle distorted footage!

OSD: Essential Flight Data

One extremely helpful camera feature to monitor battery levels, voltages, and other key flight diagnostics is OSD (on-screen display telemetry overlay).

OSD enables real time telemetry data like battery voltage, timer, and even GPS coordinates to appear neatly overlaid on top of your FPV video feed during flight.

• Keeps your eyes in the goggles without having to flip up to check a separate voltage display.
• Visual cues on low battery prompt you to wrap up flights before voltage dips critically low which could damage LiPo batteries.

There are two types of OSD implementation:

Camera Based OSD

Higher end FPV cameras have OSD data overlays built right in.

Simply connect the camera’s data wires to the balance lead on your LiPo battery and you’re good to go!

The camera chip handles the analog to digital signal conversion and telemetry rendering on its own without any extra modules required. Sweet and simple.

Standalone OSD Module

Lower cost cameras lack integrated OSD circuits. Not to worry, standalone OSD modules come to the rescue!

The modules tap into the video line between the camera and VTX, analyze the analog data, overlay telemetry graphics, then pass the enriched video signal through to the VTX as usual.

While very handy, standalone OSD units add more weight and introduce some negligible latency since the video gets processed through an extra stage.

Given the choice, integrated OSD cameras provide a cleaner implementation without compromises. But either integrated or standalone OSD options deliver that invaluable in-flight telemetry to help monitor flights.

HD Image Recording

Standard definition analog FPV cameras transmit low resolution video in real time only suitable for piloting. The footage lacks the crispy cinematic HD polish normally expected these days.

While analog SD video gets the piloting job done, pilots often desire capturing scenic HD clips to share online too.

That used to mean strapping a GoPro or other action camera to drones along with the lower res piloting camera and syncing up footage in post production.

Now we have excellent integrated options available to get HD recording direct from our FPV cameras!

Dedicated FPV/HD Cameras

Leading camera manufacturers like Runcam and Foxeer now offer “split” cameras with separate image processors optimized for both low latency analog transmission and onboard HD recording simultaneously!

This new breed nails that buttery low latency and wide dynamic range downlink video we need to rip around courses.

PLUS beautifully detailed 1080p onboard footage ready to upload from the micro SD card after just flying. No syncing required.

While more expensive than basic analog only cameras, FPV/HD split models eliminate the need to strap on a GoPro and save carrying the added weight. For dedicated HD content creators, they’re a dream come true!

Micro SD Recording Modules

Several companies offer slick little micro SD recording modules that tap into your FPV camera’s analog video output, encode it, then save high definition clips right to the built-in memory card.

The SD card slot makes for super quick and easy footage transfers. Most modules provide various HD recording modes from 720p up to 1080p.

While not usually full broadcast quality, the HD clips look very crisp and satisfying considering the tiny lightweight nature of micro SD recorders.

For more casual pilots wanting to snag the occasional scenic clip without investing in advanced split cameras, SD recording modules paired with any analog camera get the job done wonderfully.

Either integrated split cameras or separate micro SD recording modules allow capturing that sweet HD footage to share later. Welcome to the HD analog age!

No more awkward GoPro syncing required.

Key Camera Specs Cheat Sheet

Let’s summarize the most important specs and features to evaluate when comparing FPV camera options:

• Size: Full, mini, micro, or nano determine overall footprint
• Sensor: CMOS or CCD with relative pros and cons
• Lens: Focal length, optics quality, M8/M12 lens mounts
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3 or 16:9 to match your goggles
• OSD: Built-in or standalone telemetry overlays
• HD Recording: Integrated or attachable SD card modules
• Audio: Built-in microphone for motor sound
• Bracket Mounting: What’s included or required
• Durability: Metal casing versus exposed circuits
• Latency: Sub 40ms glass-to-glass timing
• Price: Wide variety from $20 up to $300

That covers the key criteria to keep top of mind while comparing FPV camera options for your custom racing drone build!

Top Budget FPV Camera Picks

You don’t need to spend a fortune to equip a capable FPV camera to pilot racing drones. Here are my top recommendations that deliver solid performance without breaking the bank:

Foxeer Razer Mini – Ticks all the boxes with CMOS image clarity, swappable M8/M12 lenses, 4:3/16:9 aspect ratios, 400TVL, and under 30ms latency from $30.

Eachine 1000TVL – One of my longtime budget favorites thanks to the 1,000+ TVL resolution and sub 20ms glass-to-glass latency for only around $20. Great value!

Caddx Ant – Lightweight nano camera ready to fit smaller frames paired with impressive image quality courtesy of the larger 1/1.8” CMOS sensor. Usually under $50.

Runcam Nano 3 – Around $50 gets this slick little 1g nano camera packing 800×540 resolution with options for vertical mounting or run cam control boxes for easy access adjusting visual settings.

Foxeer Pico Razer – Weighing a scant 2 grams all up, it’s my top micro camera pick thanks to switchable 800/1200TVL resolution modes, integrated 25/200mW VTX, and under $100 pricing. Crazy tech!

Happymodel Mobula 7 HD – Can’t go past this ready-to-rip HD recording nano camera/VTX analog bundle for small tooths and racers at 2 grams for around $70. So cool!

Worthwhile Upgrades: Next Level FPV Cameras

Once you’re hooked on the thrill of first person view drone racing, it’s tempting to upgrade. Here are some drool worthy options:

Runcam Hybrid Night Eagle 2 – This groundbreaking new camera offers best in class low light sensitivity down to 0.001 Lux thanks to Runcam’s proprietary Darkel tech. CMOS sensor paired with swappable M12 lens sees when human eyes can’t! Around $120.

Foxeer Cat 3 Micro Night – Switchable day and night RGB and monochrome modes make this $150 micro camera shine anytime with 220 degree ultra wide lens support. Protective metal casing keeps out dust and debris during packet pushing runs.

RunCam Phoenix 2 – Tough anodized aluminum housing encloses the 4:3/16:9 swappable CCD sensor pumping out 600TVL in a robust, go anywhere package with dual integrated microphones. $230 gets next level resilience.

Caddx Peanut + Vista Tracking – This $350 combo syncs analog HD footage with digital DJI FPV ecosystem for advanced telemetry and tracking. Ready to feed the need for speed!

The FPV camera realm offers such incredibly diverse options ranging from DIY micro builds up to cutting edge HD hybrid setups pulling 360 tracking data into goggles. Start affordable to get your fix, then upgrade. The tech improves every year!

Final Thoughts

Phew, that covers everything I’ve learned from testing tons of FPV cameras over my years flying racers and freestyle drones!

Hopefully the key information makes the core differences and options clearer so you can confidently narrow down your best match.

While nuanced decisions around lenses, latency, durability, and connectors may seem intimidating initially, the journey of learning by doing in our amazing hobby means you’ll quickly gain experience gauging cameras in no time.

Stay safe out there ripping around courses and attempting insane proximity lines! Remember to fly responsibly at legal altitudes away from crowds and property.

FPV opens up a whole new world of thrilling perspectives unlike any other. Enjoy!

What topics would you like to see covered in future blog posts? Let me know in the comments section below!