If you’re a drone enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of the term FPV at some point. If not — no problem! This article will get you up to speed.
So, what are FPV video systems?
An FPV setup gives you a first-person perspective while flying your drone – as if you were sitting in the pilot’s cockpit. This is achieved with goggles that are similar to the ones you’d see on a VR system.
This method of flying is becoming more popular by the day, and the tech behind is changing just as quickly. Some think it will transform the landscape of drone flying within the decade.
Let’s dive right in!
Table Of Contents
What Are FPV Video Systems?
FPV stands for First Person View, which basically means that you see from the perspective of the drone as you fly.
To do this, a camera is attached to the drone and sends live video to a set of goggles, which the pilot wears. This creates the illusion of being in the cockpit of your drone, rather than watching it from the ground.
This method of flying feels completely different. It can give a whole new level of control and be an amazing experience to boot.
Usually, people use FPV because they want tighter control over their flying, a better view, or a more “real” experience while piloting.
The Components of FPV Video Systems
Camera
The camera is the star of the show in an FPV system since it dictates the entire experience of flying this way.
Generally, the cameras used are tiny and affordable. They can’t hinder the drone while flying but still need to capture high-quality, fast footage. If they’re too expensive, costs can add up quickly — especially if you crash.
Video Transmitter and Receiver
The transmitter sits on the drone, taking the information from the camera and converting it into packets that can be sent back to the receiver.
Often, the receiver is inside the goggles. Once the data reaches it, the receiver decodes the information back into usable footage.
FPV Goggles
These look a lot like VR goggles and are worn by the pilot while flying.
They have high-quality, low-latency screens inside that simulate the viewpoint of the drone.
Antennae
These antennas receive the information being sent between the transmitter and receiver.
They’re essential for sending data across large distances, even if they look pretty silly on your goggles.
Types of FPV Video Systems
There are two main FPV systems. There’s the classic, long-reigning champion, analog, as well as the new kid on the block, digital — who’s quickly gaining popularity.
Analog Systems
Analog FPV has been around for a long time, and as such you’ll have tons of options to choose from.
They transmit data the old-fashioned way — as raw, analog data in the form of waves of varying amplitude and frequency. This is the same method as old TVs and radios.
FPV systems have been using this method for decades, without any competition until very recently.
HD Digital Systems
In 2019, the first digital FPV camera system was released.
These use the same camera, transmitter, and receiver setup as analog, but the data is packaged in a completely different way. Instead of the complex, varying wave types of analog, digital data is turned into simple 1s and 0s.
Then, a lot like Morse code, this binary data is transmitted as spaced-out waves and decoded back into footage.
Analog vs Digital Systems
Main Features
There are numerous differences between analog and digital systems, with pros and cons for both.
One of the biggest is image quality. Analog tends to have much worse image quality than digital, but it also transmits data faster and with better consistency.
The main reason digital has better quality is because there are far more existing analog signals in the environment than digital ones, so there’s more chance for interference to get in the way.
Prices
At the time of writing, digital is far more expensive than analog devices.
Digital hardware is made of more expensive materials and hasn’t been optimized to anywhere near the levels of analog. In some cases, a digital setup could cost six times the amount you’d pay for a comparable analog setup!
However, the price of digital setups is steadily decreasing. As components are optimized and new methods are discovered, it’s becoming a more viable option for those on a budget.
Pros and Cons
| Analog | Digital | ||
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| Much more affordable | More vulnerable to noise interference | Great quality images, comparable to action cameras | Very high prices compared to analog |
| Wide range of products to choose from | Lesser quality video | Less vulnerability to noise interference | Bulky hardware, not suited for small drones |
| Hardware can be tiny, and suitable for lightweight drones | Older tech that may be out of date soon | Can have huge range if you can afford high quality | More delicate hardware |
| Can manage large ranges | Worse quality as the receiver gets further away | More immersive thanks to the quality | Generally limited range if you don’t get top-of-the-range |
| Low latency, almost half that of digital | Decreasing prices as tech improves | Higher latency | |
| Consistent latency | |||
Brands Offering Digital FPV Video Systems
There are three main brands offering digital FPV systems right now. They are DJI, HDZero, and a new player in the drone scene: Walksnail.
Each has its own pros and cons, and can all be a great choice for the right pilot. It depends on what you want from your FPV system.
DJI
| Pros | Cons |
| The gold standard in digital FPV systems | Variable latency – not good for racing |
| Exceptional video quality | No compatibility with products from other companies, only with other DJI products |
| Robust parts | No HDMI input |
| Comfortable goggles with a large screen | Bulky units unsuitable for small drones |
| Good customer support | |
| Tried and tested, longtime player in drones | |
| The first company to produce a digital HD FPV system | |
| Stable signal with great latency | |
| Lower price compared to other brands |
Best for: freestyle flying, low budgets, or first-time FPV pilots
HDZero
| Pros | Cons |
| Versatile, with many options in size, price, and performance to suit your needs | Lower image quality due to one-way system |
| Offers tiny digital setups that suit small drones | Can only get higher Hz by sacrificing resolution greatly |
| Goggles support analog receivers | “Sparkly” static when signal is low |
| One-way communication, so latency is always stable and there is no stuttering | |
| Smooth, clear video is great for racing |
Best for: Experienced pilots, racers and fast flying through obstacles
Walksnail
| Pros | Cons |
| Great image quality | Variable latency based on signal strength can produce stuttering or low quality |
| Compatibility with multiple other FPV goggles if desired | Poor real-time feedback in some cases, not good for racing |
| Great community and responsiveness from the development team | More delicate parts |
| Budget-friendly options | No AV or HDMI input on the goggles for secondary video inputs |
| Lightweight transmitter options for small drones | Some bugs and issues with new tech that still needs testing and fixing |
| Low vulnerability to interference | |
| Frequent updates and new features | |
| Incredible range – up to 31 km, which is unheard of for digital setups | |
| Goggle screens are high quality and crystal clear |
Best for: Long-range flying, freestyle sightseeing, and modified drones
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the best FPV setup for you depends greatly on your specific needs.
For many people, digital is a no-brainer with better image quality and some amazing developments arriving each year. For others, analog remains king for its incredible latency and real-time footage.
As time goes on, the landscape of FPV is likely to change quickly. Digital FPV is still a very new technology and experiencing constant leaps forward.
For this reason, it’s worth keeping an eye on — even if you aren’t quite convinced yet! Analog still gives it a run for its money, but that may change in the coming years.
FAQs About FPV Video Systems
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Will digital ever replace analog systems?
There’s no real way to know just yet. What we do know is that digital systems are becoming more affordable all the time, which may let them overtake analog sometime in the future.
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What’s the difference between analog and digital FPV?
Analog FPV uses classic data transmitting tech, the same used in old-school radios and TVs. Digital encodes data as binary 1s and 0s before transmitting it, which has pros and cons in FPV drone flying.
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What does FPV mean on a drone?
FPV means First Person View. When you fly a drone using FPV, you use a pair of goggles similar to the ones on VR sets that allow you to see from within the “cockpit” of your drone.