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3d - Printworx

Choosing an FPV Camera - FAQ - Realworld Experience.

Started by Jumpy07, Tuesday,May 28, 2013, 10:57:30

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Jumpy07

FPV Camera FAQ

Thought would do some words on my experiences with cameras for FPV use, these are real world, and hopefully easy to understand.

GoPro
Lots of people use GoPro';s for the main FPV camera to save weight and costs. As a downside there is a lag in the video feed which causes a delay, which although some people can live with, it  would definitely challenge your reactions in spirited flying situations. If your GoPro battery goes flat, no video obviously, also if the GoPro locks up.. which can happen,  then you will also loose video. For these reasons using a  GoPro for the main FPV camera can not really be recommended for safety reasons.


Dedicated FPV Camera.
There are many types of cameras suitable for FPV, below are some of the preferred features:

WDR, Cameras (Wide Dynamic Range) are by far the best. WDR gives a much more balanced contrast and brightness when flying from dark to light or vice versa. WDR cameras also tend to come with an OSD, (On Screen Display) that allows you to customise the settings to your preference.

Infra Red Cut Filter (Blue Filter), most cameras are infrared sensitive, this can result in washed out colours in daylight, the filter can be in the glass cover over the sensor or in the lens.

Lens, most FPV';s fly with wide angled lenses, 2.8mm tends to be the preferred lens, the wide the lens the more the distortion but greater field of view. (Some lenses incorporate infra red cut filters, so if changing yours make sure you buy the right one).

TVL / Resolution / Lines, - Cameras tend to advertised with TVL lines, higher the number the greater the resolutions. Anything above 600 is fine, as the video TX is analogue and not HD, there is a diminishing return over 600.

CCD - Cheaper cameras use a CMOS sensor and tend to have poor colour and resolution, you should stick to CCD.

12v / 5v:
ImmersionRC / Fatshark have a power feed of 5v for cameras, however there are limited 5v cameras available. The best way to deal with this is to use a 5v - 12v step up voltage converter from ImmersionRC.  Please check your ImmersionRC /  Fatshark video TX for Lipo voltage support as not all models support > 12v input, (its on the label on the VTX).
If using video gear from other manufacturers then 12v from balance port of lipo or 12v UBEC with LC filter is the preferred route. Be ware that some LC filters do not have a common ground which may cause ground issues with some OSD';s.

(5v - 12v Converter: http://www.firstpersonview.co.uk/psu-regulator-boards/5v-to-12v-step-up-converter)
(LC Filter: This is the same one now used by Team Black Sheep, has pads for ground  http://store.ivc.no/product/lpf-01)
(12v Ubec for running cams off  4-6s Lipo';s : http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__18787__12V_2_5A_UBEC_2_5S_Lipoly_12_23v_.html)


Non Standard Sync rates - Some OSD';s are more picky than others re: adherence to video standards. ezOSD is particularly picky, flashing warnings may not work, or parts of the display missing... which is a good sign of these issues. MinimOSD can also suffer from this but this can be overcome by powering up the camera after the OSD and configuring for PAL to be  default.

Most of the issues with cameras and OSD';s tend to be traced to two areas, 1. Non Standard Video output, ie: Sync Rates. 2. Ground issues / loops.

Many FPV cameras also output interference in the UHF band... and as such can effect the range of UHF systems. (GoPro is also known to do this).  To minimise this risk, keep the cables twisted and wind them round a ferrite ring. Some of these cameras are supplied in a metal casing and it is preferred that this is not removed for this reason.

Recommendations:
Many people have had success with the WDR 600 camera, I have a few of these but they can vary, some have non standard video sync rates and wont work with some OSD';s. So don';t expect all model numbers to be the same, worth posting and asking on the forum if others have used it with your OSD before you push the buy now button.

So.. what cameras would I recommend......  having tried more than a few... I have to say pay a bit extra and get one that ticks all the boxes... the camera that currently does this for me is the Pixim Seawolf WDR camera with 2.8mm lens and IR Cut filter installed. Its a 690TVL and has OSD onboard, 12v supply. These are available from SecurityCamera2000 http://www.securitycamera2000.com/products/690TVL-Ultra-WDR-Pixim-SEAWOLF-HD-CCTV-Mini-Camera-2.8mm-Lens-OSD.html

If you need a smaller camera (WDR cameras can be big and heavy), then it may be worth trying one of the new mini WDR cameras as stocked by FirstPersonView, the WDR 650 with 2.8mm lens http://www.firstpersonview.co.uk/cameras/650tvl-0.001lux-3d-dnr-super-mini-camera-with-2.8mm-lens  This is currently getting some good reviews.

Note: Links provided for guidance only, MultiRotorUK has no affiliations with these companies and you should ensure that these cameras meets your needs and will work in your installation before purchasing.




BNUC-S Pilot with PfCo /PFAW.
UAQ / CAA PfCo Instructor / Flight Assessor

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing"

nub

cool some interesting info that should come in handy when the time comes for me to buy a FPV camera :smiley:

thx.
Point and click.

Monkey see, Monkey do.

Gaza07

[url="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN6zN99iLCIJea5FCQPKf_g"]YouTube[/url]   [url="https://www.printing-3d.co.uk"]printing-3d[/url]  [url="https://www.thingiverse.com/Gaza07/about"]Thingiverse[/url]  [url="https://www.3d-printworx.co.uk"]3d-printworx[/url]

sonic_boom

boost to 12v circuits are not bad to use, and pretty darn lightweight and cheap as chips. Also if you are using a brushless gimbal the steady high voltage gives you stability and oomph.

http://www.pololu.com/product/2117

nub

not sure if this a stupid question but i';ll ask it anyways :laugh:

are they';re any FPV camera';s that can change the output video format as in PAL/NTSC or is one or the other?

cheers.
Point and click.

Monkey see, Monkey do.

Col_M

You can change it on the PZ0420 in the OSD menu for sure :)
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