FPV Camera Settings Explained

FPV Camera Settings Explained

FPV Camera Settings Explained

FPV Camera vs Action Camera

FPV Camera (for real-time video feed)

Sends live video to goggles. Typically analog or digital VTX system.

Action Camera (for recording)

Records high-quality footage (GoPro, DJI Action). Not for live feed.

This guide covers FPV camera settings for goggles.

Key Camera Settings

Lens Size (Focal Length)

  • 1.8mm: Ultra-wide, fisheye distortion, racing
  • 2.1mm: Wide, slight distortion
  • 2.5mm: Balanced (most popular)
  • 2.8mm: Narrow, natural perspective

Beginner recommendation: 2.5mm for balanced view

Camera Sensor

  • CMOS: Cheaper, digital noise, good in bright light
  • CCD: Better in low light, analog feel, more expensive

2025 trend: CMOS sensors improved significantly, now comparable to CCD

WDR (Wide Dynamic Range)

Balances bright and dark areas in same frame.

  • On: Better for variable lighting (flying in/out of shade)
  • Off: More contrast, can lose detail in shadows or highlights

Recommended: ON for outdoor flying

Day/Night Mode

  • Day: Color image, better in sunlight
  • Night: Black & white, more sensitive in low light
  • Auto: Switches automatically

Recommended: Auto or Day (most flying is daytime)

Advanced Settings

Sharpness

  • Low (0-5): Soft image, less digital artifacts
  • Medium (6-10): Balanced
  • High (11-15): Sharp but can introduce noise

Recommended: 7-9 for clean, sharp image

Brightness

Controls overall image brightness.

Default: Usually OK at 50% Adjust: If image too dark or washed out

Contrast

Difference between light and dark areas.

Low: Flat, muted image High: Punchy, but can lose detail Recommended: 40-60%

Saturation (Color)

Color intensity.

Recommended: 40-50% (too high looks unrealistic)

Camera Angle

Mounting Angle

  • 0-15°: Cinematic, slow cruising
  • 20-30°: Freestyle flying (most common)
  • 35-45°: Racing, aggressive flying
  • 50°+: Extreme racing

Higher angle = more forward thrust needed to maintain altitude

Adjustable Mounts

Many frames include adjustable camera mounts. Start at 25° and adjust based on flying style.

Popular FPV Cameras 2025

Analog

  • Caddx Ratel 2 ($25): Great all-rounder, 1200TVL
  • Foxeer Razer Mini ($30): Compact, good WDR
  • RunCam Phoenix 2 ($35): Excellent low-light

Digital

  • DJI O3 Camera: Integrated with air unit
  • Walksnail Avatar Camera: Good quality, affordable
  • HDZero Camera: Ultra-low latency for racing

OSD (On-Screen Display)

Displays telemetry data in goggles:

  • Battery voltage
  • Flight time
  • Current draw
  • Throttle position
  • Warnings

Configured in Betaflight, not camera settings

Troubleshooting

Image Too Dark

  • Increase brightness
  • Enable night mode
  • Check lens for dirt/scratches

Washed Out Image

  • Decrease brightness
  • Increase contrast
  • Disable WDR if too aggressive

Jello/Vibrations

  • Check soft mounting
  • Balance props
  • Tune PID settings
  • Add camera damping pads

Static/Noise

  • Check ground connection
  • Add capacitor to power
  • Separate camera power from VTX
  • Replace damaged camera cable

Optimal Settings Template

For sunny outdoor freestyle:

  • Lens: 2.5mm
  • WDR: ON
  • Day/Night: Auto
  • Sharpness: 8
  • Brightness: 50%
  • Contrast: 50%
  • Saturation: 45%

Adjust to personal preference!

--- Last Updated: December 2025