When researching drones, have you come across the term "FPV" and wondered what exactly that means and whether it might be a technology you would be interested in? Let this article answer those questions and more, as we introduce you to this very specific type of drone. We’ll go over exactly what it is, the types of FPV drones and technology available, and some tips if you're seriously thinking about taking the plunge into this thrilling piloting experience.
Jump Into the Cockpit
FPV is an acronym that stands for "First-Person View.” Normally you fly a drone by looking down at a controller screen and/or up in the air at the drone above you, fully aware of your surroundings. FPV piloting requires the use of video goggles that receive a live video stream from the drone to make it look—and feel—like you're in the virtual cockpit of the drone. If you own a VR headset, you are likely very familiar with exactly how exciting and immersive this can be!
How Do You FPV?
If the thought of FPV piloting has you geared up to try it for yourself, there’s a few paths you can take to enter this category. You can focus on recording video and filmmaking, which is where DJI excels, or you can lean into the thrill of it all and take up racing and freestyle flying, which is where EMAX and other brands provide many options to choose from. While those are the two main subcategories of FPV drones, a third is emerging with the help of DJI, where you can add FPV technology to an existing drone platform you may already own.
Video/Filmmaking
The two main drones in this subcategory are the aptly named DJI FPV and the DJI Avata. Both are designed with priorities in camera quality and automated flight modes to enhance the footage you capture. Whether you use either for personal use or professional aerial cinematography, they both offer a robust and fast platform can record stabilized 4K video. If you're looking to maximize speed, check out the DJI FPV, which can fly at up to 87 mph versus the Avata’s 60.4 mph. If you want more video options, look to the Avata, which also offers slow motion capabilities with 4K video capture at 100 fps.
Racing Drones
If you love to build and tinker, then this subcategory of FPV drone is perfect for you. There's a bunch of options that can be purchased in various scales of completeness, but the hallmark of this category is that each drone component can be purchased separately. This includes the frame, rotors, propellers, and even the controller boards that operate the rotor speed (ESC boards) and overall drone itself (FC or flight controller boards). Typically, these drones are very small and in addition to being flown in competitive racing, are used to perform aerial tricks in freestyle flying. When shopping for one, you'll see these major configuration terms based on what's included.
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Ready-to-Fly (RTF): Everything needed to fly the drone is included.
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Bind-n-Fly (BNF): The drone will be missing a transmitter (remote control). Look at the included receiver and find a compatible remote to purchase and bind with it.
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Plug-n-Play (PNP): This drone will be missing either the transmitter, receiver, battery, charger, or a combination of those items. It's primarily for those needing just core components, such as the frame, servos, and ESC(s).
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Almost-Ready-to-Fly (ARF): Similar to a PNP, this drone will not have one or more essential item, which varies by model.
EMAX is one of the top brands within this subcategory and some examples of racing drones with various configurations are the TinyHawk III RTF kit, which has a remote and goggles, whose screen can detach and pair with the remote for traditional piloting if desired. Then there's the same TinyHawk III in a BNF configuration that needs goggles, remote, battery, and charger, or the Hawk Apex 5" HDZero, with a PNP configuration that requires goggles, receiver, remote, battery, and charger.
Add-On: The DJI O4 Air Unit and O4 Air Unit Pro are drone accessories that add FPV capabilities to an existing drone air frame. It's a novel way to experience first-person flight, as you can minimize your costs by upgrading the drone you already own. Each one is essentially a FPV camera, antenna (two antennas on the Pro), and transmission system. The O4 Air Unit only weighs 8.2 g and can fit onto drone frames as small as 2 inches, while the Pro model adds 32 g of weight and is great for 3” frames and larger.
Which should you pick? Well, we would suggest the Pro if you plan to record video as you have more options. Both record at 4K60, but the Pro also offers a slow-motion 120 fps setting, as well as a wider 155-degree field of view, and 10-bit D-Log M color mode. However, the biggest difference is the Pro's ability to capture to microSD, while the standard only has 23GB of onboard storage. Remember, you still need a set of goggles to go FPV, and the O4 Air Units work with the DJI Goggles Integra, Goggles 2, Goggles 3, and Goggles N3.
Tips & Advice
If you've read this far and are planning to give an FPV drone a try, here's some tips and advice to help you out.
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Keep latency in mind when purchasing. The lower the latency of the video transmission system, the smoother and more realistic that footage will look in the googles.
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Note the power of your transmitter. Measured in mW, the more powerful the transmitter, the farther the range of control.
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Practice makes perfect, but you don't have to practice on your actual drone. If you own a VR headset, such as the Meta Quest, you can practice virtually on software like Drone Simulator VR.
We highly recommend getting a drone with propeller guards or adding them to what you build. Mistakes happen, so it's better to be safe than sorry. Especially with something that has propeller blades spinning at high speeds!
Batteries and propellers. Without either, you're not flying. So, it's always a good idea to pick up extra and keep them in your gear bag with some essential tools. If you want to stay out longer, you'll have the extra power, and if you crash, you’ll have the ability to quickly repair the drone.
FPV flight is an exciting category of drones and one that comes with its own terminology, features, and gear. We hope that this introduction has given you the essential information needed to make an informed purchase as you begin your journey. Whether you pick up a complete FPV bundle or piece together your aircraft, you can rely on B&H to provide you with the drones and accessories you'll need.
