Multicopters, especially quadcopters, have fast been gaining popularity as agile camera platforms capable of filming high quality video while hovering and maneuvering in tight spaces. Flying wing designs are popular for FPV, as many pilots believe they provide the best combination of large wing surface area, speed, maneuverability, and gliding ability. Examples of these aircraft include the Multiplex EasyStar, Skyhunter 1800, Skywalker 1680 (and subsequent variants thereof), Hobbyking Bixler (and subsequent variants thereof) and Ritewing Zephyr "flying wing" style aircraft. This allows for a "prop free" image on either the live video feed or the High Definition recording. By far the most common type of fixed wing aircraft is that with a pusher propeller configuration. The two most common choices are Fixed Wing aircraft and Multirotors, although early adopters have converted model helicopters.įixed-wing airframes are generally medium-sized planes with sufficient payload space for the video equipment and large wings capable of supporting the extra weight. More complex Ground Stations often include a means to record the received image along with more sophisticated antennas for achieving greater range and clarity.įPV flying wing in flight, captured by the HD camera of another FPV airplane.Īny model aircraft can be modified for FPV.
Receiving equipment-commonly referred to as the "Ground Station"-generally consists of an analog video receiver (matching the frequency of the transmitter on board the aircraft) and a viewing device. This, when coupled with video goggles and "head tracking" devices creates a truly immersive, first-person experience, as if the pilot was actually sitting in the cockpit of the RC aircraft. Another common feature is the addition of pan and tilt capability to the camera, provided by servos.
More advanced setups commonly add in specialized hardware, including on-screen displays with GPS navigation and flight data, stabilization systems, and autopilot devices with "return to home" capability-allowing the aircraft to fly back to its starting point autonomously in the event of a signal loss. A basic FPV system consists of a camera and an analogue video transmitter on the aircraft with a video receiver and a display on the ground.
There are two primary components of a FPV setup: the airborne component and the ground component (typically called a ground station). Equipment Ī FPV pilot flies his aircraft using video goggles while a spotter aims a directional antenna at the plane.
#Fpv camera movie#
For this purpose, many FPV pilots utilize a second, lightweight high-definition on-board camcorder such as a GoPro camera in addition to their standard-definition video link(s).Ī 2021 movie Red Notice became one of the first Hollywood feature films to extensively utilize the FPV drone flying for cinematography. FPV aircraft are frequently used for aerial photography and videography and many videos of FPV flights can be found on popular video sites such as YouTube and Vimeo. It is currently one of the fastest growing activities involving RC aircraft, and has given rise to a small but growing industry providing products specifically designed for FPV use. FPV became increasingly common throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s.
#Fpv camera portable#
It involves mounting a small video camera and an analogue video transmitter to an RC aircraft and flying by means of a live video down-link, commonly displayed on video goggles or a portable monitor. An assortment of FPV aircraft of the popular "Sky Hunter" design at an FPV meetup in Colorado in July 2013Īirborne FPV is a type of remote-control (RC) flying that has grown in popularity in recent years.