As the year comes to an end, we list our top 5 camera picks of 2017. Below, we include specifications for each camera so that you can make an informed decision when selecting your next FPV camera.To choose the best FPV camera for your quadcopter, there are several things that you want to consider. Although it may vary based on your flying style, most pilots are looking for an economical camera with low latency and a good form factor (See article FPV Quadcopter Part Spotlight).

Best Image Quality

When settings on the RunCam Eagle 2 Pro are optimally tuned, the image quality is spectacular. This camera comes with the ability to switch from 4:3 (140 degree FOV) to 16:9 (170 degree FOV) on the OSD, a useful feature if your goggles support 16:9. Although we get an 800TVL camera resolution with this model, latency issues (Note: latency can be caused from a variety of factors) that were experienced with the RunCam Eagle 2 seem to have been rectified in the Pro. In addition to this, we also find that the improved Global Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) allows for better lighting transition than it's predecessor.

Cost: $44.99

Specifications

Imaging Sensor: 1/1.8" CMOS Sensor

1/1.8" CMOS Sensor Wide Dynamic Range: Yes - Global WDR

Yes - Global WDR Video Encoding Format: NTSC & PAL (switchable on OSD)

NTSC & PAL (switchable on OSD) Field of View (FOV) Lens Focal Width: 2.1mm (16:9) or 2.5mm (4:3)

2.1mm (16:9) or 2.5mm (4:3) Field of View Angle: 170 degrees (16:9) or 140 degrees (4:3)

170 degrees (16:9) or 140 degrees (4:3) TVL Camera Resolution: 800TVL

800TVL Aspect Ratio: 4:3 or 16:9 (switchable on OSD)

4:3 or 16:9 (switchable on OSD) Weight: 15g

15g Dimensions: L28mm*W26mm*H28mm

L28mm*W26mm*H28mm OSD: Yes

Features

Built-in OSD that displays battery voltage, timer and pilot's name

Onboard microphone situated at back of camera (reduction in interference noise) to record audio in FPV

Supports 5 to 36 input voltage

Browse Runcam Eagle 2 Pro

Most Versatile

The Runcam Swift 2 is the perfect choice if you are looking for a camera with an abundance of options for different flying conditions or styles. We like that you can choose from three different lens options (130 degrees at 2.5mm, 150 degrees at 2.3mm and 165 degrees at 2.1mm) and that apart from the standard single hole housing, it comes with a spare 3-hole case and back plate making it compatible with more frames. We see the menu and OSD evolve and offer great options including VBat readings, flight times, a customizable name and even an extension cable to modify your OSD and menu without too much hassle.

Cost: $34.99

Specifications

Imaging Sensor: 1/3" SONY Super HAD II CCD Sensor

1/3" SONY Super HAD II CCD Sensor Wide Dynamic Range: Yes - D-WDR

Yes - D-WDR Video Encoding Format: NTSC & PAL

NTSC & PAL Field of View (FOV) Lens Focal Width: 2.1mm, 2.3mm or 2.5mm

2.1mm, 2.3mm or 2.5mm Field of View Angle: 130 degrees (2.5mm), 150 degrees (2.3mm) or 165 degrees (2.1mm)

130 degrees (2.5mm), 150 degrees (2.3mm) or 165 degrees (2.1mm) TVL Camera Resolution: 600TVL

600TVL Aspect Ratio: 4:3

4:3 Weight: 14g

14g Dimensions: 28.5mm * 26mm * 26mm

28.5mm * 26mm * 26mm OSD: Yes

Features

Built-in OSD displays battery voltage, timer, pilot's name and baseline

Onboard microphone situated at back of camera (reduction in interference noise) to record audio in FPV

Spare 3-hole case included increasing compatibility with wide range of frames on the market

Supports 5-36V input voltage

Browse Runcam Swift 2

Best in Variable Light

When flying it is inevitable that the landscape will transition from shadow to dense light. The Foxeer Monster V2 handles these transitions seamlessly. This camera offers a LUX rating of 0.001 which makes it great for flying in low light. It also boasts a 16:9 aspect ratio and a TVL camera resolution of 1200 without too much of an increased latency due to the CMOS imaging sensor. Another perk to this camera is that it comes with an alloy case, making it stronger without adding unnecessary weight.

Cost: $27.99

Specifications

Imaging Sensor: 1/2.9" CMOS Sensor

1/2.9" CMOS Sensor Wide Dynamic Range: Yes

Yes Video Encoding Format: NTSC & PAL

NTSC & PAL Field of View (FOV) Lens Focal Width: 1.8mm or 2.5mm

1.8mm or 2.5mm TVL Camera Resolution: 1200TVL

1200TVL Aspect Ratio: 16:9

16:9 Weight: 14.6g

14.6g Dimensions: 26mm * 26mm * 30mm

26mm * 26mm * 30mm OSD: Yes

Features

Built-in OSD displays pilot's name, power and flying time

Onboard microphone to record audio in FPV

Available in variety of colors

Supports 5-40V input voltage

Browse Foxeer Monster V2

Best Budget Camera

The Eachine 1000 TVL CCD camera is great if you are just entering the FPV world or you are hard on cameras and not wanting to spend a fortune. There is a reason this camera has been the topic of discussion since 2016 and it's not just the bargain price! The picture quality is decent and it has a good form factor (28mm x 24.5mm x 17.5mm) and low weight (10.4g). It also features Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and a 1000 TVL.

Cost: $10.99

Specifications

Imaging Sensor: 1/3" CCD

1/3" CCD Wide Dynamic Range: Yes

Yes Video Encoding Format: NTSC & PAL

NTSC & PAL Field of View (FOV) Lens Focal Width: 2.8mm

2.8mm Field of View Angle: 110 degrees

110 degrees TVL Camera Resolution: 1000TVL

1000TVL Aspect Ratio: 4:3

4:3 Weight: 10.4g

10.4g Dimensions: 28mm * 24.5mm * 17.5mm

28mm * 24.5mm * 17.5mm OSD: No

Features

Lightweight

Supports 5-20V input voltage

Browse Eachine 1000TVL CCD

Best Micro-Sized Camera

Marketed as one of the smallest cameras available, we are pleased to see that the small size doesn't mean less features. The RunCam Micro Swift 2 comes in at a mere 5.6 g with dimensions of 19mm x 19mm x 19mm. Packed into it's tiny size is a user-friendly OSD which displays voltage that can be calibrated with precision down to 0.1V. We also see the addition of five pre-set lighting settings (Personal, Lightrax, Outdoor, Indoor, Cloudy and Twilight) to cut down on calibration time.

Cost: $30.99

Specifications

Imaging Sensor: 1/3" SONY Super HAD II CCD

1/3" SONY Super HAD II CCD Wide Dynamic Range: Yes D-WDR

Yes D-WDR Video Encoding Format: NTSC & PAL

NTSC & PAL Field of View (FOV) Lens Focal Width: 2.1mm and 2.3mm

2.1mm and 2.3mm Field of View Angle: 160 degrees (2.1mm) or 145 degrees (2.3mm)

160 degrees (2.1mm) or 145 degrees (2.3mm) TVL Camera Resolution: 600TVL

600TVL Aspect Ratio: 4:3

4:3 Weight: 5.6g

5.6g Dimensions: 19mm*19mm*19mm

19mm*19mm*19mm OSD: Yes

Features

Built-in OSD displays battery voltage, timer and pilot name

One Touch Scene Setting with 5 preset scenes: Personal, Lightrax, Outdoor, Indoor, Cloudy and Twilight

Ultra lightweight

Supports 5-36V input voltage

Browse RunCam Micro Swift 2

See article FPV Quadcopter Part Spotlight: FPV Cameras