I need an FPV cam

[Derek]

Because I have my 5.8ghz system now mounted on my Skyfun, I find myself in need of another setup for my ZMR quad. I have the vtx and antennas picked out. Now I need to find a new FPV cam. The two other cameras that I have, I paid $60 for. I was hoping to be able to find another camera that doesn't cost quite as much. Would anyone have a suggestion for an FPV cam that I can put on my ZMR that wouldn't cost a lot? Do you guys use those lesser expensive board cams?

[Graham Lawrie]

These are excellent for the money Derek:) i have 5 of them:)
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-700TVL- ... 46155.html

[Stambo]

I use this Derek, although now that I have the Dominators I will probably look at something a bit higher resolution.
CCD is a must and if you go much higher than 700tvl lag starts to creep in for very little gain.
http://www.surveilzone.com/DC5V-plastic ... ns-for-fpv

[Lee]

These are the two best bang for the buck out there Derek.
I have both, and the board cam is my favourite, even though it doesn't have the case like the other.

http://www.securitycamera2000.com/produ ... 52dUS.html

http://www.securitycamera2000.com/produ ... 52dUS.html

[Derek]

All fantastic possibilities guys! Thanks for that!

As for the "TVL"....I've been told that 600TVL is perfect for FPV. I'm not sure as to "why" but the two cams that I have are both 600 TVL cameras and they work very well.

Whats the deal with PAL and NTSC? Once again, I've been told what the difference is, but I don't remember why.

Thanks for your time, guys!!!

[Derek]

Also...what is CCD and how does that come into play with FPV?

[Stambo]

I would say 600 tvl is minimum for a decent experience.
When I upgraded from 420tvl the difference was massive.
Going from 600 to 650 is noticeable but not huge.
CCD and CMOS are the 2 most commonly used image sensors in the camera, CCD normally gives a better definition of the darker areas of your image so you don't lose the ground view so readily when looking at brighter areas.
CMOS is used in more of the recording cameras and tends to give a crisper image at the expense of jello if your craft has any vibrations.
It also suffers from the dark ground scenario and is slower to change from dark to bright areas.

PAL and NTSC are the main 2 tv standards used around the world, I believe PAL has a higher vertical resolution and higher band width.

[Derek]

Thanks Stambo! You guys are amazing with all the knowledge and experience that you have and share!

After a curious Google Search for "Pal NTSC What's the difference?", I found this...

Most countries in North and South America, including the US and Canada, utilize the National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) format, while Europe, Australia and parts of Asia use a competing format called Phase Alternating Line (PAL). The major distinction between these two formats is the rate at which a broadcast is displayed on a TV screen: NTSC displays at 30 frames per second (fps), while PAL provides 25 fps. Each format also uses a different number of lines on an old analog TV display when showing the signal, creating two different resolutions. The widespread adoption of High-Definition Televisions (HDTVs) by many consumers has not eliminated this difference, however, since older broadcasting methods have influenced digital signal playback.

Primary Difference

The differences between these formats really start with the electrical power system behind the transmissions viewed on a TV. In the US and countries like Canada and Mexico, electrical power is generated at 60 hertz, so for technical reasons the NTSC signal is also sent out at 60 "fields" per second. The first field accounts for all of the odd-numbered lines on a screen, while the second one includes the even-numbered lines. Since most analog televisions use an interlaced system, this means that 30 fields of one type are sent out, along with 30 fields of the other type each second.

[Derek]

OK, in an effort to save some money on shipping costs, I'm going to order a cam from StoneBlueAirlines, tonight when I order a few other parts from them. Because the actual camera that I want is Backordered, I've decided on this one:

http://www.stoneblueairlines.com/fpv-ge ... -lens.html

Here is their page for FPV cams:

http://www.stoneblueairlines.com/fpv-ge ... meras.html

Would you guys mind taking a look at that FPV cam page and telling me what you think about their available cameras and if there is a better suitable cam for me?

I have the Mini Sony Super HAD II on my Skyfun. I'm thinking that I'll take the mini cam off my Skyfun and using it on my ZMR quad and then I'd use the above camera on my Skyfun.

What do you guys think?

[Stambo]

Looks like pretty much the same cam in a larger package to me Derek.
I would say you will be fine with that.
The only other ones I would look at are back ordered.

While on the subject of FPV cameras, there is plenty that can be done with the adjustments on these little cameras if you want to try.
I generally up the brightness a bit on most of mine so I can see darker areas a little easier.
If you want to get carried away you can tweak all sorts of things.

[Derek]

Yes Stambo....I think the camera that i'm going to order is the same cam as the Mini, but in a larger package. I have the Mini on my Skyfun (to be maidened today) and I have the same larger camera on my 1.3ghz FPV ship. I figure I'll just order another larger camera....put it on my Skyfun and then take the Mini from my Skyfun and put it on the ZMR....life should be good.

I'm going to place the order right now.

[Lee]

That cam you got is basically the same as my board cam. I also got the case for it, but removed it for the ZMR quad.
The run cams are good too.
But the two I would have gone for, are backordered.... typical

[Derek]

Let ask you this, Lee....the two that were backordered that you would have gone for....which two were those? I'd just like to check the details on the cam's that "you" would have selected. Thanks!

[Lee]

This is my first choice.
http://www.stoneblueairlines.com/fpv-ge ... -lens.html
And second
http://www.stoneblueairlines.com/fpv-ge ... swift.html

The one you ordered is the same as the first on my list. Only difference, its bigger, and heavier, if you use the metal case.
But in my ZMR, it works great without the case, just screwed to the cam mount that come with the ZMR.

[Derek]

Thanks Lee! Your first choice, the backordered cam, is the same one that I bought months ago. I have that one on my Skyfun right now. That cam will be removed from the Skyfun and put on my ZMR. When the new cam gets here, I'll put that one on the Skyfun.

As for your second choice cam...lol, I'm not even sure that I looked down on that page far enough to see that cam. It was definitely in my price range and would have suited my needs real well. Maybe next time.

I appreciate everyones input. Thanks a bunch! I'm learning!