FPV Camera dims too much when in light

[Ryan Fallon]

My FPV camera (Pilot HD from Fatshark) will try to compensate for too much light by dimming the image. The problem is if I fly towards the sun at all it dims almost black and I can't fly anymore.

Does anyone know if this is a setting I can adjust somehow or if this is the camera. If the latter can anyone recommend a better FPV camera?

 

[GJH105775]

THis can be fixed if you can find a firmware upgrade that patches this. Otherwise I am afraid to say; you need a new camera.

 

[Jackson]

My FPV camera (Pilot HD from Fatshark) will try to compensate for too much light by dimming the image. The problem is if I fly towards the sun at all it dims almost black and I can't fly anymore.

... can anyone recommend a better FPV camera?

FWIW the original Pilot HD is very poorly reviewed. Are you looking to record the video or are just interested in low latency FPV flying?

 

[Ryan Fallon]

After a little experience with FPV now I think I would want to go with a pretty good FPV camera and then a dedicated recording camera (probably a Mobius). I have the Fatshark video TX so I would like to try and keep using this if possible.

 

[Jackson]

Well many do use the mobius for both, if you are planning on getting one you could try it first. Many vids on Youtube showing the pros and cons.

For a dedicated FPV camera there are 2 types, CCD and CMOS. You'll probably find CCD (more expensive) a bit better.

... CCD Cameras are better at extreme lighting conditions (low and high light level). Many current CCD FPV cameras with proper settings, for example, can allow the pilot to see clearly when it’s pointing straight into the sun, or in dark evening after sunset.

Many of the better CCD cams use a Sony lens.

http://shop.runcam.com/runcam-pz0420h/

With this one you'll have many tweaking options, you plug in the 5D OSD cable to make them (it can then be removed).

More options here.
http://www.banggood.com/buy/Fpv-camera.html

 

[Ryan Fallon]

Thanks again Jackson. I'm looking at a couple FPV cameras at the moment:
http://www.getfpv.com/lumenier-cs-600-super-600tvl-d-wdr.html
http://www.voodooquads.com/sony-double-scan-fpv-sony-super-had-mini-600tvl-camera-2-8mm-lens/

Something in that range that is CCD, about 600TVL and my only concern hesitation now is if these cameras will connect to the Fatshark 5G8 Vtx that I have right now (are the cables a standard or do the connections change from brand to brand). Also is the Fatshark 5G8 a good Vtx at only 250mw or what would I gain getting a new Vtx with a new camera? Lastly you referenced banggood, do you think the "generic" cameras on there that are just like the ones I posted above are just as good, they're just not private labeled is all?

Thanks again in advance. Also if you know of a good guide I should read on FPV and matching equipment for FPV please share that and I'll give it a good read before continuing to ask scrub questions.

 

[GJH105775]

The FPV camera with Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) would handle light best.

 

[Jackson]

Thanks again Jackson. I'm looking at a couple FPV cameras at the moment:
http://www.getfpv.com/lumenier-cs-600-super-600tvl-d-wdr.html
http://www.voodooquads.com/sony-double-scan-fpv-sony-super-had-mini-600tvl-camera-2-8mm-lens/

Something in that range that is CCD, about 600TVL and my only concern hesitation now is if these cameras will connect to the Fatshark 5G8 Vtx that I have right now (are the cables a standard or do the connections change from brand to brand). Also is the Fatshark 5G8 a good Vtx at only 250mw or what would I gain getting a new Vtx with a new camera? Lastly you referenced banggood, do you think the "generic" cameras on there that are just like the ones I posted above are just as good, they're just not private labeled is all?

Those are both good choices just a bit expensive for my blood. For the most part the Sony lens is the key. As far as universal plugs, can't say. I imagine your current cam is plugged into the Fatshark board and is probably a 5V camera. The Luminier, DC 9V-12V Power input , will not work off 5V so you'll probably need a connection off your battery, The Voodoo, DC5V~22V, one will work off the TX's 5V, but maybe the FS provides more than 5V, I just don't know.

Are the Banggood cheapies as good? Probably not, are they decent? Yup.

This is more my style and price range, your milage may vary.

Good luck.