THE BEST FPV GOGGLES TO GET STARTED WITH.
Flying Camera Drones, usually available in stores, is fun and a hobby that gained popularity over the last couple of years. With an influx of new technology, though – FPV has started to earn its place in the drone world with even more possibilities and even more fun. But… What is FPV, and why would you consider getting FPV goggles?
FPV Stands for First person View, meaning that you are the pilot on board of your aircraft. With FPV goggles, you can see exactly what your drone sees, giving you an immersive flying experience that is hard to beat.
If you're new to the world of FPV goggles, it can be challenging to know where to start. There are so many options on the market, and knowing which ones are right for you can be difficult. To help you get started, we've put together a list of the best FPV goggles for beginners (both Digital and Analog. If you want to learn more about the difference in those technologies – check out the blog post about this topic here)
1. DJI FPV Goggles (DIGITAL)
The DJI FPV Goggles are an excellent option for beginners. They offer a high-quality image with a resolution of 1920×1080 and a Field of view (per screen): 51 degrees. The goggles have their own built-in reciever working with DJI system (or caddx vista systems). One downside of these goggles is that they are pricier than any other HD systems (in general. Considering goggles + VTX + camera); they are an investment for any drone pilot. The DJI FPV Goggles also come with head tracking capabilities, meaning you can move your head around to change the camera's view on your drone. This feature is handy for cinematography.
If you are more into drone racing - DJI is unfortunately not the best choice as some of the leagues cannot run DJI together with other pilots. Making it harder to get competitive!
Optics:
Those goggles also allow you to put on your corrective lenses
Pupil distance: 56 to 72 mm
Diopter adjustment: -8.0 D to +2.0 D
2. Fat Shark Reckon HD (Digital - Walksnail)
The Fat Shark ReckonHD is a budget-friendly option perfect for beginners looking to get into the world of drone flying. Compatible with the Walksnail VTX with a built-in reciever.
These goggles offer a resolution of 1920x1080 and a field of view of 44° diagonal, providing a clear and immersive view of your drone's perspective. While not the most comfortable option on the market, the Fat Shark ReckonHD is an excellent choice for anyone on a budget who still wants a quality flying experience. The Fat Shark Reckon is a great entry-level option that won't break the bank.
Optics:
Those are boxed goggles that may allow you to wear glasses, but have no adjustable optics.
3. Walksnail Avatar Digital HD (Digital-Walksnail)
Walksnail Avatar Digital HD is an option for pilots looking to get into the digital world on a budget (it’s cheaper than DJI systems) with a built-in reciever for Walksnail products. These goggles offer a high-resolution Full HD OLED displays and support a new 1080p and a field of view of 46 degrees. Equipped with a built-in DVR that allows you to record your flights. The video output can be done through HDMI port built-in the goggles.
Optics:
IPD field of view: 54-74mm
4. Fatshark Dominator HD03 (Digital – Walksnail with an option of adding different modules such as HDZero)
The Fatshark Dominator HDO3 is a high-end option offering a top-of-the-line experience for drone pilots. These goggles feature a resolution of 1080p and a field of view of 46 degrees, providing a crystal clear and immersive view of your drone's perspective. One of the standout features of the Fatshark Dominator HDO3 is its OLED display, which provides excellent colour accuracy and contrast. The goggles also have the option to upgrade to a RapidMix receiver module, which will improve the quality of the video feed even further. You can HD video output via USB-C port built-into the goggles.
Those goggles also allow you to put on your corrective lenses. The optic range:
Interpupillary distance (IPD): 57 ~ 70mm (adjustable)
Adjustable focus range: +2 to -6 diopters
5. Skyzone SKY04X (Analog)
The Skyzone SKY04X is another mid-range option that offers a high-quality image with a resolution of 1280X960 and a field of view (diagonal) of 46°. The Skyzone SKY04X also has the option to upgrade to a diversity receiver allowing you to fly further. It is also equipped with a DVR recorder, which may be helpful in losing your drone! Those goggles come with a built-in diversity receiver which may be upgraded
Optics:
Focus: -6~+6 adjustable
Interpupillary distance(IPD): 58-71mm
Goggles added to beginner kits:
Buying the goggles and parts for your drone separately doesn't necessarily have to be done the hard way - some companies sell complete setups equipped with a drone, radio controller and goggles. This is an excellent solution for people who are not sure if they will enjoy FPV or want to have things done quickly.
1. DJI FPV Combo
DJI recently released their new FPV Combos, which include not only the DJI FPV Goggles but also a drone (DJI FPV or AVATA) and radio controller. This all-in-one package is perfect for anyone looking to get into the world of FPV flying, as it provides everything you need to get started.
With everything you need to get started in one package, it's an easy and convenient way to begin exploring the FPV world. However, DJI FPV and DJI Avata are not fully capable of the things that other FPV drones can do.
2. BetaFPV Whoop Cetus
BetaFPV has been a leading name in the world of FPV drones for many years, and their latest offering, the BetaFPV Whoop Racing Cetus, is no exception.
The BetaFPV Whoop Racing Cetus is a micro drone with a compact size of just 65mm. It comes with a 1S battery, analogue goggles and a small remote controller, making it lightweight and easy to take around with you.
One of the standout features of the BetaFPV Whoop Racing Cetus is its BetaFPV LiteRadio 2 SE transmitter, which comes pre-bound to the drone for easy setup. The transmitter has a range of up to 300m, allowing you to fly the drone at a considerable distance without losing control. It is a good choice for indoor flights, as going with it outdoors may be tricky.
3. GEPRC TinyGO 4K Racing FPV Whoop RTF Beginner Kit
The TinyGo Kit is an excellent option for anyone looking to get started with FPV flying and racing. This kit comes with everything you need to start flying, including the drone, radio controller, and FPV goggles.
The GEPRC TinyGO 4K Racing FPV Whoop is a high-quality drone that provides an excellent flying experience. The drone features a 4K camera that can shoot up to 30fps, providing stunning video footage and still images. The drone also features a powerful motor, providing plenty of speed and agility during flights.
How to Choose the Right FPV Goggles for You
When choosing FPV goggles, it's essential to consider a few factors that will impact your flying experience. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your selection:
1. Price
As we've seen above, FPV goggles can range from budget-friendly to high-end options. Consider how much you're willing to spend and what features are essential to you. Keep in mind that investing in a higher-end pair of goggles can be worth it in the long run, as they'll provide a better experience and last longer.
2. Resolution
The resolution of your FPV goggles will impact the quality of the image you see. Higher-resolution goggles will provide sharper images, but they also tend to be more expensive. Consider what resolution is essential to you and your needs.
3. Field of View
The field of view (FOV) is how much of the image you can see through the goggles. A wider FOV will give you a more immersive experience, but it can also be more challenging to fly with.
4. LCD vs OLED
FPV goggles can come with either an LCD or OLED display. OLED displays tend to have better contrast and colour accuracy, but they also tend to be more expensive. Consider what type of display is crucial to you and your needs.
5. Modular Design
Some FPV goggles, have a modular design that allows you to upgrade the goggles with additional modules. What to look for in those cases is an HDMI input (which may allow you to upgrade with a digital module) or a module bay for analog modules upgrades. If you're interested in upgrading your goggles in the future, this is something to consider.
Conclusion
FPV goggles are an essential tool for any FPV drone pilot, and the right pair of goggles can make the most significant difference in your flying experience. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly or a high-end option, an FPV goggle on the market will suit your needs.
Keep in mind the factors we've discussed above when making your selection, and you'll be well on your way to an immersive and thrilling flying experience. Let us know on Instagram what your thoughts are about the currently available goggles, and we'll see you in the next post!