When choosing the best mini camera parts for your drone, it’s essential to compare key features like resolution, weight, field of view, stabilization, and connectivity to ensure optimal performance. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking for a budget-friendly option or a professional seeking high-quality footage, selecting the right camera components can significantly impact your drone’s capabilities. In this comparison, we’ll break down the top mini camera parts, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision.
List of Best Mini Camera Parts For Drone Comparison
1. Camera Module (Mini Camera)
1. Camera Module (Mini Camera)
2. Gimbal (Mini Gimbal for Stabilization)
3. Video Transmitter (VTX)
4. Camera Lens (Mini Camera Lens for Drone)
5. FPV Goggles (for Viewing Drone Camera Feed)
Best for specific needs (such as video quality, stability, or weight) and drone type when choosing the camera parts.
1. Camera Module (Main Camera)
2. Camera Lens
3. Gimbal (Stabilization System)
4. Video Transmitter (VTX)
5. FPV Goggles
1. Camera Module (Mini Camera)
1A. Run Cam Split 4K
- Camera Resolution: 4K at 30fps
- Sensor Type: CMOS
- Field of View (FOV): 155° wide-angle
- Stabilization: Digital image stabilization
- Size: Compact (approx. 3×3 cm)
- Weight: 19.8g
- Pros:
- High-resolution 4K video at an affordable price for FPV (First-Person View) drones.
- Great image quality and dynamic range.
- Easy integration into most drone builds.
- Cons:
- Limited frame rate (30fps) at 4K.
- Not ideal for low-light environments; can struggle with noise in darker settings.
Where to Buy:
1B. Foxeer Box 2
- Camera Resolution: 4K at 60fps
- Sensor Type: CMOS
- Field of View (FOV): 150°
- Stabilization: Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
- Size: Compact (4×4 cm)
- Weight: 51g
- Pros:
- Superb 4K quality with high frame rate for smooth video.
- EIS for better stabilization during flight.
- Good low-light performance for more dynamic shooting.
- Cons:
- Higher weight compared to other mini cameras.
- More expensive than entry-level models.
Where to Buy:
2. Gimbal (Mini Gimbal for Stabilization)
2A. ZOHD S400 Gimbal
- Weight: 60g
- Dimensions: 5x5x2.5 cm
- Features: Smooth stabilization for cameras up to 400g.
- Pros:
- Affordable and works with most mini cameras.
- Good for smooth video capture in windy conditions.
- Can be used with GoPro or small action cams.
- Cons:
- Not compatible with all drones; check before purchasing.
- Larger size compared to some smaller options.
Where to Buy:
2B. T-Motor Gimbal (Mini)
- Weight: 55g
- Dimensions: 6x6x3 cm
- Features: Specifically designed for drones with small cameras.
- Pros:
- High-quality stabilization even during fast movements.
- Works well with lightweight cameras and GoPros.
- Cons:
- Expensive compared to some alternatives.
- Requires specific mounts depending on the drone model.
Where to Buy:
3. Video Transmitter (VTX)
3A. TBS Unify Pro32 HV
- Output Power: 25mW, 200mW, 400mW, 800mW
- Weight: 10g
- Pros:
- High-quality video transmission with adjustable output power.
- Small form factor, ideal for mini drones.
- Low latency, great for FPV flying.
- Cons:
- Expensive compared to basic VTX models.
- Requires proper cooling for higher output power.
Where to Buy:
3B. Foxeer VTX
- Output Power: 25mW, 200mW, 600mW
- Weight: 7g
- Pros:
- Lightweight and compact.
- Reliable video transmission with multiple channels.
- Budget-friendly for mini drones.
- Cons:
- Limited power output at 600mW, which may affect range.
- Not as high-end as more expensive VTX options.
Where to Buy:
4. Camera Lens (Mini Camera Lens for Drone)
4A. Run Cam Eagle 2 Pro Lens
- Lens Type: 2.1mm, 2.5mm
- Field of View: 160°
- Pros:
- Wide FOV for cinematic shots.
- Great for FPV racing and freestyle with excellent color reproduction.
- Durable lens built to withstand vibrations.
- Cons:
- Can get blurry in low-light or dark conditions.
- Limited to RunCam cameras.
Where to Buy:
4B. Foxeer Micro Camera Lens
- Lens Type: 1.8mm
- Field of View: 140°
- Pros:
- Ideal for mini cameras used in racing drones.
- Sharp video quality with high contrast.
- Cons:
- Not as wide-angle as some other lenses.
- Can get distorted at extreme angles.
Where to Buy:
5. FPV Goggles (for Viewing Drone Camera Feed)
5A. DJI FPV Goggles V2
- Resolution: 1440x1080p per eye
- Field of View: 142° FOV
- Latency: 28ms
- Pros:
- Great video quality for immersive FPV experience.
- Low latency and wide FOV for fast movements.
- Cons:
- Expensive, designed for DJI FPV systems.
- Not compatible with all mini cameras without additional adapters.
Where to Buy:
5B. Fat Shark HDO2 FPV Goggles
- Resolution: 1280x960p per eye
- Field of View: 46°
- Latency: 20ms
- Pros:
- Premium build and quality for professional FPV flying.
- Compatible with most VTXs.
- Sharp visuals and excellent contrast.
- Cons:
- Higher price point.
- Smaller FOV compared to others.
Where to Buy:
Consider your specific needs (such as video quality, stability, or weight) and drone type when choosing the camera parts.
1. Camera Module (Main Camera)
The camera module is the heart of the drone’s imaging system. It collects visual data and transmits it either to FPV goggles or a recording system.
1A. Run Cam Mini 2
- Specifications:
- Resolution: 1080p at 60fps, 720p at 120fps
- Sensor: 1/3″ CMOS
- Field of View (FOV): 130°
- Weight: 19g
- Dimensions: 2.7 x 2.7 x 2.4 cm
- Mounting: Compatible with a variety of mini drone frames.
- Power Supply: DC 5-12V
- Pros:
- Delivers clear, high-definition video.
- Low power consumption.
- Compact and lightweight for mini drones.
- Cons:
- Lacks built-in stabilization for smoother footage.
- Low performance in poor lighting conditions.
- Where to Buy:
- RunCam Official Store – $39.99
- Amazon – $39.99
1B. Foxeer XAT600M
- Specifications:
- Resolution: 1080p at 60fps, 720p at 120fps
- Sensor: CMOS
- Field of View (FOV): 150°
- Weight: 23g
- Dimensions: 3.6 x 3.6 x 2.5 cm
- Lens: Fixed lens, 2.1mm
- Power Supply: 5-12V
- Pros:
- Wide FOV for cinematic shots and FPV use.
- Color-rich images with minimal distortion.
- Cons:
- Heavier than some other mini cameras.
- No optical zoom capability for dynamic shots.
- Where to Buy:
- Foxeer Official Store – $49.99
- Amazon – $49.99
2. Camera Lens
The lens on your camera determines the angle and quality of the image. In drone cameras, mini lenses are specifically designed to reduce weight while ensuring wide-angle captures.
2A. Run Cam 2.1mm Lens
- Specifications:
- Lens Type: 2.1mm fixed lens
- Field of View (FOV): 160°
- Material: Optical glass
- Weight: 5g
- Pros:
- Wide FOV suitable for FPV and cinematic flying.
- Durable, made from high-quality optical glass.
- Cons:
- Not ideal for very low light conditions.
- Slight distortion at extreme angles.
- Where to Buy:
- RunCam Official Store – $15.99
- Amazon – $15.99
2B. Foxeer 2.1mm Lens
- Specifications:
- Lens Type: 2.1mm lens
- Field of View (FOV): 170°
- Material: Optical glass
- Weight: 4g
- Pros:
- Sharp and clear imagery with a broad FOV.
- Suitable for high-speed FPV flights.
- Cons:
- Can cause distortion at high speeds.
- Sensitive to light exposure, sometimes needing adjustments in bright environments.
- Where to Buy:
- Foxeer Official Store – $14.99
- Amazon – $14.99
3. Gimbal (Stabilization System)
The gimbal is essential to keeping your camera stable during flight, ensuring smooth video even when the drone shakes or maneuvers.
3A. Feiyu Tech Mini 3D Gimbal
- Specifications:
- Stabilization: 3-axis
- Weight: 40g
- Compatibility: Suitable for GoPro and other lightweight cameras
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 4 cm
- Battery: Built-in rechargeable battery
- Pros:
- 3-axis stabilization ensures smooth footage, even in high-speed or windy conditions.
- Compact design fits small drones and cameras.
- Cons:
- Expensive compared to simpler gimbals.
- Limited compatibility with non-GoPro cameras.
- Where to Buy:
- FeiyuTech Official Store – $149.99
- Amazon – $149.99
3B. Gimbal Tech 2-Axis Mini Gimbal
- Specifications:
- Stabilization: 2-axis
- Weight: 26g
- Compatibility: Mini FPV cameras and action cams
- Power Supply: 5V DC
- Pros:
- Affordable, suitable for budget builds.
- Great for lightweight cameras.
- Cons:
- 2-axis stabilization is not as smooth as 3-axis.
- May struggle in windy or turbulent environments.
- Where to Buy:
- Gimbal Tech Store – $59.99
- Amazon – $59.99
4. Video Transmitter (VTX)
The VTX is responsible for sending the video feed from your drone’s camera to your FPV goggles or monitor. The output power affects the range.
4A. TBS Unify Pro 32 Nano VTX
- Specifications:
- Power Output: 25mW, 200mW, 400mW, 800mW
- Latency: 28ms
- Weight: 4.5g
- Frequency Channels: 40 channels with Raceband
- Pros:
- Long-range video transmission with adjustable power output.
- Compact for small drone builds.
- Cons:
- Requires cooling for high-power settings.
- Higher price compared to entry-level VTX.
- Where to Buy:
- TBS Official Store – $49.99
- Amazon – $49.99
4B. Foxeer Lollipop 3 VTX
- Specifications:
- Power Output: 25mW, 200mW, 500mW
- Weight: 7g
- Latency: 30ms
- Channels: 40 channels
- Pros:
- Lightweight and affordable for mini drones.
- Clear video quality for short to medium-range flights.
- Cons:
- Limited range compared to high-end VTXs.
- Latency might be noticeable during fast maneuvers.
- Where to Buy:
- Foxeer Official Store – $35.99
- Amazon – $35.99
5. FPV Goggles
FPV goggles are necessary for viewing real-time video from the drone’s camera. High-quality FPV goggles ensure clear, immersive flight experiences.
5A. Eachine EV800D
- Specifications:
- Display: 5-inch LCD screen, 800x480p resolution
- Field of View: 45°
- Weight: 410g
- Built-in DVR: Yes, for recording video
- Pros:
- Affordable for those entering FPV flying.
- Built-in DVR for recording flight footage.
- Cons:
- Lower resolution compared to premium models.
- Bulky for prolonged use.
- Where to Buy:
- Eachine Official Store – $129.99
- Amazon – $129.99
5B. Fat Shark Attitude V5
- Specifications:
- Display: 3.5-inch LCD screen, 800x600p resolution
- Field of View: 40°
- Weight: 420g
- Built-in DVR: Yes, for recording video
- Pros:
- Higher resolution and clearer imagery than budget goggles.
- Comfortable and ergonomic design.
- Cons:
- Expensive compared to entry-level models.
- Shorter battery life compared to other models.
- Where to Buy:
- Fat Shark Official Store – $379.99
- Amazon – $379.99
Conclusion:
After comparing the best mini camera parts for drones, it’s clear that the right choice depends on your specific needs, whether it’s high-resolution imaging, lightweight design, or advanced stabilization. Investing in quality components ensures better footage, improved flight performance, and a more enjoyable flying experience. By considering factors like resolution, field of view, and connectivity, you can select the ideal camera parts to enhance your drone’s capabilities. No matter your budget or skill level, choosing the right mini camera parts will take your aerial photography and videography to the next level.
