FPV Guide: Analog vs Digital
What is FPV?
FPV (First Person View) is the latest way to fly remote control models of all types. It's used for RC Planes, Drones, Cars, and even Submarines. It involves mounting a camera and transmitter to your plane (or other model) which sends live video to specially designed goggles, which are worn by the pilot. This enables the pilot to fly his or her plane from the view of the "cockpit".
Sounds complicated? I thought so too, but I soon learned that it's surprisingly simple to set up. And once you enter the world of FPV flight, there's no going back. It really brings a whole new element to the hobby, and it's extremely fun!
Choosing FPV Gear: Analog vs Digital
There are two main types of FPV gear, Analog and Digital, with the most noticeable differences being image quality and latency time (the time between the camera recording the image and the goggles displaying the image).
Digital is the newer, more expensive version while Analog is the older, more developed version. Each type has its pros and cons, and there are many people who cling loyally to each type.
Digital
- Currently more expensive
- Has significantly higher resolution
- Has a much cleaner image, usually with zero static
- Latency tends to vary (mostly concerns the high performance pilots, such as racers)
- The only digital system currently in widespread use is the DJI system
- Components: DJI Goggles, DJI Air Unit, FPV Battery (optional)
Analog
- Currently less expensive
- Lower resolution
- Has more static in the picture that breaks up gradually when the signal gets weaker
- Has constantly low latency
- Is an entirely open platform with anyone free to produce compatible equipment
- Components: Goggles, Camera, VTX, FPV Battery (optional)
Which FPV set up do you recommend?
For people who are beginners to FPV and want a great, reliable setup with plenty of battery life, transmission range, great image quality, and the ability to record HD footage directly from their FPV gear, I recommend Digital.
My current FPV setup is Digital. I strongly recommend this setup for beginners. I first experimented with Analog, knowing that it was less expensive. It worked alright, but as a beginner, I had a difficult time enjoying my flights with a low-resolution and staticky image. I also wanted to be able to record my FPV video feed without having to put the weight of a GoPro or action cam on my plane, which is more complicated with Analog.
Once I switched to Digital, I felt I could really step into the world of FPV with confidence. The HD feed allowed me to see where I was flying, and I could record straight from my FPV camera (what you see in our YouTube videos is exactly what I see while I fly). Digital is more expensive, but after buying a few different sets of Analog FPV gear in an attempt to find what was right for me, I can say I wish I had saved my money and started with Digital to begin with.
Additionally, I knew I would be using my FPV gear primarily for RC Planes and not drones. Planes tend to fly more smoothly and predictably than drones, so losing the extra edge on latency was an easy sacrifice to make in exchange for a high definition video feed.
Here's the gear I use in my setup (not sponsored):
FPV-Optimized Plane Kit
Interested in an FPV plane?
The J-Vampire was designed specifically for an FPV experience, and is great for beginners.