Foxeer Predator Review : The First CMOS Camera I Actually Like!

I didn't have the best experience when trying the RunCam Eagle 2 and Eagle 2 Pro, just due to my dislike of CMOS cameras in general. This micro predator however checks everything that I want in a camera, and totally changed my mind on new CMOS sensors! I really enjoy the picture from this guy, and will be running it for the 2018 racing season.
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[@jeffbrewster4024]

Man I’m always blown away by the precision and control you have. Keep up the great work Seth!

[@aarongarmon3809]

I've never heard you so excited! Guess I'll have to try it out for myself.

[@neojeets]

Nice to see a good review for this one. Just rebuilt a 3" with this cam and it's pretty sweet.

[@nelsonguzman3156]

Epic. I want to build a quad and am looking into fpv equipment. I look forward to your videos in helping make decisions. Thank you so much.

[@rl2109]

Thanks for the detailed review; I guess you kinda liked the Predator...! Iliked the informational footage, and really enjoyed the flight footage!

[@thebronxgeek2121]

I ordered one as you posted the vid wow lol thanks for the review!!!

[@johhny303]

never been fan of CMOS camera's myself but been thinking of giving the predator a go, thanks for the review.

[@TheRCAddict]

Same here, but this camera really worked well for me. Have 3 more on the way :D

[@schumata3356]

Ok ok ok....I’ve been waiting.....now that I can see that YOU like it, I want to get one!!!

[@Fpvfreaky]

The RC addict I’ve never heard you so happy dude while reviewing a camera. Mate she looks really clean. Thanks for sharing😃

[@Oeliboeb]

Just got one in the mail yesterday! Yay!

[@z506fpv5]

Wow I was thinking on buying one, now I’m convinced.

[@Mark1Spitfire]

Thanks , Great review - Bought one.

[@daggad02]

I just was blown away just like you here first time i flew the predators ! :D But the way you fly man...woohoo !!!

[@adhvikchandran634]

very interesting as I was watching john e fly's micro sparrow review and noted that he preferred the horizontal field of view!! I'm building my first quad, and I got the bg 7$ cam with 170 fov!!

[@FPVish]

Grest video as always. Could u start doing esc reviews? Which is your go to between a single arm and 4 in 1 esc and why u would use them?

[@trevorc6793]

Hi Seth, I'm a bit late to the party on this camera. Just wondering if you know if this is IR sensitive, if not, is the lens blocked & can it be removed? I'm planning on using this in a micro quad for night flying. Cheers

[@iforce2d]

wow, those figure eights around the trees, nice!!

[@FPVmaster]

How do you prefer to power Predator Mini? Direct from battery, or through 5v BEC. Thanks!

[@TheRCAddict]

I normally use the 5V out from the unify.

[@DangerDavefpv]

so ive flown mostly 4.3 cams like rotor riot cam with my dominator v3 16.9 would this predator 16.9 be better than monster v2? i hate how everything seemed so far away with monster v2 vs rr cam? also the monster v2 sucked in shady or dark spots on cloudy day. what u suggest?

[@TheRCAddict]

Well a larger FOV is going to make things appear smaller, but I highly prefer this camera to the Monster.

[@Roberto-cc4el]

in practice flying in angle mode without activating airmode ... and activating on betaflight MOTOR STOP when I arm the engines they do not leave until I get up the gas lever, in practice they remain still while waiting for the gas command while with AIRMODE activated or PERMANENT when lowered the gas lever continue to turn in low percentage but do not stop until we disarm them ... how can I make this MOTOR STOP even with activated airmode? thank you.

[@TheRCAddict]

I am sorry but listen to me. You want the motors to run at all times when you are armed. Do not use motor stop.

[@kimjongun365]

Are those the prototype mode 2 motors

[@TheRCAddict]

yep

[@Roberto-cc4el]

once activated airmode permanent but when I land the engines do not stop and I would like to make the motor stop function .. why airmode reason is set by default with the engines always active? thank you

[@TheRCAddict]

You want the motors to always spin when armed.

[@Roberto-cc4el]

Hello. . . it's always me. . I'm very sorry but I can not easily find a turret with esc 4 in 1.. . + FC. . . + VTX. . . all in one with 30.5x30.5mm mounting holes. . . for the VIPER GEPRC. . . do you have any idea about it? . . . or can I also mount a mini tower with 20x20mm holes? . . Thanks in advance

[@TheRCAddict]

I think you should get a 4in1 esc, FC, and separate VTX. It is much more reliable.

[@Roberto-cc4el]

sorry ... since you are an expert and have some experience on quadricotteri ... could you kindly recommend a good quadricopter fpv to order in pieces and build it? piece by piece required according to your advice a good one? could you list me what is needed and the purchase links? ALWAYS IF IT IS NOT TOO EXTREMELY ... Thanks

[@TheRCAddict]

If you are a beginner something like this would be easy to build and durable kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4bHZGShpK6NpNE

[@steelrainfpv3383]

Nice review brother. I noticed that your dvr footage of the Micro Predator is a lot like mine in my review, where the resolution and dark area's are kind of muddy and shimmering a bit, but completely different looking in the goggles. I guess it's just the cheaper dvr's we have in the hobby compressing and augmenting the actual picture a bit, but the Caddx Turbo Micro SDR1 that I put it up against was the hands down winner in picture quality and resolution.

[@TheRCAddict]

Also KZbin shreds it haha.

[@finbenton]

This is my test SDR1 vs Predator on a normal cloudy day, its pretty clear which one is better... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ_dcqR9eauhqZI

[@steelrainfpv3383]

benii - Your video results are very similar to what I found, whereas the Predator was muddy, washed out and dark, and even after playing with and tweaking the Foxeer's settings, the Caddx still has better video resolution on it's stock settings than the Foxeer's tweaked settings.

[@finbenton]

Yes I liked Caddx but I have noticed weird lag on it lately, I dont mean latency but the fpv feed starts to stutter and freeze sometimes, I had to scrap that cam also unfortunately.

[@steelrainfpv3383]

benii - Very weird, I wonder if something is slowly frying or degrading internally. My one complaint about the Caddx is it's high latency, at around a 36ms average tested by Oscar Liang it's on the high end of the spectrum.

[@Frogzy]

On the flight did you used the micro or the mini?

[@TheRCAddict]

Micro, showed it in the quad.

[@appliedpressureextacts6083]

Does this camera work well with fatshark HD3'S? Im looking for a good camera for freestyle and i love the look of this cam. i herd the image becomes distorted.

[@TheRCAddict]

I prefer to fly with 4:3 cameras on 16:9 goggles. Gives the larger vertical fov for racing, while a 16:9 picture to look at. Little stretching but easy to adapt

[@appliedpressureextacts6083]

thanks

[@Roberto-cc4el]

I'm sorry I understand your reason. . . . I am a beginner but I always follow you. . . can you tell me. . . cge difference ago if I put in betaflight 3. 2. 4 PERMANENT AIRMODE? . . and then I know how the BMP 280 cheat works and in KAKUTE F4 AIO V2. . . I set a switch for in Betaflifht. . MODE. . BARO. . but when I activate the quadricottero ni it goes up and down to jump and nin stabilizes. . where am I wrong? OR Is there any other setting for the BAROMETER? Thank you, I'm sorry but I'm addressing you because you're very competent in this area.

[@TheRCAddict]

I would recommend not using the barometer modes, and turn on airmode in the configuration tab so it is always on.

[@g-fam5894]

Hey Seth nice flying like always,keep them vids coming but hey where can I get some of those fpv cam standoff holders for micro cams ?I'm not sure what there called but I've looked everywhere and can't seem to find them,Or do you have to 3D print them only ?I appreciate your help and thanks for the reviews.

[@TheRCAddict]

The are 3d printed and most of the time come with the frames. They are pretty generic since they can stretch, you can download and print them for free www.thingiverse.com/thing:2536826

[@shanehugehugentugler903]

cee gee Piroflip has those for sale. pirofliprc.com/Micro-Swift-Mount-for-Floss-And-Similar-Frames_p_4114.html

[@g-fam5894]

Man I appreciate that,I don't have a 3D printer right now and I wasn't sure where to get those,thanks for the info

[@shanehugehugentugler903]

here's another selection pirofliprc.com/3D-printed-Micro-FPV-Camera-Mount_p_4299.html

[@denniskulcsar9778]

Im thinking of switching to this camera but im not sure if my 2.1mm lens from my 600tvl ccd runcam swift will work on a cmos sensor camera, i really like that lens and i dont want to have to get used to something new. Thanks for the review!

[@TheRCAddict]

It might fit on the mini, but honestly just get the micro and be done with it. You should adjust in less than a battery

[@mkkhattakpak]

Are you gonna be testing the micro monster 1200tvl 16:9 as well?

[@TheRCAddict]

I don't think so. Not very interested in 16:9, especially with this camera existing haha.

[@einsteind]

I went from a runcam 2 to a monster v2 now trying out the swallow which I now prefer over the monster 2, been hearing good things about the predator and will try one when a 16:9 becomes available, great review, all was good to see them....

[@TheRCAddict]

You mean micro sparrow you like?

[@einsteind]

yes your right. the runcam swallow cams, swift size and micro 16:9

[@TheRCAddict]

There is no swallow lol. Sparrow Swift and Eagle

[@einsteind]

time for me to change my tea : sparrow not swallow

[@sadigov]

swallow or spit? Runcam Split!

[@one4all989]

Can’t wait for the runcam micro eagle. But because of this video I’m getting a foxeer also.

[@TheRCAddict]

I don't like how large the lens is, adds 3g it self. And $45 for a camera is too much for me.

[@one4all989]

The RCAddict Good point. Don't want this hobby becoming like rc car industry costing over $500 for cheap plastic, aluminum or crappy quality carbon fiber.

[@fpv_airborne1953]

what goggles r u using?

[@TheRCAddict]

Aomway Commanders

[@carlonchino]

In the mini version... which one you like more 1.8 or 2.5 ???

[@TheRCAddict]

Mini only comes in 2.5 AFAIK

[@carlonchino]

thank you for the answer, Look: www.foxeer.com/Foxeer-Predator-Mini-Camera-1000TVL-Super-WDR-FPV-OSD-g-112 well, what do you like 1.8 or 2.5?

[@TheRCAddict]

oh, well definitely 1.8

[@hfhfdjsk]

Try the Caddx sdr1 as well !

[@bennieleip579]

What kind of props would you choose for 2600kv motors ? quad weighs 320gr without the lipo's . These hq5050?

[@TheRCAddict]

Probably yeah :)

[@bennieleip579]

The RCAddict 😆 but also other recommendations? Btw nice looking flight 👍🏻 nosy how it looks in youre goggles live , (if the dvr already looks so good)

[@TheRCAddict]

A lower load prop is probably going to be better, so something V1s or Cyclone T5040C

[@bennieleip579]

The RCAddict but envyastro races with the 5152 gemfan or doesn't that matter because you're more in the full throttle and not that mutch on the low refs ? (Ill yust bought new motors that's why i ask) I switched from the older emax motors 2300kv and now the bbb 2207 2650kv motors😆 so a small difference 😆

[@Maorifpv]

Nice. I want One but.... CMOS sensor.... Um not sure if o should buy or not

[@TheRCAddict]

This and the micro Eagle are the only CMOS cameras I like.

[@jasoncross6151]

Any good for night flying, CMOS can normally do very low Lux?

[@TheRCAddict]

CMOS tends to not perform as well as CCD in low light.

[@jasoncross6151]

The RCAddict really? The Night Eagle is CMOS...

[@TheRCAddict]

Well it depends on if it's IR blocked and the sensitivity of it of course. Was just comparing general CMOS and CCD cameras.

[@blackmennewstyle]

Damn son, you are really a hell of a pilot :O Where are you living by the way? It sounds like a pretty perfect place for flying RC

[@TheRCAddict]

PA USA. I have the Eagle 2 Pro in a wing, and I do like the picture when it's bright out, but stock settings on the foxeer were certainly better for me for flying in a quad, and it weighs 6g :D

[@blackmennewstyle]

Runcam is coming with a Eagle micro by the way but the Foxeer predator micro is slightly more cheaper :/ These compamies are giving me headaches lol Keep in mind i am a non US resident so when you tell me PA, it doesn't mean much to me lol I believe it stands for Pennsylvania maybe? Since it's the first results which come when i "duckduckgo" it :) Thanks for your time anyway and keep doing the great job :D

[@TheRCAddict]

The micro eagle is heavy and $45, not for me

[@Roberto-cc4el]

sorry ... I'll answer you late ... I would like the engines when they are in the air and are armed with the throttle at idle do not turn .. and start only when I give gas .. otherwise if I land not flat propellers continue to run beating in the ground .. I hope I was clear and sorry my English translated with google because I'm Italian ... Thanks you are a FRIEND because you commit me to respond ... I felt how do you make us all do those incredible somersaults to your quadcopter when you present the videos .. you're amazing .. I've never seen a good guy like you before.

[@TheRCAddict]

I understand what you mean, however you do not want them to stop unless you are disarmed. Just disarm right as you touch down.

[@markpfeifer1402]

I've always flown HS1177 and thought they were fine. Tried this cam, it's great on bright sunny days and areas with consistant light conditions. Probably better than CCD. But.....CCD's dynamic range still transitions from light to dark better. Just my opinion.

[@TheRCAddict]

Yeah rapid light changes are a weakness of CMOS cameras. HS1177 is like flying through a blurry postage stamp now lol

[@markpfeifer1402]

True. Someday we will finally get a FPV camera that is a clear-cut winner in ALL conditions!

[@faisalkhan67]

Dys 20amp?? How is that esc holding up to these 2207??

[@TheRCAddict]

You like many others underestimate what ESCs can handle. Most of the times when they blow it's not from current drawn, but backflow and voltage spikes. Now if you put a GF5055 and go full throttle for a minute you might run into a problem, but who does that?

[@faisalkhan67]

The RCAddict Ivan on his torture tests. 😂😂😂

[@TheMadmacs]

the foxeers do look nice, but nobody has been able to avoid the bluey bias, i moaned at josh to at least try it even though he said he did, then he followed up and changed settings live and he was right, there doesnt seem to be any way of avoiding the bluey tinge. or for that matter the high contrast, which the eagle 2 pro seems to do much better. but for racing i can see why the micro predator would be the best choice

[@TheRCAddict]

I have the Eagle 2 pro in a wing and even modified settings everything is dark and shimmers. CMOS has a naturally cool shift, looks perfectly fine to me.

[@Danimal-3D]

Bought one of these and had horrible experiences - tons of jello and the image was super dark on a cloudy day. Foxeer told me to take pliers to the lens and really torque it down to try and eliminate my jello

[@finbenton]

Yep same here, predator was terrible for me, ton of jello and dark blueish image. Might be good on sunny day but its winter so... Switched back to runcam swift micro and I was like holy shit I can actually see again :D

[@Danimal-3D]

benii ...dude thanks for sharing - I was confused by all the good reviews in contrast to my actual experiences.

[@TheRCAddict]

CMOS cameras tend to do worse in low light yes. You might have a dud camera though? Mine had zero jello? Maybe the sensor wasn't secured properly.

[@SirCrashaLot]

I wonder, hows the jello? Say bend a prop. Like a lot. Anything to get it to oscillate

[@TheRCAddict]

No problems at all for me.

[@finbenton]

Terrible jello for me on Predator after even slight mark on props.

[@maloulukasholm]

What will you prefer PAL or NTSC?? Mini or Micro???

[@TheRCAddict]

NTSC micro!

[@maloulukasholm]

The RCAddict Thx :)

[@maloulukasholm]

The RCAddict How do you mount the micro in a 5" frame.. Can i buy a mount kit or 3d print something?

[@TheRCAddict]

Either the frame is made to fit is or a TPU adapter yes.

[@DesignRobot_co]

Could I hangs my foxeer arrow lens from 2.1 to 1.8 predator lens to get a better field of view? Saw the lens online www.foxeer.com/18mm-IR-block-M8-Lens-for-Foxeer-Predator-Micro-Camera-g-153

[@TheRCAddict]

Not 100% sure, but the 2.1 is already pretty wide?

[@dronereviewman9580]

Hello i am a f.p.v. ADDICT And i am addicted to this CHANNEL!!! Great POST!! 👍👍

[@emiel1976ep]

Just setup the eagle good and you will see that you see a lot more with the eagle.

[@TheRCAddict]

I adjusted the settings in the Eagle 2 pro, and the image is still dark and shimmering, sorry to bash your beloved RunCam, but Predator is 100% better for me. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@emiel1976ep]

The RCAddict I think that there than is something wrong with yours. Mine is not dark ad all. Just look ad Bardwell his video than you see it is not dark. The colors are a bit dull but I prefer that above a blue colored image.

[@TheRCAddict]

The Eagle has a blue-ish image as well. Maybe yours isn't focused, no issues for me.

[@emiel1976ep]

The RCAddict lol no it is not. Check KZbin videos and see the difference.

[@TheRCAddict]

Compare the micro Eagle. The image shows a similar blue and looks almost identical to the predator, except it still has shimmering

[@tryhardfpv5351]

I had to take my predator micro out of my frame as the jello on it made it unusable. I tried it on two different frames and had the same problem on both of them. Maybe my one has a problem but it was a waste of £35.

[@TheRCAddict]

I have flown it in 3 quads with zero issues? Maybe your sensor is loose, or your quad is just super noisy :/

[@tryhardfpv5351]

Possibly, one frame is a QAV210 4mm running KISS FC the other is a ghost running a Matek OSD both do massive jello at anything over 45% throttle

[@TheRCAddict]

IDK, I just know tons of people including me run it all the time with no problems :(

[@AlexanderBessalov]

super

[@Roberto-cc4el]

hello master I am an admirer of yours ... I would like if you could help me !!! .. I would need a perfect PID setup complete with :: ANGLE MODE :: HORIZ..MODE and ACRO MODE ... or AIRMODE ... flightcontroller KAKUTE F4 AIO V2 ... ESC blheli-S 20A ..dshotcmd .... engines type 2205-2500kv ... propellers 5x4x3 ... and also please how to set up the BARO BMP 280 which is already installed in the KAKUTE F4 AIO V2 ... I would be very grateful .. Thank you so much.

[@TheRCAddict]

Sorry but I can't provide PIDs just like that with little information. I would just suggest running stock Betaflight 3.2.3 values and turning Airmode on all the time, whether flying in angle or acro.

[@KLNYC]

i want CCD.

[@TheRCAddict]

Micro Arrow pro :P

[@KLNYC]

send it over :P

[@niswardfpv7949]

Where are the motor screws 😱😱

[@TheRCAddict]

Good question ;)

[@niswardfpv7949]

The RCAddict yeah yeah i know... It has only the middle hole with a nut!

[@finbenton]

Interesting, personally I hated my predator, everything is dark and blue, snow is not even white haha and when the props are crashed a little there is huge amount of jello in my fpv feed Iw never had with CCD cameras.

[@TheRCAddict]

When I use my Eagle 2 pro everything is dark and grey. Might be an issue with your goggle brightness, and yes CMOS has a cool tint.

[@deanbenninger]

Good Day Seth... Please 1st of all Fix the Title, this is a Micro Predator, not Standard Predator (as the Title would suggest)... Not happy with this Cam, compared to Foxeer Micro Arrow, it has Foggy/Cloudy View even RCSchim says same thing

[@TheRCAddict]

There is no regular predator, only a mini and micro. So not changing the title. There might be something wrong with your sensor, all of mine look great.

[@deanbenninger]

TU Seth for Quick Response... Will Try on another Quad with another Matek Vtx-HV, see if that is Problem...

[@hellomyfellowfellow7210]

First