FPV Resources
Useful FPV resources like: My Rates, Betaflight Backups, Camera Settings, Firmware, LUTS, APKS, News, My gear list, and much more.
My Gear
Here is a selection of the gear I utilize in my work. You'll find affiliate links to most of these items below, as well as a comprehensive list in My Store. By clicking on any of my links and making a purchase, even if it's not one of my recommended items, I will receive a small commission from the sale. This greatly aids in the growth of my channel and brand, enabling me to share more content with you. Your support is sincerely appreciated.
For my Goggles, I opted for a digital setup. Initially, I chose the DJI V1 Goggles Goggles instead of the V2 due to the price difference and my specific requirements. However, I have since upgraded to the DJI Integra Goggles paired with the DJI O3 Air unit system for enhanced performance.
I utilize a combination of 4S and 6S lithium-polymer (LiPo) as well as lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries with varying capacities ranging from 300mAh to 5000mAh. For charging purposes, I rely on the ISDT 608AC charger and the compact ISDT Air8 charger. To ensure the safety of myself, my family, and my possessions, particularly guarding against potential hazards associated with LiPo batteries, I employ the BAT-Safe system for the charging, transportation, and storage of these batteries. This system provides added protection against the risk of LiPo explosions.
This was my first 5-inch quad, and WOW what a crazy difference going from a 3.5-inch Cinewhoop to a full 5-inch quad. This is only the 4S version, but for the style of flying I do, I cannot imagine needing more power to get the shots I need. I am loving this quad.
This has to be my new favorite Cinewhoop for sure. I purchased this from DroneCO Productions. I wanted something that would carry a full-sized GoPro Hero 9 for professional one-shot gigs. This is the perfect drone for the job, and is currently the only one using Emuflight for the secret Cinewhoop sauce. If you decided to purchase one let Chris know Adventure FPV sent you.
In the beginning of my FPV journey, I opted for the DJI Remote to quickly get started with flying. I chose this remote because I wanted immediate compatibility with BNF (Bind and Fly) drones, along with my goggles. Since my focus was primarily on capturing video, this setup helped me streamline the learning process. Currently, I am utilizing the latest DJI controller, but I have plans to upgrade my entire fleet to ELRS (External Long-Range System) in the near future.
You can find my store at the following link, which includes affiliate links to the majority of the equipment I use. By clicking on any of these links and making a purchase on Amazon, I receive a small commission, regardless of whether you decide to purchase any of the recommended products. This simple action supports the growth of my brand, enables me to create more videos, and continue sharing helpful tips and tricks with you. Your support is greatly appreciated.
The Chimera 4 was one of the first quads I purchased. I got the lower KV version, and was told it is not great for acro. But I have been able to tune it out and do some freestyle. I love using this for long cruising flights. The battery life is amazing with a Naked GoPro, and an 850mAH battery. I really like this quad.
I was one of the first people to receive the iFlight Nazgul Evoque. I purchased the 4S version and I am loving it. Check out my unboxing and initial impressions. Check out my Evoque Playlist on Youtube.
For capturing stunning footage, my preferred camera of choice is the GoPro Hero 11 Mini. In my opinion, it offers the highest image quality among action cameras. When combined with Reelsteady, it becomes a cinematic powerhouse, provided you know how to properly configure your camera settings and perform color grading. In certain scenarios where I'm concerned about the risk of losing or damaging a camera, I opt for the Caddx Walnut. For my smaller quadcopters, I rely on the Runcam Thumb Pro or the Insta360 GO. Additionally, I keep a couple of Naked or de-cased GoPros handy when weight-saving is crucial for the particular shoot.
After falling in love with the Protek25, I wanted to try the Protek 35 since it has the power to carry a full-sized GoPro camera. The power difference is crazy. I was doing acro with this thing on the first flight. Don't get me wrong this is not for acro, but it has the power to get it done with a full-sized camera.
The eMax BabyHawk 2 HD was the 3rd quad I purchased after the Protek 25 and Chimera 4 . I wanted something with more power and something that felt more like a 5 inch without actually moving up to a 5 inch. And this thing delivered. It really carries it's weight for it's size, and is my go-to to learn new tricks outside of a simulator.
My Rates
After experimenting with various rates, including defaults, fast, and slow, I discovered that the slow rates align with my flying style and provide the desired stick feel I seek. I have two rate profiles to share: one for acro flying and the other for using stability mode in FPV one-shot videos. It's worth noting that these rates may be considered too slow for most pilots, but they perfectly suit my preference for smooth flights. If you choose to adopt these rates, I recommend taking your time in an open area to acclimate to the slow pitch, roll, and yaw before pushing the limits. Additionally, please keep in mind that these rates may vary based on your quad's performance.
Acro Rates
I use these rates on ALL my quads and fly with this 90% of the time.
Attitude Rates
I use these rates on when doing flat and level one shots.
Camera Settings
To achieve the best quality in my final product, I employ the following camera settings. Currently, I utilize the GoPro Hero 10 and Hero 11, Insta360 GO 2, and RunCam Thumb and Caddx Walnut for my FPV videos. These settings can be applied to any camera you use to ensure optimal results.
Resolution
In my filming process, I usually capture footage in 5.7K or 4K resolution, even if my final export will be in 1080p. This allows for a higher bit rate and provides flexibility for cropping during post-production, as well as accommodating stabilization if required. When using stabilization tools like ReelSteady or Gyroflow with my footage, I prefer shooting in either 8:7 or 4:3 aspect ratios to maximize the potential of my camera sensor. Additionally, I opt for filming at 60FPS whenever possible to have the option of incorporating slow motion effects in the final product.
BitRate
When using a GoPro or other action cameras, it's recommended to switch to a high bitrate setting if available. This allows for capturing more data and dynamic range in your footage, resulting in better quality. However, keep in mind that working with high bitrate files can be resource-intensive during the editing process.
FPS
Filming at 60 FPS provides the advantage of capturing smooth motion and allows for flexibility in post-production. Since most video playback is at 24 or 30 FPS, shooting at 60 FPS enables you to slow down the footage if needed without introducing choppiness. However, it's important to note that filming at higher frame rates also requires more storage space and processing power. If slow motion is not a requirement for your project, shooting at the standard frame rates of 24 or 30 FPS can be sufficient.
ND Filters
Natural Density (ND) filters serve as sunglasses for your camera lens. They are useful in locking in the shutter speed during bright sunny days, preventing blown-out highlights in your footage. Additionally, ND filters help reduce camera jello when filming at appropriate frame rates. It's important to note that ND filters are specifically designed for sunny and bright conditions. Trust me, incorporating ND filters into your setup can be a game changer for capturing high-quality footage.
White Balance
While auto white balance can be convenient, it may cause fluctuations in color temperature throughout your video. It can be necessary in certain situations, such as transitioning from a well-lit outdoor scene to a dark indoor scene. However, I recommend manually setting your white balance whenever possible. For outdoor shots on sunny days, I typically use a white balance setting of 5500K. This helps maintain consistent and accurate colors in your footage.
Stabilization
In my video production workflow, I rely on two powerful tools for stabilization: ReelSteady GO and Gyroflow. These software applications are used in post-production to enhance the stability of my footage. While some cameras offer in-body stabilization options, I prefer the control and flexibility provided by these dedicated stabilization software. With ReelSteady GO and Gyroflow, I can fine-tune the stabilization settings and achieve the desired outcome for my videos. By utilizing these tools, I can ensure smooth and professional-looking footage that captivates my audience.
Shutter Speed
To achieve the best cinematic results and camera motion blur, it's recommended to follow the 180-degree shutter rule. This entails setting your shutter speed to be twice the rate of your frame rate. For example, if you're filming at 30FPS, your shutter speed should be set to 1/60, and if you're filming at 60FPS, your shutter speed should be at 1/120. While this rule isn't set in stone, it generally produces visually pleasing footage. In bright conditions, you'll likely need to use an ND filter on your lens to achieve proper exposure.
ISO
ISO determines the brightness of your footage through digital enhancement. Higher ISO values can introduce graininess in low-light conditions. To maintain optimal video quality, it's best to keep your ISO settings as low as possible. However, there may be situations where you need to increase the ISO to capture enough light. Keep in mind that excessive ISO can result in unwanted noise, requiring additional post-production denoising, which can be time-consuming and not always perfect. For consistent lighting conditions, it's recommended to set your minimum and maximum ISO values to the lowest possible settings. This helps ensure cleaner footage with minimal digital noise.
Video Editing
Some information about how I edit my videos and what tools I use.
When it comes to video editing on Apple OSX, my tool of choice is Final Cut Pro (FCPX). I've been using this software since 2013 and it has remained my preferred editing suite. Unlike other options like Premiere and Resolve, Final Cut Pro offers a one-time purchase without any monthly subscription fees. With FCPX, I have the flexibility and control to bring my creative vision to life seamlessly.
For me, the music choice and timing are just as crucial as the footage itself. Sometimes, finding the perfect song takes more time than the actual video editing process. To source high-quality music and sound effects, I rely on subscription services such as SoundStripe, Audiio, and Artlist. I've been using these services for many years and find their pricing to be the most reasonable considering the wide selection they offer. I also utilize these services to enhance my one-shot drone videos with post-production sound effects. Don't forget to check out my video on syncing shots to the music in post-production. By using my discount code and affiliate links, you can enjoy a discount on these membership subscriptions.
Within my Final Cut Pro editing workflow, I have integrated various aftermarket plugins for added creativity and visual enhancements. These plugins include a range of titles, transitions, overlays, and special effects that I use selectively to elevate my videos. I have acquired most of these plugins from pixelfilmstudios.com, a reliable source offering a diverse collection of plugins specifically designed for Final Cut Pro. Their extensive selection has been instrumental in expanding my creative possibilities within the editing process.
In the camera settings section, I briefly mentioned ReelSteady GO and Gyroflow, but I'd like to provide more details. I've created videos about my ReelSteady GO and Gyroflow workflow that you should definitely check out. While some pilots consider using these software options as cheating, others prioritize technical traditional FPV flying over video quality. Personally, my passion for video creation started in 2013, well before I began flying FPV in 2021. Thus, my focus has always been on producing visually appealing videos. Although GoPro's built-in stabilization, "Hypersmooth," is impressive, disabling in-body stabilization and using ReelSteady GO or Gyroflow allows me to have complete control over the amount of stabilization I apply during post-processing. Additionally, these software options offer horizon leveling features, providing even more creative flexibility.
While I strive to lock in my white balance during filming, I often find the need to fine-tune it for my final edits. To achieve the desired look, I manually adjust the color temperature to match my creative vision. Alternatively, I utilize the Balance Color Tool's eyedropper function to reference a pure white or neutral object in the scene. This meticulous step significantly enhances the professional color grading process, ensuring optimal visual impact in my videos.
Color grading is a creative aspect of my video editing process that I truly enjoy. My style varies from a standard REC709 look to vibrant and sometimes even stylized, such as the popular orange and teal combination. I've received numerous positive comments about my color grading, which inspired me to create some custom Look-Up Tables (LUTs) based on my personal style. In my store, you'll find my GoPro Color LUT available. By applying this LUT to your footage and making adjustments to levels and white balance, you can easily achieve a similar look in your videos.
FAA Info
(All of these have links attached)
Drone registration in the USA is a requirement for all drones weighing between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds. Owners must register online with the FAA, pay a fee, and receive a unique registration number to affix to their drone. Registration is valid for three years, with renewals and updates required as necessary. Non-compliance can result in penalties.
In order to engage in commercial drone operations, whether presently or in the future, it is imperative to acquire a License from the FAA, following the regulations outlined in Rule 14 CFR part 107. Even if you are conducting business activities or running a YouTube Channel that generates revenue, the process of obtaining the license remains a necessary endeavor.
Here you will find general information from the FAA related to recreational and commercial drone use, as well as information about safety and drone registration.
Remote ID is a system new system required for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). It involves the transmission of identifying information from the drone to surrounding infrastructure and authorities in real-time. This information includes the drone's location, altitude, and unique identification number. Remote ID is required for ALL Part 107 flights and for any recreations flights of aircraft weighing more than 250g.
The FAA has implemented a new mandate that applies to all individuals, including recreational drone pilots, who operate drones weighing more than 249 grams. This requirement is known as the "Trust Certificate", which entails studying and taking a test. The test is free of charge and necessitates achieving a perfect score of 100% to pass. However, you have the flexibility to retake the test as many times as necessary until you achieve a passing grade.
For both Android and iPhone users, there is a wide range of valuable resources and applications like B4UFLY or AirMaps that assist pilots in comprehending the permissible areas for flying their aircraft. These tools offer crucial information about flight restrictions and provide updates on special notices to airmen (NOTAMs) during specific no-fly periods. By utilizing these apps, pilots can ensure compliance with airspace regulations and make informed decisions regarding their flights. These resources contribute to a safer and more responsible drone operation experience. Always be sure to Know Before You Fly.
Whether you are aspiring to obtain your Part 107 License or simply seeking to enhance your knowledge on the subject, you can access official FAA Documents in the File Download section of this page. Additionally, there are numerous online training courses available, some of which are paid options like RemotePilot101 or PilotInstitute. These courses provide comprehensive guidance throughout the entire process, catering to your specific needs and objectives.
Informational Videos
Watch some of my informational and tutorial videos here to find out some of my tips and tricks I have discovered along the way on my FPV Adventure
"7 Expert Tips to Make RunCam Thumb Pro Footage LOOK CINEMATIC! ๐ฅ"
FPV Pilot Attempts A One Shot With DJI Avata (Real Estate)
iFlight Nazgul F5 Evoque DC 4S ๐ฅ (Unboxing, Setup, & Flight Footage)
The GoPro Hero 11 & 12 are the KING of Social Media ๐
File Downloads
Download my BetaFlight Backups and CLI's, RAW camera footage, Old GoPro firmware and APK Files, LUTS and much more here.