Design and Features
The Caddx Ratel PRO analog FPV camera is a notable improvement from its predecessor, the Ratel 2. One of the first things you’ll notice is the change in the camera’s appearance. The Ratel PRO comes with a sleek metal case, setting it apart from the plastic design of the Ratel 2. This upgrade not only gives the camera a more premium look but also enhances its durability.
Field of View and Sensor
The Ratel PRO offers a narrower field of view compared to the Ratel 2. With a 125-degree field of view, the Ratel PRO provides a more focused perspective, making it ideal for precise maneuvering. On the other hand, the Ratel 2 boasts a wider 165-degree field of view, which is perfect for capturing immersive and expansive footage.
Both cameras feature a 1/1.8-inch sensor, allowing for high-quality image capture. The sensor supports both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, giving users the flexibility to choose between the two. Additionally, the cameras offer PAL and NTSC switchable options, ensuring compatibility with various video standards.
Low Light Performance
The Caddx Ratel PRO excels in low light conditions, thanks to its impressive low light rating of 0.001 Lux. This means that the camera can capture clear and detailed footage even in dimly lit environments. While the Ratel 2 also had a low light rating of 0.001 Lux, the Ratel PRO takes it a step further and delivers even better performance during nighttime flights.
TV Line Rating and Weight
When it comes to TV line rating, the Ratel PRO stands out with a rating of 1500, surpassing the Ratel 2’s rating of 1200. This means that the Ratel PRO can produce sharper and more defined images, allowing for better visibility of details.
In terms of weight, it is evident that the Ratel PRO is heavier compared to its predecessor. The increase in weight is attributed to the new metal case, which offers enhanced protection for the camera. While the Ratel 2 was already lightweight, the added weight of the Ratel PRO ensures increased durability while sacrificing some maneuverability.
Overall, the Caddx Ratel PRO analog FPV camera brings several notable enhancements to the table. Its improved low light performance, narrower field of view, and enhanced build quality make it an excellent choice for FPV enthusiasts who prioritize image quality and reliability. Whether you’re flying during the day or venturing into nighttime FPV adventures, the Ratel PRO is sure to deliver exceptional results.
Design and Fit
The Caddx Ratel PRO Analog FPV Camera boasts a unique design with a longer lens compared to its predecessor, the Ratel 2. The lens sticks out noticeably, which may limit the frames it can be installed in. During testing, the camera was placed in a frame called the Martian 3 from TCMR TC MMRC. Even with the original Ratel camera, there was still some protrusion, albeit less than the Ratel 2. However, with the Ratel PRO, the lens sticks out significantly more. This means that if you are concerned about protecting your camera or lens, you should carefully choose a frame that accommodates it.
Target Audience
While the Caddx Ratel PRO is primarily marketed towards FPV drone pilots, it seems to have a narrower field of view (125) that may make it more suitable for airplane pilots who fly FPV. This narrower field of view can make flying in close proximity more challenging. Therefore, for experienced pilots who are comfortable with this setup, the Ratel PRO may be a viable option.
Protection and Durability
Considering the protruding lens, it is crucial to consider the level of protection and durability the Caddx Ratel PRO offers. If you are looking for a camera that can withstand rough conditions and potential lens breakage, it may be wise to explore other options. However, if you are a cautious pilot and prioritize careful frame selection, the Ratel PRO can still provide satisfactory performance without compromising durability.
Overview
The Caddx Ratel PRO Analog FPV Camera is a camera designed for pilots who prioritize a wider field of view. While it may not be the easiest to fly through, it is ideal for long-distance or mid-range flying over open areas. The camera comes with a lens that offers a field of view of 125, which may not be suitable for proximity flying or racing.
Design
The Caddx Ratel PRO Analog FPV Camera features a longer lens and a metal case. The longer lens allows for a wider field of view, which is beneficial for pilots flying in open areas. The camera also comes with a connector for settings and another for video and power. The design is similar to the previous model, the Caddx Ratel, but with improvements to the lens and casing.
Functionality
When plugged in, the camera’s menu settings can be accessed by covering up the lens to counter the bright light and white lettering. This allows for easier visibility and adjustment of the camera settings. While the camera may not be the most user-friendly, it serves its purpose for pilots who prioritize a wider field of view.
Target Audience
The Caddx Ratel PRO Analog FPV Camera is specifically targeted towards pilots who engage in long-distance flying or mid-range flying over open areas. For those who do a lot of proximity flying or racing, a wider field of view may not be as necessary. Pilots who fly airplanes, where flying around objects is not common, will benefit from the camera’s near field of view of 125.
Automatic Exposure and Gain Control
The Caddx Ratel PRO Analog FPV Camera offers automatic exposure and gain control, allowing for seamless adjustment in various lighting conditions. With these features, you can rest assured that your images and videos will consistently be clear and well-lit, regardless of the environment you are flying in.
White Balance and Image Enhancement
The camera also features automatic white balance, ensuring accurate color reproduction in your footage. Additionally, it offers image enhancement capabilities to further improve the overall visual quality. With these settings on auto, you can fly with confidence knowing that the camera is optimizing the image for you.
Flexible Display Options
The Caddx Ratel PRO allows you to choose between PAL and NTSC display formats, catering to your personal preference. Furthermore, you have the option to switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, ensuring compatibility with different goggles and monitors. The camera also provides the ability to invert the image horizontally and vertically, allowing for greater flexibility in mounting and positioning.
Dynamic Range Settings and Language Support
With the Caddx Ratel PRO, you have control over the dynamic range settings, enabling you to adjust the level of contrast and brightness according to your preference. Additionally, the camera offers multiple language options, ensuring ease of use for users from different regions.
Impressive Daytime and Nighttime Performance
The Caddx Ratel PRO delivers excellent performance in both daytime and nighttime flying scenarios. In the provided video footage, you can witness the camera’s capabilities during both daytime and nighttime flights in the same location. Despite the challenging lighting conditions at night, the camera performs exceptionally well, with bright and clear images both in the DVR recording and the goggles. Even in a relatively dark area, the camera ensures optimal visibility with the help of ambient lighting from surrounding structures.
When comparing the daytime footage to the original Caddx Ratel 2, the image quality and color reproduction are on par. If you’d like to see a direct comparison, you can find a link to the Caddx Ratel 2 video in the description of the provided footage. This allows you to evaluate the image quality and color reproduction for yourself.
In conclusion, the Caddx Ratel PRO Analog FPV Camera offers a range of impressive features, such as automatic exposure, gain control, white balance, dynamic range settings, and flexible display options. Whether you are flying in bright daylight or challenging nighttime conditions, this camera is capable of capturing high-quality footage with accurate color reproduction. With its user-friendly interface and reliable performance, the Caddx Ratel PRO is a great choice for FPV enthusiasts.
The Caddx Ratel PRO Analog FPV Camera: A Detailed Review
Narrow Field of View
The Caddx Ratel PRO Analog FPV Camera offers a high-quality performance that is comparable to its predecessor, the Ratel 2. However, one significant difference that stands out is its narrow field of view. This aspect is particularly important for quad pilots and drone enthusiasts who prioritize a wider view during their flights. If this feature is of great significance to you, then the Ratel PRO may not be the best choice. Nonetheless, for those who do not consider it a vital factor, this camera can still deliver impressive results.
Optimal Camera for Drone Pilots
For quad and drone pilots, the Caddx Ratel PRO Analog FPV Camera is a reliable and efficient device. Besides the narrow field of view, it offers excellent image quality both during the day and at night. Whether you are capturing footage or taking stunning aerial photos, this camera can meet your requirements exceptionally well. It is essential, however, to carefully select the right frame for your camera, as this can significantly influence your overall flying experience.
Image Quality
Now, let us turn our attention to the most crucial aspect of any camera – image quality. The Caddx Ratel PRO Analog FPV Camera does not disappoint in this regard. It captures crystal-clear footage, showcasing vibrant colors and impressive details. Whether you are flying under the bright sun or in low-light conditions, this camera is equipped to deliver exceptional results. Be it daytime shots or nighttime adventures, the Ratel PRO ensures that your images are sharp, well-defined, and visually appealing.
Daytime Footage
During the day, the Caddx Ratel PRO Analog FPV Camera captures remarkable footage. Its dynamic range allows it to capture bright skies and intricate details on the ground simultaneously. This ensures that your videos and photos are filled with depth and clarity. The colors are vibrant and true to life, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Whether you are racing through obstacles or exploring serene landscapes, the Ratel PRO keeps up with your fast-paced adventures without compromising on quality.
Nighttime Footage
Even in low-light conditions, the Ratel PRO impresses with its image quality. It utilizes advanced technology to capture clear and detailed shots in the dark. The camera’s sensitivity to light enables it to produce sharp images with minimal noise. Whether you are navigating through dimly lit areas or capturing mesmerizing city lights from above, the Ratel PRO ensures that your nighttime footage is equally captivating.
In conclusion, the Caddx Ratel PRO Analog FPV Camera offers impressive performance for drone and quad pilots. While it may have a narrower field of view compared to other models, its image quality is exceptional both during the day and at night. With vibrant colors, sharp details, and remarkable clarity, this camera is a reliable companion for all your aerial adventures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Caddx Ratel PRO Analog FPV Camera offers a unique design with its longer lens, but this design choice may limit the compatibility with certain frames. With its narrower field of view, it may be better suited for airplane pilots who fly FPV rather than drone pilots. Additionally, the protruding lens should be taken into consideration when choosing a frame to ensure the camera’s protection and avoid potential lens breakage. Overall, the Ratel PRO is a viable option for experienced pilots who prioritize careful frame selection and are comfortable with its specifications.
The Caddx Ratel PRO Analog FPV Camera is a suitable choice for pilots who prioritize a wider field of view and engage in long-distance or mid-range flying. With its improved lens and metal casing, it provides a reliable option for capturing FPV footage. Although it may not be the easiest to fly through, it serves its purpose for pilots who fly airplanes and are not concerned about flying around objects. The camera’s menu settings can be easily accessed, allowing for convenient adjustments. Overall, the Caddx Ratel PRO Analog FPV Camera offers a solid option for pilots in need of a wider field of view.
