With the growth of digital FPV systems, the innovation in analog FPV cameras seemed to have slowed down. However, the release of the new Ratel Pro camera by Caddx has sparked excitement. Caddx claims that the Ratel Pro is not just another camera but one that delivers exceptional image quality both during the day and in low-light conditions. This review will delve into its features and compare its day and night performance with the well-regarded Ratel 2.
Learn more about FPV cameras: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-camera/
Table of Contents
Where to Buy?
Get the Caddx Ratel Pro camera from these vendors:
- Caddx: https://oscarliang.com/product-b0o5
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDa4vCt
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-rmaq
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-v7m3
It comes with the following accessories:
Specifications
- Image Sensor: BSI 1/1.8″ Inch sensor
- Horizontal Resolution: 1500TVL
- TV System: NTSC & PAL (changeable)
- IMAGE: 16:9 & 4:3 (changeable)
- WDR: Super WDR (HDR)
- Min. Illumination: 0.00001 lux
- Lens: 5Mega
- Color: Black
- Synchronization: Internal
- Electronic Shutter: PAL: 1/50; NTSC: 1/60
- S/N Ratio: >60dB (AGC OFF)
- Video Output: CVBS
- OSD Manual: Support
- DNR: 3-DNR
- FOV: 125°
- Language: ENGLISH/中文/繁中文/Русский/ESPANOL/ITALIANO/FRANCAIS/POLSKIM/PORTUGUES/日本语
- Day/Night: Auto/Color/B&W/EXT
- Dimensions: 19mm*19mm
- Wide Power Input: DC 4.5-27V
- Weight: 9.5g
Design, Build, and Features
The Caddx Ratel Pro maintains the conventional 19x19mm form factor but distinguishes itself from the Ratel 2 with a completely new design. The Pro version boasts a metal case, enhancing durability and serving as a heat sink, albeit adding an extra 4 grams—weighing in at 9.5g compared to the Ratel 2’s 5g.
Featuring a large 1/1.8-inch image sensor, similar in size to the discontinued Runcam Eagle 2, the Ratel Pro promises superior low-light performance due to its ability to capture more light. The camera claims to deliver outstanding image quality with a minimal illumination requirement of 0.00001 lux.
However, the Ratel Pro’s lens is notably longer than that of the Ratel 2, potentially complicating mounting and protection. A notable drawback is its 125° field of view (FOV), significantly narrower than the more common 160° FOV found in modern FPV cameras like the Ratel 2, which offers a 165° FOV. I think FPV drones benefit from the wider field of view especially when flying proximity and navigating though tight spaces. Therefore this narrower FOV might limit its appeal to FPV drone pilots accustomed to a wider perspective.
The Ratel Pro supports switchable 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, switchable in the OSD menu using the provided joystick. It can be powered by a wide voltage range from 4.5V to 27V, accommodating 2S to 6S batteries direct power.
Day Performance
Testing the Caddx Ratel Pro with its default settings revealed very decent image quality, vibrant colors, and a wide dynamic range. The image appeared sharper than the Ratel 2, you can see more detail in the image. Perhaps a tiny bit oversharpened to my taste as you can see some digital artefacts in the branches, fortunately sharpness can be adjusted in the settings. In contrast, the Ratel 2 produces a softer and less contrasty image.
The reduced FOV of the Pro was immediately noticeable and somewhat limiting for FPV drone flying, potentially making it more suitable for high altitude flying such as fixed-wing aircraft. However, the reduced “fisheye” distortion and more accurate depiction of distances were positive aspects.
Night Performance
How it compares to other low light capable fpv cameras:
Traditionally, cameras like the Runcam Night Eagle 3 have set the standard for low-light FPV flying. They excel in the dark, thanks to their high sensitivity to light. However, their performance under the bright sun leaves much to be desired. This is where the Ratel Pro steps in, promising the best of both worlds: vibrant color during the day and outstanding night vision.
Thanks to its large image sensor and enhanced algorithm, the camera’s low-light performance was impressive, offering clear and crisp imagery where the Ratel 2 struggled with graininess and noise.
Conclusion
The Caddx Ratel Pro is a step forward in analog FPV camera technology, excelling in both daytime and nighttime conditions. However, its narrow FOV could be a deal-breaker for many drone pilots. While it may not dethrone the Ratel 2 for FPV drone personally, it could find its niche among pilots flying at higher altitudes or in applications where a narrower FOV is acceptable. For those seeking a versatile FPV camera capable of performing well day and night, the Ratel Pro is worth considering.
Get the Caddx Ratel Pro camera from these vendors:
- Caddx: https://oscarliang.com/product-b0o5
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDa4vCt
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-rmaq
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-v7m3
5 comments
This might be a dumb question would i need to connect this to an antenna to reach my googles
You need a video transmitter to broadcast the video feed to your goggles.
Take a look at this guide: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-guide/#FPV-System-Explained
This looks good! Do you think the Ratel 2 lens would fit and make the FOV wider on the new Ratel Pro? Thanks Oscar!
oof when i saw the video i thought the ratel 2 was the new one. and i was like wow they really improved the shimmering, looks much better. guess not.
This camera is not much better than the Ratel 2, and it costs twice as much.