The Foxeer Predator FPV camera is a new high performance, CMOS FPV camera. In this review we will take a look at the pro’s and con’s of the Predator Mini and compare it to the Eagle 2 Pro.
There have been debates in the community about whether the Predator is better than the Runcam Eagle 2 Pro or the other way round,
Update (10 September 2018): Foxeer has just released an Predator V3.
After testing these cameras I believe the answer is very much a personal preference. There are certain areas the Predator FPV camera performs better and worse than the Eagle 2, let’s take a look at these differences in our testing.
Purchase links:
Further Reading: How to choose FPV Camera?
Foxeer Predator Mini vs Micro
Foxeer offers two camera sizes for the Predator camera, the Mini and the Micro. To my understanding the two variants uses the same hardware from image sensor to processor, and should produce the same image quality.
Foxeer Predator Micro FPV Camera
The main differences are the size, weight, mounting and the lens. The Predator Micro is lighter and smaller (5.5g vs 8.7g), therefore is better suited for light weight builds. But at the same time the PCB is more exposed and there is less protection to the camera in crashes. Note that the lens on the Micro offers a wider field of view (FOV) compared to the Mini, but possibly slightly lower image quality.
In this review I am only testing the Foxeer Predator Mini, but I would expect very similar result from the Micro.
Foxeer Predator Mini FPV Camera
Specification
The Predator Mini and Micro only support 4:3 aspect ratio, which might be a disappointment to owners of 16:9 FPV Goggles.
Unlike those CMOS sensors camera from Runcam, where you can select NTSC or PAL easily in the settings, it’s fixed in the Predator and you can only choose when buying the camera.
Here is a comparison table between the specs of the Predator Mini and the Eagle 2 Pro FPV cameras. Although I do prefer the Eagle 2 for its better low light performance and decreased digital artifacts in the picture, I will compare it to the latest Pro version.
| Predator | Eagle 2 Pro | |
| Price | $42 | $46 |
| Size | 21.8 x 21.8mm | 28 x 28mm |
| Weight | 12.4g | 15g |
| Voltage Input | 5V – 40V | 5V – 36V |
| FOV | 112° (2.5mm), 145° (1.8mm) | 140° in 4:3, 170° in 16:9 |
| NTSC/PAL Switchable | No | Yes |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 | 4:3 & 16:9 selectable |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Image Flip | Yes | No |
Unboxing
The Predator Mini comes with the following accessories:
- Metal mounting bracket
- Mounting adapter
- OSD controller for changing camera settings
- Silicone cable
- Instruction manual
- Various screws and washers
Accessories that come with the Foxeer Predator Camera
Closer Look at the Foxeer Predator FPV Camera
The Predator camera has a shiny-finished plastic housing, and Foxeer offers 5 different colours so you can better match it with your build: red, purple, black, blue and grey.
It has “VSen” input, which basically is for monitoring the voltage of your battery and displaying that voltage in the OSD.
When changing settings in the OSD, it’s not as easy as I expected. The values change so slowly even when I am holding the button.
I wish Foxeer could add a dedicated GND (ground) pin for the OSD dongle (control), or even a separate connector or it. When you connect a 3-pin connector for VCC, GND and Vin, you can no longer access the OSD pin because it’s obstructed by the 3-pin connector. You have to use the cable provided with the camera that breaks out the OSD control pins, but it’s a male to male cable (SMH)… it really isn’t user-friendly at all.
Here is how you can make a DIY OSD ground breakout cable.
It’s the same old issue I have been telling Foxeer to address since the era of the HS1177.
Two screws holes on each side with metal inserts.
Size comparison with the Runcam Swift Mini and Owl.
With the mounting adapter, you can install the Predator just like a standard size FPV camera such as the HS1177 or Swift.
It also comes with a mounting bracket.
Taking the camera apart reveals the PCB, notice the glue covering the base of the image sensor, this makes the sensor less likely to fall off in a crash.
Here are some close up shots of the PCB, I am surprised by how small this board is compared to some other cameras I have seen, given the excellent performance :)
Here is the instruction manual.
Performance Testing
Latency
The Foxeer Predator is one of the fastest cameras I have tested in terms of delay.
The average latency is only about 15ms, which is 10ms faster than the Runcam Eagle 2 Pro, or 12ms faster than the Foxeer Arrow.
Latency is the same in both the Micro and Mini.
Here is the full result of the latency test.
Image Quality
Comparing to the Eagle 2 Pro, the Foxeer Predator has a more saturated and contrasty image. great image detail and sharpness, yet it doesn’t have the digital noise, artifacts, and shimmering you would get with the Eagle. I just love what I am seeing from my Goggles.
The FOV is smaller on the Predator than the Eagle 2 Pro’s 140° in 4:3 mode. The Eagle 2 Pro would have an even larger FOV in 16:9 mode, 170°! But not everyone like wider FOV and you might prefer the Predator, it’s all personal preference!
The Predator seems to handle strong sun light better, for example you can see the clouds around the Sun clearly.
However the Eagle 2 Pro has a much better WDR (wide dynamic range) than the Predator, especially in showing shadow detail. Also, the Predator seems to be affected by sun glare a lot more than the Eagle 2 Pro.
The Predator is not for low light or night FPV. It doesn’t have black and white mode even in extremely low light, and it performed poorly at night in my testing.
There is no clear winner for me, each camera excels at certain areas. Check our the comparison video and decide for yourself.
Comparison to other Micro FPV Cameras
My Predator Settings
Here is my preferred setting, which I used in my testing as shown in the video.
Mini:
- Brightness – 115
- Contrast – 135
- Sharpness – 165
- Hue – 90
- Color Gain – 135
Micro:
- Brightness – 120
- Contrast – 138
The settings are pretty limited, and I think it’s best to leave Hue and Color Gain at default otherwise the colour will look kind of funny.
Also when you flip the image vertically, the OSD menu doesn’t flip with it, so if you decide to mount the camera the other way round, you will be looking at the OSD menu upside down which is not ideal.
Conclusion – is the Predator for you?
The great image detail and super low latency makes the Foxeer Predator a close to perfect camera for racing, but get the Predator Micro, the lens on the Mini has serious sun glare issues caused by the lens. Also, lighter and smaller is always better :) I personally prefer the 1.8mm lens, the FOV provided by the 2.5mm lens is simply too narrow for me.
For freestyle and day to day flying I still prefer the Eagle 2, the outstanding WDR capability is crucial for seeing the environment clearly, especially if you fly in the shade on a sunny day. The better performance in low light is also a great bonus.
Issue: Predator camera incompatible with the Fatshark HD3 Goggles?
It’s been reported that the Foxeer Predator only shows black and white image in the Fatshark HDv3 FPV Goggles. This is a very weird problem because the Goggles don’t pick up the colour image but the DVR does.
I don’t have a Fatshark HD3 to verify the issue, but this is the only display equipment that is affected as far as i know.
Reportedly this is an issue in the display driver or design in the Fatshark HD3 goggles, Foxeer had been working on the issue proactively and I’ve been told that the new batches of the cameras from early January 2018 should have fixed this problem.
26 comments
Hi Oscar, I have the foxeer predator mini v4 and have a distorted narrow band on the left of the otherwise good quality picture. I have a screenshot. Not sure how to attach it. This band contains part of the image that apparantly is dropping off the right side of the picture, because when I move my finger into the picture on the right side then I see it also appearing distorted in the band on the left side. When I set the camera to flip the image horizontally, the band flips to the other side too, so I think that excludes any of the components downstream as a cause (like FC/OSD, VTX, VRX) and it must be caused inside the camera. The camera is powered via the onboard stabalized power of the FC (matek f722-se).
Does this mean the camera has a defect and I should return it or can I do something myself?
Thanks, Werner.
Hello, thanks for your reviews! Could you help me and write what is the name/symbol of the component closest to the left-bottom hole – on the right from it? I mean that 6pin thing. That photo: https://oscarliang.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/foxeer-predator-fpv-camera-pcb-connector-bottom.jpg
Would be cool, I see sth liker *V7G*
Thanks!
Just bought a Predator Mini and see that the v2 has been released with no hardware changes, only firmware updates. Would it even be possible to try get a copy of the firmware for the v2 and flash it? Probably far too much effort!
Any idea on camera control settings this has been asked a few times but seems like it gets ignored.
My Predator is almost unflyable near sunset, where my buddy with a eagle 2 can fly basically at night. However during the day my camera rocks the socks off his. But it’s hot during the day where I live and sometimes I wish I had the eagle to fly well into the night.
Interestigly the micro is advertised for it latency down to 4ms, and the mini is advertised as a 20ms camera.
Your test shows them as about the same. Why do you think that is?
They really have no idea they are talking about when it comes to advertising :)
Hey oscar have you tried camera control with this camera? If so did you get it to work? I preferred the foxeer predator over the runcam eagle pro. 2. The eagle is dang good camera but compared to the predator its a washed out feeling for me the eagle that is. So far the micro predator is my new favorite camera. I was thinking about trying camera control with this camera but can really find much on it with weather it works with this camera or not. Im trying to find out before i take my drone apart just to find out it doesnt work ya know. Dont want to waist my time if i dont have to. Please can you reply to this question have you tried camera control with camera or not? Thanks man.
It seem this question never got an answer. 3 persons already asked…
Camera control works with all of the predator cameras (mini, micro, V1, V2, V3)
Hello. i have read ur review. And thanks for sharing great inf.
Do u know that what is the determination of latency? Image sensor? or other things?
Anyway, i have ordered foxeer predator because i’m very curious about it.
Have a great day!
Sensor and algorithm I think.
Hi Oscar, does the camera control feature work on the JB flight controller with this camera ?
Do you know how to adjust the voltage read out! Im gettin 10v on a fresh 4s?? I’m really hoping this can be fixed because I’m using a kiss set up and all I want is my voltage…..
As far as I know it’s not an option, try a factory reset see if that helps, if not you might have to contact Foxeer directly to arrange a replacement if it really bothers you.
Hey Oscar,
Have you managed to get camera control OSD working with the Predator?
Also, thanks for all your work – your site rocks – it was instrumental in getting me flying and has been such a useful resource since.
Thanks
1337flite
I just got this camera and I am having the no colour issue with my HD3’s, do you know of any other fix to get colour?
Contact Foxeer to get a replacement.
Did you put it on a scale? My predator mini weighs 12g, not 9g.
Also, no problem with HD3 goggles (PAL version).
yea sorry you were right it was a typo, corrected now.
I agree on the slowness of the menus. It’s REEEEAAALY annoying.
I have no issue using this camera with my fatshark HD3.
I ordered my camera on a french fpv website this january.
The PAL version of the camera seems to work OK with HD3s. NTSC does not.
Do you know of any cameras in this ‘mini’ size that are 16:9??? I’m thinking about replacing the swift mini in my Holybro Kopis. The frame will not fit a full size eagle 2 which would be my preference.
Hey Josh, the new Caddx Turbo Micro SDR1 is the same (19 x 19mm) size as the micro Swift, and is swtchable between 4:3 and 16:9 image ratios. Oscar should be getting one to review soon…
The Caddx has some micro camera that do 16:9. I will be reviewing some in the coming weeks :)
Also the Micro Sparrow is 16:9.