Which FPV System Should You Buy in 2023? Analog, DJI, HDZero, Walksnail Avatar

2.6K

Entering the world of FPV drone flying can be quite daunting, especially with all the different FPV systems available to choose from. Understanding the purpose, cost, and capabilities of each system is crucial in making an informed decision that best suits your needs.

Having flown all HD systems, I can say that no perfect HD system exists. Each system has its pros and cons, and what’s best for one pilot might not be the best for another.

In this buyer’s guide, I aim to provide a concise overview of the various FPV systems, but do keep in mind that each system warrants a more in-depth analysis. For further details, feel free to check out my individual reviews.

What is an FPV System?

An FPV (First Person View) system enables the live streaming of video from the camera mounted on an FPV drone to your FPV goggles. This immersive experience simulates the feeling of sitting in the aircraft’s cockpit while piloting it from the ground.

An FPV system comprises a camera, a video transmitter and a video receiver. Typically, the video receiver is integrated within the FPV goggles, but standalone video receivers are also available for connecting to compatible FPV goggles.

The FPV camera is connected to the video transmitter, which wirelessly broadcasts the video feed via antennas to a video receiver. This receiver is either built into the FPV goggles or attached as an external module.

---

The Types of FPV systems

There are two types of FPV systems: Analog and Digital.

The distinction between digital and analog lies in the signal. An analog system works by continuously varying the amplitude or frequency of the wave, while a digital system first encodes it as ones and zeros before sending it.

Analog is the oldest, most affordable, and most prevalent technology. In contrast, digital technology, which offers superior image quality, is newer and gaining popularity. Digital is expected to become mainstream in the near future.

Currently there are three digital FPV systems available for FPV drones:

1. DJI
2. HDZero
3. Walksnail Avatar

Choosing an FPV system can be overwhelming for beginners. In the following sections, I will outline the costs, advantages, and disadvantages of each FPV system. Towards the end, I will offer recommendations based on various applications and flying styles to help you make an informed decision.

---

Analog FPV System

Features

The analog FPV system is the original technology that kickstarted FPV drones. This decades-old technology is not proprietary to any specific company, allowing anyone to create components for the system. Consequently, it is the most widely available system on the market.

Until mid-2019, analog was the only FPV option. There are dozens of cameras, video transmitters, and goggles from multiple manufacturers, all compatible with each other. Analog is the most affordable way to enter the world of FPV. If you have a limited budget, this system is ideal for you. Additionally, the lightweight and compact nature of analog video transmitters, can be an appealing factor.

Price

• Camera: US$15 – US$40
• VTX: US$15 – US$40
• FPV Goggles: US$80 – US$500

Here’s an example of analog FPV video in the goggles (arguably the best camera and DVR quality):

Pros

• Affordable
• Widely available
• Consistent and low latency
• A vast selection of hardware (camera, VTX, goggles) from various manufacturers, you are not locked into a single brand
• Various feature sets and price points

Cons

• Low image quality, akin to watching a 1970s TV with poor signal
• More sensitive to interference and electrical noise
• Variable hardware quality due to the vast number of manufacturers

The Best Analog Hardware

There are so many brands and options when it comes to analog hardware, it can be difficult to decide. Here are the analog FPV components I recommend:

• Analog FPV Goggles: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-goggles/#best
• Analog FPV cameras: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-camera/#Analog
• Analog VTX: https://oscarliang.com/video-transmitter/#Analog
• FPV antennas: https://oscarliang.com/best-fpv-antenna/#the-best-fpv-antennas-for-mini-quad

---

DJI FPV System

Features

DJI FPV is a pioneer and gold standard in digital FPV systems, known for its exceptional video quality and robustness.

The latest O3 Air Unit boasts a powerful camera, comparable to an action camera, delivering superior video quality. It supports up to 1080p at 100fps for crystal clear resolution. DJI also features video-stabilizing technology, ideal for those focusing on high-quality footage. Additionally, DJI offers up to 10 km video transmission, making it suitable for long-range FPV. User experience is seamless with DJI’s intuitive design and system interface, complemented by reliable customer support. The DJI FPV Goggles 2 have foldable antennas, making them easy to carry and store.

However, the DJI system has some drawbacks. First, using DJI FPV means committing to the DJI ecosystem. The latest DJI Goggles 2 do not support other FPV systems, and you can’t use any other goggles for DJI. Secondly, the bulky VTX of the O3 Air Unit weighs 40g, making it unsuitable for racing drones and smaller quadcopters. Lastly, DJI’s variable latency in low signal is not ideal for racing and aggressive flying.

Price

• Camera/VTX: US$140 – US$229
• FPV Goggles: US$429 – US$649

Footage from DJI FPV Goggles V2 with Runcam Link and OG camera:

Footage from the newer DJI Goggles 2 with O3 Air Unit:

Pros

• Reliable and tested digital FPV system
• Unparalleled image quality with the latest O3 Air Unit (arguably the best currently)
• More robust against interference than analog
• DJI’s V1 and V2 FPV goggles support AV input for analog systems (requires adapter and video receiver), but Goggles 2 don’t

Cons

• You are locked into DJI’s ecosystem
• Variable latency, not ideal for racing but less of an issue for freestyle and cruising
• No small video transmitter, unsuitable for small FPV drones
• No video receiver module available, you must purchase DJI’s goggles
• DJI goggles lack HDMI input and don’t support other digital FPV systems

DJI Compatibility

DJI FPV system compatibility can be confusing for newcomers, since there are now two “generations”. The old hardware (DJI FPV Goggles V2 and Vista Air Unit) was already considered one of the best if not the best FPV system in terms of image quality, the newer hardware (DJI Goggles 2 with O3 Air Unit) just took it to a whole new level. Long story short, the new hardware is backward compatible with the old hardware, to learn more please check out my review of the DJI Goggles 2 and O3 Air Unit Review: https://oscarliang.com/dji-o3-air-unit-fpv-goggles-2/

The Best DJI Hardware

Here are the DJI FPV components I recommend:

• DJI FPV Goggles: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-goggles/#The-Best-DJI-FPV-Goggles
• DJI FPV cameras: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-camera/#DJI-Vista-FPV-Air-Unit
• DJI VTX: https://oscarliang.com/video-transmitter/#DJI
• FPV antennas: https://oscarliang.com/best-fpv-antenna/#The-Best-FPV-Antennas-for-FPV-Drones

---

HDZero

Features

The HDZero FPV system stands out for its versatility, offering various VTX options, including a low latency, lightweight VTX for racers, a full-size high output VTX (up to 1 W) for long range and freestyle, and a tiny VTX for tiny whoops and toothpicks.

Racing pilots favor HDZero due to its fixed latency design. Unlike DJI and Walksnail Avatar, which has variable latency based on signal strength, HDZero maintains consistent video transmission latency, allowing pilots to time maneuvers accurately.

The HDZero FPV Goggles have a built-in HDZero receive, but also supports analog receivers like TBS Fusion, and compatible with the Walksnail Avatar VRX, making them the most versatile FPV Goggles.

Price

• Camera/VTX: US$100 – US$150
• FPV Goggles: US$240 – US$495

Footage from the HDZero FPV System:

Pros

• Better image quality and latency than analog, with half the latency of other digital FPV systems in 90fps
• Fixed latency, regardless of signal strength and distance
• Excellent low-light performance compared to other digital FPV systems
• Lightweight video transmitter available for micro FPV drones
• Video receiver module available and can be used with existing analog goggles with HDMI input
• HDZero FPV Goggles support Avatar system and analog

Cons

• Inferior image quality compared to other digital FPV systems
• Most cameras only do 60Hz, the new Nano 90FPS camera supports up to 90Hz but at the cost of lower resolution (from 720p to 510p)
• For me it’s less intuitive to use than other digital systems
• Distracting static when signal strength weakens similar to analog, which also affect overall image quality

Check out my HDZero reviews where you will also find a list of the hardware avaiable: https://oscarliang.com/hdzero-digital-fpv-system/

The Best HDZero Hardware

Here are the HDZero FPV components I recommend:

• HDZero FPV Goggles: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-goggles/#Top-FPV-Goggles-for-HDZero
• HDZero FPV cameras: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-camera/#HDZero
• HDZero VTX: https://oscarliang.com/video-transmitter/#HDZero
• FPV antennas: https://oscarliang.com/best-fpv-antenna/#The-Best-FPV-Antennas-for-FPV-Drones

Walksnail Avatar

Features

The Walksnail Avatar system is a new addition to the digital FPV landscape, notable for its high-quality image and compatibility with multiple FPV goggles.

Like DJI, Walksnail Avatar’s latency varies with signal strength, which can be problematic for pilots who rely on real-time feedback for tight turns and obstacle avoidance.

Price

• Camera/VTX: $109-$150
• FPV Goggles: $279 – $599

Here’s some footage from the Walksnail Avatar System:

Pros

• Closest competition to DJI in terms of image quality
• Offers FPV goggles and video receiver module for compatibility with existing goggles with HDMI input
• There are multiple budget-friendly goggles that natively support Walksnail Avatar for under $300
• Lightweight video transmitter available for micro FPV drones
• More robust against interference than analog
• Similar to DJI, signal breakup can cause video stutter or freeze, but helpful red linking warning on screen edges indicates low signal, a great feature that other systems lack

Cons

• Comparable performance to DJI, but it costs more for the Avatar goggles and additional antenna (since the original antennas are not useable)
• VTX not as robust as DJI in crashes
• The Avatar goggles lack HDMI and AV input, preventing support for other FPV systems

Check out my Walksnail Avatar review: https://oscarliang.com/walksnail-avatar-digital-fpv-system/

The Best Walksnail Hardware

Here are the Walksnail FPV components I recommend:

• Walksnail FPV Goggles: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-goggles/#The-Best-Walksnail-Avatar-FPV-Goggles
• Walksnail FPV cameras: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-camera/#Walksnail
• Walksnail VTX: https://oscarliang.com/video-transmitter/#Walksnail
• FPV antennas: https://oscarliang.com/best-fpv-antenna/#The-Best-FPV-Antennas-for-FPV-Drones

Considerations

Video Quality

There’s no denying that digital FPV systems offer a significantly clearer video compared to analog. If you’ve ever experienced a low-end analog FPV video, the transition to digital will certainly leave you in awe.

Comparing the video quality of DJI, Avatar, and HDZero, it’s evident that DJI is the top contender, excelling in both image quality and signal penetration. The latest O3 Air Unit and Goggles 2 from DJI deliver stunning visuals that make you feel like you’re flying through the lens of an action camera. Walksnail Avatar follows as a close second in terms of video quality.

On the other hand, HDZero’s video quality doesn’t quite measure up to DJI and Avatar. Instead, its visuals resemble an upgraded analog system, with a somewhat less crisp and sharp image. Regardless, each system has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s crucial to assess your specific FPV requirements and priorities before choosing the ideal system for your needs.

Range and Penetration

Range and penetration are critical aspects that FPV pilots need to consider when choosing between different FPV systems. Analog video, Walksnail, DJI, and HDZero each offer varying degrees of range and penetration, influenced by factors such as output power and environment. It’s important to note that all FPV systems can achieve long-range video transmissions, provided you have the right antenna setup and utilize the appropriate output power.

When it comes to HDZero, its range and penetration are comparable to analog systems. However, keep in mind that HDZero’s maximum output power is capped at 1W, whereas some analog VTXs can reach up to 2.5W.

In terms of signal penetration, DJI and Walksnail generally outperform analog and HDZero systems. DJI has the edge over Walksnail, as Walksnail’s maximum power (1200mW) isn’t quite as consistent as DJI’s performance.

Another important factor to consider is your flying environment. HDZero may not perform as well as DJI and Walksnail when it comes to penetration, making it potentially less effective when flying inside buildings or maneuvering behind obstacles. That being said, all these systems can be used for long-range in line-of-sight, and can achieve over 10km with the proper antenna setup.

Latency

Latency, also known as “glass to glass latency,” refers to the time it takes for an image to travel from the camera to your goggles’ screen. Low latency is essential when flying near objects or at high speeds, as it can make a difference in how connected you feel to your drone’s movement and your ability to react quickly.

In general, analog and HDZero systems boast the lowest latency at around 10 to 20ms (whole frame update). Meanwhile, DJI and Walksnail exhibit slightly higher latency, at approximately 30 to 60ms depending on resolution and frame rate. While low latency is crucial, it’s important to note that its impact on flying varies from person to person, given the differences in individual reaction times. The popularity of DJI and Walksnail systems suggests that their higher latency levels don’t pose a significant issue for most users.

It’s also vital to consider fixed and variable latencies in FPV systems. Analog and HDZero offer fixed latency, maintaining consistent latency throughout a flight. On the other hand, Walksnail and DJI systems feature variable latency, which can fluctuate based on the quality of the link. However you should keep in mind that variable latency helps preserve image quality and is one of the reasons why DJI and Walksnail have better penetration.

In my opinion, while latency is an important factor, it’s not a major concern for the current FPV systems available, unless you’re racing at a professional level. In such cases, prioritizing latency over image quality is advisable.

Interference and Break-up Handling

Analog signals are prone to interference from the surrounding environment, which can affect the continuity and quality of your video feed. Conversely, digital signals, especially those from Walksnail and DJI systems, are less susceptible to interference, ensuring consistent video quality throughout your flight.

Each FPV system handles break-up differently when the signal weakens. In analog systems, you may encounter static and flicker. HDZero, on the other hand, may produce white blocks on the screen. Walksnail’s break-up manifests as smearing with red light blinking on the screen’s edges, serving as a low signal warning. DJI systems become blocky, reducing detail but remaining somewhat flyable.

Community Engagement

Community support plays a vital role in the development and improvement of FPV systems. HDZero and Walksnail have established a strong track record of actively engaging with their user community, listening to feedback, and implementing improvements accordingly. This strong relationship has allowed these systems to evolve rapidly, addressing users’ needs and preferences.

On the other hand, DJI tends to follow a more bureaucratic approach, which can result in slower implementation of new features or improvements. While DJI systems may offer top-notch performance, their responsiveness to user feedback and community involvement might not be as strong as that of HDZero and Walksnail.

Choosing the Right FPV System for You

I wish I could recommend a single, best FPV system for everyone, but the reality is that each system has its own strengths and weaknesses. They cater to different needs and preferences, so your choice will depend on what aspects matter most to you.

If you need help to decide what FPV camera and VTX to pick, I have these buyer’s guides which you might find useful:

• Best FPV Camera recommendations: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-camera/
• Best VTX recommendations: https://oscarliang.com/video-transmitter/

Digital or Analog?

If your budget allows for it, go digital! The superior image quality provides an immersive FPV experience that analog just can’t match. As the market moves toward digital technology and prices continue to drop, more pilots are making the switch. Some are exclusively flying digital systems, while others use a combination of both analog and digital. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual pilot needs.

With three solid digital systems available—DJI, HDZero, and Walksnail Avatar—making a choice can be challenging. To help you decide, consider the following factors and scenarios:

• If you value image quality and range above all else, go for the DJI FPV system. This is an excellent choice for those who prioritize stunning visuals and long-range capabilities.
• If flexibility is key, and you want a system suitable for racing, freestyle, long-range cruising, and various drone sizes, choose HDZero. This system is particularly well-suited for racing enthusiasts and those who want fixed latency.
• If you want the best image on micros and mainly fly freestyle, opt for the Walksnail Avatar system. This system offers competitive image quality and has better micro drone support.

The Cheapest FPV System

For those on a budget, analog is the way to go. Analog VTXs are generally more compact in size compared to digital, making them easier to install in drones, especially tiny ones. Additionally, there are more options to choose from based on your specific requirements.

Between digital FPV systems, the price differences may be small, but DJI comes out ahead since antennas are included, and the DJI V2 goggles are priced around $429. The Avatar goggles comes with antennas, but they are known to be unusable and require aftermarket replacements. HDZero doesn’t come with antennas at all.

If you only fly analog, it’s best not to spend too much on premium analog goggles right now. Instead, opt for something affordable and save up for a digital system. In fact, the HDZero FPV Goggles are a good choice for analog, as they also allow you to fly with HDZero. They are also the best goggles for the Walksnail Avatar VRX module, as they are the only non-Walksnail goggles that support 100fps mode, giving you a latency advantage compared to other goggles that only support 60fps.

For Beginners

If you’re new to FPV flying, an analog system might be a cost-effective choice that offers low latency, allowing you to develop your piloting skills without investing too much initially.

For Racing

If you’re a serious racer, Analog and HDZero are the winners due to their low latency and compatibility with race timing systems. However, statistically, more people who fly freestyle and engage in casual flying seem to prefer DJI, as it offers better image quality and penetration, despite the slightly higher latency. The impact of this latency on your flying experience is debatable.

Between Analog and HDZero, I think Analog might still be the more suitable option for racers because of its affordability, lightweight, and robustness, which is important since crashes are common in racing. But with the latest 90fps camera and 90Hz goggles from HDZero, offering more immersive, butter smooth flying experience, it’s becoming a harder decision to make.

For Cinematic Pilots

If capturing stunning footage is your primary goal, a DJI system will provide exceptional image quality, fantastic penetration, mature and reliable hardware, and a user-friendly experience.

The only exception would be if you’re flying a very small micro quad on set, in which case DJI might not be the top choice.
If you want DJI-like performance but dislike the company for whatever reasons, Walksnail is a suitable DJI-alternative.

For Micro Drones

Micro FPV drones are an important part of the FPV community, as many pilots fly primarily or exclusively small quads.

DJI isn’t an ideal choice for micro drones due to the lack of small video transmitter options. Even its smallest VTX (The Runcam link aka Vista) is too heavy and bulky for micro drones, to be more specifcially, anything smaller than a 2″. Although you can remove the heatsink and create a so-called “naked vista”, this risks overheating, and the unit is still too heavy, impacting flight performance noticably. Furthermore, the new O3 Air unit is even larger and heavier than the Vista. The smallest drone that can comfortably carry a Vista is likely a 3″ or 4″ drone.

On the other hand, both Avatar and HDZero offer video transmitters specifically designed for micro drones. These transmitters are small and lightweight enough even for 1S Tiny Whoops. Of course, analog remains a great choice for small FPV drones as well.

For Long Range

When it comes to long-range FPV flying, all systems have the potential to perform well, depending on factors such as output power and antenna setup. However, there is a notable difference between analog and digital systems in terms of output power capacity.

There are Analog VTXs with up to 2.5W output power available, while digital VTXs typically have a maximum output power between 1W and 1.2W. Due to this higher output power capacity, analog systems hold the edge for extreme long-distance FPV flying. But as mentioned, all these systems can achieve 10km+, for most people it’s really not a concern.

The Most Versatile Solution

If versatility is your top priority, the HDZero Goggles are likely the best choice, as they support 3 out of the 4 FPV systems. They have a built-in HDZero receiver module, an HDMI input for use with the Avatar receiver module, and a built-in receiver module bay for analog. However, purchasing all the extra modules and antennas can be costly, and the setup may be messy with multiple modules mounted on the goggles.

The DJI FPV Goggles V2 are the next most versatile option, featuring AV input for compatibility with analog FPV systems and support for DJI’s latest O3 Air Unit. Both the Avatar FPV Goggles and the latest DJI Goggles 2 lack video inputs (no HDMI or AV input), making them incompatible with other FPV systems.

It’s important to note that most mid/top-tier analog FPV goggles have HDMI inputs, so they can be paired with Avatar and HDZero VRX modules. DJI does not offer a video receiver module, so their system can only be used with their own goggles.

While video receiver modules can be useful, they tend to be cumbersome, with messy cabling and added weight. If you already have a pair of compatible goggles, using a video receiver module might be a more affordable solution, but it’s generally recommended to invest in goggles with native support to make life easier.

For Low Light

Among the available cameras for each system, HDZero appears to perform the best in low light conditions. While most pilots fly during daylight hours, even at sunset, all FPV systems can handle these conditions reasonably well with the appropriate camera settings. If you primarily fly at night, HDZero is perhaps the best choice, and analog can also excel in low light with the right camera, thanks to its vast range of hardware options.

Ease of Setup

Analog is probably the easiest to setup, it’s just a matter of connecting the camera and VTX, selecting the right channel in your goggles, and you should have video! Plus, there are no constant firmware updates to worry about.

Digital FPV systems require additional configurations and an understanding of the settings before you can begin flying. You’ll also need to keep track of new firmware and decide whether to update. That’s why I’ve published detailed tutorials for each FPV system to help you overcome the steep learning curve:

• HDZero: https://oscarliang.com/setup-hdzero/
• Avatar: https://oscarliang.com/setup-avatar-fpv-system/
• DJI (Goggles V2 and Vista): https://oscarliang.com/dji-fpv-system-setup/
• DJI (Goggles 2 and O3): https://oscarliang.com/dji-o3-air-unit-fpv-goggles-2/#How-To-Setup-DJI-Goggles-2-and-O3-Air-Unit 

If you are using the older DJI system (before Goggles 2 and O3 Air Unit), you should “root” the hardware to get full Betaflight OSD support.

Onboard Audio

It may be an unusual request, but some pilots occasionally ask about FPV systems that support onboard audio, as they want to listen to motor RPM changes. Listening to motor noise might seem odd, but for some, it helps them feel more connected to their drone when flying far away and unable to hear it directly.

Currently, only analog systems support onboard audio (if the VTX has an onboard microphone and the FPV goggles have audio output). Digital FPV systems aren’t designed for audio, and most VTX units don’t even have onboard microphones. However, DJI FPV Air Unit and FPV Goggles V1 can enable real-time audio after rooting them and installing WTFOS and the required package, but the audio delay might not be ideal.

Will Analog Ever Be Replaced by Digital?

Analog FPV drones have long been a popular choice for many pilots, thanks to their affordability and widespread availability. Even years after the launch of digital systems, there are still a number of analog-only goggles on the market, suggesting a sustained demand for analog options.

One of the main reasons analog FPV drones may continue to be used is their lower cost compared to digital systems. It is unlikely that digital hardware will match analog in terms of cost any time soon.

Conclusion

Ready to order the FPV Goggles? Check out my FPV Goggles buyer’s guide where I break down the top FPV headsets for each system, helping you find the perfect match to enhance your flying adventures: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-goggles/

When it comes to choosing the right FPV system, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best option for you depends on your priorities, flying style, and budget. By understanding the components and performance of different FPV systems, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences.