AKK FPV camera reviews

We haven't really done FPV camera reviews so far, but this will be a good start. This is a review post on three AKK FPV cameras.

Here we'll review the following cameras from AKK: 

1. AKK CA20 Sony CCD camera with OSD.

2. AKK BA3 VTX 0/25mW/50mW/200mW switchable 600TVL Cmos

3. AKK S2 Cmos 

Quick overview/ratings

8/10
AKKCA20
7/10
AKK BA3 VTX
8/10
AKK S2 CMOS

AKK CA20 Sony CCD camera review

Build quality

The AKK CA20 Sony CCD is a 600TVL camera that is built quite well. Unlike many of the other FPV cameras we've used in the past, this one comes with connecting cables and a controller that will not break or get loose with use. The input voltage range is 5-22V which will give you a lot of flexibility in terms of setting up.

Another thing that we noted is the camera lid. Many FPV cameras, once opened tend to have dysfunctional camera lids that just won't go back on. This one however, does. Additionally, the weight of the camera isn't too much either. 

Camera lens and viewing quality

The camera comes with a 2.8mm lens. We observed that the field of view is about 115 degrees. This worked great on our RC planes and if we were just cruising around with our multirotors but we wouldn't recommend it for multirotor racing and aerobatics through obstacles. The AKK CA20 camera also uses a board that comes with more expensive expensive cameras that is useful for wide dynamic range applications (eg being able to fly in both dusk and in bright light) but at a much lower price.

OSD 

One of the great things about this camera is that it comes with an OSD. However, do note that it is not capable of measuring voltage and time. It is useful for changing the picture settings and it comes with a lot of flexibility.

AKK BA3 VTX

Build quality

For the price, the quality of the build of the AKK BA3 VTX is pretty awesome. It is an all in one camera system that comes with the transmitter and antenna. It comes a "pit" mode since it is switchable so make sure you set it up correctly. The manual provided does a pretty decent job in explaining setting up and the types of channels it will take. Overall, a very light weight and efficient build if you want to build a really light weight multirotor or plane and have to minimize the weight as much as possible. 

Camera lens and viewing quality

The field of vision on this camera is about 120 degrees which is alright for regular use but not for FPV racing. But then again, we think that the camera is built for small quadcopters (50-80mm) that aren't necessarily used in FPV racing. We aren't a fan of linear antennas because they have interference but hey, if you want to fly long distances in a linear, straight line, then this might be alright for you. One big advantage with this camera is the switchable power output (0/25/50/200mW). Overall, great value for money considering it is cheaper than other cameras with similar specifications!

AKK S2 Cmos

Build quality

The build quality of the AKK S2 Cmos is similar to the BA3 VTX. It is an all in one camera system that comes with the transmitter and antenna. However, this camera doesn't come with a "pit" mode and the output power is set to 25mW (non-switchable). The antenna is clover-leaf unlike the BA3 VTX, which comes with a linear antenna. Overall, a very light weight and efficient build if you want to build a really light weight multirotor or plane and have to minimize the weight as much as possible. 

Camera lens and viewing quality

The AKK S2 has a clover-leaf antenna giving it a really good viewing quality in closer range distances with potential multi-path interference. The field of vision is about 120 degrees. Again, great for general flying but we recommend a higher FOV for multirotor racing. The S2 also copes with changing light conditions better. 

Overall verdict on AKK FPV cameras

Great value for money. Comparing it to FPV cameras from other companies, they give you great specifications for cheaper. We wish that the cameras we tested had better field of vision, however. Other than that, we definitely recommend AKK FPV cameras. You can either get them from Amazon or directly from their website: http://www.akktek.com/