In the fast-evolving world of FPV drones, the camera is arguably one of the most critical components. It determines not only what the pilot sees in real-time but also what gets captured for post-flight footage. As we step into 2025, three names dominate the FPV camera landscape: Caddx, DJI, and Runcam. But which one stands out as the best in today’s flight environment?
This comparison breaks down the top offerings from each brand across several key metrics—image quality, latency, digital vs. analog format, low-light performance, durability, compatibility, and price—to help you decide which FPV camera suits your flying style and setup in 2025.
Caddx: Ant 1200TVL Camera
Caddx has carved out a unique position in the FPV camera market by offering a balance between affordability and innovation. While it gained fame through its digital camera partnerships with DJI (like the Nebula Pro and Polar), Caddx remains a major player in the analog space, especially with its ultra-light and compact models like the Caddx Ant 1200TVL.
Caddx Ant camera is designed for minimal builds such as cinewhoops, tiny whoops, and lightweight freestyle quads. For pilots who want reliable analog performance without breaking the bank, Caddx is a go-to choice.
Caddx Ant Camera—Detailed Specs
- TVL Resolution: 1200TVL (analog)
- Image Sensor: 1/3″ CMOS
- Latency: ~8ms
- Field of View (FOV): 165°
- Weight: ~2g
- Dimensions: 14mm x 14mm nano size
- Input Voltage: 3.7V – 18V
- WDR: Global WDR
- Lens: 2.1mm M8
Caddx Ant Camera—Key Advantages & Drawbacks
Advantages:
- Ultra-lightweight – ideal for weight-sensitive builds
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio (typically under $30)
- Wide voltage range makes it easy to integrate
- Reliable image with decent color reproduction for analog
Drawbacks:
- No onboard recording
- Limited performance in low-light or high-dynamic-range scenes
Best Use Cases:
- Lightweight cinewhoops
- Beginners entering FPV on analog systems
- Freestyle practice quads where cost-efficiency is key
DJI: O3 & O4 Camera
DJI has revolutionized the FPV world with its HD digital video systems, beginning with the DJI FPV Air Unit and later the O3 system. In 2025, the newly released DJI O4 system continues to lead with advanced features like dual-band transmission, lower latency, and better signal penetration in dense environments.
DJI cameras are now the gold standard for cinematic FPV, offering 4K onboard recording, advanced gyro data for stabilization, and crystal-clear image transmission with minimal distortion.
DJI O3 Camera–Key Specs
Here are the key specs of the DJI O3 Camera.
- Transmission Resolution: 1080p @ 100fps (720p @ 120fps supported)
- Onboard Recording: 4K @ 60fps (with RockSteady stabilization)
- Sensor: 1/1.7” CMOS
- FOV: 155°
- Latency: ~30ms
- Weight: ~35g (camera + air unit)
- Compatibility: DJI Goggles 2 / Integra / DJI RC
DJI O4 Camera (New for 2025)–Key Specs
Here are the key specs of the DJI O4 Camera.
- Transmission Band: Dual-band 2.4GHz & 5.8GHz
- Improved HDR and dynamic range
- Latency: ~24ms
- Improved antennas & RF robustness
- Smaller footprint than O3
DJI O4 vs. O3–Key Differences
Is the O4 better than the O3? Absolutely. The O4 outshines the O3 in nearly every aspect.
Here’s a quick comparison of the key features:
| Feature | DJI O4 Pro Air Unit | DJI O3 Air Unit |
| Max Live Feed | 1080p 60Mbps | 1080p 50Mbps |
| Onboard Recording | 4K 60/120FPS at 130Mbps, supports D-Log M | 4K 60/120FPS at 150Mbps, no D-Log M (only support D-Cinelike) |
| Storage | MicroSD Card Slot + 4GB Internal Memory | MicroSD Card Slot + 20GB Internal Memory |
| OSD Support | Betaflight | Betaflight |
| Image Sensor | 1/1.3″ F2.8 | 1/1.7″ F2.8 |
| Antenna | Dual Antenna | Dual Antenna |
| Built-in Stabilization | RockSteady | RockSteady |
| Max RF Output | 33dBm | 30dBm |
| Advertised Range | 13km | 10km |
| Input Voltage | 7.4V – 26.4V (2S to 6S) | 7.4V – 26.4V (2S to 6S) |
| Camera Size | 20mm wide | 20mm wide |
| Air Unit Size | 33.5 x 33.5 x 13mm | 30.5 x 30.5 x 14.5mm |
| Mounting Options | 20×20mm and 25.5×25.5mm | 25.5 x 25.5mm (M1.6 screws) |
| Weight | 32g | 39.5g |
| Price | $339.99 | $329.99 |
DJI O3 & DJI 04– Key Advantages & Drawbacks
Advantages:
- Best-in-class image quality (crisp details, vibrant colors)
- Built-in stabilization (RockSteady + gyro flow compatible)
- Plug-and-play with DJI’s digital ecosystem
- Outstanding for content creators and YouTubers
Drawbacks:
- Heavier than analog setups
- Requires dedicated DJI goggles
- Higher cost (~$140–$200)
Best Use Cases:
- Cinematic FPV
- Commercial shooting / real estate drones
- Long-range flying with HD clarity
- Influencer-grade aerial video
Runcam: RunCam Night Eagle 3 & Phoenix 2 SE
Runcam has been a trusted name in the analog FPV community for nearly a decade. Known for their consistent performance, low latency, and great price points, Runcam continues to serve both racers and hybrid pilots in 2025. Two of their standout models this year are the Night Eagle 3 for low-light flying and the Phoenix 2 SE for balanced day performance.
Runcam’s durability, minimal latency, and proven analog track record make them an easy choice for analog enthusiasts and racers alike.
RunCam Night Eagle 3 – Specs
Here are the key specs of RunCam Night Eagle 3
- Specialization: Low-light / night flying
- Sensor: 1/1.8” CMOS BSI
- Resolution: 1000TVL
- Minimum Illumination: 0.0001 Lux (superb night visibility)
- Latency: < 6ms
- WDR: Excellent for low-light contrast
- Mounting: 19mm or 28mm
RunCam Phoenix 2 SE – Specs
Here are the key specs of the RunCam Phoenix 2 SE Camera
- Sensor: Optimized 1/2” CMOS
- Resolution: ~1200TVL
- FOV: ~155°
- Color Reproduction: Warm and realistic
- Weight: 9g
Key Advantages & Drawbacks
Advantages:
- Best analog camera for night flying (Night Eagle 3)
- True-color image with wide dynamic range (Phoenix 2 SE)
- Ultra-low latency (< 6ms)
- Excellent durability in race crashes
Drawbacks:
- No digital or onboard recording
- Limited upgrade path for digital pilots
Best Use Cases:
- Analog racing drones
- Night flights / LED track events
- Budget builds where clarity and latency are key
Caddx vs DJI vs Runcam: Head-to-Head Comparison Table (2025 Models)
To give you a clearer overview, here’s a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the most relevant FPV camera models in 2025. This table compares Caddx Ant, DJI O3/O4, and Runcam Night Eagle 3 / Phoenix 2 SE across the most important performance criteria.
| Feature / Model | Caddx Ant 1200TVL | DJI O3 / O4 Camera | Runcam Night Eagle 3 / Phoenix 2 SE |
| Format | Analog | Digital HD | Analog |
| Resolution | 1200TVL | 1080p (O3) / 4K onboard / Enhanced HDR (O4) | 1000–1200TVL |
| Sensor Type | 1/3″ CMOS | 1/1.7″ CMOS (O3) / Improved CMOS HDR (O4) | 1/1.8″ CMOS (Night Eagle) / 1/2″ CMOS (Phoenix 2 SE) |
| Latency | ~8ms | ~24ms (O4) / ~30ms (O3) | ~6ms (Analog) |
| FOV (Field of View) | 165° | 155° | 150–155° |
| Low-Light Performance | Basic | Good (HDR helps in shadows) | Excellent (Night Eagle 3 is best-in-class) |
| WDR / HDR | Global WDR | Digital HDR + RockSteady (gyro data) | Excellent analog WDR |
| Onboard Recording | / | 4K@60fps (O3), Gyro/Flow Data (O4) | / |
| Weight (with unit) | ~2g | ~35g (camera + air unit) | 9g (Phoenix) / ~12g (Night Eagle) |
| Price Range (USD) | $17.99 | $329.99–$339.99 | $69.99 |
| Compatibility | All analog VTX systems | DJI Goggles 2, Integra, DJI RC | All analog flight controllers / VTX |
| Best Use Case | Budget cinewhoops / freestyle | Cinematic FPV / HD content creation | Analog racing / night flying / low-latency freestyle |
Which FPV Camera Should You Choose in 2025?
Choosing the right FPV camera depends heavily on your flying style, your system (analog vs. digital), and your overall goals—are you racing? Creating content? Just cruising?
Choose Caddx if you
- You’re on a budget and want a solid analog camera under $30.
- You’re flying tiny whoops, cinewhoops, or lightweight 3–4″ builds.
- You want something easy to install and compatible with nearly all VTX systems.
- You don’t require onboard recording or HD clarity.
Best Fit: Beginner pilots, budget freestyle quads, analog hobby builds.
Choose DJI if you
- You want stunning HD clarity, minimal distortion, and built-in 4K video recording.
- You’re flying cinematic FPV, long-range, or shooting professional footage.
- You already own or plan to invest in the DJI Goggles 2 / Integra / O4 system.
- You’re okay with higher upfront costs for superior quality.
Best Fit: Professional content creators, cinematic pilots, premium FPV builds.
Choose Runcam if you
- You fly analog and want the best performance in night or low-light conditions.
- You need ultra-low latency and no digital delay.
- You’re into racing, freestyle crashing, or flying in mixed lighting environments.
- You want bulletproof analog quality and trust decades of field testing.
Best Fit: FPV racers, analog freestyle veterans, night-time flyers, budget performance builds.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all FPV camera in 2025—but you now have a clear picture of what Caddx, DJI, and Runcam bring to the table. Whether you’re chasing cinematic perfection or raw racing performance, picking the right camera makes all the difference. If you want to know more about FPV camera, please read this article: Best FPV Drone Camera: Top 8 Factors.
If you’re still unsure, explore community builds, check sample flight videos, or head to a retailer like MEPSKING.shop for direct support, specs, and comparisons.