Hawkeye FireFly 4K Thumb Camera review
The Hawkeye Thumb 4K camera is an excellent alternative to larger and more expensive options like the GoPro. Weighing just 15.5 grams, it is perfect for those who want to record stabilized UHD videos without adding significant weight to their drones. This camera is suitable for almost any drone size, including micro FPV drones. The Gyroflow stabilization technology used in the Hawkeye Thumb provides an alternative to built-in electronic image stabilization (EIS) systems such as Hypersmooth and Rocksteady.
Gyroflow is a post-processing video stabilization tool that utilizes gyro data for accurate motion compensation. With precise lens calibrations, rolling shutter correction, and customizable stabilization algorithms, it can achieve gimbal-like stabilization without adding much weight to your drone. However, it's important to note that gyro stabilization can be a time-consuming process, which is a drawback of this technology.
Unboxing and Accessories:
The Hawkeye Thumb 4K camera comes in a simple cardboard box with the following accessories included:
- Three video cables (USB Type C to 3.5mm RED, USB Type C to 3.5mm Black, and 3.5mm female to RCA)
- Three balance power cables (3S, 4S, and 6S)
- Two filters (ND16 and UV)
- 5-key control board
Camera Features and Connectors:
The compact thumb-sized camera measures 49×22×13.5mm and weighs approximately 16 grams. It features a super-wide-angle F/2.0 lens on the front, along with a power/mode button and status LED. The back of the camera has two ports:
- 4-pin port for power, video out, and remote control
- 2-pin port for the control keyboard
For video transmission to DJI Goggles V2, the camera includes a red USB-AV cable with the "DJI" label. Its low latency allows for FPV flight through the video-out pin when connected to a video transmitter (VTX).
The left side of the camera houses a multi-purpose Type-C socket that supports power, video-out, file transfer, and webcam features. Data transfer speed is fast, reaching up to 27MB/s. Downloading a 1GB video (approximately 4 minutes of flight footage) takes around 30 seconds. Videos are recorded onto a micro SD card, while gyroscope data is saved in a separate *.gsv file, which can be directly loaded into the Gyroflow software.
Mounting Options and Power:
The Hawkeye Thumb 4K camera features an integrated mini 3mm GoPro mount, allowing for horizontal installation on your drone. If you prefer a different mounting solution, there are various 3D-printable project files available on Thingiverse, offering both horizontal and vertical options.
As for power, the camera does not have a built-in battery and is designed to be powered by the drone's main battery. It can accept a power input ranging from 5V to 23V. The manufacturer provides 3S, 4S, and 6S balance LIPO power cables. To ensure compatibility, the 6S connector has been modified to fit a 4S battery.
Controls and Configuration:
The Hawkeye Thumb 4K camera features a single button for starting/stopping recording and toggling between different resolutions. LED colors indicate the selected mode:
- 4K/2.5K@50fps (4:3): Red + Blue
- 2.5K@50fps: Red
- 1080P@50fps: Blue
- 4K@30fps: LED off
To activate the webcam mode, press and hold the power button for 8 seconds. The camera will be automatically detected by Windows OS, and 1080p@30fps video resolution will be selected.
Although the camera does not have a built-in display, it supports video-out, which can be used in conjunction with the Hawkeye Little Pilot Master monitor for advanced configurations. Additionally, the built-in playback feature allows you to review your flights directly on the field. Using the included 5D keyboard, you can adjust parameters such as exposure, WDR, sharpness, contrast, ISO, FOV, and more. OSD menu settings allow for image rotation, auto-recording, and audio control. The camera also supports remote control via Betaflight using the "trg" input. You can find the complete instruction guide for download on the manufacturer's website.
Image Quality and Performance:
Out-of-camera videos may appear "natural" with noticeable motion, but they can be post-processed using the Gyroflow app to achieve smoother footage. The processing speed may vary depending on your computer's specifications, but on an i5 processor, the rate was approximately 4 frames/second. Consequently, stabilizing a 3-minute, 30fps video (5400 frames) would take around 23 minutes. The Gyroflow app crops the video to achieve the desired stabilization effect, resulting in a narrower field of view (FOV). Audio is captured, but it may not be ideal for flight footage.
In terms of video recording capabilities, the Hawkeye Thumb 4K camera supports stabilized 4K videos at 30fps. It also supports 50fps at a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, although the image format is 4:3 (square) rather than the standard 16:9.
The overall image quality of the camera is good considering its price point. However, it may not match the performance of more expensive cameras like GoPro. The footage may lack sharpness and struggle with dynamic range. In bright conditions, the sky may appear washed out instead of a vibrant blue. Despite using the H.265 codec, the average video bitrate of 30Mbps may not provide highly detailed footage.
Pricing, Availability, and Options:
The Hawkeye Thumb 4K camera can be purchased through platforms like Aliexpress and authorized retailers such as Makerfire. The advanced kit, which includes an ND16 filter, is priced at $87.22, while the standard kit costs $82.10. Additionally, a 3D-printed camera mount can be ordered separately for $10.23.
In Conclusion:
For those on
a tight budget with analog FPV drones, the Hawkeye Thumb 4K camera is an excellent option, especially as an alternative to split cameras. Its lightweight design allows for easy installation and swapping between different crafts. The camera's 1080P webcam mode and built-in microphone are valuable additional features. However, it's worth noting that the low bitrate may impact the overall video quality, and the gyro-stabilization process can be time-consuming.
Pros:
- 4K recording in a lightweight package
- Gyroflow stabilization
- 170-degree ultra-wide-angle lens with filter mount
- AV-out and configuration keyboard included
- Built-in microphone and webcam feature
- Integrated 3mm GoPro mount with optional 3D-printed mounts
Cons:
- Low bitrate (30Mbps)
- Gyro-stabilization process can be time-consuming
In summary, the Hawkeye Thumb 4K camera offers great value for its price, providing stabilized 4K video recording in a compact and lightweight form factor.