Review: Hawkeye Thumb 4K Camera
The Hawkeye Thumb 4K Camera is a compact and lightweight option that aims to provide high-quality footage for your FPV drone without breaking the bank. With its impressive specifications and attractive price point, this camera stands out as a viable alternative to other popular options on the market, such as the Runcam Thumb Pro. In this review, we will delve into the various aspects of the Hawkeye Thumb 4K Camera and share our experiences and insights about its performance.
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Specifications:
The Hawkeye Thumb 4K Camera boasts some noteworthy specifications that make it an appealing choice for FPV drone enthusiasts. Equipped with a SONY 12MP image sensor and a 170° field of view, it captures detailed and wide-angle shots. The camera offers multiple resolution options, including 4K at 50FPS (without gyro) and 30FPS (with gyro), 2.5K at 50/30FPS, and 1080P at 50/30FPS. The video format and encoding are .mp4 and H.265, respectively. With a bitrate of 30-35Mbps at 2.5K 50FPS, it ensures smooth and clear video transmission.
Design and Initial Impressions:
The Hawkeye Thumb 4K Camera boasts a compact design, measuring 49×22×13.5mm, and weighs a mere 15.5g (15.8g with the UV filter). This ultra-lightweight build allows it to be mounted on micro FPV drones without compromising their agility and flight performance. The USB-C connector ensures fast and reliable connectivity, and the camera supports micro SD cards ranging from 8GB to 64GB (U1 or higher), providing ample storage capacity for your recorded footage.
Using Hawkeye Thumb as FPV Camera:
One of the primary purposes of the Hawkeye Thumb 4K Camera is to serve as an FPV camera for your drone. With its wide field of view and high-resolution capabilities, it delivers an immersive and detailed live feed, allowing you to navigate your drone with precision. The camera's gyro feature provides image stabilization, reducing jitters and vibrations during flight, resulting in smoother video footage.
Powering the Camera:
The Hawkeye Thumb 4K Camera operates on a voltage range of DC 5-23V, making it compatible with a wide range of FPV drones and power sources. This flexibility ensures that you can seamlessly integrate the camera into your existing setup without the need for additional modifications or power supply adjustments.
User Experience:
In terms of user experience, the Hawkeye Thumb 4K Camera is relatively straightforward to set up and operate. The camera's intuitive interface and menu navigation make it easy to access and adjust settings. Additionally, the included user manual provides clear instructions for various functions and features, ensuring a hassle-free experience for users, including beginners.
Gyroflow Settings:
The camera's gyroflow settings allow you to fine-tune the level of image stabilization based on your preferences and flight conditions. This feature enables you to strike the right balance between stability and agility, depending on your flying style and the environment in which you are operating your drone.
My Preferred Video Settings:
During my testing, I found that the 2.5K resolution at 50FPS provided an excellent balance between video quality and file size. This setting delivered sharp and vibrant footage without consuming excessive storage space. However, the camera offers a range of options, allowing you to customize the video settings according to your specific requirements and preferences.
Image and Audio Quality:
The Hawkeye Thumb 4K Camera excels in capturing high-quality video footage. The SONY 12MP image sensor produces sharp and detailed images, while the wide field of view adds a sense of depth and immersion to the footage. The camera's ability to record in 4K resolution further enhances the visual experience, ensuring every detail is captured with clarity.
When it comes to audio quality, the camera performs adequately. While the audio is clear and discernible, it is worth noting that the small size of the camera may result in a slightly lower audio volume compared to larger, dedicated audio recording devices.
Webcam Mode:
An additional feature worth mentioning is the webcam mode of the Hawkeye Thumb 4K Camera. By connecting the camera to your computer via USB, you can utilize it as a webcam for video conferencing, streaming, or content creation. This versatility adds value to the camera, allowing you to use it beyond the realm of FPV drones.
How to Update Firmware:
The manufacturer provides regular firmware updates to improve the camera's performance and add new features. Updating the firmware is a straightforward process and can be done by following the instructions provided in the user manual or on the manufacturer's website. Keeping the firmware up to date ensures that you can benefit from the latest enhancements and optimizations.
Final Thoughts:
The Hawkeye Thumb 4K Camera presents an affordable and lightweight option for FPV drone enthusiasts seeking high-quality video footage. With its impressive specifications, gyro image stabilization, and user-friendly interface, it offers a compelling alternative to other popular FPV camera options on the market. The camera's compact design, wide field of view, and ability to record in 4K resolution make it an excellent choice for capturing immersive aerial footage. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pilot, the Hawkeye Thumb 4K Camera is a reliable and cost-effective solution that delivers impressive results.