What is FPV? A beginner's guide
FPV means flying from the drone's point of view through goggles. Here's how it works, what to buy first and how to learn without breaking everything.
How FPV works
A camera on the drone sends live video to goggles you wear, so it feels like you're sitting in the cockpit. You steer with a radio transmitter that has two sticks. Unlike a normal camera drone, most FPV drones don't hold their own position. In "acro" mode you control everything yourself, which is what makes those fast, flowing flips and dives possible.
Analogue or digital?
Analogue video is cheap and has almost no delay, but the picture is fuzzy. Digital systems such as DJI's O4 and Goggles 3 give a sharp HD picture, but they cost more. Most beginners start on analogue or with an all-in-one kit, then upgrade.
Sizes explained
- Tiny whoops: small ducted drones for flying indoors and in gardens. Perfect for learning.
- Cinewhoops (around 3 inches): ducted drones that carry a camera for smooth, close-up video.
- 5-inch quads: fast and powerful, for freestyle and racing. Not a first drone.
Learn on a simulator first
FPV simulators such as Liftoff and Uncrashed on PC let you plug in your real radio and crash hundreds of times for free. A few hours in a sim saves a lot of broken props.
What to buy first
- A radio that uses ExpressLRS (ELRS), such as the RadioMaster T8L. You'll keep using it as you upgrade.
- A simulator, to learn the sticks.
- A ready-to-fly whoop kit, or a DJI Avata 2 if you want an easier start with digital video.
- Lots of spare propellers.
FPV and the law
When you fly with goggles you can't see the drone directly, so UK rules say you need an observer next to you who can. The normal registration rules still apply, so check what your drone needs on our UK drone rules page.