Which is the best low light camera?
In the quest for the best low light camera, Joshua Bardwell dives deep into testing the DJI O4 Pro, O4 Lite, and the Caddx Moonlight. The intent? To unravel which of these contenders can truly shine when the lights go dim.
The test procedure
The testing setup is rather ingenious. Instead of flying the drones around in unpredictable lighting, Bardwell opted for a controlled environment. The quadcopter is fixed, pointed at a wall, with various objects placed in front of the camera. Lights are turned off, and a photography light is used to provide a consistent amount of illumination. This method aims for a more objective comparison, eliminating the variables of outdoor flying conditions.
Test #1: O4 Pro
For the first test, the DJI O4 Pro is set to full auto exposure, with the ISO cranked up to an impressive 25,600, far beyond its default limit of 6,400. This is where the real fun begins. Bardwell turns off the light to show the baseline performance before gradually ramping up the light from 10% to 100%, giving viewers a chance to see how the noise and grain in the image change with increasing light.
Test #1: O4 Lite
Next up is the DJI O4 Lite, which has a maximum ISO of 12,800. The same procedure is followed: starting in complete darkness and gradually increasing the light. Bardwell notes how the O4 Lite struggles compared to its Pro sibling, but it still manages to hold its ground.
Test #1: O3
The DJI O3 comes next, and Bardwell observes that its auto white balance is slightly different, leaning a bit redder. The same lighting conditions are maintained, allowing for a fair comparison. As the light increases, viewers can see how the O3 stacks up against the previous models.
Test #1: Caddx Moonlight
Here’s where things get interesting. The Caddx Moonlight, despite being branded as a low light camera, doesn’t hold a candle to the DJI offerings. Bardwell expresses his disappointment, noting that while it performs better than some cameras, it pales in comparison to true low light options.
Test #1: Walksnail Pro Camera
For the final test in this round, the Walksnail Pro Camera is put under the spotlight. Bardwell is astounded by its performance, especially in what he describes as "zero light" conditions. The difference is stark; the Walksnail Pro outshines all competitors, proving it to be a formidable choice for FPV enthusiasts flying in low light conditions.
Test #2 Procedure
The second round of testing is designed to simulate a more cinematic shooting setup, utilizing a 180-degree shutter angle for pleasing motion blur. The cameras are adjusted to a shutter speed of 1/120 and allowed to set their ISO automatically to find the best results
Test #2: O4 Pro
In this test, the O4 Pro settles on an ISO of 3200, which Bardwell finds acceptable, with minimal noise present. This performance showcases the O4 Pro’s capabilities in low light while maintaining quality.
Test #2: O4 Lite
The O4 Lite, however, has a bit of a hiccup. Bardwell attempts to set the ISO to 12,800 but encounters an overexposure warning. Eventually, it settles at 3200, leaving Bardwell to ponder its effectiveness.
Test #2: O3
The O3 camera is next, and it seeks to balance exposure at an ISO of 12,800. This results in a brighter image, putting it on par with the O4 Lite in terms of performance.
Test #2: Caddx Moonlight
Finally, the Caddx Moonlight returns for its second test. Bardwell adjusts the ISO to 3200, but he notes that it still doesn't compare favorably with the others. The quest for true low light performance continues.
Conclusion
When it comes to low light performance, the DJI O4 Pro stands tall above the rest, while the Walksnail Pro proves to be an exceptional choice for FPV flying. The Caddx Moonlight, despite its name, doesn’t quite measure up, and the O4 Lite and O3 present solid, if not spectacular, options. Bardwell concludes that while low light sensitivity is important, other factors like video transmission quality should also be considered in the decision-making process.
FAQ
- What is the best camera for low light conditions?The DJI O4 Pro has been shown to perform best in low light conditions based on the tests conducted.
- Is the Caddx Moonlight a good low light camera?While it performs better than some cameras, it does not match up to dedicated low light cameras like the DJI O4 Pro.
- What settings should I use for low light filming?Using a shutter speed of 1/120 with an appropriate ISO setting can yield good results for cinematic filming in low light.
- Can I use an FPV camera for recording?Yes, using a dedicated FPV camera like the Walksnail Pro can provide better visibility in low light compared to traditional cameras.
For those interested in further exploring the world of FPV technology, check out these insightful articles on Walksnail Moonlight 4K and Walksnail Goggles X.
This article was based from the video Best low-light performance: DJI O4 vs. O3 vs. Moonlight
