Assessment: Walksnail Moonlight VTX/Digital camera Package – Choice to DJI O3 Air Unit?

The Walksnail Moonlight digicam/VTX package emerges as an immediate competitor to the preferred DJI O3 Air Unit. Providing stabilized 4K recording and a strong efficiency that opponents, and in some sides, surpasses the DJI O3, the Moonlight package gifts itself as a captivating choice. This evaluation delves into my private stories with the Moonlight, evaluating it head-to-head with the DJI O3.

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New to Walksnail FPV formulation? Be informed extra on this article: https://oscarliang.com/setup-avatar-fpv-system/

Nonetheless questioning which FPV formulation you must get in 2024? Take a look at my purchaser’s information: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-system/

The place to Purchase?

Get the Walksnail Moonlight digicam/VTX package from those distributors:

It comes with the next equipment:

• 1x Spare screws for mounting
• 1x Cord harness for firmware improve
• 1x Cord harness for connecting the flight controller
• 1x ND8 Clear out
• 2x Antenna
• 1x Guide

Specs

• Firmware title: AvatarMoonlight_Sky_X.X.X
• Transmitter Energy: FCC:<1000mW; CE:<25mW
• Symbol Sensor: Starlight sensor
• FOV: Max 160°
• Aperture: F2.1
• Shutter: Rolling shutter
• ISO: 100-25600
• Recording solution: 4K@30/60fps,2.7K@30/60fps,1080p@100/60fps,720p@60fps
• Max Mbps: 150Mbps
• Video layout: MP4 (H.264)
• 3-d DNR: Beef up
• Gyroflow: Beef up
• Integrated EIS: Beef up
• Large Energy Enter: 7.4V-25.2V
• Energy intake: [email protected], [email protected]
• Reminiscence card sort: U3 MicroSD, Max 256G
• Digital camera measurement: 19.6mm*19mm*24mm
• VTX measurement: 15.3mm*34.5mm*34.5mm
• VTX Set up hollow distance: 20*20mm/25*25mm (M2)
• Weight: 38.5g(Antenna now not integrated)
• OSD: Canvas mode
• Latency: Reasonable extend 22ms
• Antenna: 2 (IPEX)
• Clear out: ND8
• Antenna Polarization: LHCP
• Antenna Reasonable Achieve: 1.9dBi
• Antenna VSWR: ＜1.5
• Antenna connector: IPEX-1
• Antenna Measurement: 15x45mm (with out cable)
• Antenna Weight: 2g

Moonlight is suitable with the next FPV goggles / receiver module:

It’s now not suitable with DJI Goggles.

What’s the Moonlight Package?

Very similar to the DJI O3, the Walksnail Moonlight is a digicam/VTX combo that gives 4K recording functions whilst streaming HD are living movies again to the FPV goggles at the floor. This package probably gets rid of the will for extra motion digicam at the drone, simplifying setups and lowering total weight and value.

The Moonlight now not solely data in 1080p, 2.7K, and 4K resolutions but in addition options digital symbol stabilization (EIS). The digicam settings permit for guide keep watch over, together with shutter velocity and ISO, which is a very powerful for shooting top of the range pictures in more than a few lights prerequisites.

You’ll be able to be informed extra in regards to the DJI O3 right here: https://oscarliang.com/dji-o3-air-unit-fpv-goggles-2/

Design and Construct

The Moonlight has a strong construct, with a sturdy steel shell that serves as a heatsink. It’s rather better and heavier than the DJI O3 air unit, weighing round 43g with out ND filters, in comparison to the O3’s 40g. Alternatively, the Moonlight provides higher mounting flexibility with each 20x20mm and 25.5×25.5mm M2 mounting holes, enabling direct mounting onto maximum drone frames available on the market.

The Moonlight digicam has a 19mm width identical to any ordinary micro digicam. It’s more uncomplicated to mount than the O3’s non-standard 20mm measurement, regardless that it’s slightly longer entrance to again. The yellow silicone spacers within the mounting holes lend a hand to hose down quad vibrations, protective the integrated gyro.

Whilst the Moonlight additionally includes a twin antenna setup for constant sign, the antennas are person, in contrast to the DJI O3’s extra handy 2-in-1 design. The antennas could also be somewhat difficult to plug in, fortunately you almost certainly solely want to do that as soon as.

The digicam is hooked up to the VTX by the use of a MIPI connector and it’s removable.

The digicam cable lengths and antenna lengths are an identical between the O3 and Moonlight.

Dimensions and Weight Comparability:

The Moonlight digicam’s starlight sensor boasts a 160° FOV in a 16:9 side ratio, with an f/2.1 aperture and an excellent ISO vary of 100 to 25600. It helps 4K recording at as much as 150Mbps and is suitable with micro SD card as much as 256GB.

It comes with an ND8 clear out which is well attachable and removable, provides lens coverage however is over 2 grams heavier and significantly bulkier than standard O3 ND filters. It might probably in all probability be obstructed through the entrance standoffs, making it tough to make use of in positive FPV drone frames with out changes. Anyway it’s pleasant to have it integrated within the package. I want ND16 could also be integrated, for vivid sunny day and snowy days, however ND8 must be rather flexible for plenty of scenarios.

The absence of a USB port at the Moonlight VTX approach SD card elimination is vital for pictures switch and firmware updates, which may well be much less handy in comparison to the O3.

Every other benefit of the DJI O3 is its 20GB inside reminiscence. Whilst it won’t appear vital because it solely holds about 20 mins of pictures, you can save from going house empty-handed whilst you put out of your mind your SD card. I want the Moonlight presented a an identical characteristic.

Moonlight’s digicam cable is set 12cm lengthy whilst the antenna wires are about 5.5cm (apart from the plastic tube phase).

Latency and Flying Revel in

The Moonlight supplies a flying revel in very similar to different Walksnail Avatar VTX and cameras, with the added benefit of onboard recording.

In the case of latency, the Moonlight suits or rather outperforms the DJI O3, in particular within the 60fps mode. Whilst the latency in 30fps mode is somewhat upper than 60fps, it’s particularly higher than the O3 additionally, providing a extra manageable flying revel in. The O3 plays the most efficient in 100fps mode, however then your recording would even be in 100fps, which isn’t preferrred in some circumstances.

Due to Moonlight’s starlight sensor, the formulation’s low gentle efficiency is especially spectacular, outperforming the DJI O3 in difficult lights prerequisites. Its skill to seize transparent and detailed photographs in near-darkness is a vital merit for evening flyers.

I’ve spotted that the Moonlight is solely as at risk of jello because the O3, if now not extra. To fight this, ensure that your FPV drone is well-tuned and believe soft-mounting the digicam if imaginable. For steerage on tuning your quads, take a look at my educational: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-tuning/. Gyroflow appears to be beautiful efficient in minimizing jello in order that’s price a check out.

Symbol High quality and DJI O3 Comparability

The Moonlight was once examined the use of the most recent firmware on the time of publishing (37.42.3).

The Moonlight digicam provides guide settings that can enchantment to skilled pilots, recently you’ll be able to modify the next settings:

• Solution / Body Fee
• Sharpness
• Publicity Price
• Saturation
• White Stability
• ISO
• Shutter Velocity

Alternatively, it’s price noting that in contrast to the DJI O3, the Moonlight lacks flat colour profile or 10bit recording capacity and doesn’t be offering a local 4:3 mode on the time of checking out. Having local 16:9 approach the video is extra zoomed in after symbol stabilization is implemented in publish (similar to Gyroflow).

In the case of symbol high quality, it’s rather subjective. The Moonlight impresses with transparent contrasts and sharpness, the merit is particularly noticeable in low gentle.

Right here’s a side-by-side comparability between the Moonlight and O3, each set to 4K 60fps with auto settings. Each cameras produce very nice-looking photographs; the Moonlight seems somewhat sharper and hotter, whilst the O3 has rather much less distortion and a slightly wider box of view (Large atmosphere).

In evening time prerequisites, the Moonlight is the transparent winner in low gentle. It helps ISO settings as much as 51200, against this to the O3, which maxes out at 6400. Even supposing the Moonlight excels in low-light eventualities, the top ISO can introduce noise and graininess, probably making flight difficult.

One level of critique is the automobile shutter velocity’s publicity adjustments, which will appear somewhat unnatural. Confidently, this can also be addressed in long run firmware updates. Right here’s a brief clip from the Moonlight digicam shooting a gray wintry weather day, with Gyroflow implemented.

Modular Design

Disassembling the Moonlight VTX unearths a twin board design very similar to the O3. One board purposes because the video transmitter and the opposite because the video recording board. Caddx has designed it in this type of approach that the 2 forums can also be separated. This makes restore more economical as you solely want to change the broken board, now not the entire unit.

In keeping with Walksnail, in spring 2024, they plan to unlock a record-only unit (it comprises solely the Moonlight digicam and recording board). This can also be hooked up to any Walksnail Avatar VTX, providing a modular manner that reduces prices and simplifies replacements.

Firmware Updates

Throughout my checking out, Walksnail had launched 4 firmware updates, showcasing their dedication to making improvements to the Moonlight digicam. Whilst it was once a bit bit irritating for the reviewers having to retest it each and every time, expectantly when it will get to the buyer’s hand, many of the problems would had been addressed.

The firmware replace procedure is rather bulky because of the will for a unique cable to bridge the 2 forums. Originally, it could be onerous to succeed in those tiny connectors in case you have a good body, which most definitely approach you’d must take the drone aside each and every time you need to replace the Moonlight. Secondly, you can not lose this tiny cable otherwise you gained’t have the ability to replace.

Energy Intake Checking out

25mW Output Degree

1000mW Output Degree

Energy intake assessments at more than a few output ranges display that the Moonlight attracts vital present, particularly when recording in 4K. The variation in present draw between the minimal (25mW) and most (1000mW) energy ranges isn’t really extensive. For protection, a 9V BEC with a minimum of 2A, ideally 3A, is really helpful.

A very powerful be aware: the VTX underreports the enter voltage through about 0.4V. This discrepancy isn’t a topic when powered through a BEC with consistent voltage, however for those who energy it immediately from a battery, it could actually make you need to land previous than you must.

Learn how to Use

Connecting the Moonlight VTX to the flight controller is strictly the similar as different Walksnail VTX. You energy it from a BEC or immediately from the battery, and fix RX/TX pins to a spare UART at the FC.

Within the goggles’ menu, you’ll be able to make a selection the required solution and body charge for recording. The FPV formulation’s body charge atmosphere affects the to be had recording resolutions.

• Environment body charge to top, solely 1080p 100fps/60fps/30fps are to be had.
• Environment body charge to straightforward, you get 4k 60fps/30fps, 2.7K 60fps/30fps in addition to 1080p60fps/30fps (100fps isn’t to be had).

By way of default, urgent the DVR listing button at the goggles begins each the VTX and goggles recording.

Digital camera settings like body charge and determination take about 4-5 seconds to reboot after adjustments.

Integrated EIS (symbol stabilization) is solely to be had in 2.7K solution, now not to be had in 1080p / 4K. Stabilization is implemented within the recorded video immediately. No gyro information is recorded when integrated EIS is enabled.

But if Integrated EIS is disabled, the VTX data gyro information in a separate record along side the video (.gcsv) which you’ll be able to import in Gyroflow for symbol stabilization in publish, which I consider yields higher end result than the integrated EIS. Due to this fact I like to recommend disabling integrated EIS and use Gyroflow for symbol stabilization.

In Gyroflow, digicam and lens profiles are robotically detected and loaded whilst you import pictures.

• 4K 60fps bit charge: 150Mbps
• 2.7K 60fps bit charge: 100Mbps
• 1080p 100fps bit charge: 100Mbps
• 1080p 60fps bit charge: 80Mbps

Best possible Settings

Walksnail appears to be nonetheless refining the firmware for the Moonlight, changes to settings and the creation of latest options are ongoing.

Due to this fact, I will be able to grasp off on publishing my most well-liked settings for the Moonlight till a solid firmware model is launched, for the reason that adjustments are expected previous to that.

Conclusion

The Walksnail Avatar Moonlight digicam/VTX package is a robust contender within the HD FPV marketplace. It provides 4K recording, spectacular low-light efficiency, and versatile digicam settings.

Acquire the Walksnail Moonlight digicam/VTX package from the next distributors:

Whilst it displays promise, the Moonlight nonetheless has spaces for growth to check the DJI O3, such because the addition of a flat colour profile, 10-bit colour, an more uncomplicated firmware replace procedure, and the inclusion of inside reminiscence and a USB port. The O3 maintains an edge as a extra refined and robust digicam. Nonetheless, for the ones in search of a lighter Walksnail FPV drone with out the will for a heavy digicam like a GoPro, the Moonlight gifts a compelling selection.