SMO 4K Camera: Big Potential with Low Weight.

Introduction

Everyone who has been building an FPV drone from scratchUAV, especially when it comes to the smallest size group (Micro), where every gram counts. And, if, when selecting such main components of the drone as the frame, motors, flight controller, speed controllers, FPV camerabattery, there were no special problems, due to their excessive availability on the market, when it came to choosing a camera that provides high-quality flight shooting, the choice was sharply reduced, or completely reduced to zero.

It did not last long. The situation with a shortage of lightweight camera solutions in the market was shifted by a new niche of micro quadrics - cinewhoop, the first custom versions of which were equipped with lightweight GoPro action cameras (from the factory version of the GoPro, the body, buttons, display, etc.)... The exponential quality of shooting and the absence of launch restrictions predetermined the rapid popularity of such models, and with them the appearance on the market of the first hybrid FPV camerasFPV drones to think about a lightweight production version action cameras. The first such solution was recently presented by engineers of the well-known hobbyist company BetaFPVInsta360.

The SMO 4K Camera is an ultra-light action camera specially designed for FPV drones. Has the potential of a full-size action camera with a weight of only 30 grams, which allows it to be used on all size groups of UAVs, including cinewhoop, 3-4 " and 5" FPV quads, and on fixed-wing drones. "Hot pie" isn't it? Looking ahead, we note that the first field reviews of the novelty have already shown a good result, at least deserving the attention of users. By tradition, let's start with the key features of the first mass-produced lightweight action camera.

Features

• Weight 30 grams
• Dimensions: 61.5 × 39.4 × 29.2 mm
• 12MP 4K camera built on 1 / 2.3-inch CMOS sensor working in tandem with Ambarella H22 processor
• Max. 4K movie mode @ 60 fps
• 120-degree 4K FOV
• Patented FlowState image stabilization technology
• HDR still / video mode
• Movie modes Timelapse, TimeShift
• LOG mode for maximum freedom in post production
• Bit rate 100 Mbps
• Video compression formats: H.264 / H.265
• The ability to connect directly to the flight controller for remote control of the camera from the remote control
• Supported voltage range 6-27V (2S-6S)
• Built-in Bluetooth module (BLE4.0)
• Built-in Wi-Fi module (5G)
• Camera control and editing of footage via mobile. Insta360 ONE R application
• Professional post-processing on PC using intuitive software Insta360 STUDIO
• MicroSD slot for memory cards up to 1TB
• UV filter and ND16 filter included

Package contents

Lightweight action camera SMO 4K Camera is implemented by the developer in the only package, which will include:

1. SMO 4K camera
2. Replaceable back panel of the camera without mounting for holder
3. 2 × cables with SH1.0 connector (different lengths)
4. UV filter
5. ND16 filter
6. Screwdriver
7. 2 × spare screws for fixing the rear panel
8. Screw and nut for attaching the camera to the holder
9. Instruction

Specification

Basic parameters

Camera

Appearance

Designed for all FPV drones

SMO 4K has been specially designed to interface and operate with FPV drones of all size groups from micro to 3-4-5-inch quads, and also with fixed-wing drones. Such a wide range of applications in general was achieved due to the maximum lightweight of the camera up to indicative 30 grams without loss in shooting quality, which, as practice shows, is comparable to full-size top models.

The first field tests showed that the SMO 4K noticeably outperforms the GoPro Hero 6 in shooting quality and stabilization and is incredibly close to the GoPro Hero 8, which very significant for a $ 240 camera.

FPV stabilization

SMO 4K is supported by Insta360's time-proven, patented FlowState stabilization algorithm, which makes shooting as smooth as possible. Moreover, an additional FPV model has been added to the pre-installed image processing models. Thanks to the new algorithm, flight frames have become clearer and more stable.

For the sake of clarity, the SMO 4K image stabilization process is conventionally divided into two stages. Primarily, the image is stabilized by the electronic stabilization algorithms of the camera itself. Then the finishing stage of FlowState stabilization comes into play, which is involved in the post-processing of the captured video when exporting the video file using the Insta360 ONE R mobile application or Insta360 STUDIO PC software. Both softwares are available for free download on the Insta360 website (details under " Operation

Ultra Wide 4K FOV

With the SMO 4K Action Camera, pilots can shoot wide-angle 4K video with greater detail, smoother stabilization and improved dynamic range. 4K footage can be processed using the new 'FPV' extended FOV option available through Insta360 ONE R and Insta360 Studio software, which automatically removes distortion from video. Well, they polish the captured content, providing clear details at the output - a 100-megabit bitrate and the encoding process with the H.265 codec.

Eliminate the jelly effect

The supplied ND16 filter will help prevent the jellies that often occur during dynamic flight. Also, among other things, the use of a filter will protect the SMO 4K lens in a crash / accident. And if you are flying indoors or at dusk, it would be best to use a UV filter, which is also included with the camera, to protect the lens.

Power & Control

SMO 4K voltage range ranges from 6V-27V. The camera can be powered from a 2S-6S LiPo battery, from which, for example, the drone is powered. To do this, the camera comes with two different-length loops with an SH1.0 connector (you can choose one of two to choose from). The loop consists of four multi-colored wires, two of which will provide power to the camera "/ -", and the other two - remote control over the camera (Play / Stop video recording) directly from the control equipment. For details on connecting and running an SMO 4K Action Camera, see “ ConnectingOperating

Main elements and controls

Camera front

Rear side of camera

Connection

Option # 1

If you do not plan to control the camera from the control equipment, then your connection path is the shortest. As noted above, the SMO 4K camera has a 6-27V power range and can be powered directly from a 2S-6S lithium polymer battery. The wired cable included in the kit is made up of four multi-colored wires, where the red wire is a plus (), is soldered to the positive contact of the battery (VBat), and the black wire is minus, is soldered to the negative contact of the battery (GND). The remaining two wires (Yellow and Blue) remain unused and are wrapped with electrical tape. The white SH1.0 plug located on one side of the cable is connected to the camera's power connector. The camera is now powered up and ready for use.

Option # 2

If you want to control turning the camera on and off, as well as starting and stopping video recording from the control equipment, your the connection path will be slightly longer. In this case, the remaining two wires (Yellow and Blue) are used, where the yellow wire is responsible for controlling the start / stop of video recording, and the blue wire is for turning the camera on / off.

Connection example

To explain how to connect a camera and set up the control equipment to remotely control that camera, a Betaflight F405 flight controller was taken as an example. The connection diagram is shown in the figure below.

Step 1

So, to activate the video control option, you need to solder the yellow wire to the TX1 pin on the flight controller. If you are using a different flight controller, other TX pads may be available instead of TX1, and they can be used for different resource assignments. You will need to customize the configuration according to your specific flight controller.

Step 2

Configure PINIO function for pin TX1 using the following Betaflight commands:

Step 3

Next the graphic displays the PINIO function setting between the remote controller and the flight controller. In Betaflight Configurator, PINIO No. 2 (in the figure below - USER2) corresponds to the AUX5 channel of the remote control.

To activate or deactivate camera functions, you will need to move the virtual slider from inactive (white) to active (yellow) and then back to inactive (white) region).

The configuration of your flight controller and remote control switch must match that of your equipment. Make sure you know what you are doing before setting up!

Operation

Installing a MicroSD card

To insert a memory card into the camera slot, lift the protective cap and insert the Micro SD card with the label towards the lens side, then reinstall the protective cap.

We recommend using UHS-I, V30 or higher memory cards and exFAT format Micro SD / TF memory cards. Using cards with insufficient speed may result in recording failure. The maximum size of Micro SD card this camera can support is 1TB.

Turn on / off the camera

Press the power button to turn on the camera. A blue status light will indicate that the camera is on. When the camera is turned on, if you press and hold the power button (about 2 seconds), the camera will turn off, then the blue status indicator will also turn off.

Start / Stop movie recording

When the camera is turned on, press the record button to start recording. The status indicator will start flashing red. While recording a video, press the record button to stop recording. The status indicator will turn off. The record button stops being active if the camera is connected to the mobile application via Wi-Fi.

LED

The status LED indicates the operating status of the camera.

App download and Wi-Fi connection

Step 1

SMO 4K and Insta360 ONE R cameras use the same mob to control. application. Scan QR Code

Step 2

After downloading and successfully installing the application on your smartphone, you can proceed to pairing with the camera:

1. Turn on on the smartphone Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
2. If the camera is off, turn it on.
3. In the Wi-Fi settings of the smartphone, find the name “ONE R XXXXX” in the list of caught connections (where “X” is a random set of characters), and connect to the WiFi hotspot using the password 88888888.
4. Open the application and tap the camera icon at the bottom of the app page to go to the camera control page. The successful connection will be indicated by the live picture from the camera.

After a successful connection using the mobile app, you can configure the camera, record and edit videos.

• Note: The effective distance of the Wi-Fi connection is 2 meters (in an interference-free and obstacle-free area). Since the SMO 4K does not have a screen, the WiFi connection process is different from Insta360 ONE R. If the prompt “First connection requires confirmation on camera” appears, exit the app and go to step 3 of step 2 above.

Software download and stabilization process

SMO 4K uses the same PC software as Insta360 ONE R. Download the post-processing software Insta360 STUDIO.

Insta360 STUDIO software has added a new "FPV" FOV option for post-processing aerial videos. After importing video from a memory card, select "Basic Settings" on the right, and be sure to check "Use FlowState / Use FlowState Stabilization" and select "FPV" in the FOV parameters.

• After an intuitive editing process, the output is detailed, smooth video with improved dynamic range.

• Note. Please make sure Insta360 STUDIO software is updated to 3.5.5 or later before using the new FOV “FPV” option. Currently, FPV only supports four resolutions: 4K30 4: 3, 4K30 16: 9, 4K60 16: 9, and 2.7K60 16: 9.

STL files

For those who have the ability to print on a 3D printer, the developer provides access to 3 STL files, in which there is all the comprehensive information for self-manufacturing of SMO 4K camera holders for various size groups FPV drones. The developer also draws the attention of users to the fact that the camera mount holder for 3-5 inch drones is the standard hobby holder for all GoPro action cameras.

Price

The SMO 4K Camera is now available from BetaFPV for $ 239.99.

In summary

The SMO 4K Camera is definitely worth the attention of all hobby users looking for the optimal lightweight solution to retrofit their FPV drone any size group. The contributions of both developers deserve respect, at 30 grams of weight, the camera showed an excellent result that does not have to be proven. Of the obvious drawbacks, only one has been identified so far, this is the lack of the ability to connect to the camera via Bluetooth, but this will be corrected with the next update, which today is a common occurrence in conditions of tough competition.

Videos

Best reviews from early adopters.

Take a closer look at SMO 4K Action Camera.

Comparative review of action cameras SMO 4K vs GoPro 6 vs GoPro 8.