What’s the difference between a standard drone and an “FPV” drone? The distinction is confusing to many because the FPV acronym is rarely spelled out.  Some people think FPV must refer to a specific drone company like DJI – but some DJI drones are also designated “FPV.”  Could FPV be a DJI subsidiary?  Wrong again.  In fact, a number of companies – operating in vastly different niches– say they offer FPV drones.  So, let’s end the mystery:  FPV stands for “First Person View.”

FPV is not a type of drone, or even a drone application.  It’s far more revolutionary.  But it’s also simpler, too.

FPV is the ability of a drone flier to go beyond merely piloting a drone from the ground – to actually being there as it flies.  Using a simple hook-up to the drone camera with a special radio frequency antenna and a pair of hi-tech goggles, drone fliers can see exactly what their drone camera is seeing  – in close up and in real time.  While drone flying is often compared to being an aircraft pilot, with standard drones the piloting isn’t conducted onboard, much less while airborne,  But with FPV, it actually is – albeit virtually.  The drone flier sits in a visual “cockpit” and can actually “steer” the drone as if he or she were literally “at the controls.”

Drone hobbyists that have come to enjoy FPV drone flying say it is the closest thing to piloting an aircraft without actually being aboard the aircraft to do it.  And for some, the thrill is immense.

FPV drone flying is especially “hot” in drone racing – a sub-field of recreational drone flying that is growing at more than 21% per year.  The total drone racing sales market was estimated at $800 million in 2022, of which roughly $335 million, or 42% consisted of FPV drones.  Racing drones can fly as fast as 120-150 mph which means that successful drone flying requires speedy reflexes.  With FPV, drone fliers can make close-in assessments of the terrain and the competition and adjust their flight speed and trajectory to avoid collisions and to exploit openings

For many, the flying experience, while often nerve-racking, is a “high” they find exhilarating, indeed, almost addictive.

But FPV’s utility isn’t limited to racing. You can find FPV drones in some of the largest commercial drone markets, including real estate, infrastructure inspection and “precision” agriculture, all of which benefit from highly detailed aerial surveying and mapping.  In real estate, FPV drones are especially useful for virtual indoor walk-throughs of commercial and residential properties.  FPV drones are generally small and lighter weight and can squeeze in and around objects as they film key property features in close-up.  Compelling visual imagery is critical to buying and selling these days; a growing number of properties are being sold without on-site inspection.  Naturally, a growing number of realtors have begun swearing by FPV drones.

For recreational users, there are some potential downsides to FPV.  One is the added complexity.  FPV flying is more sophisticated than standard drone flying, and harder to learn – so it’s probably not for beginners.  Another is the potential discomfort of wearing a large headset to review the drone video feed instead of relying on a tablet or video monitor.  If the drone is plainly in sight, at a short distance, there may be no added advantage to FPV flying.

Moreover, while wearing an enclosed headset it’s possible to miss the “big picture” of the drone’s flying environment, including potential obstacles that could lead to a collision or crash.  If you’re flying outdoors over a large expanse of terrain with trees, towers or tall buildings it might be wise to work with a ground spotter, just to be on the safe side.

Overall, FPV drones can enhance the drone flying experience – one reason they are catching on quickly; for drone racers, FPVs are becoming essential.  FPVs are also useful in some commercial niches, adding precision and nuance to a wide range of aerial inspections.  However, keep in mind:  FPVs may not be needed in large-scale aerial mapping missions where autonomous drones might replace remote piloting altogether.  Still, FPVs are carving out a large and fast-growing niche.

Many companies, including DJI, now sell drones configured for FPV flying – with head console, antenna, radio transmitter, goggles and video hook up included.  FPV drones aren’t that expensive compared to larger, more technologically sophisticated drones.  Smaller toy-like FPV drones may cost as little as $100; others might run $1,000 or more.  It depends on the FPV features most important to you – and how you plan to apply them.