HD action cameras are becoming smaller and able to record higher quality footage not only because of the equipped sensor but also due to the addition of video stabilization systems. The fact that they are more and more lighter is a crucial feature since weights is one of the most important characteristics for drones: weight impacts on flight times and flight regulations, like EASA rules in Europe (you do not need an EASA pilot certificate to fly if the drone is under 250g and there are not also other limitations like the ones you have to respect when flying in A3 Open category).
In this article we are going to take a look at the Caddx Peanut HD stabilized drone action camera: this camera is the result from the collaboration of CaddxFPV and Insta360 (manufactured by Insta360). In fact, the Caddx Peanut is basically an Insta360 Go 2 made for FPV, meaning it has some features that make it perfect for recording flying footage.
Package Contents
Caddx Peanut package contains the following items:
- Caddx Peanut HD Drone Action Camera
- Mount Adapter
- Power connector
- USB connector
- 2xMx1.25 3-pin power cable
- 2S-6S step-down module
- ND8 filter
- ND16 filter
- Pack of camera mounting screws and nuts
- User manual
- Wiping cloth
Specifications
Caddx Peanut specs are reported in the table below:
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Video Resolutions for Video and Pro Video modes | 2560x1440@50fps, 30fps, 25fps, 24fps; 1920x1080@50fps, 30fps, 25fps, 24fps |
| Video Modes | Pro Video (FlowState stabilization),Video (Basic stabilization), HDR (2560×1440@25fps, 24fps), Timelapse, TimeShift (Hyperlapse), Slow Motion (1920×1080@120fps) |
| Lens Aperture | F/2.2 |
| Equivalent focal length | 11.24mm |
| ISO | Auto, 100-3200 |
| Color profiles | Standard, Vivid, LOG |
| Video File Format | MP4 |
| Video Code | H.264 |
| Video max bitrate | 80Mbps |
| Storage | 32GB (~28GB usable) |
| Wi-Fi | 5.8GHz (standard range approx.10m) |
| Bluetooth | BLE 5.0 |
| Power Supply | 5V@1A(Or use 2S- 6S step-down module) |
| Charging Time | 23 mins - 80% / 35 mins - 100% |
| Operating environment | -20°C ~ 40°C |
| Dimension | 52*24*21mm |
| Net Weight | 27g |
We now take a look at the features that make the Caddx Peanut perfect for recording FPV videos with respect to the Insta360 Go 2, which is more suitable for recording traditional action footage.
Recording time
The first thing that has been improved is the recording time of the camera: Caddx Peanut is capable of recording videos for 30 minutes (configurable through mobile app, not configured by default), while the Insta360 Go 2 can record videos for about 10 minutes and this can be fine for freestyle pilots, but not for recording long range flights.
Power supply
Moreover, even if Caddx Peanut camera has an integrated internal battery capable of recording videos for 30 minutes, there is the possibility to power it up directly from the quad using the included power connector and the step-down module giving 5V constant voltage output (just like any 5V regulator).
You can bypass the use of the step-down module only if there is a trusted 5V output from quad flight controller that can be used to directly power up the camera. Be careful with quads coming with pre-installed adapter for naked cameras like GoPros since generally these connectors output battery voltage and this could fry your Caddx Peanut camera circuit.
However, to be safe, it is always a good idea to use the included step-down module since it does not weight too much.
Every adapter connects to the back via magnets.
ND filters
Having ND filters is a nice addition since we can set our preferred camera shutter speed to achieve the cinematic motion blur effect on the footage (if you want to know more about it, take a look at this ND filters article explaining how to use them in combination with ISO and shutter speed values).
They easily screw up to the lens, so it is really difficult for them to detach.
Mobile App
Caddx Peanut settings can be configured by Insta360 Go2 app available for bot Android and iOS. Then it is just a matter of linking the camera to the app through bluetooth and using the orange button on the camera (instead of doing the linking using camera screen as said in the app, since Caddx Peanut does not have a screen like the Insta360 Go 2).
Recorded footage can be viewed directly on the smartphone and download on the device over Wi-Fi.
Caddx Penut mobile app can also be used to make some editing (not only basic, but also some advanced editing) on the footage and it is also possible to change the field of view / framing of the shot: the editing part of the app is called FlashCut 2.0.
Image stabilization
Like the Insta360 Go2, Caddx Peanut features FlowState stabilization: this feature enables automatic footage stabilization using on board gyro sensor data.
To activate FlowState stabilization, and many other nice features, we have to shoot videos in Video Pro mode and this can be configured using the mobile app. This mode drains battery faster, but offers many more options, so it is a must especially if powering the camera using the quad with the voltage regulator.
Camera mount
Caddx Peanut can be mounted on the quad using the included camera mount:
Keep in mind that it is possible to use every Insta360 Go 2 mounts if you already have any since dimensions are exactly the same.
PC connection
Caddx Peanut can be connected to the PC using the adapter and a USB to type-C cable: in this way it is possible to charge or download photo/video files stored on camera.
Conclusions
Caddx Peanut is the perfect HD action camera optimized for drone usage, especially for pilots wanting their drone to stay under the 250g limit due to flight regulations. This camera offers a very good stabilization system suitable for easily producing smooth cinematic footage without having to combine Betaflight gyros data with video footage and using third party software to stabilize it.
Moreover it is a lot more durable with respect to naked GoPros, which are also more expensive.
Caddx Peanut HD drone action camera can be found here.