Mobius Actioncam FPV Video

by filken | December 16, 2013 | (7) Posted in Just Fun

I just received my Mobius Actioncam in the mail direct from China. It's supposed to be my Christmas present but I'm an adult darnit and I can open my gifts early if I want! I have seen quite a few requests for a review of the camera so I thought I'd throw some video out there and see what everyone thinks. I just started flying multirotors and FPV in October so I hope to improve my flying skills as I progress.

Here is my setup. 

Tricopter based on the RCExplorer v2.5 design

KK2 board

Fatshark Predator 250mw FPV with stock antennas

Mobius Actioncam set on 1080p 30fps

No gimbal or post stabilization

Video editing done in Lightworks

I did some minor color correction in one of the 8 second clips but otherwise, this is how it looked right out of the camera. 

The music is by a band named Baustien. 

I have the cables but I am not using the Mobius for FPV at this point because the image is the wrong aspect ratio for my goggles and the low light sensitivity was not that great on the live video output. The low light sensitivity was just fine in the recorded video. I just got the HK video switcher so I'll be able to change between them as soon as I get it set up and figured out. 

Just for reference, the clips that are darker were taken after sunset. By that point the street lights were on and it was fairly dark, so I think the Mobius performed rather well considering the conditions. 

Over all I have been quite pleased with the camera. It's main weak point in my opinion is the 720p 60fps. I don't have any of it in this video, and there's a reason for that. In full light it was acceptable, but any overcast or evening shots had a lot of noise in the video. I am still playing with it though so I'll probably do a more in depth review once I've had more time to put it through it's paces. 

 

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COMMENTS

ultramicrobe on December 20, 2013
Did you have any problems with it just turning off during a flight. I gather the mobius is made by the same guys that make the 808#16. This is a great little camera, but it jus turns off in mid flight a lot, (and gets worse as the battery runs down, but it does it off and on whether or not the battery is dead or not) which is a real problem. If the mobius gets past this that would be great. I know a few people with #16 that had this problem, is that generally true?
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filken on December 22, 2013
The only time I have had it shut off in flight is when the card ran out of memory. Other than that it's been great. I can't say whether or not this is an issue with the older models since I don't have one.
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Drezed on December 23, 2013
I can't speak for the #16 cams, but the #3's battery can be affected by cold weather,sometimes causing this condition. The seating of the SD card can cause issues as well.

Jeff
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liveyourdreamsRC on December 17, 2013
I've been looking into the mobius. What are your thoughts on it as relating to other brands like GoPro? I've done some researching and it looks like its better than the white edition GoPro and the 1080 in the way the colors look is comparable to the silver edition. The silver beats it at shooting 60fps in 1080 and has a slightly wider angle lense on medium FOV. But anyway, for the price you can buy almost 4 mobiuses for the same as one Silver Edition GoPro. So do you think it is better to get several mobiuses or a GoPro?
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filken on December 17, 2013
I'm a little biased seeing as I have a Mobius and don't have a GoPro, but you can't beat the price point. I couldn't afford the GoPro, but honestly I like the color and clarity of the Mobius. I also think it's a better form factor than the GoPro for FPV, and it's quite a bit lighter, so all in all I like it. If you're looking for 60fps though I would recommend the GoPro. The GoPro also has a waterproof case, so if you plan to fly in the rain or crash into ponds it would be a good choice. It's all down to personal choice, but if you decide to buy the Mobius and absolutely hate it you're only out $65. When I bought it from the manufacturer they included the cables for free, so look around before you buy. I would also advise against buying any of the MicroSD cards on eBay. I got a 32GB card for $10 that only stores 2GB. I got my money back but it was still a hassle.
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liveyourdreamsRC on December 18, 2013
I already have a GoPro; I was just wondering what else is out there and what others thoughts are on them. I always wish I had another camera because I see how I can capture things from other angles and wish I had more cameras. Thanks for your review! By the way, where did you buy your camera? And I try not to get things off ebay just because I don't like trusting quality just as you said. I love the sandisk 64 G I have in my GoPro and haven't had any flaws yet! Again thanks for the review.
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filken on December 18, 2013
I got mine off eBay from eletoponline365. I guess there are even knock offs for the Mobius, so do your research before you buy. For what it's worth, they claim that they are the manufacturer. They are light and inexpensive so they are great for having more views. I would recommend upgrading the firmware as well. It's super easy if you use the tool they provide. I just got the HK 3 channel video switcher and it works great. You do need a 3 way switch on your TX to make use of channel 2. Otherwise you can only use channel 1 and 3. FYI the Mobius can only go up to a 32GB memory card.
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liveyourdreamsRC on December 18, 2013
Yep, I did a bunch of reading up and watching vids last weekend so I know a ton about it. Is it really different using the 3 camera switcher? I would guess a totally different experience huh? Anyhow, I will probably just save a bunch for a the next year and wait for the hero 4 and buy two or whatever comes next in the lineup. I do other stuff with these cameras on vacation and with snowboarding in the winter. For what its worth I will probably end up getting these still for experimenting with crazy ideas. Thanks again for your input. It's been very useful in deciding which cam to get, but since I'd do so many other things with what I will purchase I think I will stick with GoPro for now. I can't do FPV yet either since I don't have a HAM license (required in the U.S.) or any video equipment, so probably next summer is when I will be looking into more camera and other equipment. Looks like a super good camera though for what its priced at though. And one last thing: do you think this is comparable to the keychain 808 #16 with the D lense? I also am looking for slightly smaller cameras for weight issues on smaller models. Sorry its so long and thanks for your input!
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skindoc on January 14, 2014
I've been researching the FPV setup for Mobius - how do you intend to connect Mobius to the video Tx? Are you planning on powering the Mobius, or just running it on its own internal battery ? Thanks for the great video. I've got two Mobiui (sp?) on order from Ebay.
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Patnaude_av8r on December 16, 2013
Great, I've got the fpv bug. So much fun. I've been looking at building the FT bat bone hope to be out flying soon. Keep up the great builds and videos. I enjoy them. God Bless and Merry Christmas.
Patnaude_av8r
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filken on December 17, 2013
It's a little known fact that the FPV bug is actually an invasive species so there is no license requirement or bag limit. Maybe the FT crew could get some federal funding by qualifying as a support group :). Beware that FPV-itus can lead to excessive awesomeness. The bat bone is an excellent treatment option. Fly on! God bless and Merry Christmas to you too!
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Mobius Actioncam FPV Video