HAWK-EYE Aerial Video Technology is known for it’s ultra vivid cameras with GYRO image stabilization. The Firefly 7S 4K FPV action sports camera camcorder is the latest entry into the market with a 2 inch LCD screen. This comes as a nice surprise, following suit the recent Mobius-looking Q6 camera that is taking the market by storm this month. With the LCD screen, it allows you to see what you are filming; at times you only get one chance on a shot, and not seeing what you are filming, can be a  disappointment if you missed that only shot.

HAWK-EYE Aerial Video Technology series of cameras took the challenge to GoPro with a third of the price, putting GoPro in a tough spot. This round, a new challenger to it’s rival, Git2.

What caught our attention

• With a bigger 2 inches LCD screen with real-time playback preview Camera
• Remote Start and Stop recording using receiver (option)
• HDMI Output
• High video resolution 2160p@24fps
• GYRO image stabilization
• Auto power on and gracefully turns off after your aircraft battery is powered off !
• Compatible with GoPro gimbals, battery and waterproof case

User Segment

Camera Enthusiast, FPV Ready, Budget (Aug 2016 source: GearBest)

What To Expect If This Your First

HAWK-EYE Aerial Video cameras are designed for First Person View (FPV). The 7S comes with an Audio Video out voltage converter cable. This allows you to connect to a video transmitter and begin receiving live video on your FPV goggles or monitors.

The menu system is simple and easy to use. Hawk-Eye has a clear understanding of usability, keeping the functions organized and reachable when needed.

Similar Models

Users have considered these 2016 alternatives: Git2

Factory Specifications

• Brand Name: Hawekye
• Model: Firefly 7S
• Image Sensor: SONY 12 Mega pixels COMS Sensor
• Photo Resolution: 12M
• Video Resolution: 2160p@24fps(Quicktime player required),2.5K @30fps,1080P @60fps,1080P@30fps and 720p@120fps,720p@60fps
• ISO adjustment: AUTO/100/200/400/800/1600
• AV Output Format : PAL/ NTSC
• Supports HDMI output
• Supports max 32G TF card, Class 10
• Supports WiFi
• Video/photo format: MP4/JPG
• Supports HDMI/ AV Output
• Accessories: Compatible with Gopro gimbals, battery and waterproof case
• Supports Wifi Share
• Supports WIFI Real-time Playback Preview
• Gyro Image Stabilization
• View Angle Adjustable
• Support Inverted Image Rotate 180 Degrees
• Camera Size: 59(L) *21(W) *41(H) mm
• LCD Size: 640(L)* 480(W)mm
• OLED Size: 64*48mm
• Lens: 7mm FOV 120°
• Weight: 70g
• Battery Capacity: 1000mA
• Battery Life: One hour
• Charge Port: 5V 1A
• Color: Black, Siliver and Gold

 Optical Parameter

• Diaphragm: F/2.8, 6 glasses
• Angle: Horizontal 120 degree ; Diagonal 170 degree

 Mode:

• Video; Photo; Time-lapse video; Time-lapse photo; 11 Burst Photo; Effect shooting; Night Mode photos

Summary

In terms of ranking, I would say it is in the top 4 favorites during this release recorded Aug 2016.  An update to follow.   (Current Picks dronemission.com/top5).