Evaluation: Skyzone SKY04X Professional FPV Goggles – The Finest Analog Goggles Simply Change into Even Higher?

The SKY04X PRO is the upgraded model of the SKY04X V1/V2, bettering the immersive FPV expertise with new optics and OLED panels. Boasting a wider 52° subject of view and 100fps shows, it helps sure digital system in low latency mode. Can Skyzone actually compete in an period more and more dominated by digital FPV programs with these new analog goggles? This evaluation dives into its options and efficiency to see if Skyzone stays a contender.

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The Skyzone SKY04X Professional helps each conventional analog FPV system and digital setups like Walksnail and HDZero. In case you’re exploring FPV programs or goggles for the primary time, I’ve obtained complete guides that will help you make an knowledgeable selection.

The place to Purchase?

Yow will discover the SKY04X Professional on the following retailers:

Included with the goggles are the next equipment.

It comes with two faceplates to go well with totally different face shapes.

There are additionally two kinds of foam pads for optimum consolation.

Specs

• Display: OLED
• Decision: 1920×1080
• Side Ratio: 4:3 / 16:9
• FOV (Diagonal): 52°
• Focus Vary: -2 to +6 diopters
• IPD Vary: 58-71mm
• Receiver: 5.8GHz SteadyView V3.3
• DVR: H.264 60fps, AVI
• Voltage Enter: 2S-6S Lipo
• HDMI IN: 1080p 60fps / 720p 100FPS
• Head Tracker: 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope
• Dimensions: 185x75x67mm
• Weight: 267g

The unique Sky04X V1/V2 had lengthy been thought of the most effective analog FPV goggles, competing head-to-head with manufacturers like Orqa and Fatshark. The SKY04X Professional builds on this legacy with updates that improve compatibility with trendy digital FPV programs.

Let’s evaluate the specs of the SKY04X Professional to the SKY04X V2 and SKY04L.

Design and Construct High quality

At first look, the SKY04X Professional might seem similar to its predecessor, but it introduces a matte end that each prevents fingerprints and reduces glare. This refinement is in step with Skyzone’s dedication to high-quality building and design, guaranteeing the goggles not solely look good but in addition really feel comfy throughout extended use.

Accommodating nearly all of customers, the inclusion of two faceplates permits for a tailor-made match throughout various face styles and sizes. The diopter and IPD changes can be found, catering successfully to nearly all of customers.

In distinction to Orqa and Fatshark goggles, the Skyzone SKY04X Professional is supplied with a receiver module (SteadyView V3.3) and primary antennas, providing first rate financial savings. Whereas this module perhaps not fairly on par with top-tier modules like Rapidfire or TBS Fusion, it proves greater than succesful for the common consumer. The analog DVR now information at 60fps, marking a notable enchancment from the V1’s 30fps.

In case you’ve seen my evaluation of the unique SKY04X goggles, you’ll recall they had been my most popular selection for analog FPV goggles: https://oscarliang.com/skyzone-sky04x/

So what are the variations from earlier model?

Screens

The Sky04X Professional options 1080p OLED panels with a refresh price of 100fps, presenting a notable enhancement over its predecessors and even providing a slight benefit over the HDZero Goggle‘s 90fps. Along with 720p 100fps HDMI enter, these goggles guarantee compatibility with excessive body price programs, similar to Walksnail’s 100fps low latency mode.

Discipline of View

The Professional boasts a 1920×1080 decision, 52° FOV with a local 16:9 facet ratio, a considerable improve from the earlier model’s 1280×960 display screen and 46° FOV with a local 4:3 facet ratio. Though each fashions are switchable between 4:3 and 16:9, the Professional model’s bigger FOV in 16:9 enhances the immersive expertise, notably with widescreen digital video receivers.

How massive is 52-degree FOV in comparison with different goggles? Verify it utilizing this instrument: https://oscarliang.com/js/fpvgogglefov.html

Energy Button

A notable addition is the on/off energy button on the aspect, simplifying the method of turning the goggles on and off with an extended press, whereas a brief press turns the fan on and off.

Cooling Fan

Because of the upgraded shows which generate extra warmth, they’ve added a cooling fan to the bay in the fitting. Which means you not can use two receiver modules like earlier SKY04X.

Show and Person Expertise

The OLED shows ship photos with putting distinction and vibrant colours, considerably bettering visible readability over conventional LCD or LCOS shows. Furthermore, the native 16:9 facet ratio is a considerate change, aligning nicely with the widescreen desire of Walksnail FPV programs.

The standout characteristic of the Sky04X Professional is undoubtedly its 52° FOV. Nonetheless some customers may discover blurry edges, which makes it onerous to learn the OSD/textual content on the corners. Nonetheless, when flying analog, notably with 4:3 cameras, deciding on 4:3 within the goggles successfully reduces the FOV all the way down to round 46° (with either side reduce off), addresses the difficulty of blurry corners for me. If you choose 16:9 within the goggles when utilizing 4:3 cameras, your picture will seem stretched and distorted, which is usually undesirable. For Walksnail cameras with a local 16:9 facet ratio, selecting 16:9 within the goggles is advisable.

Total, the SKY04X Professional’s controls and structure are designed for ease of use, that includes an intuitive on-screen menu system that enhances the consumer expertise.

Compatibility with Walksnail and HDZero

Regardless of being analog goggles, the SKY04X Professional provides assist for each Walksnail and HDZero programs.

Connecting to a Walksnail exterior video receiver, the goggles can function within the 100Hz low latency mode. Nonetheless, it’s not with out its limitations, particularly when used with HDZero’s lowest latency mode, as it may well solely obtain a 60Hz output. For these trying to the total HDZero’s 90Hz expertise, this can be a disadvantage and chances are you’ll take into account getting the HDZero goggles.

An extra level to contemplate is the potential for added latency when utilizing these digital programs by way of the HDMI enter. Whereas it’s a minor concern, it’s price noting for individuals who prioritize split-second responsiveness of their flights.

My latency exams, utilizing a GoPro 12 at 240fps, confirmed minimal variations between the SKY04X PRO and different high-end analog goggles when utilizing these digital programs. For freestyle flying and informal use, I discovered the latency completely acceptable.

Limitations

One notable change within the SKY04X Professional is the elimination of “quadversity,” a characteristic some might miss. It is because you possibly can’t use two Steadyview receivers concurrently as one module bay is now devoted to cooling the shows.

The precise IPD adjustment measured about 60mm to 70mm, barely narrower than marketed. This is perhaps one thing to contemplate for these with IPDs exterior this vary.

Massive subject of view can introduce blurry edges and corners for some folks. An choice to regulate zoom can be good, a characteristic that’s already out there on the DJI Goggles 2.

The included primary dipole antennas are adequate for short-range flights however go away room for enchancment. For optimum efficiency, notably for penetration and longer ranges, upgrading your antennas is advisable. I recommend a mixture of a directional antenna, like a patch antenna, and an omni-directional antenna, similar to a right-hand round polarized antenna, for optimum protection. For high suggestions on FPV antennas, take a look at my information: https://oscarliang.com/best-fpv-antenna/#The-Finest-FPV-Antennas-for-FPV-Drones

Compatibility with third Occasion Receivers

For these in search of the best possible in receiver efficiency, you possibly can improve the included Steadyview module to the ImmersionRC Rapidfire or TBS Fusion by swapping out the module.

One caveat: this may require a 3D printed cowl on your chosen module. In my case, I needed to print a customized cowl for the Rapidfire because the authentic covers weren’t appropriate.

Closing Verdict: Is the SKY04X Professional for You?

The SKY04X PRO is primarily designed for pilots who’re predominantly flying analog. Nonetheless, its enhanced compatibility makes it a horny choice for individuals who often enterprise into digital realms with programs like Walksnail and HDZero.

At $599.99, the Sky04X Professional is competitively priced, particularly when in comparison with the HDZero goggles, that are on the similar price ticket. Nonetheless, it’s necessary to issue within the extra prices for individuals who want to run analog programs with HDZero Goggles, which may add as much as an additional $150 or extra for an analog receiver module and antennas.

Get your SKY04X Professional from these distributors:

All of it comes all the way down to what your essential focus is. For these flying principally analog, the SKY04X Professional is a compelling selection. For these principally fly HDZero, the HDZero Goggles are the best way to go. For these principally fly Walksnail, Walksnail Avatar Goggles X is your most suitable option.

The great thing about the present FPV market is its flexibility. Even when you change your thoughts, you possibly can preserve utilizing no matter goggles you got with a unique FPV system, and proceed flying. All these goggles talked about are very versatile.