Quick Answer
CaddxFPV — now also branded as Phynan — makes the widest range of thermal cameras built specifically for FPV drones. From the £200-range Eclipse 002 with a 256×192 sensor up to the 960×768 Eclipse 009CA with AI pixel-pumping, there's a split camera, all-in-one module, or dual-light rig for every frame size and budget.
The Full Caddx/Phynan Thermal Camera Lineup
Thermal FPV used to mean strapping a heavy, expensive industrial module to your quad and hoping the CG still worked out. CaddxFPV changed that by building thermal sensors into housings designed for actual drone use — light enough for a 3-inch, with analog PAL output that plugs straight into your VTX. The official Phynan catalogue (their professional/thermal division) lists six distinct product families. Here's what each one does and who it's for.
1. Split AI Thermal Imaging Cameras — Eclipse 003SH / 005SH / 009SH / 009SE
The split cameras are the workhorses of the Eclipse thermal range. "Split" means the sensor head is on a short ribbon cable, separate from the processor board — so you can mount the lens up front on your frame and tuck the board wherever it fits. All four models share the same core specs: 50 Hz refresh rate, 1.5 W power draw, PAL + UVC output, and 4.5–24 V supply voltage. The difference is resolution and field of view.
| Model | Resolution | Lens | FOV (H×V) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 003SH V3 | 320×288 (pixel pump) | F1.0 / 3.6 mm | 50° × 37.2° |
| 005SH V3 | 576×432 (pixel pump) | F1.0 / 5.1 mm | 56° × 41° |
| 009SH V3 | 960×768 (pixel pump) | F1.0 / 9.1 mm | 48.3° × 38.6° |
| 009SE V3 | 960×768 (pixel pump) | F1.0 / 9.1 mm | 48.3° × 38.6° |
The 003SH is the entry point — compact, light, and wide enough FOV for close-quarters flying. The 005SH splits the difference with better detail at range. The 009SH and 009SE are the sharp-end options with 960×768 resolution boosted by an AI pixel-pump algorithm that interpolates the raw sensor data into a visibly sharper image. All models support 1.0–4.0× stepless digital zoom controllable via UVC.
Best for: General FPV use where you need to mount the sensor separately from the processing board. The 003SH suits small frames; the 009SH is what you want for search-and-rescue or inspection work.
2. Thermal Imaging HD Camera Kit — Eclipse 009HD
The 009HD pairs the same 960×768 pixel-pump thermal sensor (9.1 mm F1.0 lens, 48.3°×38.6° FOV) with either an Ascent GT PRO 4W VTX or an Avatar GT 2W VTX, sold as a complete kit. The Ascent version delivers 1080p60 recording at around 35 ms latency with 42 channels across 4.9–6.4 GHz. The Avatar version offers 1080p100 recording at 22 ms latency on the standard 5.8 GHz band. Both kits give you a thermal camera and digital video link in one box — no separate VTX wiring needed.
The camera itself matches the 009SH specs exactly: 50 Hz frame rate, 1.5 W consumption, PAL + UVC output, 4.5–24 V supply. The difference is convenience. You plug in power and an antenna, and you're transmitting thermal imagery digitally.
Best for: Pilots who want a plug-and-play thermal + HD digital video solution without sourcing a VTX separately. The Avatar GT version's 22 ms latency makes it the pick for faster flying.
3. Dual-Light Thermal Cameras — Eclipse 005SH Dual / 009SH Dual
The dual-light models add a visible-light camera alongside the thermal sensor, giving you a picture-in-picture or switchable thermal + daylight feed. The 005SH Dual pairs a 576×432 thermal core with a Ratel Ultra AI (1/1.8" sensor, 6 mm lens, 36.86°×29.14° FOV). The 009SH Dual pairs the 960×768 thermal core with the same Ratel Ultra AI camera.
Both thermal halves share identical specs with their single-sensor equivalents: 50 Hz, 1.5 W, PAL + UVC, 4.5–24 V. The visible-light Ratel camera outputs PAL and runs on the same 4.5–24 V supply. This dual-camera setup is particularly useful for inspection work — thermal detects the heat anomaly, the visible camera shows you the actual structural detail.
Best for: Roof inspections, solar panel surveys, building diagnostics — any job where you need both thermal data and visual confirmation in a single pass.
4. All-in-One Thermal Cameras — YO046 / YO483
Unlike the split models, the all-in-one cameras house everything — sensor, processor, and output — in a single rectangular module. No ribbon cable, no separate board. Just bolt it on and wire up power and video.
| Model | Resolution | Lens | FOV (H×V×D) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YO046 | 640×512 | F1.0 / 9.1 mm | 48° × 38.4° × 64.9° | 74 g |
| YO483 | 384×256 | F1.0 / 4 mm | 65.5° × 49° × 83° | 61 g |
Both run at 50 fps with PAL output, under 1.5 W consumption, and accept 9–24 V. Note the wider operating temperature range of -20°C to 60°C versus the split models' 50°C ceiling — these are built for harder environments. The YO483 at 61 g with its wide 65.5° FOV is well suited to smaller builds where you want thermal awareness without a big weight penalty. The YO046 trades weight for resolution and narrower FOV, giving you more detail at distance.
Best for: Builders who want the simplest possible install. The YO483 is the lightest Caddx thermal you can buy; the YO046 is the sweet spot for resolution-to-weight ratio.
5. Split Thermal Imaging Cameras — FN FT046 / FN SL006 V2
These are the legacy split-thermal models — simpler than the Eclipse SH series but still current in the Phynan catalogue. Both use a 640×512 uncooled vanadium oxide sensor behind the same F1.0/9.1 mm lens (48.3°×38.6° FOV). They output PAL via CVBS at 50 fps with an average latency of 20 ms and AI image enhancement.
The FT046 and SL006 V2 share identical specs in the current catalogue. The difference is physical form factor — the FT046 has a slightly different board layout. Supply voltage is 9–24 V, power consumption under 1.5 W, operating temperature -20°C to 60°C.
Best for: Pilots who want proven 640×512 thermal performance at a straightforward price. If you don't need the pixel-pump AI or the 960×768 resolution of the Eclipse 009 models, these deliver clean thermal imagery with minimal fuss.
6. AI-Enhanced Thermal Cameras — Eclipse 009CA / Eclipse Nano 9 / CA006-V3
These are the "beyond-resolution" models — all three share the 960×768 pixel-pump sensor with 9.1 mm F1.0 lens and 48.3°×38.6° FOV. The difference is form factor and output options.
| Model | Resolution | Output | Form Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eclipse 009CA | 960×768 pixel pump | PAL + UVC | Split camera head + board |
| Eclipse Nano 9 | 960×768 pixel pump | PAL + UVC / MIPI / UVC (3 options) | Ultra-compact block |
| CA006-V3 | 960×768 pixel pump | PAL + UVC | Compact cylinder |
The Eclipse Nano 9 is the standout here. It's the smallest 960×768 thermal module in the Caddx range and uniquely offers three output options — PAL analog, UVC USB, or MIPI digital. That MIPI output means it can be paired directly with Caddx's digital VTX systems (Walksnail Avatar) without an analog-to-digital conversion step. If you're flying a digital HD system and want thermal, the Nano 9 is your camera.
Best for: The 009CA for general high-res thermal FPV. The Nano 9 for digital HD system integration. The CA006-V3 for tight spaces where you still want 960×768.
Which Resolution Do You Actually Need?
The Caddx thermal range spans four sensor resolutions: 256×192, 384×288, 640×512, and 960×768 (pixel-pumped). Here's the honest breakdown:
- 256×192 — Enough to see heat blobs and fly around at night. Objects are recognisable at close range but get fuzzy fast. Fine for finding a lost quad in tall grass.
- 384×288 — A noticeable step up. You can make out shapes and navigate at moderate speed. Good for general night flying on a budget.
- 640×512 — The professional baseline. Clear enough for inspection work, search and rescue, and confident night navigation. This is where thermal stops being a novelty and becomes genuinely useful.
- 960×768 (pixel pump) — The sharpest image available in an FPV thermal camera. The AI pixel-pump algorithm interpolates detail that wouldn't be visible at native resolution. If you're doing serious inspection work or want the best possible thermal FPV experience, this is it.
Power and Wiring: What You Need to Know
All Caddx thermal cameras share a few practical traits that make integration straightforward. They accept 4.5–24 V (split models) or 9–24 V (all-in-one models), so they'll run off any 2S–6S flight battery with a tap from your FC's BEC or a direct battery lead. Power consumption is universally under 1.5 W — roughly the same as a standard FPV camera. You won't notice the thermal module on your flight time.
Output is PAL analog on all models, with many also offering UVC (USB video class) for direct connection to a PC or companion computer. Some Eclipse models add MIPI output for digital VTX integration. The analog PAL feed plugs straight into any standard analog VTX, exactly like your regular FPV camera.
Our Picks
Budget entry: Eclipse 003SH for split-mount flexibility, or YO483 for the lightest all-in-one at 61 g.
Sweet spot: FN FT046 or Eclipse 005SH — 640-class resolution gives you genuinely usable thermal imagery without the premium price of the 960-class sensors.
No-compromise: Eclipse 009CA for analog, or Eclipse Nano 9 for digital HD. The 960×768 pixel-pump image is a significant step above 640×512 — once you've seen it, you won't want to go back.
Professional dual-sensor work: Eclipse 009SH Dual — thermal + visible light in one package, purpose-built for inspection.
FAQ
Can I fly a Caddx thermal camera on any FPV drone?
Yes, as long as your frame can handle the weight and you have a free analogue video input on your VTX. The split models are the most flexible for mounting — the YO-series all-in-one modules are the simplest to wire. Supply voltage of 4.5–24 V covers 2S through 6S builds.
What does "pixel pump" mean on the Eclipse cameras?
It's Caddx's AI-based image enhancement that interpolates the raw thermal sensor data to produce a higher-resolution output. The 009-series sensors output a 960×768 image that appears significantly sharper than a non-enhanced 640×512 feed, particularly for fine detail at range.
Can I use a Caddx thermal camera with a digital HD system like Walksnail?
The Eclipse Nano 9 has a MIPI output that connects directly to Caddx/Walksnail digital VTX units. Other models output PAL analogue, which would need a separate analogue-to-digital converter or you'd run the thermal feed alongside your HD camera on a separate VTX.
How does thermal FPV compare to low-light night vision cameras?
Thermal detects heat signatures — it sees living things, engines, warm pipes, electrical faults — regardless of ambient light. Night vision cameras like the Caddx Infra amplify available light and show you the actual scene. They're complementary, not competing. For finding a person in dense woodland at 2am, thermal wins. For navigating a dark race track, night vision is more intuitive. Some pilots run both.
Do I need any special goggles to view thermal imagery?
No. The PAL analogue output feeds into any standard FPV goggles via your VTX, exactly like a regular camera. The thermal image appears in false colour (or black/white, depending on the palette setting) on your goggles display. No special hardware required.
For more on choosing the right camera for your build, see our FPV camera buying guide and our comparison of analog vs digital FPV systems.