Caddx Ratel Pro Night Vision Guide: 1500TVL Day-to-Night
The Caddx Ratel Pro is a 1500TVL analog FPV camera built around a BSI 1/1.8-inch sensor with true starlight night vision: its minimum illumination of 0.00001 lux and blacklight-enhanced algorithm roughly double the low-light sensitivity of ordinary night-vision cameras, switching automatically from full-color daylight imaging to clean black-and-white visuals after dark. Combined with Super WDR (HDR), a 125° FOV, switchable 16:9/4:3 and NTSC/PAL formats, and a 9.5g metal case, it is the analog camera of choice for night racing, indoor gap flying and dusk sessions on 2S–6S rigs. This guide explains how the night-vision system actually works, which settings to check first, and whether it fits your frame.
How does the Ratel Pro’s night vision work?
Three spec-sheet facts explain the camera’s after-dark performance. First, the 1/1.8-inch BSI (back-side illuminated) sensor is physically larger than the 1/3-inch chips used in most analog cameras, gathering far more light per frame. Second, Caddx pairs that sensor with an enhanced algorithm that, per the product page, doubles illumination performance compared to ordinary night-vision cameras — reaching a rated minimum illumination of 0.00001 lux. Third, the day/night mode offers Auto, Color, B&W and EXT settings: in Auto the camera keeps real color whenever light allows and drops to black-and-white when it does not, which is why the image stays usable instead of turning into noise. For how lens choice shapes the rest of your image, our FPV camera guide covers the fundamentals.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Image sensor | 1/1.8″ BSI sensor |
| Horizontal resolution | 1500TVL |
| Min. illumination | 0.00001 lux |
| WDR | Super WDR (HDR) |
| FOV | 125°, 5-megapixel lens |
| TV system | NTSC & PAL (switchable) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 & 4:3 (switchable) |
| S/N ratio | >60dB (AGC off) |
| Power input | DC 4.5–27V |
| Dimensions / weight | 19×19×27mm / 9.5g, metal case |
Ten rows, and three of them are the reason night pilots pick this camera: the sensor size, the 0.00001 lux rating and the HDR-grade WDR that keeps detail in both bright and dark parts of the frame.
Which settings should you check before a night flight?
Day/Night mode and aspect ratio
Set the day/night behavior through the OSD menu (manual control supported): Auto works for mixed sessions, while forcing B&W removes any color-nosing artifacts in the darkest venues. The 16:9/4:3 switch matters for night flying too — 4:3 gives taller framing for gap threading, 16:9 matches widescreen goggles. The menu itself supports ten languages including English and Русский, so the whole team can navigate it.
WDR, shutter and wiring
Super WDR (HDR) handles the hardest night scenario — a lit street entrance from a dark yard — by holding detail at both ends. Shutter range is PAL 1/50–100,000 and NTSC 1/60–100,000 with internal electronic synchronization, and the 3-DNR noise reduction keeps dark-frame grain acceptable. Wiring is simple: the camera accepts DC 4.5–27V, so it runs from any 1S–6S flight battery or 5V BEC without a regulator, and outputs standard CVBS for any analog VTX. Operating tolerance is -20°C to +60°C at 20–80% humidity, comfortably covering winter flying in most of Europe and Russia.
How does it compare to other analog cameras?
Against a standard 600TVL daytime camera — like the RunCam Swift pair we compared in our Swift vs Swift Mini guide — the Ratel Pro trades nothing in daylight clarity (1500TVL and >60dB S/N ratio are top-tier) and adds the night capability those cameras simply do not have. Against digital systems, the honest comparison is different: an O4 or Walksnail setup delivers higher image quality but cannot match analog’s latency simplicity — and our Walksnail goggles comparison shows what the digital path costs. The Ratel Pro is for pilots who want one camera that flies every hour of the day on a plain analog chain.
Does it fit your build?
The 19×19×27mm body with a 9.5g metal case fits standard 19mm micro camera mounts and adds negligible weight to anything from a 65mm whoop to a 7-inch long-range rig. The metal housing improves durability and heat dissipation — relevant for night sessions where the camera works hardest. The 125° FOV is deliberately moderate: wide enough to fly gaps naturally, without the fisheye stretch that makes distance judgment harder after dark. If you are still deciding between cameras for a new build, our FPV camera buying guide walks through the full decision tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ratel Pro a true night vision camera?
It is a starlight camera, not an infrared one: its BSI 1/1.8-inch sensor and enhanced algorithm reach a rated 0.00001 lux minimum illumination, keeping usable black-and-white imagery in near-darkness. It does not project IR light — it amplifies whatever ambient light exists.
Can it run on 6S battery power?
Yes. The input range is DC 4.5–27V, which covers 1S through 6S packs directly, as well as any filtered 5V BEC.
Does it support both PAL and NTSC?
Both — the TV system is switchable between NTSC and PAL, and the image ratio is independently switchable between 16:9 and 4:3.
How much does the Ratel Pro weigh?
9.5g in its 19×19×27mm metal case — light enough for whoops, durable enough for 7-inch builds.
Will it work with my goggles and VTX?
Yes — it outputs standard CVBS analog video, so any analog VTX and goggle pair works. The OSD menu is controlled manually, and language options include English and Russian.
Should you buy the Caddx Ratel Pro?
Buy the Caddx Ratel Pro if night flying, indoor gap work or dawn-to-dusk sessions are part of your flying: the BSI 1/1.8-inch sensor, 0.00001 lux sensitivity and Super WDR make it the most capable analog camera in its class after dark, while 1500TVL, the 125° FOV and 9.5g keep it competitive all day. Add it to any 1S–6S analog build without a regulator, set Auto day/night mode, and you are ready. Not sure it fits your frame or VTX? Contact our team — we will confirm compatibility before you order.