Best RC Cars With Built-in Cameras

From KITT in “Knight Rider” to the classic remote control car chase of 007’s Iconic BMW in “Tomorrow Never Dies.” The idea of having your own high tech camera-equipped car has been a dream for many. And with the advent of smartphones, the shrinking of wireless communication, and the advancements of digital cameras, It’s now easier than ever for you to experience these exciting technologies right in your own hands! From app-controlled stylish sports cars and programmable robot spy cars to full virtual reality immersion inside a monster truck! These picks will have you relive your favorite high-speed chases from a whole new perspective.

• VR Headset Display
• Smartphone Display
• Nintendo Switch Compatible
• Programmable DIY Kits
• RC Cars With Cameras Buying Advice

Want to learn how to get started in RC? Check out An Introduction to Remote Control Cars in 2020 by Matt Benfield.

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The Top-Rated Remote Control Cars With Live FPV Cameras!

Type	Model	Scale	Vehicle	Camera
VR Headset Display	EMAX Interceptor RaceVision	1:24	Buggy	Fixed 720p HD
Smartphone Display	DEERC DE36W	1:16	Off-Road Truck	Removable 720p HD
Programmable DIY Kit	SunFounder PiCarVV2.0	1:16	Robot Car	Removable 2-axis 120° pan-and-tilt

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VR Headset Display

Full FPV Immersion!
Offering first-person view (FPV) racing using a virtual reality headset (VR), these models include either a headset using its own built-in screen or a head-mounted cradle for use with a smartphone.

1. EMAX Interceptor RaceVision – Buggy

Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5

Buggy | 1:18 | Ages 12+

See The EMAX Interceptor RaceVision

Type: Buggy
Scale: 1:18
Radio System: Steer wheel style, 2.4GHz for long-range control
App Control: N/A
Camera: Fixed 720p HD
VR Headset: VR FPV Goggles (5.8GHz w/ 1x linear antenna included + second SMA port for upgrade/expansion. 500ft range and a -25mw onboard FPV Video Transmission)
Control Range: Up to 100ft range
Max Speed: 12mph
Drivetrain: RWD
Batteries: Rechargeable, 1S 3.7V 300mAh LiPo recharged from the included USB cable, 4xAA’s (not included) for the controller
Run Time: 20-minutes
Charge Time: 60-minutes
Recommended Age: 12+

This tiny 1:18 scale RC buggy from EMAX provides an exciting driving experience, but with the addition of the FPV camera and VR headset, it really brings this buggy to life!

Driving & Control

While this is by no means the fastest buggy out there, with a top speed just barely hitting 12mph, when driving in FPV mode, it gives an immersive experience with the scaled visuals giving the impression of blistering speed. With the camera mounted securely where the driver’s head would be, the FPV view is crisp, and the camera is mounted in the perfect spot to give an authentic driving experience. This, along with the low latency video transmission on the 5.8GHz headset, means driving the Interceptor feels super Immersive.

Thanks to full proportional steering and throttle, you have full control at all times, and despite relying on plastic friction shocks, the Interceptor can handle small jumps and bumps with ease. Though not designed for serious bashing outdoors due to its mostly plastic construction, it’s excellent for exploring indoors and light use on paved roads.

The Steer-wheel style controller is comfortable and responsive, using 2.4GHz to provide a stable and lengthy connection. However, the FPV camera connection will depend on the line of sight and tend to drop out sooner than the controls themselves. Expect a reliable 100ft range before you encounter any dropouts.

Headset & Camera Quality

While the image quality of the included VR headset isn’t the clearest, with a sub-720p screen and no recording function, the ultra-quick pairing makes setup a breeze, and its super-low latency makes driving much more comfortable than the competition. The headset itself can even be charged with the same USB cable that charges the car. What’s better is that if you already have a 5.8GHz enabled headset, you can save some extra cash going for a package that omits the headset.

Battery

The 1S 300mAh LiPo battery offers a 20-minute run-time from a 60-minute charge, though it is possible to find a suitable replacement if you’re after a bit more power. One slight annoyance comes in the form of its top-mounted USB charging port, which, while allowing for transversing over small puddles without damage, requires removing the body shell to access the charging port. There’s also a lack of a proper LiPo voltage safety cutoff, meaning you’ll need to monitor your usage independently to prevent premature wear on the battery.

The Verdict

Any minor grievances with the battery and headset soon disappear when you consider the sub $100 price. And there is even the option of purchasing a model that omits the VR headset. But as an all in one package that’s ready to go out of the box, the EMAX Interceptor RaceVision is hard to beat.

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2. Sharper Image – Sports Car

Editor’s Rating: 3.5/5

Sports Car | 1:16 | Ages 12+

See The Sharper Image Sports Car

Type: Sports Car
Scale: 1:16
Radio System: Stick style, 2.4GHz for long-range control
App Control: VR Italia Racer (Android and IOS)
Camera: Fixed
VR Headset: FPV VR headset included (Requires a Smartphone and VR Italia Racer App)
Control Range: N/A
Max Speed: 5mph
Drivetrain: RWD
Batteries: Rechargeable, Ni-CD recharged from the included USB cable, 1x9v (Included) for the controller
Run Time: 15-25 minutes
Charge Time: 2-hours
Recommended Age: 12+

Sharper Image has created an affordable entry into the RC camera car market with stylish, Bugatti Veyron inspired sports car. With LED lights and a small camera hidden within the front radiator, this sleek racer not only looks the part but comes with a few neat tricks!

Headset & Camera Quality

The included VR Italia Racer app (Android and IOS) allows for live streaming video using smartphones. However, the real party piece is the ability to slide your phone inside the included VR headset for true FPV driving from the car’s perspective! 

Phones from 4.7 to 5.9” will fit inside, with a reasonably secure fit even if the viewing angle is slightly narrow. Footage can also be saved to the app and viewed later to improve your track times and catch any action, and with minimal latency under optimal conditions, driving is seamless. Drive time ranges from 15-25 minutes on a single charge of the included rechargeable battery, even when running at full speed.

Driving & Control

Despite being modeled on one of the fastest production cars ever made, the Sharper Image Italia’s actual top speed is somewhere around 5mph, and the low ground clearance means you won’t have much luck on anything but the smoothest of tarmac or floors. As you would expect, like the real-world counterpart it’s modeled on, this is one to keep on the road!

Our other gripe comes with the less than stellar build quality, giving a distinct ‘toy’ feeling quality mostly owing to the plastics and lightweight nature of the car, which is a little to be expected given the modest asking price. The controller does feel a bit cheap but is a simple Stick style layout, easy and accessible for drivers of all ages. With a 2.4GHz connection, there’s no interference when racing alongside other models.

The Verdict

If you can accept it’s shortcomings in build quality and speed, the Sharper Image will provide hours of fun, and with its multiple camera viewing options, it has something for everyone.

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Smartphone Display

App-Controlled Video Streaming
The following models all use an App on your Smartphone to give you a live video feed of the action straight to your phone!

1. DEERC DE36W – Off-Road Truck

Editor’s Rating: 4.1/5

Off-Road Truck | 1:16 | Ages 12+

See The DEERC DE36W

Type: Off-road Truck
Scale: 1:16
Radio System: Steer wheel style (With phone mount) 2.4GHz for long-range control
App Control: DEERC-D2 App (Android and IOS)
Camera: Removable 720p HD with 45° of tilt adjustment
VR Headset: N/A
Control Range: Up to 165ft (Wi-Fi App control distance up to 100ft)
Max Speed: 12mph
Drivetrain: 4WD
Batteries: Rechargeable, x2 7.4V 1000mAh Ni-MH recharged from the included USB cable, 4xAA’s (not included) for the controller
Run Time: 25-30 minutes per battery
Charge Time: 3-4 hours
Recommended Age: 12+

Updated for 2020, the DEERC DE36W is a WIFI-equipped off-road truck that manages to packs in some great new features while being only slightly more expensive than the original.

Build

Designed for filming through rough terrain, Its rugged plastic shell, chunky off-road tires, proportional steering, and acceleration all offer great performance when outdoors. And with 45° of angle adjustment on the camera, it’s easy to capture whatever shots and angles you desire.

While not the fastest at only 12mph, it still manages to power its way through all manner of obstacles and surfaces from grass, sand, mud, dirt, tarmac, and more. Updated from May 2020, the package now comes with two 7.4V 1000mAh Ni-MH batteries, allowing for a combined 60 minutes of runtime for longer play sessions without interruptions. However, the battery connectors can be a little flimsy when connecting and disconnecting.

Camera & App Control

Camera functionality is handled by the DEERC-D2 app (Android and IOS), which is easy to use, and a breeze to set up. Simply connect your device to the camera’s own Wi-Fi network to stream and record video straight to your device, with the handy phone mount located on top of the transmitter. The app also allows for tilt controls, although this is more of a novel addition than a practical one. The Wi-Fi camera signal can reach almost 100ft, with the transmitter range reaching 165ft, ensuring you won’t be left stuck once the image drops.

With the 720P HD camera, the resolution is great for viewing on TVs and can be recorded directly to a micro SD directly in the camera. The picture can be a little blurry during fast motion, but this is mainly down to the plastic shocks, which ideally would be replaced with an oil-filled shock tower for smoother dampening action. Unfortunately, there are no official hop-up or replacement parts available for the DE36W. So without experimenting, what you get in the box is what you’re stuck with.

The Verdict

Despite the small letdown of the plastic shocks, the DEERC DE36W is a great introduction to FPV camera-equipped RC cars and one of the few to provide truly capable off-road performance.

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2. Pranite – Scout Battle Tank

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

Scout Battle Tank | 1:18 | Ages 8+

See The Pranite Scout Battle Tank

Type: Scout Battle Tank
Scale: 1:18
Radio System: N/A
App Control: HK-TANK App (Android and IOS)
Camera: 720p HD with tilt adjustment
VR Headset: N/A
Control Range: 100ft
Max Speed: 10mph
Drivetrain: 4WD
Batteries: Rechargeable, 5V 500mAh recharged from the included USB cable
Run Time: 30-minutes
Charge Time: 1-hour
Recommended Age: 8+

Pranite offers a futuristic take on an RC car with this interactive, battling scout drone. Featuring multiple interactive modes, including remote camera control, AR gaming modes, multiplayer vehicle battling, night driving modes, and more!

Build Quality

While small, the model is well detailed across its plastic body and will look great to any Sci-Fi loving kids. While It’s not the fastest with a maximum speed of under 10mph, it does offer a versatile camera view with a raisable head that can be controlled from your phone, as well as adjusting viewing angle. Its low latency display gives quick responses directly to your smartphone at ranges of up to 100ft. 

Camera & App Control

Up to five models can be independently controlled with an interactive battle mode giving each vehicle a chance to fire lasers at their opponents, with lights and sounds playing for hit feedback. The 720P HD camera gives reasonable video quality, though images may seem a little washed out at times. The vehicle also supports use with phone mounting VR headsets for an interactive VR experience. However, this is not included in the box.

Battery

Battery life is a reasonable 30-minutes from an hour charge thanks to its 500mAh rechargeable battery, with the eyes of the model flashing to give a visual indication of battery life. There are also LEDs fitted to the front of the vehicle, which can help light the way when driving at night. The only real downside is its reliance on a Smartphone or tablet for control, which is not as responsive as a dedicated controller. However, younger kids will enjoy the thrill of watching it move on their devices.

The Verdict

All of this functionality at the cost of under $100 makes the Pranite Scout Battle Tank a fantastic gift for younger children who will really appreciate the quirky futuristic design and the fun interactive features.

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3. Fcoreey – Off-Road Truck

Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

Off-Road Truck | 1:18 | Ages 14+

See The Fcoreey Off-Road Truck

Type: Off-road Truck
Scale: 1:18
Radio System: Gamepad style (with phone mount) 2.4GHz for long-range control
App Control: Yes
Camera: 5MP with manual tilt adjustment
VR Headset: N/A
Control Range: Up to 130ft (Wi-Fi App control distance up to 100ft)
Max Speed: 15mph
Drivetrain: 4WD
Batteries: Rechargeable, x2 3.7V 600mAh LiPo recharged from a USB cable, 2xAA’s (not included) for the controller
Run Time: 15-25 minutes per battery
Charge Time: 70-minutes
Recommended Age: 14+

Fcoreey offers one of the most affordable camera-equipped RC cars on the market while still managing to include some great features and supporting impressive build quality.

Build

The chassis frame is primarily plastic, with the body panels attached being built from lightweight aluminum, which gives it more than enough strength to handle some light bashing without too much fear of flexing. While most of the standard parts are strong enough, replacement parts are readily available should anything break.

The standard shock absorbers are a sore point, being only basic springs that even with grease can tend to lock up and in most cases are overly tight. With the price being as cheap as it is, they perform well enough, but upgrading to oil-shocks is an inexpensive and straightforward way to improve the experience vastly. This is especially true when it comes to mounted camera functions. While the camera can be manually tilted to different angles, it’s overly bouncy nature will often slam the camera back to its lowest point.  

Battery

Battery life is reasonable for the price, with 2 packs included with a USB charger allowing you to run one and charge the other simultaneously, reducing the downtime between uses. However, at only 600mAh for each pack, you’re looking at an average of 25-minutes use from a 70-minute charge time. 

Control and Features

Controls are responsive and easy for all ages. With a reasonably comfortable Gamepad style remote featuring a phone mount, you can easily view the action while using the downloadable app. Driving is simple and has both high and low speeds for beginners or more focused camera footage. Signal strength and range are reasonable for the 2.4GHz remote at over 100ft with no dropouts, allowing you always to return the car in range long after your WiFi camera feed is lost. 

Control of the vehicle can be made through the app, which also offers support for VR FPV headsets for compatible Smartphones and headsets should you own one. While a headset is not included in the box, this is likely for the best, as you’ll discover when actually trying to use the feature. While the Wi-Fi camera works well with little input lag and a clear image, don’t expect a smooth picture once you start picking up speed. The ride is far too bouncy as standard to fully utilize its FPV mode without the strongest stomachs to overcome the motion sickness involved with headset displays. It’s a nice inclusion to have, albeit a novel one that likely won’t see much use. 

The Verdict

The super-low price makes the Fcoreey not only a great gift but offers an affordable introduction to camera-equipped RC cars.  

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4. Remoking – Military Truck

Editor’s Rating: 3.6/5

Off-Road Military Truck | 1:16 | Ages 12+

See The Remoking Military Truck

Type: Military Truck
Scale: 1:16
Radio System: Steer wheel style (with phone mount) 2.4GHz for long-range control
App Control: I-Spy Car App (Android and IOS)
Camera: 480p SD with 80° of tilt adjustment
VR Headset: N/A
Control Range: Up to 100 ft range
Max Speed: 12mph
Drivetrain: 4WD
Batteries: Rechargeable, 2x 7.4V 500mAh Ni-CD recharged from a USB cable, 2xAA’s (Not Included) for the controller
Run Time: 20-minutes per battery
Charge Time: 2-hours
Recommended Age: 12+

If you want to go rugged, Remoking’s Military Truck can handle anything you throw at it and is one of the most flexible RTR’s on this list.

Driving & Control

Controls are handled using the 2.4GHz (with phone mount) steer wheel style controller or via the I-Spy Car App (Android and IOS). Acceleration can go through a 10 step throttle control, making this great for light rock crawling. Although, its linear steering lets it down when compared to any serious rock crawling models.

With a choice of either chunky off-road tires or swappable tank treads, the Remoking’s Military Truck can tackle anything from climbing rocks, taking on sand and mud, even crossing over light water! The flatbed design on the rear can also carry weights of up to 1lb, allowing for some imaginative uses!

While the general build quality is excellent and handles a surprising amount of bashing with ease, the standard plastic drive shaft included with the base model tends to break under very little strain. If this happens for you, Remoking will send a free steel alloy upgrade kit to replace the broken piece, which can also be purchased separately.

Camera & App Control

Armed with powerful LED lights, the Remoking Military Truck will have no trouble with late-night drives. And with the included Wi-Fi adjustable camera with six interchangeable lenses, any action shots can be fine-tuned to suit your needs. While the camera quality is nothing to write home about, there’s minimal lag, and set up with the app is simple. The integrated cellphone holder on the remote control, while functional, doesn’t feel the most secure with the largest of phones or cases, but it does the job for most.

Battery

Charging time takes about 2 hours, but this is more than made up with the x2 7.4V 500mAh Ni-CD batteries. While one is in use, the other can be charging with the included USB charging cable, giving a combined running time of around 40 minutes, leaving plenty of time for filming.

The Verdict

With a modular approach to options such as wheels, control options, camera lenses, and the ability to transverse over light water, the Remoking Military Truck is an excellent option for anyone looking for some customizable FPV off-road action!

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5. SKYMEE Owl Robot – Interactive Treat Dispenser Toy for Dogs & Cats

Editor’s Rating: 3.8/5

Owl Robot | 6″ x 7″ x 5″ | Ages 12+

See The KYMEE Owl Robot

Type: Owl Robot
Scale: 6″ x 7″ x 5″
Radio System: N/A
App Control: Skymee App (Android and IOS)
Camera: Fixed 1080p HD with 4x zoom, 130° wide-angle view, and built-in HD 2-way audio microphone
VR Headset: N/A
Control Range: Dependant on home Wi-Fi signal quality
Max Speed: N/A
Drivetrain: 2WD
Batteries: Rechargeable, x3 Lithium-Ion (included) recharged from the included power cable
Run Time: 6-8 hours (50-days in sleep mode)
Charge Time: 6-hours
Recommended Age: 12+

The SKYMEE Owl Robot is a feature-packed device that not only allows you to drive around and view your home from afar but also entertains, monitors, and feeds your pets too!

Pet-Friendly Design 

Built around a cylindrical shape, the Skymee Owl Robot can be easily flipped and rotated on its two wheels, with a stabilizing tail to keep its viewfinder camera pointing forward while in motion. While the controls are handled through the Skymee App (Android and IOS) via a basic onscreen directional pad, it’s responsive enough that you can scout around the house in real-time even from remote locations, provided it’s connected to your homes 2.4GHz home Wi-Fi. 

The owl comes with an optional feather attachment for attracting cats, as well as a hidden pet treat dispenser that can be remotely activated or set to dispense when activity is detected. If you want to take the robot on the go, you can also pair the vehicle to your phone directly to move and shoot footage without being connected to a Wi-Fi router, which is great for trips outdoors! 

Automated Home Security

Plenty of different options are available to automate the owl-bot, such as pre-programmed routes around an area, to drawing and mapping an entire household, allowing the robot to roam at regular intervals. This gives you not only an effective way of monitoring your pet but a general security robot that’s able to be controlled at a moment’s notice. The camera features 1080p resolution, 4x zoom, 130° wide-angle view, and a built-in HD 2 way audio microphone, allowing you to talk to your pets remotely to calm or reassure them if needed. There’s even a night vision camera mode, thanks to the second eye fitted with an IR light ring that allows for clear images in both night and day, which can adjust automatically based on the amount of available light.

Connectivity & Storage

Recorded footage can be saved either to the phone directly while viewing or by a compact flash card stored inside the robot, which allows for monitoring of footage recorded while roaming during the day. Not only that, but the robot can be activated by touch, allowing it to entertain your pets when they get bored while you’re out of the house!

Up to 8 users can be signed in at any time to watch footage or interact with pets, which can be managed individually and disabled if desired. And while the battery supports up to 6-8 hours of active use, it’s interactive mode can last up to a week depending on how regularly you set the patrolling routines. With up to 10 days of standby time with its low power connection, it’s ready to be activated when needed, as well as sending out reminders on your phone when the owl-bot is running low on battery, prompting you to give it a quick charge. 

The Verdict

While not only providing an innovative way of monitoring pets and providing general home surveillance, the SKYMEE Owl Robot is great for entertaining the kids too. For a pet owner looking for both a watchful eye and a fun distraction for pets while you’re out of the house, the SKYMEE Owl Robot hard to beat.

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Nintendo Switch Compatible

Real-Life Mario Kart!
Control a real-life Mario Kart with a Nintendo Switch and watch it come to life in the game! Use the Nintendo Switch to control your kart and watch it react to what’s happening in-game as you boost to victory. Your in-home course comes to life on-screen with a view from behind the driver’s seat.

1. Nintendo Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit – Augmented Reality Camera-Equipped Go-Kart

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

Go-Kart | 9“ x 4″ x 4″ | Ages 12+

Type: Go-Kart
Scale: 9″ x 4″ x 4″
Radio System: N/A
App Control: Nintendo Switch Software
Camera: Fixed 720p HD
VR Headset: Not at Launch (Labo VR support may be added later)
Control Range: 5m of the Nintendo Switch console
Max Speed: 1.4mph @ 50CC, 3mph @ 200CC, 4mph max speed
Drivetrain: 2WD
Batteries: Rechargeable, Lithium-Ion (included) recharged from the Included USB-A to USB-C Cable
Run Time: 90-minutes (Varies based on speed)
Charge Time: 3.5-hours from AC Adapter, 4.5 hours from Nintendo Switch Dock via USB.
Recommended Age: 12+

This eagerly awaited official release from Nintendo brings a new interactive twist on RC cars with the official Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. Transforming simple RC racing into a mixed-reality game where the racetrack is your own living room, this is sure to be a hit for Nintendo Switch owners!

What’s in the Box

Included in the box is the camera-equipped kart, along with a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, download instructions for the Nintendo Switch software, and a set of AR cardboard checkpoints and arrows to create your own racecourses!

Mixed-Reality Racing

Using the Home Circuit Live software on your Switch console, you can control the kart using the switch as both the remote and viewfinder. The vehicle streams the footage wirelessly to your switch console, giving you a head’s up view of the action. You can even use the Joy-Con remotes to control the vehicle directly without the use of the screen. While the karts themselves are not the fastest, the cockpit view on the screen offers a much faster impression of speed, with the track appearing larger than life.

Building your own courses is handled in the software using an intuitive “Track Paint” mode. Drive the vehicle around the room to draw your very own racetrack, passing through the numbered cardboard AR checkpoints to form a complete circuit. The course is then created before your eyes, with the sides of the tracks shown from within your camera’s display. Place virtual obstacles in-game around the real-world track, including favorites such as speed boosts, Piranha plants, item boxes, ice blocks, lava pits, and more! You can even get creative and mix in your own real-world obstacles for added thrills! 24 Course styles are available to mix and match.

Tracks can then either be raced against friends and family, supporting multiple vehicles in interactive multiplayer races, or even against AI opponents in single-player modes, complete with Mario Kart staple gameplay such as battling with items along the course!

For a bigger view, you can even use the switch in docked mode to get a grand view of the action from your TV. The heads up display also shows both signal strength and battery life for the vehicle, which can be charged either from the dock with the included USB cable or the switch’s own power supply. Unfortunately, the software cannot record gameplay clips via the native Switch capture methods, although it is possible to use HDMI capture hardware to bypass this limit.

The Verdict

Currently available in either a Mario or Luigi design, there’s no doubt that other characters could soon follow if the set proves to be popular. Luckily, Nintendo has learned from their long history of stocking issues with popular products such as the NES Mini and Ring-Fit Adventure, meaning they’ll be plenty of fun to go around

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DIY Programmable Kits

STEM-ulating Options
Learning doesn’t always have to be boring! These camera-equipped DIY kits not only provide hours of fun but are a great educational tool to help kids learn both engineering and programming skills.

1. Yahboom UNO R3 – DIY Smart Robot Car Kit With Camera

Editor’s Rating: 3.6/5

Robot Car Kit | 8″ x 4″ x 8″ | Ages 12+

See The Yahboom UNO R3

Type: Robot Car Kit
Scale: 8″ x 4″ x 8″
Radio System: N/A
App Control: Android
Camera: Removable 2-axis 180° pan-and-tilt
VR Headset: N/A
Control Range: Wi-Fi App control distance up to 100ft
Max Speed: N/A
Drivetrain: 2WD
Batteries: Rechargeable, x2 3.7V Lithium-Ion (included) recharged from the included power cable
Run Time: N/A
Charge Time: N/A
Recommended Age: 12+

This DIY kit from Yahboom is a great all in one project with everything you need to create your own RC robot camera car!

All in one Arduino kit

Unlike the SunFounder Pi kit, which relies on the purchase and use of a separate raspberry Pi to configure, the Uno R3 comes with everything you need out of the box, controlled by a bespoke Ardunio PCB that connects via USB to any computer to program with the included software. The board is simple to install, with no additional soldering required for any of the wirings between components. A detailed instructional guide can be found loaded onto the included CD. Offering not only an engaging introduction to programming, but circuit building, electronics, and RC kits, making it accessible to any age or skill level.

The robot includes required servos, motors, wifi modules, an RGB lighting module, sensors, batteries, and a camera, which all come together to form a great-looking little rover. Speaking of good looking, it’s servo-controlled camera assembly allows for remote tilt and panning functions on the camera enabling a fantastic remote camera experience. 

Programming and use 

The software and Yahboom website includes a comprehensive guide on programming the Arduino PCB, with detailed guides and lessons from general Ardunio programming, to creating your own pre-set routines and more. Either using Yahboom’s premade code or using your own, you can configure the robot to be controlled remotely or to use its sensors to navigate on its own. You can also program support for the included IR remote, which gives you direct control of your robot, along with detailed explanations for how and why everything works. Other methods of control include wifi, app-based controls with the YahboomRobot app (Android), as well as plenty of other methods that can be explored as your programming knowledge grows. The app supports capturing and live previewing of videos and still shots and offers a fast response in ideal network conditions. 

The Verdict

With everything included in the box to get started, the Yahboom UNO R3 provides an exciting introduction to the world of robotics, programming, and remote control vehicles, making it the perfect gift for curious kids or anyone wishing to learn new programming skills in a fun, practical way.

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2. SunFounder PiCarV V2.0 – DIY Smart Robot Car Kit with Camera

Editor’s Rating: 3.7/5

Robot Car Kit | 10″ x 7″ x 3″ | Ages 12+

See The SunFounder PiCarV V2.0

Type: Robot Car Kit
Scale: 10″ x 7″ x 3″
Radio System: N/A
App Control: Web Browser Support
Camera: Removable 8MP 2-axis 120° pan-and-tilt
VR Headset: N/A
Control Range: Dependant on home Wi-Fi signal quality
Max Speed: N/A
Drivetrain: 2WD
Batteries: Rechargeable, x2 3.7V Lithium-Ion (included) recharged from the included power cable
Run Time: N/A
Charge Time: N/A
Recommended Age: 12+

For those who enjoy a project, SunFounder has a new kit for anyone looking to take their first steps into programming, with a Wi-Fi camera-enabled robot car to tinker with!

Features

While the base chassis doesn’t include the computer itself, a Raspberry Pi B+, 2, or 3 compatible boards can be installed and programmed to create endless functions and routines. Anything you can imagine, from a motion-sensing security droid to a remote controllable recon car! The only limits are how far you wish to push the Raspberry Pi!

Any number of languages can be used, with the included instructions using python and Dragit, a GUI based tool. And using the included, however somewhat limited, and on occasion, incorrect documentation will run you through the basics of operation. Still, your creativity can take it far beyond what SunFounder provides.

Build & Assembly

Not including the Pi itself, a set of CR18650 batteries, a Micro SD card, a card reader, and a separate computer are required for setup. However, tools to build the car itself are all included. Alternatively, a bundle with a Pi and memory card can be purchased if you don’t already have your own.

Assembly will take a few hours, with programming taking a while longer. However, it’s recommended to program the Pi before installing it into the chassis as access to some required ports is rather difficult once in place, though those with the technical know-how can find various workarounds for this, such as FTP servers and other networking options for remote access.

Once fully built and configured, you’ll have full control of the steering and control of the camera’s panning servo, with a full 120° of motion available. While the included camera isn’t the highest quality, at just 8-megapixels, it’s connected by USB, meaning with a bit of makeshift work, it could be upgraded in the future.

The Picar is not built for speed, with top speeds around 8 mph, though this can be configured according to how you program the Pi. The latency for controls will depend on your networking hardware’s speed, the method of control, and the effectiveness of your code.

The Verdict

Programming is a great skill to learn from any age, and no matter if you’re a new or experienced coder, anyone can appreciate the instant gratification from well-executed code with results you can really see. If you’re a robot enthusiast or looking for a fun way to learn how to program, look no further. The SunFounder PiCarV V2.0 is a hands-on learning experience and programming sandbox that continues growing along with your coding skills and imagination to offer endless entertainment.

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Buying Advice

• Expandability
• Camera
• Camera Functionality
• Toy-Grade vs Hobby-Grade
• Gyroscopes & Driving Assists
• Telemetry systems
• RTR vs KITs
• Remote Control Types
• Run-Time & Batteries
• Connectivity
• Size & Scale

Expandability

Looking to expand your RC collection? Check out our Curated Buyers Guides or find more RC toy reviews below.

• Best RC Cars With Built-in Cameras
• Best RC Stunt Cars

Camera & Storage

The main draw for any wifi camera-enabled car is, of course, the camera itself. Depending on the price range, these can be anything from rather low resolution, low framerate affairs, to blisteringly smooth 1080p, with most finding a reasonable middle ground at 720p. How much this means to you will depend on your primary use scenario. Do you plan on recording footage to be blown up to a TV later? Or do you want to view it in real-time on a mobile device? Latency is another thing to consider, especially with head-mounted displays. The higher the latency between your device and the camera, the higher the risk of motion sickness and headaches can occur.

You may also want to consider if the camera will save to local storage on the camera itself, or remotely via an app on your phone. Local storage will give you the best possible image quality, being saved directly to (In most cases) A Micro SD card. Remote recording can be interrupted by things such as connection quality, possibly leading to choppy or missing footage at further ranges.

Camera Functionality

With camera-enabled vehicles, a range of functions may be available. Some just include simple remote viewing of the car’s camera, while others allow for recording and playback of footage. One of the bigger draws for camera-mounted vehicles is the possibility for First Person View (FPV) driving. Using an included app and head-mounted display (Either included or via a Google Cardboard compatible headset), You can see the action from the car as if you were there! Other functionality can consist of remote on/off functions for the camera or engine, controlling of lights, trim adjustment for wheels, and much more.

Toy-Grade vs Hobby-Grade

Volume & Mute switches

While sound effects and music might be great fun for those playing, sometimes others around might not appreciate the noise. In those instances, you’ll appreciate the addition of features like volume controls and mute switches, that’ll allow the action to continue without all the racket. A lifesaver for parents!

Construction & Build Quality

While shopping for a new model, it’s essential to consider where you will be using it. If you plan on off-road bashing over high jumps with hard landings, the build materials have to be durable enough to withstand that level of impact. If you plan on keeping things close to the ground, either indoor or on-road, this becomes less of a problem.

With cheaper models relying more on plastic pieces, this brings the cost and weight down, at the expense of durability. More expensive models will typically use more metal in the construction, usually consisting of steel or aluminum on the chassis plate, suspension assembly, wheelbases, and drivetrain.

These upgrades both increase the strength and amount of stress the parts can withstand before breaking. While metal is usually more durable than plastic, you can often find polymer plastics that are just as durable as metal, but without the added weight. When purchasing models that contain moving parts, such as RC construction equipment, you can typically find more expensive models using metal on load-bearing stress points.

Air-Filled Shocks VS Oil-filled shocks

One of the most common differences between toy-grade models and something approaching more hobby-grade is the use of oil-filled shock towers. Also known as dampers, these, as their name suggests, dampen the movements of the suspension’s spring to provide a more consistent and predictable driving experience. 

Oil-filled shocks consist of a piston within a sealed tube supplying counter pressure when the weight of the car depresses on the piston and spring.

Cheaper toy-grade products will typically use a chamber, piston, and cap made of plastic, and sometimes even the central shaft too will also be constructed from plastic. The chambers will usually only be filled with air, providing little resistance when in use. The use of plastic materials also severely reduces the durability of parts, with wear and tear from friction across parts becoming a much more significant issue.

In Hobby-grade models, the shock shaft, springs, and caps will usually be constructed from Aluminium, with some going as far as to include an Aluminum built shock body chamber casing. These upgrades, as well as filling the chamber with different weight shock oils, can dramatically change the performance and handling of a vehicle when compared to air-filled shocks.

The use of different weight shock oils also provides a chance to tune your suspension to your liking, using lighter oils on bumpier tracks for a faster response, or thicker oils on smooth tracks for consistent downforce. Thicker oils are also great for taking big jumps without bottoming out the suspension.

Pistons, consisting of a small circular disc, typically can be adjusted with more (or less) holes to improve responsiveness by limiting the amount of oil that can pass through with any single compression and rebound. These adjustments are all appealing for those who want to fine-tune exactly how their car performs on any one surface.

For casual owners, kids, or beginners new to RC Cars, many higher-end RTR models will come with pre-assembled and pre-filled shocks, allowing you to jump straight into the fun with the option for tuning later.

Linear Vs Proportional Steering

With linear steering, your options are somewhat limited. A left turn will always push your wheels as far left as they can go, resulting in limited control and maneuverability. Many toy-grade products tend to stick with linear steering as it’s cheaper for both the transmitter and receiver.

Mid-tier and hobby-grade RTR’s, and most kits will have support for proportional steering. Typically with the use of a Steer wheel controller for increased control, these allow for the wheels to turn proportionally to how much you turn the wheel. This unquestionably gives more fine control at higher speeds, allowing for slight steering corrections.

Linear Vs Proportional Acceleration

Proportional acceleration works in much the same way as steering, giving much more control to the driver over throttle control. Proportional acceleration offers much more flexibility and control with the power output for the motor being able to be directly scaled by how hard you push the accelerator. This is another option typical with Steer wheel controllers, with the use of its trigger providing smooth dialing in of power with a broader range of motion when compared to a dual-stick transmitter.

Differential Differences – Gear Diff Vs Ball Diff

Unless you’re buying the very cheapest toy-grade models on the market, which will typically only drive a single locked axle, nearly all RC vehicles will come with some form of differential. 

A differential is a set of gears that control the number of rotations going to either side of an axle, and thus the wheels, at any one time. It works to split the difference in speed between both wheels while cornering, to provide simultaneous power to each side, while accounting for the difference in speed needed between each wheel to turn without slipping. 

In a straight line, the motor and differential will be supplying an equal amount of power. However, while steering, the differential ensures both wheels turn with enough speed to take the vehicle around a corner, all from the single motor.

When cornering, the inside wheel will have less distance to travel when compared to the outside wheel to turn effectively; Thus, the outer wheel requires more RPM to compensate. Without a differential, the inside wheel must slip on the surface.

The differential works to split the difference between the inside and outside wheels automatically. For example, when driving straight with a 200RPM motor, both wheels will receive 100RPM of power. In a left turn, the left wheel would only require 50RPM, with the differential automatically supplying the difference to the outside wheel to compensate, providing it with 150RPM. The diff helps to ensure none of the power from the driving motor is being wasted and improves handling at the same time. 

There are two major types of differential, each with its own pros and cons.

Gear diffs use a series of internal moving gears inside a larger gear enclosure and can offer much more power without wearing out. These offer much more adjustability with the use of silicone fluids that can adjust how freely the gears can spin, offering different levels based on your liking. However, adjustments will often require complete removal and disassembly from the vehicle.

Ball diffs use a series of ball bearings against an internal ring, providing a smoother level of output, but requiring much more maintenance. Ball diffs also struggle under higher torque applications such as 4WD cars or higher-speed engines. While some can be adjusted, their range is often much more limited than gear diffs but can be changed much quicker.

Both of the above examples are known as open-differentials. This means that the wheels can spin independently of each other.

In some cases, such as drag racing and off-roading, users may require both the wheels to turn on its axle at the same rate. This is known as a locked differential. While losing the benefit gained in the corners, a locked differential provides equal power to both wheels, regardless of the amount of traction a single wheel has.

With most toy-grade models, you’ll be lucky if you find one with an open differential. Most cheaper RTR’s will eventually require maintenance, especially with ball diffs, to prevent clogging and uneven wear with regular cleaning and re-greasing. Some hobby-grade models may even have multiple differentials, allowing more granular control between each wheel.

Gyroscopes & Driving Assists

Many higher-end models either include in the vehicle or can be upgraded with modules that offer real-time driving and stability assistance to the vehicle with the use of a gyroscope. These additions work in a similar way to the gyros found on flying drones to keep flight level, but in RC cars work to keep the vehicle straight on fast launches and while driving at high speeds. By measuring the angle the car is moving, relative to where the driver is trying to steer, the software automatically adjusts the steering servo to counteract several unwanted scenarios such as oversteer, torque steer, bump steer, and more.

Driving assists will generally come with a granular level of adjustment, either physically on the module itself, or via compatible transmitter or mobile app. This allows you to fine-tune the amount of assist, from completely off with no assistance, or only mild aid to help with actions such as drifting.

These systems can go by several different names depending on the manufacturer. However, they all work using the same principles. If it’s actively correcting steering for you, it’s using a gyro system.

Telemetry Systems

A feature often included with higher-end models is the use of telemetry systems. Using a range of sensors on the vehicle monitoring information that is sent back to the transmitter, you can quickly and remotely check on the status of your vehicle in real-time. While generally included in the box for more expensive models, for some, this may be an optional feature that can be included for an additional cost by the manufacturer with supported hardware.  

Most RTR models will often make use of an app-specific to that manufacturer, which, on a smartphone that’s paired to the transmitter via Bluetooth, can give a vast amount of real-time information and adjustable settings.

These can often include, but are not limited to:

• Driving information: Motor RPM, current & top speed readings, motor temperature, ESC temperature, GPS mapping
• Battery health: Battery voltages, cell balance, battery temperatures
• Adjustments: Steering and trim adjustments, stability management, throttle and braking endpoints, custom profile saving.

Others can alternatively make use of third-party sensors to add functionality where it was initially lacking. Though you should make sure your transmitter, receiver, and ESC are compatible.

There are also third-party transmitters with built-in screens for telemetry readouts that don’t require the use of a paired smartphone, such as the Futaba 7PX or 4PV transmitters.

RTR vs KITS

A true Ready-To-Run (RTR) will include everything you need to get going included in the box. However, some models may require a battery and compatible charger, allowing you to use your own or purchase one that suits the level of power you require. Almost Ready-To-Runs (ARTR) models usually require body painting, decals applying, and a few other small jobs before they can be used. 

A Kit model comes disassembled, with instructions on how to piece together the finished model from the included parts. Kits can either come with all necessary parts to run a functioning vehicle or may require extra investment on some components that are not included. Some barebones kits will also omit pieces such as motors, ESC’s, radios, and servos allowing for buyers to supply their own to personalize their experience.

What will I need To Build A Kit?

While some models will come with tools to help you get going, many will expect you to own a variety of different tools. While this is not a comprehensive list, the most common tools required include:

While this list is by no means extensive, these are the most commonly used tools during the build process. However, plenty more options and devices exist to make building easier, if it’s something you regularly plan to do.

Check out our Best RC Accessories for 2020.

Recommended Age for RC Kits

Depending on the difficulty of the kit, and level of technical skill of the builder, many kits can be attempted either alone, or with help from early teenage years. While some may take some help from an adult when starting at younger ages, it can be a great bonding experience to complete a kit together. 

Build Time

Kits can take anywhere from a few hours of solid work to get a moving car, to multiple days to finish and tune the vehicle for peak performance completely. This may also depend on other factors, such as learning curves, quality of the instruction manuals, and experience. Tuning things like arm angles, suspension strength or height, and other tweaks can take a while to perfect but are all part of the experience of kit building. While some builds may seem daunting, there’s often plenty of help and tutorials online to teach you the basics or even follow along builds to help you along the way.

Want to learn more about kits? Check out An Introduction to Remote Control Cars in 2020 by Matt Benfield.

Remote Control Types

Dual Stick

The most common remotes you will find come in 2 distinct styles. One is the more traditional “Dual stick” type transmitter, using a more familiar gamepad style layout, with steering and acceleration placed on individual sticks, with any extra functions placed around these.

Steer Wheel Control

The alternative is the more recent “Steer Wheel” style transmitter. With a trigger for acceleration and braking, and a steering wheel style dial for turning left and right.

App Control

Most camera-enabled RC Cars can be controlled using an included remote. However, you may find some include extra options when paired with a companion smartphone app.

Some may allow for things like Gyroscopic or Touch controlled steering via the app, which may or may not be more responsive than using the included remote.

Run-Time & Batteries

Budget & Toy-Grade Models

While essential for all remote control models, battery power can come in many different forms, shapes, sizes, and standards. While models in the past would often rely on simple disposable batteries, there’s been plenty of developments in the toy and budget price points. In recent years, many toy-grade models have begun shipping with rechargeable batteries included, which will typically come with its USB charging cable.

Some models may be more convenient than others when it comes to charging. Occasionally, this may be accessible in the form of an integrated charging port, though often this is not the case, and the battery will need to be disconnected and removed from the vehicle before connecting to the charger.

Micro Models

With smaller sizes, such as micro size vehicles, come more humble performance. With some vehicles containing rechargeable batteries that are powered from the remote, generally with an integrated cable, playtime may be as short as a few minutes burst at a time. However, those with larger internal batteries, or models that use standard disposable batteries, run time can last much longer, but with a considerable wait for charging. It’s essential to be realistic about the amount of time you expect to run at one time. If longer, uninterrupted play sessions are important, you may wish to invest in a larger model.

Hobby-Grade

When purchasing a KIT or RTR model, it’s essential to check if it comes with its own batteries, or requires separate batteries to be purchased. Models may support a range of different configurations that can depend on several factors, such as the battery pack’s physical size or shape, the number of battery cells it contains, and the maximum power the ESC can handle.

The main three forms of rechargeable batteries found on RC Cars are:

Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) offering powerful output and capacity but can be more volatile and the most expensive, they also require careful management of voltages during storage. They are typically saved for more powerful models. These will typically be displayed with a cell count, such as 2S for two cells, 3S for three, etc.

To learn more about the differences, safe caring, and charging of Lipo batteries, check An Introduction to Remote Control Cars in 2020 by Matt Benfield.

Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) is a middle of the road option, and most common in mid-range price points, offering a nice balance between price and performance.

Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) is an older form of battery that still sees some use in lower-end models and toys but has the lowest capacity and typically the lowest power output.

Information on different configurations can be found within the model’s specifications. These can consist of options such as individual Ni-Cd packs, or in the case of a LiPo setup, power can be scaled based on cells. For example, A model may support a single 3S or 6S Battery or may support a pair of 3S batteries to provide the same power as a single 6S pack.

Other factors can include the physical connectors that the batteries have, with some manufacturers like Traxxas and Tamiya having their own propriety connectors. While most of the differences between connectors are just the shape and mounting methods, they can also be rated for different maximum amps. To learn more about the differences and applications of each connector, a helpful guide can be found here.

Connectivity

Connectivity is an important factor to consider depending on your use scenario.

MHz Crystals

The oldest and cheapest form of radios used would contain MHz crystals, which would be limited to controlling only devices running with a receiver fitted with the same frequency crystal. This prevents multiple models from being run in close proximity unless they are running a different frequency crystal.

2.4GHz

2.4GHz devices are the most commonly found transmitters and receivers on the market today, eliminating most of the downsides of previous generations with more reliable connections, extended operating range, and allowing multiple devices to work within the same area with no interference.

Bluetooth

Another connection type that is becoming more common is Bluetooth, enabling the model to be controlled using a smartphone via an app. Occasionally a Bluetooth enabled model may have settings or telemetry options available to view via the smartphone itself.

Infrared (IR)

Less common, and generally reserved for toy-grade products, is IR technology, which uses beams of light to communicate to the device. While being cheap, this can often have downsides such as increased latency between commands and responses, requiring a constant line of sight to achieve connection, and can offer varying levels of response depending on conditions.

Size & Scale

RC Models can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. From Mini-Z and small 1:26 scale micro models, 1:14 and 1:16 scale models in the middle ground, to the most popular class of 1:10 scale models. Up to 1:8 scale and larger.

It’s also important to consider that the scale is based on the relative size of the real thing, with models like a monster truck, tanks, or construction equipment being much larger models even at smaller scales. While the scale is not an indication of power, you will generally find more powerful performing hardware on larger scale models.