GoPro Session is becoming a popular HD camera to use on mini quads due to its compact size, but it’s expensive! Here I have the new Runcam 3 which is designed for FPV and supposed to be much cheaper yet maintains the same form factor.
Update (27 Aug 2018): Runcam has released a new version – Runcam 3S Camera!
Make sure to check out our guide on how to choose a great HD camera for mini quad.
In this initial review we will compare the appearance, features, and performance of the two cameras.
Appearance
Table of Contents
Housing and Dimension
The Runcam still maintains the iconic bright orange colour. Many prefer orange colour because it’s easier to spot on the ground when crashed.
In terms of dimension, the Runcam 3 is nearly identical to the Session, both have width and height of 38mm. However the Runcam 3 is 1.5mm longer in length.
Also it’s worth noticing that on the Session 5, the 4 edges of the housing are a bit more rounded than the Runcam 3, making the Runcam incompatible with the mounting frame that comes with the Session.
The Session 5 has rubber housing while the Runcam 3 is made of hard plastic.
Button
There are 2 buttons on this camera, a shutter button (located on top), and a mode button (located on the back).
Mic
There are 2 microphones on the camera (located on top and back), and they are optimized to minimize wind noise.
USB Port
It uses Micro USB cable.
SD card slot
SD card slot is protected by a rubber lid so your SD is not going to pop out in crashes.
Silicone Mount
It comes with a silicone mount that is designed to be mounted on top of your mini quad. It also fits the session perfectly.
When using the rubber mount, It’s recommended to use a strap to hold the camera in place. Therefore you also don’t have to worry about dirt getting into the USB port, or SD card popping out (even there is already a rubber lid).
Features and Spec
| Runcam 3 | Session 5 | |
| Price | $99 | $300 |
| Weight | 66g | 72.5g |
| Dimension | 38x38x37.5mm | 38x38x36mm |
| Video Resolution | 1080p 60fps 720p 120fps | 4K 30fps 2.7K 48fps 1080p 90fps 720p 120fps |
| Video File Format | .MOV | .MP4 |
| Video Max Bitrate | 30Mbps | 30Mbps 45Mbps(protune) |
| Still Photo | 2MP | 10MP |
| Recording Time | 85 mins @1080p60fps | 90 mins @1080p60fps |
| USB Port | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Superview | No | Yes |
| Video Out for FPV | Yes | No |
| Water Proof | No | Yes |
| Image Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Voice Control | No | Yes |
| Smart Phone APP | Yes | Yes |
Since the Runcam 3 is designed for FPV, Waterproof and Digital Image Stabilization aren’t really that a big deal IMO.
The Runcam 3 also has one of the lowest latency in video out mode, making it a great camera for FPV live feed while recording HD footage.
Image Quality
WDR is awesome on this camera. I didn’t even change any settings and it worked pretty well in many extreme situations such as pointing directly to the Sun or coming out of a dark tunnel. In these cases, the GoPro Session 5 just seemed to be either over-exposed or under-exposed.
Typo here in the photo, on the left is Session 5, right is Runcam 3.
I am comparing these cameras with their default settings. I am sure the GoPro could have performed better in these tests, but it might require some tweaking on the settings in each environment (white balance, ISO etc).
And for FOV, the Runcam 3 doesn’t do Superview. Personally I’m a big fan of GoPro’s Superview and I did ask Runcam repeatedly, but it’s just not possible at this stage unfortunately. The good news is, under “Wide” the FOV of the Runcam 3 and Session 5 are pretty similar.
Some more tests on a sunny day – this time I have Protune turned on for the GoPro.
Noon.
Evening.
WDR
One of the most important features to the Runcam 3 is the capability of WDR (wide dynamic range), which is optimized for FPV flying. It does make a huge difference when you have both dark and bright spots in one single image!
And Exposure value seems to affect the effectiveness of WDR. So depends on the environment you can fine tune it. It just shows that even with WDR you still need to adjust exposure to get the best possible image, depends on the environment and your preference.
However when WDR is tuned on, the image colour would appear to be a bit colder, kind of green-ish… One solution is to set a different white balance option, instead of using Auto.
Runcam is still working on improving image quality before the release. There are footage samples on the internet from the prototypes, however that might not be exactly how it will look like in the production version. Therefore I will publish footage when they have finished optimizing the image quality. Come back to check on a later date, or join our forum or FB group to receive notifications.
At this stage, I think the Runcam 3 makes a really good beginner HD camera, something you can just put on your quad, go out and fly. The GoPro provides the option to film in Flat Color, which gives the user more flexibility to colour correct in post production, and it’s not available in the Runcam 3. If you do a lot of video editing you might find the Session more powerful.
Another big consideration is the WDR, which is a great feature IMO and there is nothing like it on the market.
Footage Comparison
I am comparing the Runcam3 with Session5 with Superview and Protune on, because that’s what most people would be using on the GoPro, putting these images side by side would give a better impression what true differences there are.
It’s quite clearly GoPro has a much larger FOV, which is important for some people. But image quality wise, the Runcam 3 is so close to the Session 5, it’s even better in some high-light-contrast situations if you look closer. The image colour of the Runcam looks realistic and not over-saturated.
Please note that all footage is raw, only edit was the trimming.
Audio Quality Test
Audio test is included in the end of last video.
GoPro has a crispier and loader audio. But if you were using it for FPV, all you could hear is prop/motor noise anyway so that might not be a huge problem.
Video out Latency Test
Coming soon…
The Runcam 3 supports video out that allows you to use it for FPV real-time camera. On the GoPro 5, they have change the connector and I believe they have replaced AV output with HDMI video output, which is no longer compatible with the analogue video transmitter we use for FPV.
I was told latency of the Runcam 3 can match (or even better than) the Runcam 2, which only has about 40ms-50ms.
I will test the video latency of Runcam 3 with FPV cameras, just waiting for the video out cable…
No Dashcam?!
It’s worth pointing out that in the manual it says this:
Never use Runcam3 as a dashcam, this may damage the camera battery and create a safety hazard.
I was told by the camera manufacturer, due to the design of the enclosed housing, cooling has been a challenge, and I should avoid using the camera without good airflow. So the Runcam 3 is created for FPV use mainly!
What Are The Advantage of the Session 5?
I only bought the Session 5 a few days ago, so I am totally new to it. But I will try to update what I find as I learn more.
LCD Screen
Firstly I really like the little built-in LCD screen on the Session, that allows you to change settings right on the camera. With the Runcam 3 you will have to use a Smart Phone to do so. But saying that, I really don’t see myself changing settings on the Runcam once I have it tuned to my liking.
Features
Other features like Digital Stabilization, Voice Control, are sometimes useful like taking on a holiday trip. But if you are strictly using it for FPV then these are not that a big deal. Waterproof is actually a more important feature for me, there are times we fly over water or snow… :)
Warranty
In some countries (e.g. US and UK), GoPro warranty is available for some $20/year, which covers physical damage. Some might prefer the Gopro for this reason only! But I believe these insurance doesn’t cover camera lost, which means if you had a fly away, or if you had a cliff dive and lost the camera, then you are not covered.
FAQ
Since I posted info on IntoFPV.com, I have been messaged with questions, so I thought I might answer some of the popular ones here:
How to change settings?
There will be an APP available on iOS and Android. Camera can be connected via WIFI.
Smaller FOV?
When comparing the footage, the Runcam 3 does look a little bit smaller in field of view. However when I asked Runcam about this, they explained that the 2 cameras actually have almost the same horizontal FOV, but the vertical FOV of Session 5 is wider maybe that’s why.
Does Runcam 3 have Superview?
No, the Runcam 3 cannot do Superview at the moment.
From my understanding, the Superview of Session 5 is achieved by converting screen format from 4:3 to 16:9. But Runcam 3 can only record videos with screen aspect ratio of 16:9.
Release date?
I was told end of Feb 2017. Update: now looking more likely to be March.
Is it possible to change battery between flights?
No, the design doesn’t allow battery changing easily. You might have to take the camera apart, which is probably something we won’t do in the field.
Is it possible to charge the camera while filming?
Yes, the camera can accept 5V-17V external power (from spec). But it’s not recommended by Runcam as it’s bad for the battery. Working current is 600mA.
Why no 4K?!
I have 4K on my Gopro, and I barely use it in my filming (whether FPV or non-FPV). The majority of us don’t have a 4K monitor to view the 4K footage. At the moment, I believe 99% of us still use 1080p60fps for FPV.
How to update firmware?
Simply download the firmware file (.brn), put it on your SD card, the top directory.
Put the SD card back in your camera, and power it on, the camera LED will start flashing quickly and it will do the rest. Updating should only take 1-2 minutes, and when it finishes it will turn off automatically. You can check the version of the firmware in the Mobile App.
Update 20 March 2017
Silicone mount – Runcam decided not to supply this mount for the camera, as the material is too soft.
Update 04 May 2017
Runcam 3 has been discontinued from the US market, due to possible ornamental design infringement with GoPro session. The camera company will stop sales of the Runcam 3 in the US by 11 of May. It’s been confirmed personally by me with Runcam. It’s not clear yet at this stage if this will affect other region and countries.
Some orders placed with distributors in the US have been cancelled and refunded. However if you still wish to buy this camera, you can try to purchase directly from Runcam’s website or Banggood.
Any Other Questions? Just comment down below.
54 comments
looking to buy the fpv mount for the run cam 3 do you sell it seperately
Hi Oscar,
I own 2 Runcam 3s. I loved them both until i got an sd card error on 1 and the battery will not charge on the other. So now both of them are not working correctly. Ive tried 3 sd cards and it just says “sd card undetected”. As for the other, it will work fully only on usb cable attached, no power on without usb cable. I live in the US and i dont know what to do because of the discontinued status. What would your advice be? Thanks!
Runcam should still support the units you bought, They still have some left over maybe they can send you replacement, get in touch with them.
Oscar,
You really put together great articles and I really appreciate your input on all things KWADS. When researching the runcam 3 I happened across this web site espritoutdoor.wordpress.com/2017/02/ where it looks as if a wordpress blogger copied and pasted your entire article. Not sure if this concerns you or not, just thought I’d let you know.
Thanks again for all of your hard work.
thanks for the kind words Chris and heads up. We’ll contact the guy.
Hi
has anyone a stl File for a Mount or better an enclosure that protect it?
Dr.One
I am using Session5 mounts printed in TPU.. lots of different designs on Thingiverse..
The only thing I need to change is the size, i have to make it 103% larger to fit the Runcam 3.
Great review. Do you think the Runcam can fit any of the s=Session aftermarket diving housings? The housing from Runcam is only good to 33ft or so.
i don’t think so, the dimension isn’t exactly the same.
Flexible housing like TPU might fit, but hard plastic might not.
Dear Oscar,
Thank you for a great detailed review.
Maybe you have and could share full size, not croped/resized photos from runcam3?
Thank you in advance
Do you know if the runcam3 has external mic capability?
Cheers
same question. I’m planning to use it for Paramotoring and I will need to connect a mic to it.
No it doesn’t.
Have you seen these reports of folks cameras being out of focus?
no not really, I have tried 3 cameras and they don’t have issue with focus.
Hi,
the Silicone Mount it’s the same for session? Same measurement?
The Runcam 3 is a tiny bit bigger than the session.. but the rubber mount fits perfectly though.
If they have decided to not supply the silicone mount, how will I mount this to my quad?
you will have to 3D print mounts yourself… normal Session mounts work for the runcam 3
Hi left and right gopro? or do you mean right= runcam?
https://oscarliang.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/runcam-3-wdr-comparison-gopro-session-5.jpg
Yes, I already pointed out in the image caption :)
Hi super Oscar :)
Can you put pressure on them in order to allow recording with PAL framerates like 25fps & 50fps! Any other cameras on the market can do that but for some reasons, Runcam does not want to do it!
Have a great weekend
You mean video out??
I thought your VTX can’t transmit 50fps anyway why would you want that ?! LOL it sounds like a niche demand
PAL frequency recording means you avoid beat frequencies when filming under artificial light. NTSC and PAL are different cos we have different standards of mains AC
I like the mount, any idea what angle it’s at?
I think it’s 30 degree..
Surely the sensor is 4:3 and the software is simply cutting it. Very sad to here that it will never get 4:3 (for whatever reason) and superview is never going to happen :( Maybe it was a cooling issue. Who knows….
dang.. you were just the person I was hoping to say “I can fix that!”…
Great comparison Oscar. Have you checked out the Polaroid Cube?
not really, it can only do 30fps, and it has a very narrow FOV… so not even considering it.
Looking at the images supplied there is a big diff. in dynamic range which should be the main factor as most vids will be dubbed.
Like i mentioned in the conclusion, I think the RC3 will make a good cam for those who don’t want to do much video editing, the footage will come out looking pretty nice already. However the Gopro allows more flexibility in editing and also kind of required, if you want footage to look great. And superview is another great feature that is missing in the RC3.
Hi Oscar!
This is great info and I am looking forward to more. I am actually about to replace my Xiaomi Yi and the RunCam 3 is looking good! Do you have a way and if so would you be willing to do a comparison of the RC3 with the Yi? If it makes it more worth your time maybe do it against a few other popular options including the Yi. Also what do you think the chances are that there would be scripts made for the RC3 to unlock features much like the Yi. Superview is really just recording with the full sensor and the the software stretches it out to 16:9. I am ok with the Wide setting of the RC3 but if I could get “superview” through a hack I would jump on it.
thanks Oscar!
Yes I will try to do a comparison between the Yi. I don’t think Superview is possible on the current RC3 as it cannot film at 4:3.
It would be interesting to see Runcam2 and Runcam3 compared.
DWR on the RC2 is not fantastic. But maybe they learned a few tricks from the Eagle to incorporate int the RC3 ?
Hi Oscar,
I hope they have made improvements on the audio. To me, this has always been an annoying quality of every iteration of their models that have come out. Video is almost there but you are paying less but the audio is horrible compaired to mobuis and polaroid(the other cheapies).
Battery time is a big question for runcam
Runcam 2 was pretty hungry and this battery even smaller I guess.
How long it lasts in record mode?
over 65 mins on mine.
It would go even longer with WDR turned off.
Interesting. Just received a new one – 32 minutes of recording…. I think this cam have 2 batteries inside, and maybe one of them is DOA?
That sounds possible, if you have tried fully charging the camera.
The “customized cable” for the gopro is actually a USB type c cable.
haha yea you are right, updated now :) Thank you!
Do you have the bitrate and hardware/CPU information for the camera? this is really the most important information to determine the comparible quality! thanks for your reviews as always!
That’s something they might further optimize before the release… But for now, the bitrate I am getting is 30Mbps, slightly higher than the session 5
Session 5 bitrate is 45Mbpsfor protune and 30Mbps for non protune.
Yes you are right, on the GoPro it’s more like 29Mbps for me when protune is off.
Typo on the first image of Image quality; both pictures are labeled as Go Pro session, no Runcam 3.
thanks :) yea I copied and paste the text and forgot to edit it! but you get which is which!
Hi Oscar – can you say whether the battery is removable and it can run on 5v?
I asked them about removable batteries, even before they had the prototype ready… But the answer I got at the time was no, the design just won’t allow it. So the camera is really not designed to have the battery removed by user…
However I will take it apart and have a look inside after I’ve done the testing… See how tricky it is to remove the bat :)
From memory I think they said it can run on 5V, but I haven’t received the power cable from them yet to test this. But they also discourage users doing so, as it’s a bad practice for overall battery life.
mmm ok so not sure yet…great let us know how your experiment goes…if we could take out battery, and bring the weight down to say 40g that would give it a real solid advantage over Session…
Exatamente como acontece com a GoPro, utilizei a alimentação dos 5V de um F550 que eu tinha na GoPro e acabei por quase inutilizar a bateria dela.
Audio. Compare the audio of both GoPro and Runcam. Image quality is a wash but audio is deal breaker. If RunCam can match the audio quality of a GoPro, they have winner. Otherwise….pass.
Interesting, I have yet to test the audio, hopefully the next few days.
What’s your thoughts on Runcam’s audio? How is GoPro’s audio better?