The Runcam Split Hybrid is a “dual-camera” system which offers up to 4K HD recording and low latency high performance FPV feed. In this review we will take a look at the specs/features and how it performs on a mini quad.
Where to Buy Runcam Hybrid Camera?
Banggood: http://bit.ly/runcam-hybrid1 (price dropped to $89.99 with coupon: BGBCBG10)
It comes with the following accessories:
- 3-pin silicon cable
- plastic cover for the SD card (prevents ejection)
- M2 nylon screws, standoffs and nuts
Specs
- Voltage Input: 5V to 20V
- Current Consumption: 480mA at 5V, 140mA at 12V
- Field of View (FOV): HD FOV 145°, FPV FOV: 150° (4:3)
- Video Resolution:
- 4K@30fps
- 2.7K@60fps
- 2.7K@50fps
- 1080P@120fps
- 1080P@100fps
- 1080P@60fps
- 1080P@50fps
- Video File Format: MP4
- NTSC/PAL switchable
- Camera size: 19x25mm, M2 Screws
- Processing module size: 29x29mm with M2 20x20mm mounting pattern
- Weight: 18g
Closer Look at the Runcam Hybrid
The Runcam Hybrid uses the same concept as the Runcam Split – a camera module and a processing module which are mounted inside the quadcopter frame, connected by a strong ribbon cable.
Compared to a similar product, the Caddx Tarsier, which is a dual-board design, the Runcam Hybrid is more compact as they managed to do it with just a single PCB board. I also like how they position the two lenses as close as possible so what you see in FPV is what you are filming.
There are two lenses: the one on top is a M10 lens for recording HD footage, the one on the bottom is a M8 lens for low latency FPV feed.
The camera module is 19mm wide, which is equivalent to a micro FPV camera. That means you can mount the Runcam Hybrid in any frame designed for micro cameras without an adapter. However it’s quite a bit taller than a normal micro camera, almost as tall as a full size camera, so make sure your frame has room for that.
The processing module is a 20x20mm board that you can mount directly on top of your FC stack. However it’s slightly bulkier than a typical 20x20mm board, with 29x29mm size, so make sure you have enough space in the frame.
Here are the dimensions of both the camera and processing modules.
Comparing to the Runcam Split Mini 2S side by side, the Runcam Hybrid is actually smaller even though it can now produce 4K footage.
They changed the type of ribbon cable too, which appears to be stronger. But it will take some flights to determine if this is a better solution.
I don’t know if it’s possible to remove the ribbon cable to replace the PCB module and camera module. I don’t want to damage the camera too early :) will check with Runcam first.
How to Change Setting?
You probably have spotted that there is no USB port or WiFi module on the Runcam Hybrid. How do you change camera setting then?
By scanning QR code!
It’s the same technology used in the Runcam 5, which I have been using a lot. I am feeling confident about this tech because it works well and easy to use.
You just need to download Runcam’s App on your smartphone, change the settings you want, generate the QR code, and scan it with the camera. It gets easier the more you do it :)
Firmware Update
New camera firmware can be loaded through the SD card.
UART Control
You can connect the camera to a UART on your flight controller, set it up in Betaflight and you can start and stop recording with a switch on your radio.
SD Card Recommendations
Supports SD card up to 128G.
- U3 for 4K 30FPS, 2.7K 60FPS and 1080p 120FPS
- U1 is enough for the rest
See my SD recommendations in this post.
What Happened to the Rest of the Review?
The sample I received is not working properly, waiting for a replacement. I will update the review once it gets here and tested.
29 comments
Can you finish the review, or is the replacement not doing the job either?
I’ve never received a replacement. The V2 was released earlier this year, you can go check that one out.
Can the runcam hybrid be mounted on its side? I had seen a description stating it can be reversed/upside down. Is there a function for turning camera/s 90°?
Yes you can with the board, but the camera cannot.
What is the part number of the “sensor connector” flat ribbon cable? I need a to replace it.
Got the cam, placed it on GTR 349.
Here is how my luck goes with this one:
1: Small crash (like a drop from 5feet): Mode button won’t respond anymore :)
2: Hard landing (Disarmed about 3 feet in the air, after crosswind lifted the quad at the last moment): Now, FPV feed drops. I can see the camera can still record, but it won’t send FPV feed. Checked all wirings, but no luck.
Hopefully, they will make it a little more robust. Have turtle V2 on my 85x HD, after numerous very hard crashes, it still functions as new :)
Does anyone have any frame recommendations that would fit this. I was trying to make a 5inch build but i couldn’t seem to find any frames that would fit the camera. As they all support a 22×22 mm camera and this is a 19×25
Good morning, I recently bought a drone with a runcam hybrid camera and today it started to give me a problem. Each time I connect the battery it indicates “updating” and continues like this all the time. The buttons do not respond. I’ve tried everything, update firmware and it remains the same. Do you know how I could fix it?
I’ve been in contact with runcam the past few weeks.
I have tried formatting my SD card and everything that was possible for me to do.
I sent them some photos of the PCB and they noticed that a component on the board was off of its soder located at the top left corner ( Just to the left of the on/off button). Not sure exactly what that component is connected to or if that was the culprit of my problem. Our final fix was to replaced the PCB and go from there. I am currently awaiting that piece but as we all know shipping can be a long waiting process. I’d like to try and fix that component on my original PCB but the component and PCB is very very tiny and may be to difficult for me to do, so I’d need someone that is skilled on repair PCB boards.
Also btw the ribbon cable just pops off just by lifting it off. I asked them to send me a video of them removing the ribbon cable because I too did not want to destroy anything more than what was already done. Hopefully this fixes all my problems.
I too am curious about the GPS issue. I’ve tried so many all in one cams. Very disappointed I cannot use on my long range rigs. Which is mostly what I fly. ?
I’m having problems with my Runcam hybrid on my GEPRC Cinequeen. Straight out of the box the camera is stuck at/saying “updating…” at the top right corner of my osd. Ive tried actually updating firmware with an SD card but nothing works. The buttons on the side do nothing and will not even go into QR mode. FPV camera is perfectly fine and I can fly with pretty clear video but unfortunately I cannot even use the HD recording feature as well.
Any tips from anyone? Are this batches bad? Seems like many people are having buggy problems but no one is reviewing or talking about any of it.
Have you tried formatting the SD card? Maybe there is a file that triggers the camera to update.
If that doesn’t work you might have to talk to Runcam support.
Runcam Hybrid have a huge problem with Frsky telemetry. I installed this camera on a drone with R9MM receiver. I don’t have much space inside the quad so camera has to be close to receiver. This is R9MM with ACCES firmware. When telemetry is on there is so much interference that FPV picture is unusable. I have tested this issue using two hybrid cameras and two differed quads with R9MM.
the length and width of the board are shown in the diagram but what is the height?
Is it possible to remove the cable on the hybrid safely
And what was the problem with the sample? I still didn’t installed, what to check? :)
it won’t record. but i’ve got the replacement will test it as soon as i can
Love your reviews, Oscar.
One little request? Can you put a date stamp on your articles? I am finding myself reading a lot of articles that have become outdated over the years because I wasn’t sure when they were published. Not nesessarily from you, but many others.
Thanks!
Mutt
it’s at the bottom of every article
I hope you will do a direct comparison to the Tarsier.
Regards
Damn, a m10 lens… I’ve built a 3 incher and it can carry a session5 but, I am really looking forward in doing some IR footage again, as I did with my runcam split back in the day. has the tarsier a m12? I really would like to buy the Hybrid, it is the only one that would fit my 3 inch barely. also the 2 lenses are great for something like IR footage, as the fpv feed stays normal… any sources where to buy m10 lenses? or information if the IR block on this cam is on the lens or the sensor?
They list the HD lens as M10? that can’t be right can it? could you please confirm Oscar? I have also emailed runcam but have not heard back yet. I’ve never heard of M10 lens being used before, would certainly make finding replacements harder!
shop.runcam.com/runcam-hybrid/
Jerrod
it is a M10 lens (10mm diameter thread)
Oscar, can you pls check if the Runcam Hybrid is more GPS friendly than the Split?
Mounting a GPS Antenna closer than 10cm to a Split leads to ZERO Sats once you turn on the Split.
Wondering if there is the same problem with thy Hybrid?
As long as digital systems don’t support a proper OSD, I think many people will stay with analog. I need a home arrow and Home Distance in my Wing, also Speed, Altitude and consumend mAh. Which digital system offers this in it’s OSD? I own a Connex Prosight for many years now, but the OSD is just crap. Only shows Voltage, and this only up to 4S. Useless in a Long Range Setup.
Cheers,
Michael
I think the reason most FPV flyers are still using analog is the overwhelming nature of the switch.
There are problems with the digital systems, and a hybrid fallback-to-analog style system is probably going to supplant the work DJI has done, which will see more adoption. Right now, the loss of signal scares most experienced flyers. They’re used to flying with limited information. That sudden dropout is unacceptable to flyers that are used to seeing the world gradually go to static.
After seeing digital FPV video, I’m having a hard time getting excited about anything analog….I feel it’s just going to outdated in a year or so.
Yea, but why do you think all the reviewers who reviewed the DJI FPV system are still flying analogue now? :D
the sample doesn’t work, seriously???
Just like buying any product, there is a chance of a defective one :) this shows that Runcam doesn’t send out “special” sample to reviewers, but the ones they would normally send to customers :)