Review: Runcam Micro Swift 3 FPV Camera

by Oscar

The Micro Swift 3 FPV Camera is using a standard size M12 lens for better image quality, as well as the latest UART camera control technology! In this review we will take a close look at the new features and improvements.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. I receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these affiliate links. This helps support the free content for the community on this website. Please read our Affiliate Link Policy for more information.

Further Reading:

You can buy the Micro Swift 3 now from: Banggood | Runcam.

What’s Special about the Micro Swift 3 FPV Camera?

Why Replacing OSD Pin with UART?

The GND and OSD pins have been replaced by TX and RX pins on the Micro Swift 3.

Runcam Swift 3 vs. Swift 2 connector on the back of the camera

Runcam Swift 3 vs. Swift 2 connector on the back of the camera

This allows you to connect the camera directly to the flight controller for camera control without any additional resistor or capacitor.

Swift 3 FPV Camera UART connection to FC for Camera Control

Swift 3 FPV Camera UART connection to FC for Camera Control

There are benefits and downsides to this solution however:

Pro’s:

  • More reliable performance and easier to setup, it doesn’t require any additional resistor or capacitor to work
  • More versatile as it allows more complicated commands and data, such as “long press” to change scene, which wasn’t possible before with the PWM signal via the OSD pin

Con’s:

  • You can only change camera settings on the Micro Swift 3 using a flight controller, you can’t use a joystick anymore

Spec & Unboxing

  • Input Voltage: 5V – 36V
  • Aspect Ratio 4:3
  • IR Blocked
  • NTSC / PAL optional
  • 2.1mm lens
  • Weight: 10.9g
  • Supports On-Screen-Display (OSD) to display timer, battery voltage, etc

This is the prototype version which was using a M8 lens. But accessories are the same.

The Micro Swift 3 camera includes a silicone wire harness, a metal mounting bracket, and various screws and spacers. It doesn’t come with the little joystick since it’s no longer needed.

Runcam Micro Swift 3 FPV Camera

The mounting screw holes on the camera are metal inserts.

Just like the previous Micro Swift 2, the lens/housing is fixed in place on the PCB by two screws at the corners. This also means the Micro Swift 3 will be compatible with Runcam’s TX200 video transmitters.

Comparing to the previous Micro Swift 2, the latest version is considerably longer and heavier. That’s the one thing you need to consider when choosing cameras for your frame, if the lens would stick out of the frame too much. Some compact frames might not have taken into account the use of longer M12 lens on micro cameras.

Image Quality Testing

Here is the image comparison video between the Micro Swift 3 and Micro Swift 2. Although the image quality is very similar, but there are some subtle differences.

I tested both cameras using the “Outdoor” preset settings.

The Micro Swift 3 has a slightly wider FOV despite the fact that both cameras are equiped with 2.1mm focal length lenses.

The colour of the Micro Swift 3 is warmer while the version 2 has a more vibrant colour which I like better.

However when I zoom in, it’s pretty clear that the Micro Swift 3 FPV camera has much better sharpness and image detail over the version 2.

When testing inside the wood, it’s really hard to tell the two cameras apart. But if you look carefully enough you will notice the slightly sharper image with the Swift 3.

Lastly, the Swift 3 has much faster exposure change than the 2, which is a great advantage.

Conclusion

In my opinion the Micro Swift 3 does have better image quality over the version 2, but not much! So if size and weight are more important to you, you might still want to get the Micro Swift 2. But if you want a CCD camera with the best possible image quality in a micro form factor, go for the Micro Swift 3.

I also like the much easier camera control feature via the UART port on the Swift 3. However, the downside is you cannot change camera settings anymore with a joystick controller, you can only do so via a flight controller. So if you still want to use the joystick, you would have to stick with the Swift 2 for now.

As far as I know, Runcam will continue to offer both versions, so you can still choose between the two cameras depends on your requirement.

Leave a Comment

By using this form, you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Note that all comments are held for moderation before appearing.

14 comments

Tux 23rd April 2019 - 2:15 pm

Does it have a microphone?

Reply
Oscar 23rd April 2019 - 9:05 pm

no

Reply
hiram shaish 8th November 2018 - 2:08 am

can you use this camera without a flight controller?

Reply
Oscar 23rd November 2018 - 1:07 am

yea you can use it as a standalone camera.

Reply
Johnny acro 1st June 2018 - 1:09 am

Will this work on a flight 1 with osd?

Reply
Z00live 15th April 2018 - 9:03 pm

No vidéo in and out to use betaflight osd ?
Cheers

Reply
Anthony Hartfield 10th April 2018 - 12:57 pm

Hate that manufacturers aren’t consistent with their lenses. You get used to one kind of 2.1mm lens then another camera comes out and you have a whole different fov to adjust to flying.

Reply
Faawks 10th April 2018 - 3:49 pm

Yeah this kills me, some sort of standardization would be nice, like rating them by FOV instead.

I know some do use FOV too, but they’re very inconsistent.

Reply
Anthony Hartfield 10th April 2018 - 5:07 pm

I agree the manufacturers FOV numbers are never consistent, but if someone like Oscar started measuring FOV like with latency I think it could definitely become a useful standard for comparison between the manufacturers.

Reply
Oscar 17th April 2018 - 6:50 pm

Actually FOV can be calculated from Focal length. We just need to find a formula that works for FPV cameras :) I might look into that.

Reply
Nefer 8th April 2018 - 4:10 am

M12 lens is the same lens of mini versions right, so se can use 2.5 mm GoPro lens im right ?

Good review

Thank you

Reply
Oscar 17th April 2018 - 6:40 pm

Yes. But make sure if you’d need IR coated lens.

Reply
PitFlyer 14th March 2018 - 5:53 am

How is the durability? I destroyed the case of my micro Swift several times, is it still possible somehow to change the case?

Reply
Dan 5th August 2018 - 2:44 pm

Looks like the case could swap exactly the same way as Micro Swift 2, you just need the same case. But this camera is also available in the M8 lens version like the Micro Swift 2, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it can be replaced with the Micro Swift 2 lens and case.

Reply