Runcam is releasing a new camera for the DJI FPV System – the Runcam MIPI. Image quality looks really good. The last time Runcam released a DJI compatible camera – the Racer 4, it didn’t end too well. Not sure how DJI is going to react to the MIPI camera this time.
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Where to Buy
Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-86xq
DJI Compatible and Image Quality
According to Runcam, the new Runcam MIPI camera is a better version of the Racer 4, and is compatible with DJI FPV system, but not with Fatshark Shark Byte. It uses standard MIPI protocol to communicate with the Air Unit, hence the camera name “MIPI”. Note that unlike the Racer 4 which is also compatible with analog FPV system, the MIPI is DJI only.
Image quality looks brilliant, definitely looks better than the Caddx Nebula Nano. It could be a decent alternative to the Original DJI camera and the Caddx Nebula Pro. You can see my image quality comparison video between the three cameras.
Potential Risk Buying the Runcam MIPI
When Runcam released the Racer 4, DJI / Caddx threatened to block 3rd party cameras through firmware updates, but it hasn’t happened yet after 9 months. So it would be interesting to see how they react to the new Runcam MIPI camera this time.
If they was really going to do that, your Runcam MIPI FPV camera could become unusable, so that’s something to consider.
Runcam MIPI Specs
The Runcam MIPI connects directly to the DJI Air Unit, or Caddx Vista VTX with a standard ribbon cable, it’s plug and play.
It’s a micro size camera (19mm width) with 6G Lens weight Only 6.5g, with cable 7.2g.
DEFAULT 1280*[email protected] (4:3 aspect ratio) for DJI FPV Air Unit or Caddx Vista, 32ms low latency, also supports 16:9 1920*[email protected] according to the specs.
- Image Sensor: 2MP CMOS Sensor
- Resolution: Default 1280*[email protected], Customizable 1920*[email protected]
- Lens: 1.8mm FOV D:160° H:133° V:75°
- Shutter: Rolling Shutter
- Interface: 4 lane MIPI CSI
- Connector: 26 Position 0.30mm Pitch
- Current: [email protected]
- Housing Material: ABS
- Weight: 6.5g (camera only)
- Dimensions: L19mm*W19mm*H17mm
- Price: $41.99 USD
Downside of the Runcam MIPI
Although it claims 1080p in the specs (1960x1080p), you only get 720p in the real-time FPV feed. I guess that claim only applies to the onboard recording of the full size air unit.
Same as the Caddx Nebula Nano, it doesn’t support 4:3 aspect ratio, only 16:9. And it doesn’t support low latency mode as it’s stuck in high quality mode (no 120 fps low latency).
I am not sure if it’s just missing in my unit, there’s no back plate or clip to secure the connector on the back of the camera.
8 comments
Has anyone figured a way or have a diagram to connect a control board yet?
I upgrade the Nano to the MIPI and did some backcountry canyon surfing this weekend with overall good CO high-country conditions. While the camera is a noticeable improvement it is still a huge disappointment. Unless you are desperate I would NOT recommend this camera. If you have no camera or looking for a spare, this is best available but if you’re going from the Nano this might not be worth it.
If the mipi just has improved latency over the nano its already worth it
Only slightly related, but curious, is MIPI the interface used on the Caddx Turtle?
If they make the runcam MIPI unusable through firmware, downgrading the vista should be a work around. I get why caddx will do this, but at the same time they can’t expect everyone to settle on hardware. That’s what makes this hobby so great, parts are interchangeable and upgradable. Anyways, great work bro, it was a blast reading!
The Caddx Nebula Pro supports 720p/120fps, while the Nebula Nano only supports 60fps. So based solely on the video quality of the sample video I would suggest that this Runcam MIPI would be a significant improvement over the Nebula Nano camera, but not the Nebula Pro.
Nebula Pro is 720p/120fps. This Runcam MIPI is almost certainly an upgrade over the Nebula NANO, but not the Nebula Pro
Hopefully, considering they can’t make enough decent cameras they’ll just let it go since they are just making it so people will buy the vista with a crappy nebula nano now that they can swap out the camera