The Runcam Nano 3 is by far the lightest nano FPV camera that performs decently, the performance is exceptional given its 1 gram weight! Is this the perfect FPV camera for ultralight tiny whoops and toothpick builds? Let’s find out!
Don’t forget to check out my FPV camera buyer’s guide.
Where to Buy?
- Banggood: http://bit.ly/runcam-nano-3
- RDQ: http://bit.ly/2S32W0X
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/31uz5lc
Specs and Features
- Image Sensor: 1/3″ CMOS
- Resolution: 800TVL
- Lens : 2.1mm(M8)
- FOV 160°
- PAL/NTSC NOT Switchable
- Min. Illumination: [email protected]
- Input Voltage 3V – 5.5V
- Day/Night: Color
- Current: 110mA@5V, [email protected]
- Weight: 1.1g
- Dimensions: L14mm*W14mm*H9mm
Note that the Runcam Nano 3 is NTSC only, there is no PAL version.
You cannot adjust any of the camera settings just like its predecessor. However, some might find this easier to use as you don’t have to mess with camera settings.
It’s smaller and lighter than other nano FPV cameras I’ve tested. The main weight saving comes from the absence of the plastic housing, and the super tiny lens. But the sensor remains to be the same 1/3″ CMOS.
Despite the much smaller lens, it performs better than I expected. Field of view (FOV) is considerably wider than the Nano 2, and yet there is less distortion (“fish eye effect”). Light handling (transitioning) is as good as other top nano cameras, if not slightly better.
Runcam Nano 3, No Brainer.
Here is the image quality comparison between the Runcam Nano 3 and previous Nano 2.
From this test, I noticed the Nano 3 has
- significantly wider FOV, but less distortion
- sharper image
- slightly less vibrant color than the nano 2
- slightly improved dynamic range, you can see the shadow detail better
- has darker corners for some reason
DVR really doesn’t do it justice, the differences are even more noticeable when looking through the goggles.
Bear in mind the Runcam Nano 3 is a tiny camera that weighs only 1.1 gram, it’s not fair to compare it with bigger cameras like the Micro Eagle. Dynamic range will still struggle when you fly in challenging lighting conditions, like under the trees on a cloudy day. But for micro quads, it’s good enough mostly.
Limitations of the Nano 3
You will have to be creative with mounting the Nano 3 due to the lack of side mounting holes.
The best way is probably to use 3D printed mount designed for the camera, or just use double-sided tape to stick it in front of the quad. I expect there will be lots of 3D designs appearing on thingiverse after the release of the Nano 3 :)
There have been reports of quality control issues (lens falling off in crashes). Although I haven’t had this problem personally, I’ve been told they will strengthen the lens with extra epoxy glue in future batches.
5 comments
Hi Oscar: I have the new Mobula7 1S Micro whoop drone with this camera. I can’t get it to talk to my DJI ver. 1 goggles. I have tries several port setups for TBS Smart audio but no joy. Any ideas on setup ??
I’m trying to find aspect ratio. 4:3?
RunCam had an issue with the first early 4.5 g cam lens too that fits your description.
Sir, mamba f50pro ESC connect to dji naza m lite v1 work or not, connection diagram, please answer I am bigne
I have jello with the nano3 not only on the Mobula6 (most likely the canopy) but also on my tinyhawk freestyle that is jello free with the stock camera (the nano3 itself does not wiggle or anything). Do they maybe cheaped out on this camera a bit to much? I watched a youtube video from DumbThumbsFPV where he said it might me in the lense internally a loose part which sounds very probable after the experiences I had with this camera. So definitely not a recommendation from me.