Review: Runcam Phoenix HD, PhoenixHD Nano, Link Air Unit (DJI FPV System)

Remember Runcam announced partnership with DJI a few months ago, to release DJI FPV compatible hardware? Well, they are finally here! The first VTX is the Runcam Link Air Unit, and two new cameras, Runcam Phoenix HD and PhoenixHD Nano.

---

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.

Where to Buy?

Runcam Link Air Unit:

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC04Wm5
• GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-flho
• Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KB78R5
• RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-awlg
• NBD: https://oscarliang.com/product-sg0a

Runcam Phoenix HD with Link Air Unit

• GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-1e50
• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFCnvff

Runcam Phoenix HD Camera Only

• GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-0wvo
• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DexoYol

Runcam Phoenix HD Nano Camera

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFz4pct

Runcam Link Air Unit

The Runcam Link Air Unit is IDENTICAL to the Caddx Vista, basically the same thing just under different brand. You can see my review of the Vista for more info.

It’s also compatible with Caddx Nebula Nano and Polar, the original DJI camera. All are plug and play. Check out this tutorial on how to replace ribbon cables and cameras.

• Power: 7.4-26.4 V@ 4-9W
• Dimensions: 29×29×13 mm
• Weight: 19.5 g

It’s currently sold with Runcam’s own camera, the Phoenix HD as a bundle.

Runcam Phoenix HD FPV Camera

The new Runcam Phoenix HD is designed for the DJI FPV system. It’s compatible with Runcam Link, Caddx Vista and DJI Air Unit.

• Image Sensor: 1/2”
• Resolution: 1280*720@60fps
• Field of view (FOV): 157°
• Cable Length: 120 mm
• Dimensions: L19mm*W19mm*H23.5mm
• Weight: 7.5g

Just like the previous MIPI, and Caddx’s Polar, The Phoenix only supports 720p 60FPS

Left: Runcam Phoenix HD; Right: Caddx Polar

Back of the PCB:

Left: Runcam Phoenix HD; Right: Caddx Polar

Runcam PhoenixHD Nano FPV Camera

The Phoenix HD Nano is just a smaller version of the Phoenix HD. The lens is also smaller.

• Dimension: 14x16mm
• Weight: 4.5g

The back of the PCB.

Image Quality

Image quality is very similar between the full size and nano Phoenix HD FPV camera. Compared to the Caddx Polar, the image is brighter, the image colour is more vivid and has a warmer tone.

The Nano has a smaller lens, that’s probably why sharpness is less than the Phoenix HD. But the difference is negligible and only noticeable when you really zoom in.

Low Light

As a low light camera for the DJI FPV system, the Caddx Polar is probably still the best in my opinion.

If the Polar gets a 10/10, then I’d give the Runcam Phoenix HD an 8. The main difference between these two is the noise level in the dark, the Polar’s image appears to be considerably more crispy. But if you don’t fly at night, then it’s not really a huge problem.

With that said, the Phoenix HD is still a better cam than the original DJI camera and Nebula Nano for low light.