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

by Oscar
Runcam Phoenix Hd 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.

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Where to Buy?

Runcam Link Air Unit:

Runcam Phoenix HD with Link Air Unit

Runcam Phoenix HD Camera Only

Runcam Phoenix HD Nano Camera

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 Link Air Unit Dji Fpv System Unbox

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

Runcam Phoenix Hd Link Air Unit Dji Fpv System Back

Runcam Phoenix Hd Fpv Camera Dji Fpv System

Left: Runcam Phoenix HD; Right: Caddx Polar

 

Back of the PCB:

Runcam Phoenix Hd Fpv Camera Dji Fpv System Close Up 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

Runcam Phoenix Hd Nano Fpv Camera Dji Fpv System Runcam Phoenix Hd Nano Fpv Camera Dji Fpv System Back

The back of the PCB.

Runcam Phoenix Hd Nano Fpv Camera Dji Fpv System Close Up 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.

Fpv Camera Testing Image Quality Runcam Phoenix Hd Nano Falcon Caddx Polar 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.

Fpv Camera Testing Sharpness Detail Runcam Phoenix Hd Nano Falcon Caddx Polar 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.

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6 comments

Ryan 16th November 2022 - 7:01 pm

Does it work with the DJI v1 Goggles?

Reply
Oscar 16th November 2022 - 8:40 pm

Yes

Reply
Rinke 23rd February 2022 - 3:32 pm

Can the runcam air unit onboard recording in 1080/60 FPS with other camera like nebula pro?

Reply
Oscar 23rd February 2022 - 5:21 pm

Yes it can. It’s basically the exact same air unit as the DJI one, just rebranded.

Reply
FrenzyIncarnate 17th December 2021 - 9:58 pm

Hello Oscar. There were any video footage of this nano sized camera. So I have ordered it just depending on your review. And after the order it seems like runcam removed it from their website. Do you know what happened ? Why there is no footage available at the moment?

Reply
Marc Frank 29th November 2021 - 9:16 am

they look identical to the foxeer apollo
andrew newton showed them
just a different case
and probably image tuning

Reply