The Runcam Wasp is a 120FPS camera (low latency) for the DJI FPV system. It does not only offer more vivid colour but also better low light performance than the original DJI camera. Let’s find out how it performs in this review.
Table of Contents
Where to Buy?
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBmAyfh
- Runcam: https://shop.runcam.com
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-flho
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-awlg
- BG: https://oscarliang.com/product-gtvw
You can get the Runcam Wasp together with the Runcam Link (Caddx Vista equivalent) for $139.99, or just the camera itself at $49.99. It comes with a 12cm long camera ribbon cable.
Closer Look at the Runcam Wasp
The Runcam Wasp is slightly smaller and 2g lighter than the DJI OG cam. The Wasp is in a micro camera size (19x19mm) which is perfect for most FPV frames while the DJI OG cam is in an odd shape (22x21mm) which is impossible to fit in many frames without a custom made bracket. The Wasp weighs in at 7.5g (including ribbon cable), while the DJI OG cam weighs 9.8g including the cable.
Specifications
- Image Sensor: 1/3″
- FOV: D:155° H:125° V:96°
- Dimensions: L19mm*W19mm*H19mm
- Rolling Shutter
- Weight: 7.5g (With Cable)
- Resolution: 720P@120fps (4:3)
Latest DJI Firmware Required
To use the Runcam Wasp camera, your Air Unit or Runcam Link (Caddx Vista) must be updated to the latest firmware version (V01.00.0608 just released today on 10 Oct 2022).
If you are on an older firmware (i.e. V01.00.0606 or older), video won’t work properly and it will look like this in goggles and DVR. The bottom half of the screen will be green/pink pixels, only the top half of the screen works.
According to my contact at Runcam, most 3rd party cameras for the DJI system use chips different from the ones that support 120FPS, such as the DJI OG cam, Nebula Pro or the Runcam Falcon. They weren’t entirely compatible with the DJI FPV system, that’s why these cameras can only do 60FPS. The Runcam Wasp also use a different chip, but the new firmware (v0608) allows 120FPS to work on this new chip.
However, at the moment FPV.WTF Root Hack only supports firmware version v0606 as far as I know. So if you want to do the root hack, you probably want to hold off updating for now. I am not sure if you can update your gear to v0608 if they already been rooted, I will update here once I have more info.
Update (11/10/2022): WTFOS developer Joonas confirmed on their discord server, that V01.00.0608 firmware is compatible.
Also, with the Vista that has the latest v0608 firmware, I am having issue unlocking FCC mode. It’s currently stuck in CE mode (only 3 channels and max 25mW). Initially I thought this might be related to the new firmware, however Runcam checked this with one of their Link units with the latest firmware and told me they didn’t have the same issue. I have performed this mod at least 20 times by now and I can’t think of anything I might be doing wrong. I will come back and update once I have more info.
Update (31/10/2022): I finally unlocked FCC mode on the Vista with 06.08 firmware. But I had to have the Vista rooted first then put the FCC package on it (do the same on the goggles). Still have no idea why it didn’t work for me when using the text file method.
Let’s see how the Wasp performs.
Runcam Wasp Image Quality
Since I couldn’t unlock FCC mode on the video transmitter at the moment, I can’t use 50mbps mode, and will be performing my testing in 25mbps. I will be comparing the image quality to the DJI OG camera, which is also set to 25mbps.
First impression, white balance between the two cameras look very similar, both look natural, but the Wasp has noticeably more vivid colour / higher saturation.
Looking at the wall, you can see the bricks quite clearly in the OG cam, but they are a bit blurry on the Wasp. However, shadow details are a lot more visible in the Wasp despite the lower sharpness in the distant branches and leaves.
FOV is slightly wider in the Wasp, and a bit more fish eye effect.
The Wasp is clearly the winner in low light / night. But it has this exposure level switching effect when frame brightness changes. i wish the exposure change happens more gradually/naturally, but some people might prefer the immediate reaction in flight.
Conclusion
The Runcam Wasp is not a perfect camera, but a decent alternative to other 120FPS cameras. It does better in some areas but worse in others.
Pros:
- supports low latency mode, a good alternative when other 120fps cameras are not available
- it has a more ideal form factor (Micro FPV camera size) for most FPV drone frames
- vivid colour
- better shadow detail
- better low light performance
Cons:
- less image detail / sharpness
- exposure switching when frame brightness changes which could be distracting, but the immediate reaction might be desirable by some people
- only low latency mode, high quality mode (60fps) not available
- 4:3 aspect ratio only, no 16:9
- cannot change camera settings such as brightness and contrast
7 comments
cam is 19*19, not 20*20 !!! why o why :)
Because most frames supports 19x19mm (micro size), and not 20x20mm. 19×19 is actually more desirable for most people.
My runcam link wasp was in fcc mode already. Has to be the firmware update. I did the text hack pwr_1 to my dji goggles and have 1200mw. My bitrate is at 50. I just built it all. Like I said it was already in fcc mode after updating firmware. I didn’t root anything.
Can you put IR lights on this to improve the low light capability?
I cant see any OSD, like battery voltahe, flight mode. What I need to do?
No FCC hack? Not compatible with rooted goggles? Get the Falcon instead, right?
Sounds about right. I hate how they push and push you to go buy more newer goggles etc . Stuff you up with upgrades . It’s all really sneaky if you ask me