I´ve used a RunCam 3 to get HD footage while flying the OpenRC Mini Quad and even though it might not be as good as a GoPro session in terms of specs i think considering the price it was a reasonable alternative. Check this video if you want to see what the footage looks with the older RunCam 3 camera mounted from the OpenRC Mini Quad.
Discontinued
As you may or may not know the RunCam 3 was discontinued a while back apparently due to some controvery with GoPro due to the formfactor being almost indentical to the GoPro Session. When the last RunCam 3’s were sold out it left a empty space for those wanting a cheaper alternative to the GoPro Session. for a while there was the Foxeer Box but that eventually disappeard too.
The RunCam 3S
Today RunCam announced a updated version of the RunCam 3, The RunCam 3S. Not sure what the “S” stands for and at a glance there´s not a huge difference. As far as the design itself most notably there are chamfered edges instead of the rounded edges on the RunCam 3. One thing that´s new and i do like alot is a replaceable battery (850 mAh), big ups to RunCam for adding this as it´s something i´ve been missing. Behind the battery cover is also the SD card slot. The USB port have been moved to the back of the camera and the “Wifi/Mode Button” have been put on the top of the cameras rear panel.
A easy to replace lens cover has also been added. While you could replace it before too it just wasn´t as easy. The 3S also have a slightly wider field of view with 160° instead of 155° as on the original RunCam 3. WDR that worked well on the previous version is still there.
Dimensions are almost the same as before but slightly wider (2mm) at 40x38x37mm.
OpenRC Mini Quad
I will add this one to the list of electronics for the OpenRC Mini Quad for those interested. I have pre-ordered one from the Banggood website and i hope i get it to play with soon enough. Obviously there are plenty of reviewers that will have one beforehand and will show you all about it.
Specifications compared
Source: www.runcam.com
| RunCam 3S | RunCam 3 | |
| Field Of View | 160° | 155° |
| Video Resolution | 1080p@60fps/1080p@50fps/1080p@30fps/720p@60fps | 1080p@60fps/1080p@30fps/720p@60fps |
| Video File Format | MOV | MOV |
| Image Resolution | 2MP | 2MP |
| AV Output Format | NTSC/PAL | NTSC/PAL |
| Communication Interface | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| microSD card supported | 64 Gb max | 64 Gb max |
| Battery Capacity | 850mAh | 960mAh |
| USB Power Input | DC 5-15V | DC 5-17V |
| Power Consumption | 620mA @5V | 650mA @5V |
| Dimension | 40x38x37mm | 38x38x37.5mm |
| Net Weight | 69g (with battery) | 66g |
