The Runcam split is a micro camera that combines real-time FPV capability with 2 Megapixel full HD 1080p @ 60FPS video capture with its modular DVR, 1080p @ 30FPS and 720 @ 60FPS  recording options are available for those without class 10 micro-SD cards or (I can't confirm if lower that class 10 cards are even compatible) with low storage space. The camera should be well protected in an aluminium case, while the PCB module, which contains the DVR, micro USB port, microphone, buzzer, LED's and Micro-SD card bay, should be equally protected due to the 30.5mm spaced mounting holes which allow for inclusion in the most common sized FC 'towers.'


The Split features a replaceable, manual focus lens which provides 130 degree (4:3 aspect ratio) FOV for FPV live-streamed via PAL or NTSC and 165 degree ({widescreen}16:9 aspect ratio) FOV for the 1080p video captured on the DVR. The modular unit is provided with 2 cables to connect the camera to the PCB, options are 90mm and 180mm to suit your build. This new little RunCam has an optional modular WiFi board which supports connection to a smart device (via the app) and boasts feature such as 'live preview,'  video playback, camera parameter settings and downloading stored files. 


The weight of the unit is advertised at 21 grams or 26 grams depending on where you look at the spec sheet, I guess that this 5 gram discrepancy may be due, either the longer camera cable or the detachable WiFi module. It looks, from the plug and fully insulated cable, that the video must go through the DVR module before going to the VTX which may add some fractional latency, but hopefully not enough to bother any but the most aggressive racers.


The highlight of the features of this new, all-in-one, AP, FPV combo camera, besides the weight saved by removing the GoPro, is the Wide Dynamic Range or WDR (aka High Dynamic Range Imaging or HDRI and sometimes HDR) which provides a much more even contrast between light and dark areas in the video. I am hoping that aside from an improved aesthetic quality of video, the WDR feature will minimize the visibility of the camera adjusting the contrast settings for differing light conditions providing a smoother feel to the video playback too.


The RunCam Split has an interesting twist with its operating voltage too, it can be supplied from a regulated 5v out, via its 3 pin socket for 5v, GND and Video, or it also has pads to receive voltage from a 4.2v Li-Ion battery (I am guessing but take no responsibility, that it should support 1s LiPo too.) The split also has a file protection feature which saves the current file on loss of power. This gives the option to use a 3 gram 80mAh 1s dedicated battery giving approx 8 mins of recording, rather than use the current from your flight pack!

Sandra hasn't yet confirmed if BangGood will be providing me with A RunCam Split, but if they do you can expect this article to continue into a review...

I have just had confirmation from Sandra that BangGood will be sending me the RunCam Split to review so expect that, hopefully next month, but you never know with the shipping out here to SA!

Pro - $69.99
Con - non-transferable between crafts, no superview, cable looks a little sketchy

Right now this one is on the list for the second build that I am planning for July. If it'll stick or not will probably depend on reviews as they start to trickle out but it is kind of exciting!

Other con: takes up space in the stack. Which may or may not be a problem depending on the quad. My bumblebee wouldn't have been able to handle it, but maybe with some planning the second quad can have the space needed.

Another pro: no need to have special angled camera mounts... I HATE having to have some rig on the top of my quad to give it angle. Now the view from the cam will be equal to the view from the goggles. This may be a con for some if they use different angles for FPV and action cam.

I'm trying to decide how useful the wifi module would be.  Convenient for downloading/reviewing videos at the field, but wouldn't be much help if you lost your craft in the woods 300 meters away.  Also would take up valuable build space...

(09-Jun-2017, 10:50 PM)sloscotty Wrote: I'm trying to decide how useful the wifi module would be.  Convenient for downloading/reviewing videos at the field, but wouldn't be much help if you lost your craft in the woods 300 meters away.  Also would take up valuable build space...

The wifi module attaches on the side so as long as you allow space to connect and dis-connect, I think it was designed to be detached before flight otherwise it would likely get torn off in the 1st crash! I'll find a pic...

(09-Jun-2017, 06:38 PM)RENOV8R Wrote: Pro - $69.99
Con - non-transferable between crafts, no superview, cable looks a little sketchy

I have e-mailed RunCam to find out if the camera and DVR modules will be available for purchase separately?
Maybe then at least one or the other could be built to give easy access? Possibly one could design and 3d print a protective housing for the main board to attach to the action cam mounting holes?

Runcam is working with Cleanflight and betaflight to make the Split configurable through serial port (UART), so hopefully in the future we can change settings in BF/CF configurator, and start/stop recording from our TX and OSD.

(10-Jun-2017, 10:39 AM)Oscar Wrote: Runcam is working with Cleanflight and betaflight to make the Split configurable through serial port (UART), so hopefully in the feature we can change settings in BF/CF configurator, and start/stop recording from our TX and OSD.

I LOVE that thought... set it up so that when the quad is armed the camera is recording... 

Another thing I just thought of on how this will be a game changer... This will likely cause a big influx of race videos... Since with this device recording HD on a racer is a little more reasonable.  

This is really what I have wanted since discovering how clumsy all the current options are.

will this fit a stack on an armattan chameleon?

(12-Jun-2017, 04:59 AM)quaduckin Wrote: will this fit a stack on an armattan chameleon?

I can only find the dimensions for the DVR board's width (36mm) and depth (38mm), but not height, I'm pretty sure that the 30.5 x 30.5mm mounting holes will fit the stack, but it will probably be a major struggle to get the DVR board in that slimline form!

The only way I can see the runcam split fit into a chameleon is if you use a FC with integrated PDB. I'm pretty sure you'll have a hard time fitting more than two PCBs in the stack

In my opinion, the Split is not suitable for the Chameleon, the mini size camera of the Spilt means that the it will sit too far back so you would see the aluminum front mounts in your fpv view / HD video, unless you change to a much narrower lens (2.8mm maybe?)

And yes, the max no of stack is 2...so you'll have no choice but use an AIO (BFF3 or DYS F4) and the 5v must be able to supply at enough amps to power the Split (650mah) fc, receiver, led/buzzer if any.

It looks like the frame for mounting the camera compensates a bit for the narrower house

(12-Jun-2017, 04:53 PM)guile Wrote: In my opinion, the Split is not suitable for the Chameleon, the mini size camera of the Spilt means that the it will sit too far back so you would see the aluminum front mounts in your fpv view / HD video, unless you change to a much narrower lens (2.8mm maybe?)

And yes, the max no of stack is 2...so you'll have no choice but use an AIO (BFF3 or DYS F4) and the 5v must be able to supply at enough amps to power the Split (650mah) fc, receiver, led/buzzer if any.

A really good point on the swift... what is acceptable to see in FPV camera isn't always acceptable to see in actioncam footage. 

For me... I am OK with seeing my props in my goggles but it's a total irritation for them to show in my youtube videos... I undetstand that some people might not have as much of an issue with it but for me I really don't like my props being in frame. This might actually be something I'd either need to solve for, or I might not be interested in this camera after all! I am going to have to have a serious thought about it.