Introduction
The RunCam Night Eagle 3 is the latest addition to RunCam’s line of specialized night vision FPV cameras. Aimed at enthusiasts and professionals who need superior performance in low-light conditions, the NE3 introduces several enhancements over its predecessors. This review will explore the key features of the NE3, compare it with the previous Night Eagle models, and assess its performance in various flying conditions.
Unpacking the RunCam Night Eagle 3
As with all RunCam products, the NE3 arrives well-packaged and includes all the essentials needed for installation. The box contains:
- The Night Eagle 3 camera
- Mounting bracket
- Power and signal cable
- Extension cable for OSD
- Bag of hardware (screws, nuts, washers)
- Additional back plates for different mounting options
The documentation is minimal, but the camera’s user interface is intuitive enough that you won’t need extensive instructions.
Initial Impressions
The RunCam Night Eagle 3 maintains a compact design similar to its predecessors but with notable upgrades. The most striking feature is its back-illuminated Pixel technology sensor, which significantly enhances night vision capabilities.
Specifications Comparison
Here’s a quick look at how the RunCam Night Eagle 3 stacks up against the previous Night Eagle models:
| Specification | RunCam Night Eagle 3 | RunCam Night Eagle 2 | RunCam Night Eagle |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8″ 2MP CMOS | 1/1.8″ CMOS | 1/1.8″ CMOS |
| Resolution | 1000TVL | 800TVL | 800TVL |
| Lens FOV | 97° (4:3), 125° (16:9) | 140° (2.5mm) | 140° (2.0mm) |
| Screen Format | 4:3/16:9 switchable | 4:3 | 4:3 |
| Sensitivity | 11390 mV/Lux-sec | 0.00001Lux/F1.2 | 0.00001Lux/F1.2 |
| WDR | Global WDR | Global WDR | Global WDR |
| OSD Display | Yes | Yes | No |
| Latency | 26.2ms | 26.2ms | ~30ms |
| Power | 5-24V DC | 5-36V DC | 5-17V DC |
| Weight | 9g | 16g | 14.5g |
| Dimensions | 25x19x19mm | 28x26x24mm | 26x26x28mm |
Key Enhancements
- Starlight Night Vision: The NE3’s back-illuminated Pixel technology and sensitivity of 11390 mV/Lux-sec provide superior performance in extremely low-light conditions, surpassing its predecessors in clarity and detail.
- High Definition Display: With a resolution of 1000TVL, the NE3 delivers crisp and balanced footage, an upgrade from the 800TVL resolution of the Night Eagle 2 and 1.
- OSD Integration: The NE3 features an integrated OSD that displays battery voltage, pilot name, and timer. This added functionality is a significant improvement over the earlier models which lacked such features.
- Switchable Aspect Ratio: Users can switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, providing greater flexibility depending on the flying scenario.
- Joystik Control: The NE3 supports joystick control for easy adjustments, a feature not available on the previous Night Eagle cameras.
- Construction and Weight: The NE3 is lighter at 9g and has compact dimensions (25x19x19mm), making it well-suited for various FPV setups. Its build quality feels robust, ensuring durability.
Flight Testing
To evaluate the RunCam Night Eagle 3’s performance, I conducted several flights in both daylight and night conditions. The NE3 was mounted on a quadcopter alongside an older Night Eagle 2 for direct comparison.
- Daylight Flight: The NE3’s image clarity in daylight conditions was excellent, though its strengths truly shine in low-light environments.
- Night Flight: The NE3 performed exceptionally well in minimal light, with the starlight sensor offering clear, detailed footage even in near-total darkness. The ability to switch aspect ratios and view OSD information was a valuable addition for navigating complex environments.
- Night Eagle 3 Exclusive Flight: In complete darkness, the NE3 demonstrated its superior night vision capabilities. The video footage was sharp and well-balanced, allowing for effective navigation and obstacle avoidance in extremely low-light conditions.
Conclusion
The RunCam Night Eagle 3 sets a new standard for night vision FPV cameras. Its advanced starlight sensor, high-definition resolution, and additional features like integrated OSD and joystick control make it a standout choice for serious night flying. While the Night Eagle 2 was already a strong performer, the NE3’s enhancements offer significant improvements in clarity, functionality, and user control.
For those who need an FPV camera that excels in the dark and provides reliable performance with low latency, the RunCam Night Eagle 3 is highly recommended. It may not suit those who only fly during the day or prefer color footage, but for nighttime enthusiasts, it’s a top-tier option in the FPV market.