GoPro Session 5 vs. RunCam 2 | VIDEO QUALITY SHOOTOUT
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ม.ค. 2017
- Can the $80 RunCam 2 even hold a candle to the video quality of the GoPro Session 5? Is the $300 Session 5 an over-priced fetish object, or does it really deliver better video quality? In this shootout, I'll show you synced footage from both cameras, without telling you which is which. You can decide for yourself.
Thanks to RunCam for sending this camera for review. The RunCam 2 is available from here: shop.runcam.com/runcam2/
Equipment List:
Frame: Lumenier QAV-R - goo.gl/hYfgQR
Motors: Rotorgeeks 7075 series 2205/2700kv - goo.gl/gF9uZT
ESCs: Rotorgeeks RG20 Plus - goo.gl/Mj8q2r
Props: KingKong 5x4x3 - goo.gl/PqheEv
FC: Fury F3 - goo.gl/EHXPKb
Betaflight 3.0.1
PDB/OSD: RROSD - goo.gl/6iJCMs
FPV Cam: RunCam Eagle 4:3 - goo.gl/DWWZuL
Awesome review--great format! Also, your flying gets better and better with each new video!
Thanks!
I've been using the Runcam2 on my fix wing FPV models for over a year now, and the frequent firmware updates and quality improvements have really impressed me. I decided to get a Hero5 session just because I wanted to see what the fuss was about and the one place it works better than the runcam is in low light situations, and the battery life isn't as good as the GoPro. I can run for most of a day with the go pro, but I'll need 2 or 3 batteries for the runcam. That said, the run cam is a really quality bit of kit, and I'll continue to use both. Thanks for taking the time to do the review.
Jools Enticknap i
What a fantastic review and a fun flying thank you so much
Great video, I have been debating on a new cam and this just answered a lot of my questions about these two cams. Thanks for the info.
Great video Joshua! Love that you kept the cameras secret until the end to give an objective comparison. I think another interesting comparison would be weight + mounting options for each. We have seen a TON of Session mounts pop up due to how easy the form factor is to mount, and well, like you said, how popular an option it is for the big name pilots. Keep up the great work!
I just ordered one through your link. Loyal subscriber for sure. Thanks for all your hard work. -COLE
This Guy, Joshua Bardwell, got the gift to explain a lot in a way you understand it ! Like all of your videos (especially the PID tuning) and really appreciate your contribution in the FPV Scene ! Keep it up, best greetings from germany
Thanks for this review bro helped me choose which one to go for and I decided to go for the GoPro. Thanks again brother 🙏🏻
very well made video ,I love how you flew with both cams on 👍👍👍
The best review on YT .Now i know what I want THANKS
Joshua bardwell your flying has improve heaps and bounds! Love the style! Also really Appreciate the equipment list in the video, nice to know what aircraft we are watching. As always your reviews are informative and interesting. I greatly appreciate all your work.
Personally, having both cameras, I find that on my aircrafts the GoPro form factor and weight allows for an easier center of gravity. Plus durability is something to be considered. Those who prefer the over-saturated look of the RunCam who use a GoPro can always crank it up in post. Keep up the amazing work!!
thanks for the video..really appreciate the comparison.
Thanks! It was very helpfull!
Excellent excellent review! Thumbs up! 👍🏼
Oh and btw: the gopro video looks so undersaturated and flat because this allows to capture as much detail and image information as possible for later post production. More consumer-oriented cameras (like the runcam) simply do color grading right away, so they output a more vibrant video file.
post production already done in the runcam....lol
You're awesome Josh. Keep up the great work! Hey, what's the biggest annual fpv gig in the states anyway?
Excellent review, any chance you could have a look at the new mini mobius ?
wow, that was a great comparison. good idea to let us come up with our own conclusion first!
What gave it away for me was the amount of lens distortion on the Runcam 2.
your Technique has greatly improved mr. Joshua look how smooth your video is with no tinkering I'm assuming that's just the video straight off the camera the little Corrections and muscle memory you have are just great everything is so fluid you know when you're just testing the camera this is so exciting for the future we're all going to be amazing Pilots
Very interesting. At first the oversaturated image pulls you in as looking "better" but then the lack in shadow detail and blown out highlights really become noticeable.
Will you also do a 4K cam comparison? The Yi 2 looks pretty interesting (esp. for the price)
I have had 2 runcam2s and both have had issues, first one the lens came out of focus and I couldn't fix it, crash damage I imagine. Second had the battery connector pins break inside the camera itself after a rather minor crash on crash. I now have a session and will definitely be sticking with it!
Did you try mounting a block of open cell foam to the run cam microphone hole? That could help a lot
Brilliant video concept, I enjoyed watching this comparison!
I was listening out for the audio because the audio on the GoPro in the action cam market is unrivalled and that the runcam definitely doesn't sound that good. About a minute into the video I began to feel like camera 1 could be the runcam as cameras at a lower price point like it and the Xiaomi Yi tend to do more processing with their colors in attempt to look "good".
Hi
I need something light and cheap
Which camera have better image quality on 1080/60 (most of the time I will be flying acro and fast between trees during the day, and probably cloudy days)
Foxeer legend 2,
Runcam 2,
Firefly Q6,
Mobius mini,
Or there is something better then this ones, but within the same price range
£50-£60?
Thanks in advance !
Hey JB, I've been helping a friend build a 450 size quad - Naza M Lite, 2-axis gimbal, Rush Tank Vtx and DPower ex5000 b camera. The problem is that the camera connection is HDMI (friend says the USB connection is for charging). Any idea how connect the HDMI (too many wires) to the Vtx?
My understanding is the rotor riot edition of the swift actually uses the same lens as the gopro so not sure if that will filter through or not. Great video though
Nice comparison. I own a RunCam 2 and 2 Session 5s. I use the GoPros the most but I do find for the cost, the RunCam 2 is not bad at all. Both cameras do much better with the proper settings for the light you are shooting in and I love ProTune. My GoPros are always shooting in Superview 2k. Also, the RunCam is a little tricky to mount on some quads. Keep up the great videos Josh!
I had a runcam to start and bought a gopro hero 3+ from a pawn shop for like $140. Best investment ever. Gopro video are so much better and the sound is better. Check your pawn shops people!!
Can you do a comparison between go pro session 5 and the polaroid cube
Great video!
Hmm when I'm flying(I have a runcam 2) I always notice some small vibrations when flying in a straight line, Now I'm wondering is this in my quad or in the way the runcam records? I also seem to see these same vibrations here(runcam footage) and definitely less noticeable on the gopro footage. Any toughts anyone? (tho I do know my tune isn't perfect so that might be at fault aswell haha) For anyone interessted in answering my question I do have a vid from 2weeks ago you might be able to see what I mean there
I know this is off topic but I've got GoPro4 Black and when I run it with 1080 the footage is ok for 1080 but with 2.7 I've got jelly. Now, because I'm a noob I don't have a prop balancer and only use shitty props (Cyclone are in order) but can unbalanced prop be a problem here?
Would the runcam 2 work on a smaller like 3 inch racer?
Yeah, I knew which was which from the beginning, and the first thing I noticed was the audio.. I was like, "he's using the GoPro audio because the other would be unbearable".. I speak from having used a RunCam HD 2. I currently use a GoPro, but not the new shiny Session 5, but rather an older GoPro Hero 3, white edition. The first time I checked the video, the thing I noticed most was that it sounded like I was flying a new quad, with new motors.. The RunCam always made it sound like I needed to replace my motors. LOL
Thanks it's very informative. BTW my head started spinning after watching this 😂😂
The picture with the RunCam looks so similar to the mobius with the wide lens. I knew which was which right away becuase of it. The mobius is all I've ever shot with and the picture is unmistakable to me now. Ready for the Session, though, I think.
Very good that you also talk about audio, most reviewers forget that. I bought a polaroid cube+ for some filming and I'm actually not able to show my videos to anyone because the audio is so unbelievably horrible! Do you know if the session 4 also has that good audio quality?
I have a Hero4 Session, the audio is just as good as the Hero5
+Lukas Hofstätter yes, session 4 audio is excellent.
I liked my Runcam 2 for the 2 weeks that it worked. Took one hit and the battery would no longer charge. I now have the GoPro Session 5 and could not be happier. Definitely didn't like dropping $300 on it, but I've since used it on mini-quads, skiing, water sports etc. and it's been awesome. Wifi connectivity and settings adjustment are much more reliable on the GoPro as well, but you have to remember to turn the connections off after making adjustments otherwise your fully charged Session will be dead within 36-48 hours even with no use.
To be honest, I like the RunCam better. Is this the hd version? Could you send me an amazon link to the one you bought?
Excellent comparison...I agree with everything you said. An FYI for those interested, there is a hack/mod/fix for the runcam2 audio, basically putting a 330ohm resistor soldered across the microphone terminals that seems to get rid of the audio clipping (resulting volume is lowered, so may have to be increased in post production). There are a bunch of videos on youtube about it. I guess it depends on what you use the runcam2 for. If you're using it primarily for quad video like this it might be a good idea. If you use it walking around at the Zoo, then I wouldn't do the mod :-) I haven't tried the mod myself, but I might try it this summer.
How would the runcam 2 perform compared to the budget session?
Hi Josh, great video, thank you for this comparison. Can you tell us a little more about the bitrate of the GoPro ? I remember you saying that the RunCam manages around 30Mb/s for the 1080p@60fps. What was the bitrate for the GoPro ? They claim 60Mb/s in the official specs (not sure for which video setting). What were you getting for the 1080p@60? Thanks !
My 1080p60 videos from the Sessoin 5 are 30 Mbps. I'm sure the higher bitrates are for 4k.
Thanks Josh, I appreciate it!
Also, the RunCam has a very distorted "fisheye" effect at the edges of the frame
Good comparison Joshua. The audio is a major problem with the Runcam, but I feel, also the form factor and mounting options. There are many excellent mounts for the GoPro but rather few good ones for the Runcam, which I always end up jerry-rigging somehow. That said, I do use the Runcam without battery on my 3" quads around the yard. The video issues can be managed post-processing. Overall for the cost the Runcam is a good value and a solid backup camera.
@Joshua how are you running FPV? not using the wifi app are you?
Runcam 3 is coming out soon which is a session sized cam, hopefull it has all the GoPro Session features at a better price.
I immediately knew which was which, owning both :) My experiences were about the same as yours, if you want ANY motor noise at all don't even consider the RunCam. Also the contrast was too high on my Runcam. The Session 5 gives a very flat initial image, but it is very open to coloring in post so you can have almost any look you want.
I think that higher bit rate of 30mb/s is in new firmware, as I think mine would only go to 25. I think the GoPro reaches 35? Not sure. I defiantly think the GoPro is a superior camera, but if you don't have the money, RunCam or a Yi is a heck of a lot better than nothing :)
Nice video Josh!
It would be nice to see both of these cameras set to the optimal settings for that time and day and then compare them. II.e. reducing the color saturation on the run cam and potentially messing with this exposure for the go Pro and whatever why zoo stuff can be done to each camera to give it the best picture quality
I d you video very interesting but I need somebody let me know how I can get faster screen mirrowing between go pro and my phone trought wifi because have a short delay
I have Runcam2, and I've been using it more than year, but I found the problem is that the camera starts not recognizing the SD card after using for about 20times or after hard crash. and then I reported to Runcam, and they sent me new mother board of Runcam2, but it still continues the same issue. and strange thing is that if I replace new SD card, the camera starts recognizing SD card again, but it will stop recognizing the card after using it for a while. so I already bought more than 10 SD cards, and I realized is that actually I spend a lot of money for buying the cards more than the camera itself,,,
I just smashed my runcam2 and seriously considered the session. You can get it on amazon for $179 right now. Ended up getting the runcam2 again just because of the price. I will invest in a 3D printed case for it this time around. Should also note that a runcam 3 in the cube shape is coming soon!
My question is: Are these out of the box settings (other than GoPro field of view)? It's always kind of annoying when people do out of the box settings comparisons because we all know we're going to keep going into the camera settings until they're as good as they get. IMHO side by side comparisons should be after each camera has been tweaked for the situation.
That being said, the blind side by side (top and bottom?) test was excellent, and the audio DOES kill things, even if we normally throw the audio track out and overlay music.
Thank you - interesting test. I was wondering about the RunCam audio; To me it sounds like the mic/pre-amp is driven into saturation/clipping, wouldn't it be possible to reduce the audio sensitivity to get rid of that?
Some people used to install a resistor on their Mobius. Maybe you could do the same.
Thanks for this comparison, I currently have a runcam2 and have been considering upgrading to the session, but I think now I stick with the runcam for now. The much better sound doesn't make up for the fact you cant swap out the battery of the session.
I'm not trying to convince you of anything, but the Session 5 actually has great battery life. I was sceptical too :P
You can easily fly a whole day on one charge (without Wi-Fi constantly on). Just throwing it out there in case you weren't aware.
just get 3 runcams for the price of 1 session and problem solved
Joachim Larsen thanks, that is good to know actually, I have not looked into how long the battery lasts on the session, i get roughly just 40 mins from the runcam battery recording at 1080 60fps before having swap batteries.
SvPVids spare batteries are even cheaper, got 2 spares for like £15
LeakyMeat how good find you Termin runcam ? is it only for rc or can i use it on motorcycle too ?
Worth a mention too that runcam spare parts are all available. Spare batteries are only about $10 and lens protectors even less. I recently hit the ground so hard it cracked the top plate completely from side to side, fried the pnp50 somehow, broke one standoff in the fc/pdb stack and all four props as it rolled end over end LOTS of times but only had to replace the lens protector on the runcam. I love the picture quality and colour and have always set my cameras slightly over saturated as this is easy to rectify in post while keeping detail rather than the other way round. RC2 just needs a lens cover and rubberised outer skin like the old 808 would be nice and the USB port on a side rather than rear(fouls on quad batt)so could use transmitter to stop/start recording.
Thank you for exploring this comparison. I was considering a Session. For confirmation your RunCam 2 was recording at 1080p 60fps 30Mbps? Not 17 or 12.
+Michael Steele correct
Session doesn't have a video out so not an option for FPV, only recording to view later.
would be cool to see a test in low light and cloudy conditions. Not sure if my runcam2 is a dud but any kind of diffused lighting eg overcast conditions, turns the image into a smokey looking mess that is unusable.
I have RunCam2 and I hate it for serious audio issues I could not fix. Later on I found out that it is design flaw since it's missing separate chip for audio only. Video quality is good though.
kubaistube I have seen videos where they replace the microphone of the Runcam2. It did improve the sound quality
I was waiting to hear the noise. That would have been the dead giveaway. I'm pretty happy with the Git2. Good picture and good sound.
Great review. I have both the RunCam 2 and a GoPro. All of the various newer GoPro's typically win out against cheaper cameras like the RunCam, but I feel for the money, the RunCam 2 is an exceptional camera. I know you didn't really dive into it, but it's worth mentioning the RunCam app really is pretty great for a camera in the $90 range.
+SquirrelyOs I cover the app Iin the next video.
Why is there a bright spot directly opposite the sun? It's visible in both cams. I thought it might be compression artefacts around the shadow but it's still there even when the quad is up high an its shadow is not visible.
I don't know...
So did anyone else notice what antenna he is using? Looks like a patch and a Pagoda....
Where did you get it?
Well I cant justify the extra cost of a session so looks like i'm going runcam!
flying skills are getting better !
@Joshua Bardwell Hello Joshua. I know, thats a lot of time but can you please remember how you mounted the RunCam 2 on it? I am now in the situation and don't know how to do that. Was it on tom of the baterrypack? Thanks a lot for your reply.
I'm sure it was a foam wedge with a battery strap around it and the camera.
@@JoshuaBardwell Thanks, I had the same idea.
But what quality were you shooting at Joshua? I've only got a GoPro 4 but in 4k it's breath-taking. By the time it's been compressed for You Tube the quality has gone.
+patrickcol 1080p60
Was there any gopro with protune in this clip? Might want to mention protune is the quick way to make colors pop.
I didn't use Protune because I wanted to put the cameras' stock settings against each other. For myself, I almost never shoot in Protune because I already have too much work to do in post. Maybe if I was doing a flight video where I really wanted the absolute best. But if you're NOT going to do anything in post, Protune looks terrible, and you're better off with stock settings.
Should've mentioned at the start of the video that monitors will play some part in forming an opinion ;) my monitor has sRGB mode on it, which as far as I can tell, represents colours more naturally. No settings are adjustable in sRGB mode
Every time I try to charge my RunCam 2 it completely drains my battery. I even have a cellphone portable charger connected to my gun. And it drains my RunCam. Why?
Thanks, Josh !
Gonna go with the Runcam 2... as the quality is very good and I can’t justify the price difference at this time. Not to mention the smaller size and ease of mounting, which both are important in terms of all around quad cam swapping in the field.
Thanks for being that smart and informative guy we need in this hobby!
PS
Gonna put some foam over the mic and see how that sounds. 🧐🤔🙏✨
Any chance protune was enabled in the Gopro? From what I remember protune makes the colors washed out to make it easier for post production edits? I don't have the hero session 5 as I'm using the hero 4 silver. This was an upgrade from my original gopro hd which did not have protune. This link explains it better.
gopro.com/support/articles/how-to-use-protune
+Ikararua protune was not enabled.
and between the runcam 2 and the xiaomi yi wich do you think is better?
p.s. i know the yi is now hard to find and buy.
+Alessandro Ammenti yi for sure but like you said it's now scarce. And I'm not sure the Waffle FPV script still works on it.
Joshua, do you think a xiaomi yi with the 30mp/s script would be a better option in this pricerange?
Yes, absolutely. I don't have a side by side to compare, but I think the light handlng of the Yi is better.
what is that drone he used in this vid?
Ouh Josh your channel is full of educative and interesting stuff, really. You are the rcmodelreview of the fpv xd.
I only wish I had his numbers!
Will i b able to upload vids to utube using the runcam2 what files doest it record the runcam
You can upload most anything to TH-cam and it will sort it out.
I think the RunCam outputs MOV files.
Awesome shootout, Joshua! I just replaced a failsafed on top of mountain/lost Runcam2 with another one for $80:) If I ever break into the Lower Middle Class or higher (fingers crossed!) I'm getting that Session!
Jordan Bass lol. ooop! Well, congrats! Your comment goes on the brand new list for 2017 called "pointless things trolls randomly said to me on the youtuberzees in 2017!" Love:)
1917VIL if you can afford a runcam you are already mid-middle class. Look it up.
lmao!!! Well, actually, it means my girlfriend/newly minted fiance has a good job, and buys shit for me...I'm still in poverty:) My new drone job is starting tomorrow though (hopefully), so bye bye poverty!!!
@ Joshua Bardwell Off the top of your head, how well do you feel the Runcam 2 would hold up to a Xaiomi yi?
Aron The Aron FPV I don't have either but the audio on the YI in comparison videos isn't as good as the GoPro. Quality seems to be more similar or better than the Hero5s
Mounting options is another large factor
The Session has a LOT of mounting options these days.
Joshua Bardwell you didn't mention the strange glow of the Runcam. At 0:58 and other places, you can see a halo effect around the shadow of the quad. I've seen this before in other Runcam footage and I'm not sure if it is the compression combined with contrast boosting or maybe reflected UV or IR light. Does anyone know? My theory on the reflected UV/IR light comes from the fact that there seems to be lots of specular highlights on foliage facing upwards. Theory on the contrast boosting/compression comes from the quad shadow being particularly high contrast and I _think_ I can see it occuring around other high contrast areas such as the fence shadows. It would be great to see footage from a Runcam with a with a quality UV filter should anyone be in a position to oblige.
+Tim Coyne very interesting point. Lack of a uv filter might also contribute to the color cast.
I'm just getting started with FPV and have spent way over what I initally thought I'd spend. For $64, the RunCam 2 sounds/looks like a great starter buy but I can't stand the fisheye effect. Is there a lens replacement that can correct this?
With Mobius, there used to be three different lenses you could install. I reckon that's still true. If you buy the Mobius with the 120 degree lens, there will be less fisheye.
Thanks for the reply. So it looks like RunCam has a 170deg and 120deg versions. I ordered the 120 version so hopefully that'll do fine.
I have had a Runcam HD for 1 year now, with a firmware upgrade and tweaking the settings" HDR etc " 1080p 60 fps ,it's just a good as the GoPro and only £40.00 on banggood still going strong after about 15 crashes!!!
Man, I thought camera one was the session to be honest. The runcam video looks better to me, but the sound! Ugh! Is there a fix out there for the audio?
durability is a key factor. I went through 3 of the runcam inside a tpu case and session 5 has survived way more abuse.
Theone thing I didnt like in the Gopro images is when flying towards the sun even indirectly. the image was much more washed out compared to the Runcam. The Dynamic range was clearly better on the Gopro. Now to decide which is more important.
So easy to pick the difference, I knew Cam 1 was the Runcam before seeing Cam 2. The dead giveaway is the change in exposure. Both cameras handle it very differently. That's why the Runcam kills footage with such a sudden change in brightness.
yep ,same when i did the Legend 2 V's Gopro
BMSWEB Agreed, transition from dark to light is well...like night and day between the GP and Run Cam hense the cost difference. On a quad where the quality isnt the most important aspect, I would go with the cheaper as you wont get pissed off if you demolish your Run Cam as much as you would on the GP.
I tried for the longest time to get that resolved with the Mobius but it never happened. The closest camera is the Yi which seems to handle the change much better than most cameras and does come closer to the GoPros
+BMSWEB i agree.
Got a RunCam 2 used for 8 bucks on ebay😌 Looking forward testing it.
my first action cam was the original runcam. i now own a runcam 2. yes the audio on rc2 really sucks terribly. my solution to this was to replace the internal mic with one i pulled from an old laptop i had laying around. HUGE difference in sound quality! not quite gopro quality but it is like night and day.
Does run cam 2 comes with eis
How did you edit out the annoying sound of the RC2? How could you fix that issue? I ask, WWJD? J being Joshua of course but think they did dress alike. Any advice other than post production for the noise?
There's just nothing at all you can do in post to fix the RunCam audio. What I would do is get a nice ambient mic and record the motor sound from the pilot's position. Especially if you have a stero mic, this creates a really nice effect.
You didn't mention the fisheye on the runcam. Thanks for the review.
+Kris Lewis personally, I didn't notice it very much.
On the side by sides near the edges of the runcam (top and bottom) I felt it was distorted more than the GoPro. That was how I told the difference.
very nice
Great video. I dont think the IQ or SQ for FPV purposes justifies the price difference, however, as an overall action cam the gopro clearly dominates and is worth the price. The versatility with adapters, mounts, and water resistance is why the gopro is so expensive.
The audio is horrible from the Runcam 2. Hope they improve that on the new Runcam 3
You did a video a while back about the protection plan you got for your Xiaomi Yi camera, basically stating that you replaced your Yi every time you broke it for only the cost of a new $15 plan. I was wondering if you could do another video about the more expensive plans for the gopro. I'm looking to buy a gopro and I realized after owning 3 different Xiaomi Yi's in a 4 month period that protection plans are essential for FPV flying. But there are many different plans at different price ranges on amazon, and some of them have very sneaky fine print. There is also a more expensive plan offered by Bestbuy, which is great for a quick replacement, but I am unsure if the Bestbuy plan needs to be renewed every time you replace your broken camera or is it a 1 time fee for the period of time you are protected for? I also notice that some youtubers have returned there broken cameras to Bestbuy and came out with the new gopro session. I thought this might be an interesting video topic for you, but if not could you comment back and let me know the plan you use for your gopro session? Thanks a lot!
I use the same plan, Canopy / Asurion, for the GoPro. But sadly it's more like $45 because the camera is more expensive.
I got my Asurion plan for the Session 5 for $34.
I see, that's probably what I'll do then. Thanks!
Hi Joshua,
I just wanted to calibrate my blheli ESCs but when I slide the master switch all the way up and connevt the battery, the ESCs beep as usual. Max throttle is set to 1850. Do you have any idea?
If the throtlte is up when you power up the ESCs, they should either go into calibration mode or refuse to initialize. If they are giving the full startup tone and initializing then that would suggest they are seeing a zero throttle signal. But I'm not sure how that would be possible with the throttle slider all the way up. They should be seeing either no throttle value (e.g. because you are set to MultiShot and they don't support it maybe) or they should be seeing full throttle value.
Are you absolutely sure they are doing the full initialization tones? Five beeps?
sorry I have to correct myself. It beeps 5 times :D
ok it worked :D my old naze seems to be dead...
+Marc MFPV the startup beeps though? Or something else?
don't really know what the problem was... flying kiss anyway :D just needed the naze to flash the escs
nice video, I recognised the run cam immediately. I sold my runcam the sound was the worst of any camera and the video was a little over sharp and cold, although very good quality, I love my yi with superview script, I took it it snowboarding and the footage was comparable a friends Gopro 3+
Isn't the GoPro heavier? I have to admit, the RunCam image looked completely acceptable and for the average pilot, is well worth it over a GoPro. I would say the video quality of the RunCam is close to GoPro level, close enough that if you worked to set them both up with similar setting most people would not really be able to tell the difference. The sound quality however is night and day. So I guess the question is, do you want to pay $230 more for better sound? I crash to hard to often to put a GoPro on my quads.
The RunCam is significantly lighter: 75 grams for the Session vs. 50 grams for the RunCam, and only 35 grams if you leave off the battery and power from the flight battery.
Back to the actual topic; I have a RunCam HD. For the price, I think it's a fantastic action camera. I would like to upgrade to the GoPro Session, but then my frugal side kicks in. I can use that extra cash for upgraded motors, latest flight controller, etc. I guess if I had a TH-cam channel promoting my flying capabilities it would be worth it. For me, my RunCam HD is sufficient.