NEW HDZero Micro V3 First Impressions | FPV Camera Test, Review & Thoughts

[@herokme0]

that 1080p looks so crisp! i can’t wait to get this for my 7”. those shadows look amazing as well, especially when you flew into the forest in the beginning

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, I think it’s perfect for a 7” quad. Can’t wait to fly it more, I’ve honestly only had like 3 flights with it so far… busy life, weather, sun light… And yea, the details in the shadows are amazing, far better than WS/DJI for example.

[@ryanjette8911]

When you flew through that wooded patch was incredible with the 1080p30

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Right, wasn’t that awesome!? Excellent light handling and details in the branches! Thanks for watching! I’ll do a follow up soon, maybe a few, lots of things to test here.

[@RebelGoatFPV]

Thanks for the great review and thanks to HDZero. The Micro V3 in 1080p 30fps mode looks perfect for scenic mountain surfing. I can't wait to see it in the goggles.

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, definitely the best HDZero has looked. I can’t wait to do some proper mountain flights with this new camera! I’ll do a follow up soon, thanks!

[@unger_cnc]

Great comparison between the 720 and 1080p modes! I'm excited to get my hands on this camera for my long range wing. That image looks a lot sharper and more detailed. The FOV looks great too.

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, the new lens is really great, and I think the RunCam FW has also made some improvements. However I’ll be doing some testing swapping lenses with the V2 camera to check. Excited to do some proper flights with this new camera!

[@robert_g_fbg]

The shadow details look awesome. 30 frame rate near the ground is noticeable, but from high flight is cinematic indeed. Good review & comparisons!

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, really impressed with the shadows. An interesting thing with 30fps is the sensor gathers more light, you have brighter highlights and shadows than in 720p60. The 30fps flying doesn’t bother me, even when close and fast to things. Some people say it’s “unflyable” but I fly 1080p30 almost exclusively. Thanks for watching, I’ll do some more proper comparisons soon so stay tuned, cheers!

[@jaysonrees738]

I was watching for this one, but somehow it snuck by until I specifically went to your channel. The 1080p mode really is looking nice to be sure!

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, I feel like this video got missed by a lot of people, pretty low views. But either way, this new camera is in fact looking great, nice upgrade, excited to do more flights with it after the holidays are over.

[@jaysonrees738]

@@GiantAntCowboy I don't know how other users handle their KZbin subs, so I can't begin to know what happened. I just have the subscriptions page bookmarked and watch for new stuff to roll down the pipe.

[@GiantAntCowboy]

@jaysonrees738 yup, i do the same. Oh well. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@dcdk1525]

I got the VTX + Nano 90 camera bundle, & I am now looking further into the HDZero universe 4 a micro camera. I just flew my FPV Virgin flight & I soo muCh love Carl's creation HDZero, I damn love my HDZero Goggle & system, I salute U

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea I highly recommend the Micro V3, really nice camera. Here’s another video I did comparing all the cameras - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp21qK2Dm7qHotk You can see the difference in each. Cheers!

[@r.eyvprdctn]

Amazing 😍 thanks for your review! Because of the shadow detail I'm now convinced about HdZero

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea HDZero has the best dynamic range of any FPV system. WS/DJI are very crisp looking, partially because they have a lot of contrast; often “crushing the shadows” & “blowing out the highlights”. I’ll do a follow up soon with more tests and comparison. Thanks!

[@zanpust5195]

just have a quick question or suggestion... What about night flight? (i know... it is not walksnail) but in low light should do better right? Thank you : )

[@GiantAntCowboy]

I think it will perform really well at night, especially with some moon light! And given that it’s often dark here now, I do plan to test this, so stay tuned!

[@StacemanFPV]

Looks good.. It'll be nice to not have to pay extra to buy a lens for the full sensor

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, really nice lens on this camera. It’ll be interesting to see if we can easily order this lens as spares, or for use on V2 models. I’m planning to test this lens on the V2 to see how close the image looks to the V3.

[@metalfpv]

​@@GiantAntCowboy good Idea, let us know

[@GiantAntCowboy]

@@metalfpv yea, I’ve put in a request to see what the lens is called, and if we can order replacements/spares from RunCam. Either way being able to order spares would be good, as they will get scratch and broken eventually.

[@metalfpv]

@@GiantAntCowboy I dont know for this specific one, but usualy hdzero cams are repurposed other runacam models, for exemple the nano light was a repurposed atom, and you can Always buy spare from runcam SAV for those

[@GiantAntCowboy]

@metalfpv yea exactly. I actually just ordered a bunch of RC5L lenses for my V2 directly from RunCam a few weeks ago. So assume getting this lens should be no problem, but need to know what it’s called. I’ll share what I find out in my next video.

[@fredakilla3926]

Nice, love your videos and thanks for this review, did you notice any latency differences ?

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Hey thanks man! I honestly didn’t notice any latency differences, but the only flights I’ve had time or sunlight to do were shown here… and were pretty chill cruises. I’ll be doing a follow up video because there’s lots to “unpack” here. Didn’t even touch on the New Nano V3! So stay tuned, cheers!

[@miquelmarti6537]

It looks incredible with such a high resolution and high dinamic range. That dyn range is definetly a unique feature among other systems. Also the range doesn't seem to be affected (?). Bravo Oh, does it do the 90fps mode?

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, really excellent image! When it comes to Dynamic Range HDZero always wins. The other systems have very “high contrast images” which is partially why they look so crisp, but they often blow out the highlights and crush the shadows… This Micro V3 camera does not have 540p90 or 540p60 options. That’s because the sensor is the same as the V2. The 90fps camera uses a different sensor.

[@airdevil21]

That looks awesome Iam ordering that new camera!

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, I’m really happy with the update, looking forward to getting some proper shots and digging into some details. I’ll do an update soon, thanks for watching!

[@h2o40fpv]

what a great view and excellent video thank you.

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Hey thanks, I’ll do a follow up soon, but wanted to share some first impressions and flight footage. Cheers!

[@Braincho]

Sorry for off-topic. Help me please with a choice of FPV camera and VTX for a 5" quad(analog). Something decent/good(not the best and most expensive), better than i have(Foxeer XAT600M и Eachine TX526 600mW). Also what antenna and where to buy for goggles. Thanks a lot!!!

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Oh man, I’m not the best reference for analog stuff anymore… BUT, my favorite cams two years ago were the Caddx Ratel and the Foxeer Toothless. As far as VTXs there’s a lot of inexpensive analog gear. Anything from Rushtank, Foxeer, Matek, ect, all solid. If you lived in Norway I’d give you some analog VTXs & Cameras. Regarding antennas I recommend using only High Gain Directional antennas for goggles, (unless you’re at a race event). You’re almost always flying in front of yourself, and you’ll just have much better performance than with an Omni. Additionally most directional antennas work fine if you fly behind yourself at close range. As for which antenna… that depends on your budget. I use DIY Helical antennas which are cheap & easy to make, and work incredible! If you want to spend some money, TrueRC X2-Airs are great, if you want inexpensive most small patches work very well. If you’re curious about basically free DIY check out my first helical video. Pretty fun and amazing! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioSXl4yZiZh3e6c

[@Braincho]

@@GiantAntCowboy thanks a lot, i was looking meanwhile as well in internet, just wanted a real person opinion. Is mamba ultra good too ? I don't live in Norway :P I don't race, just flying around for hobby-fun - casual freestyle. Don't think i can make it myself. But don't directional only works narrow infront ? I often looking at the ground with goggles lol

[@GiantAntCowboy]

@@Braincho if you ever get into longer-range, or want higher penetration, definitely consider a DIY helical. My first ones were made from old copper wire and a pasta sauce lid; and I flew 3.5km (2miles) with a 25mW VTX! I’ve had good luck with Mamba gear, so it’s probably good! And yes, directional antennas have a narrow beam, but most work fine within 180°, which means you don’t have to be very accurate… but you shouldn’t look at the ground. Haha

[@Braincho]

@@GiantAntCowboy Will try to build one in near future then. I do need only one and the 2-nd circular? Don't want crashing hard due to my handmade art :D

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Just saw this comment. You can fly with only directional antennas, no need to use an Omni on your goggles. The signal doesn’t just suddenly drop out, unless you’re 10km+ out, then the signal is so weak that you’ll need to be accurate. I did a video where I shows how you can aim your head while flying out 7km and it’s not hard.

[@pacospete4299]

Excellent video !!!

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Thanks bud, always appreciate your support!

[@JARAH967]

Hi my 3rd question here😅and im really greatful for your answers. I will buy my fpv equipment this week but I'm not sure if I should go with analog or hdzero.I have a budget so I can't get the hdzero goggles so I'm thinking about the transporters 2 hd. Would you pick the emax transporters 2 hd with the meteor 75hdzero/emax tinyhawk 3+ hd or analog with the skyzone sky04o goggles and the analog meteor 75 pro? Thanks for your answer

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Full disclosure: I’ve never used either of these goggles, but given the choice I’d probably go the HDZero route. HDZero is just like analog but with better image quality. The only real con is that VTXs & Cameras cost more than analog. (Side note: the 1080p and 90fps modes only work with the HDzero Goggles; but these aren’t super important for your uses. If you ever did upgrade the EMAX Transporter makes a great Co-Pilot goggle or observer screen. )

[@JoeMommaFPV]

very good comparison man! And STILL I'm SOOO jelous that you have mountains in your damn back yard!

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Thanks dude, looking forward to get some proper mountain shots!

[@PansRocks]

Like the look of this system, seems to be getting better and better as time goes by. I'm still on analog but for me the killer feature would be recording to SD card and Gyroflow capable footage - if that was working I (and many others) would buy this tomorrow I think.

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, I came from analog and love that it retains many analog characteristics, One Way Transmit/No Binding, Fixed/Low Latency, Fixed Resolution, and Image Static. That last one might sound weird, but I find Static extremely useful for antenna aiming, and as a LOS warning. The image is super nice with these V2 & now these V3 cameras. I generally fly with a GoPro for anything truly cinematic so Gyroflow DVR footage isn’t important for me. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@TopCrinkly68]

Pretty I’m impressed!!

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yeah, obviously I was too, looking very nice!

[@MrStevegibb]

madstech says the micro v3 has a higher latency than the v2 in 720p60 mode but he didn't seem to test them compared in 1080p30 mode.

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, in one of his previous videos he had latency tests for the Micro V2 in 1080p30 I think. I’ve been meaning to see if I could find that as I’m curious as well. Carl said he knows what’s causing the issue, and should be able to fix it with a Goggle firmware update, so we’ll see. In my initial flights I didn’t notice any difference, but wasn’t doing any real crazy fast moves.

[@serenestateofbeing1062]

I've learned now from Gao that the 1080 30 mode is only available for the micro camera. Here's the thing, I used the 1080 30 mode and the only 2 cameras I have are the nano 90 cams. Somehow the option showed up when it wasn't supposed to. When I used it, it was a stuttery mess 😂 I thought it was unflyable and it was but I think it's because I wasn't supposed to be able to use it on my camera. Never been more confused in fpv 😂

[@GiantAntCowboy]

1080p30 feels slow and “stuttery”, but that’s because it’s 30fps with a high shutter speed. If you could slow down the shutter speed enough it would look smooth but have lots of motion blur. Even DJI’s 30fps mode is “Un-flyable” for many people. I personally don’t mind this stutter when I fly HDZero and quickly get used to it; haven’t tried the DJI 30fps mode yet. As far as you’re Nano 90 having 1080p30 mode that seems like a glitch, but not sure.

[@DukeEvolution]

My nano lite camera shows it as available but it is stutter city - unflyable on mob6 HD V3

[@GiantAntCowboy]

@DukeEvolution yea, 30fps does not work well with whoops because there’s a lot of fast moving objects. This mode is best for bigger quads in large environments.

[@DukeEvolution]

@@GiantAntCowboy I don’t understand how people can fly fast with close proximity flying with whoops with like Walksnail, even with the 1s. Is it a faster connection than HD-zero in order to get the better picture? I haven’t tried walksnail but i assume it has to be a faster and better connection than the hdzero 1080p 30fps.

[@GiantAntCowboy]

@@DukeEvolution what I didn’t like about WalkSnail was that fast moving objects often got blurry. So when flying low & close to the grass it was hard to judge how close you really were. HDZero doesn’t ever blur which is nice. Regarding latency for 1080p30, I forgot what it is.. 30-40ms I think, which is around where DJI & WS are generally. HDZero in 720p60 4:3 actually looks great! If you haven’t seen this video,(kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp21qK2Dm7qHotk) it’s a really interesting comparison of all HDZero cameras and modes! Check it out and let me know what you think. Are you mostly flying HDZero?

[@JARAH967]

Hi would you recomend hd zero or walksnail for cinematic and long range flights

[@GiantAntCowboy]

My opinion/thoughts: If you’re flying high in the air with no obstructions, then WalkSnail is a great choice, and definitely has a nicer image. If you’re flying close to the ground or near obstacles that could block your LOS then I prefer HDZero. HDZero has fixed latency & resolution, and gives real-time feedback (static) about signal strength. So when you start to fly behind an obstacle the image begins to shows static. If you completely lose signal the image instantly returns when LOS is restored. Image Static is also a great tool for aiming your antennas. I demonstrate antenna aiming in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYrTmYlre7WVj8U WalkSnail/DJI do a great job covering up signal issues, but when doing “risky” long-range flights it’s better to have the full & immediate truth about signal issues. So what best for you depends on your situation and use.

[@JARAH967]

Thanks i think i will go with HD zero

[@GiantAntCowboy]

@@JARAH967 if you get HDZero goggles you can always get an Analog adapter, and a WalkSnail VRX, so you can actually use all systems.

[@imothy]

Can you put the latency in your OSD the way walksnail shows latency?

[@GiantAntCowboy]

No, not that I’m aware of. HDZero does not have variable latency like DJI/WS, so it’s never been displayed as a metric. Each camera/mode has a fix latency value it operates at, the lowest being around 4ms for the 90hz camera.

[@autonoob]

I mean the location is amazing for one thing. Btw you forgot to blur the coordinates at 5:02.

[@GiantAntCowboy]

@@autonoob thanks for watching, appreciate the feedback!

[@JARAH967]

Hi really want to get into HD zero do you Thing the Emax Transporter 2 hd goggles Are any good? Love your content btw

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Thanks for supporting the channel. I think the EMAX Transporter 2 goggles are great, but don’t think they support the 1080p30 or 540p90 modes. So that’s something to think about/research. But the price is great, and they have cool features!

[@JARAH967]

Thanks

[@aracrg]

Really great news that 720p 4:3 looks better than 720p 16:9. That's how it should be, because the resolution in 4:3 is supposed to be higher - 1280x960 (4:3) vs 1280x720 (16:9). I think the new lens won't work as well in the v2 cameras because the v3 camera firmware must have been tweaked to allow for the resolution switching without requiring a lens change or a big change in viewing angle. Would love to see more of your comparisons! Thank you.

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, good point about 4:3 resolution, I’m looking forward to testing it more. On the Micro V2 camera I’ve been using a RC5L lens for the last year and really like it for the 1080p/720p Full mode. That’s why I’m thinking the new lens may also work well. However I’m curious to find out how big a difference the Camera FW makes. Thanks for watching and a sharing thoughts, I’ll post an update after the holidays. Cheers!

[@imothy]

hdzero colors look amazing, just work on that break up and you'll have a winner!

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, the colors, highlights and shadows all look great here, solid performance. Static was mostly due to my VTX antenna which was damaged during an earlier flight. I’ll have a new one in the follow up video, so we’ll see if that was the issue. Cheers!

[@dutchkwad]

The 1080p looks amazing. How does the latency feels when flying 1080p 30fps?

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea it does look great. The latency and feel of 1080p30 is different but for me it’s no problem. Many say it’s “unflyable” but I use this mode almost exclusively and really like it. So it’s a personal thing, just have to try it! I’ll do a follow up with more comparison and thoughts, so stay tuned. Cheers!

[@offaxisfpv]

awesome content

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Appreciate that, I did a follow up with comparisons of every camera, mode & lens. Helpful when deciding which camera is best for you.

[@MrFirrell]

what about u thing are the lantenz they are a differnce between v2 and v3 Micro at 1080?

[@GiantAntCowboy]

If you’re referring to Mads Techs review, he discovered that the Testing Method had issues, and the latency between the V2 & V3 are actually the same. I haven’t noticed any flying issues.

[@CatoFPV]

Kult, looking good!🤘🏻😎

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Agreed, looking really good! I’ll do a follow up with more comparisons soon. Cheers!

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

When HDzero hit I was hoping HD and like a 3w long range or 4w

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, the problem is heat with these digital VTXs, they seem to get substantially hotter than analog VTXs. HDZero works great for my Mountain Surfing flights, however if I was to build a wing for super long-range I’d probably go with WalkSnail honestly. With wing flight you generally don’t worry about LOS Obstacles or latency, so the disadvantages of WS aren’t an issue.

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

@GiantAntCowboy oh thought without the retransmission u could raise latency but reduce Temps. Add cooling fins and fans too. Be a little heavy but now with 10" getting popular seeming like long range getting popular be crazy if they could

[@doriangray7151]

Hi, Are you from Norway ?

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Not from, but currently living in Norway, yea. You?

[@DukeEvolution]

How does this compare to the nano v3

[@GiantAntCowboy]

I’m actually working on that comparison now. Nano V3 looks great too! The biggest difference is the lens is smaller, more fisheye and doesn’t use the Full Sensor, so it’s meant for 4:3. I’ll provide some comparisons soon, stay tuned.

[@bluefpv3263]

i just flew it at night its reallly good with minimal light totally flyable

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Nice! I’ve been meaning to try this, just haven’t had time or nice enough weather to do so. Gotta give it a try though!

[@bluefpv3263]

@@GiantAntCowboy i also put a little spot light on (nitecore ul headlamp) and flew across the fields in pitch black darkness just dont lose the ground if you do that :P

[@GiantAntCowboy]

@@bluefpv3263 nice, I’ve been thinking of neat ways to wiring flash light switch for my quad! Ha

[@PROPVOS]

Do you feel the added latency?

[@GiantAntCowboy]

I didn’t notice the additional latency, but these flights here are the only one I’ve had time to do all month… so maybe when I do my follow up tests and side-by-side comparisons I’ll be able to tell. So stay tuned, cheers!

[@sumner407]

Nice👍

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Thanks appreciate the comment ✨

[@KidCe.]

fuck, im getting way too exited for hd systems. i thought id stay analog for a while to save money... but with all the new hd gear coming out i cant wait too long

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, there’s three good digital systems, each with their own strengths & weaknesses. Coming from analog, HDZero will feel the most natural, and will look amazing, but the other options do have sharper image, but don’t feel as natural for analog users.

[@rotorfpvstef3313]

cool cette nouvelle cam

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yeah, nice upgrade!

[@aviphysics]

I never realized that 4:3 720p was a bit higher detail than 16:9 720p

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, I need to do some more testing, but 4:3 for some reason almost looks like 1080p here! Gonna do some proper comparisons soon, because it’s really interesting.

[@TopCrinkly68]

I’m a 19x9 man all the time!!

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Assume you mean 16x9 image, and yea, I like it too. Especially since the HDzero are 16x9 displays!

[@billyd78]

Looks amazing and doesn't look 30fps either looks much smoother than that.

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Yea, 1080p30 is working nice, but full disclosure: the DVR footage does look smoother than it does in the googles while flying. I like 1080p30 mode for what I do, but many people will probably still find it “un-flyable”. I’ll post a follow up video soon with some comparisons and additional thoughts.

[@billyd78]

@@GiantAntCowboy Ok that makes sense. I actually had a prototype of a 1080p 3d system from Trevor Smouter about 6-7 years ago (it worked with connex) and it was 30fps and was really choppy (I still have it but only fly that in 720p, (but haven't flown it in 3 years at least). But just looking at the video, even accounting for the dvr I get the feeling like it will be a lot better than that. We will see. At any rate it will be great for wings or sightseeing in a quad.

[@GiantAntCowboy]

@@billyd78 yea, it has its uses for sure, i don’t really have an issue flying in 30fps. It takes like 5 seconds for me to get used to it. I’m going to test this mode on a tiny whoop soon, which I expect will be the worst possible scenario for this mode.

[@travisburchell]

Am I crazy or does the breakup seem less???

[@GiantAntCowboy]

You know it’s funny, I actually thought the breakup was worse, but blamed it on my VTX antenna then just went through a crash recently. I did however notice 1080p30 does have more breakup, you can see it in the side by side comparisons. I’ll be doing some more testing/comparisons soon and will try to get more evidence either-way. Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@travisburchell]

@@GiantAntCowboydon’t worry, you wouldn’t be the first to call me crazy. 😅

[@notice_fpv]

That's it. I'm bailing on dji..... While it's still worth something. :)

[@GiantAntCowboy]

@@notice_fpv Haha! Definitely Pros & Cons between the systems. Which is best depends on your uses for sure.

[@Presidentialrun2028]

Well, i think I actually like this better than DJI, DJI is trash in shadows.

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Pro & cons for sure. I fly both for different reasons, HDZero looks less sharp, but the dynamic range is far superior to both DJI & WalkSnail. I think the other systems look so sharper partially because of this high contrast image. O3 for example has a D-Cinelike mode that has less color and contrast, but it’s harder to fly in. (In my experience)

[@nategoodwin3329]

Take my money! 😂

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Haha! Truth, image is looking great, can’t wait to do some proper flights!

[@SeeFPv-qm6ie]

I made the switch from dji since there gonna be banned soon😂

[@GiantAntCowboy]

@@SeeFPv-qm6ie I’ve also been flying DJI O3 lately. Got a good deal on V2 Goggles. Really impressed with the range & penetration performance. Did you see my latest DJI Test video?

[@crazy_doge3972]

Hi great video i love the hdzero system I've noticed that you've showed your coordinates i don't want to tell that exact time but feel free to contact me

[@GiantAntCowboy]

Thanks for watching and paying close attention to the details! No worries though, cheers!