FPV Camera Review Comparison Drone Pilots Upgrade or a Downgrade Pros and Cons Runcam Thumb 2 VS Thumb Pro Wide Worth the Upgrade?
Today, we’re going to take a close look at some exciting new cameras from Runcam. I’ll be comparing the Runcam Thumb 2 VS Thumb Pro Wide. By the end of this review, we’ll hopefully have a clear answer on which camera suits your needs best. So, let’s dive in!
First Impressions and Key Differences
I’ve been using the Runcam Thumb Pro Wide for over two years now, and I even have a full review of it linked below if you’re interested. But today, we’re focusing on how it stacks up against the new Runcam Thumb 2. The first thing I noticed is the weight difference: the Thumb 2 weighs in at 27 grams, while the Thumb Pro Wide is a lightweight 16 grams—an 11-gram difference. For pilots flying tiny whoops or micro drones, that extra weight can make a noticeable difference in performance.
Design Changes: Type-C and Build Quality
One big upgrade with the Runcam Thumb 2 is the addition of a Type-C port. Finally! This means you no longer have to solder any cables onto your flight controller. You can use a GoPro balance lead-to-Type-C cable to power the camera without any fuss. However, if you do decide to solder, the connector is slightly different from the previous version, meaning you’ll have to re-solder if you’re upgrading from the Thumb Pro Wide.
Now, let’s talk about the size—this is where things get dramatic. The Thumb 2 is significantly larger, not just in weight but in every dimension: thicker, wider, and taller. It might be an issue for smaller builds, but that extra size comes with some pros and cons.
The Glass: A Persistent Weak Spot
Unfortunately, the Runcam series cameras still suffer from one major flaw: the front protective glass. It tends to shake, and if you don’t secure it with some strong adhesive, it might pop out mid-flight or during a crash. I’ve personally had the glass fly off on previous models, resulting in cracked lenses. So, I highly recommend securing it with some glue to avoid these issues.
SD Card Access and Mounting
There’s a subtle but significant change in the SD card placement on the Runcam Thumb 2. Unlike the older version where you had to open a small plastic cover to access the card (which would often pop open after crashes), the Thumb 2 has done away with the cover entirely. You can now pop the SD card directly in, and it locks in place. Whether this design is more secure over time remains to be seen, but it’s certainly more convenient for now.
Comparing Performance: Thumb Pro Wide vs Thumb 2
Let’s get into the heart of the matter: performance. I’ve adjusted both cameras to similar settings for a fair comparison, but some things still differ. The app settings for the Thumb 2 are a little quirky. For instance, if you set the ISO to manual at 100, you can’t adjust the exposure value—an automatic no-go for me. I usually like having full control over ISO and exposure, and the Thumb Pro Wide allows this flexibility.
When I tested both cameras with ISO 100, the Thumb 2 was significantly darker, and there’s no way to manually adjust exposure. This is a serious limitation for anyone who wants to fine-tune their shots, especially in varying light conditions.
Video Quality: Bitrate and Resolution
One area where the Thumb 2 improves is video bitrate. While the Thumb Pro Wide caps out at 60 Mbps, the Thumb 2 can record at 100 Mbps—nearly double the bit rate. This should, in theory, result in much better video quality, but as we’ll see, the Thumb 2 struggles in other areas that might offset this improvement.
ISO Limitations and Dynamic Range
Here’s where the Thumb 2 really falls behind: its exposure algorithm is simply not as good as the older Thumb Pro Wide. The Thumb 2 often underexposes by two stops, crushing the shadow details and leaving you with an image that is either too dark or too noisy. The noise levels on the Thumb 2 at higher ISOs are especially bad, making it hard to salvage even in post-production.
With the Thumb Pro Wide, I can easily adjust exposure value (EV), allowing for a cleaner image even if it means sacrificing a bit of motion clarity. But with the Thumb 2, the exposure remains locked in, and there’s no flexibility.
Lens and Image Quality
Let’s talk lenses. The Thumb 2 has some improvements in terms of sharpness, especially on the edges, and it handles lens flare better than the Thumb Pro Wide. However, the larger size, higher weight, and poorer exposure control of the Thumb 2 negate a lot of these benefits. The saturation on the Thumb 2 is also too high for my taste, giving it an overly vibrant look that doesn’t suit all shooting environments.
Final Verdict: Stick with the Runcam Thumb Pro Wide
While the Runcam Thumb 2 does offer some improvements like a higher bitrate and a better lens, it has too many drawbacks in terms of size, weight, and exposure control. For me, the Runcam Thumb Pro Wide remains the better choice for its more balanced performance, flexibility in manual settings, and overall image quality. It’s still the 4K camera I recommend.
If you’re in the market for a lightweight, reliable camera for your drone, I suggest sticking with the Thumb Pro Wide. You can check out my full review of it through the link below. But as for the Runcam Thumb 2—right now, I’d say it’s a pass.
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