Current Best onboard Rocket Video Camera

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Just one with a flight. I had to severely trim it for TRF to accept it as an upload, but you can get a sense of the quality and stabilization. Before apogee it was looking out a polycarbonate window. After apogee the camera is ejected from the airframe (but still attached)
That "polycarbonate window" is that the "dive case" underwater mount you can purchase?
 
how did you add that cool overlay?!
It's an app called Dashware.
You basically link your altimeter data CSV file in the software and sync it to the video. It then outputs the composite. The interface is a little clunky and it can be a little persnickety with the output video format, but once you e played around with it enough, it's relatively easy.
 
As of the start of 2025, what is the best (or near best) onboard video camera to house with a 2. 1" / 54mm rocket that is -
1. Not necessarily the cheapest
2. Gets good - but not superb resolution
3. MUST be easy to install
4. Wifi blue tooth connectivity / connection to iphone highly preferable.

Thanks in advance - its all very confusing oit there.
If you want to hit all four items on your list, a RunCam 6 in an external shroud is maybe the way to go, although personally I had nothing but bad luck with both the Runcam 2 4K and the 6. I was an early buyer of both, so maybe they got some of the bugs worked out. Other people have had success with them. I bought a Mobius Maxi 4K and it has worked great for me, but it does not have phone connectivity. I have also had success with the RunCam Split 4, but it’s not as easy as installing a camera on an external shroud.

Mobius Maxi 4K in external shroud, 4” Frenzy XL on an M1850:



RunCam Split 4 internally mounted with lens shroud on a minimum diameter 3” rocket, M685 motor:

 
That "polycarbonate window" is that the "dive case" underwater mount you can purchase?
No, it was just a McMaster 1.5" polycarbonate tube that I cut a section from and glued to my coupler tube.

I built and rebuilt the camera holder and window several times last year. Here are a couple of different points along the way:
https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/making-plans-for-stratospear-again.180406/post-2610434
https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/making-plans-for-stratospear-again.180406/post-2634220
 
I've been happy with GoPro Hero5 Sessions, bought used on ebay for ~$100 if you're patient. I specifically chose it to:
  • be self contained, no extra batteries, mounts etc
  • reasonable price
  • fits well in (at least my) 54mm coupler tube
  • Bluetooth -> cellphone on/off, video preview over wifi, settings control
There is a picture in this post and this post showing my installation. There are also a couple flight videos in that thread. Read up on settings before you fly - I basically used default, which is okay, but I've since moved to other settings which fit my missions better.
 
I use Runcam Splits and an Eggtimer WiFi module to turn them on.

This one is for am externally mounted camera shroud.
View attachment 689360

This one is installed inside the airframe with an angled porthole.
View attachment 689362

View attachment 689363
I really like your approach. It's a nice small blister which I'd like to emulate. I'm new to both rockets and cameras so let me confirm your starting point before I spend some money. It looks like you started with this: Runcam Split, and then dissected the camera. It's just not readily apparent if/how the case comes apart. I'd like a little comfort before I take a nutcracker to the case. Thanks.
 
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I really like your approach. It's a nice small blister which I'd like to emulate. I'm new to both rockets and cameras so let me confirm your starting point before I spend some money. It looks like you started with this: Runcam Split, and then dissected the camera. It's just not readily apparent if/how the case comes apart. I'd like a little comfort before I take nutcracker to the case. Thanks.
The Runcam Split 3 that I used doesn't have any case. The controller is a bare board and the lense and the board it's mounted to are all uncovered.
It looks like it's getting difficult to find the Split 3 now (they may be obtainable through AliExpress). I'm sure the Split 4 would work too, but you may have to adjust the size of the mount to adapt to the protective covering. I don't think that the lense itself is any larger than the Split 3.
 
Looks like the Split 4 v2 is now not available on the RunCam site. Hope they get them back in stock. Specs are on there.
 

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