So, you want everything... Do you want better race footage without adding weight, latency, performance, or cost to your build? As of this write-up, there are only a few options out there, none are gonna give you HD footage. I have tried 2 of these options.
First...
Runcam Mini FPV DVR
Specifications
Power Input: DC 3.3-5.5VPower Output: DC 5V @ Max250mAWork Current: 250mA MaxVideo Input: CVBS@1Vp-p 75Ω
Video Output: CVBS@1Vp-p 75Ω
Encoder: MJPEG@AVI
Resolution: VGA(640 x 480) @ 30fps(NTSC)/25fps(PAL)
Audio Input: MIC
Micro SD Card: Max 32G
Dimension: 25 x 25mm @20 x 20 M2 mounting holes
Net Weight: 3.5g
Installation is easy... cam in and cam out with power in at 5v.
Note: Some fpv cameras require more than 5v to power so in that case, you would need to get separate power for the camera.
Next...
QWinOut Super Mini HMDVR-S
Then I tried a micro DVR I found on Amazon called the QWinOut Super Mini HMDVR-S. It is much smaller than the Runcam, but no mounting options.
Specifications
Power Input: DC 5VWork Current: 260mA MaxVideo Input: 75Ω TYPVideo Output: 75Ω TYPEncoder: MJPEG@AVIResolution: VGA(640 x 480)
Audio Input: YES
Micro SD Card: Max 32G
Dimension: 7.1 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
Net Weight: 0.6 ounces
First thing I did was remove the plastic case because... you know... weight.
Wiring was easy but different. You need to splice into the video wire as there is no output. This made me skeptical because I was thinking this would degrade the video quality. It didn't though, the video was as good as if it weren't installed.
To splice into the video wire, I just split the insulation and soldered directly to the existing wire. Seemed easier than trying to double solder to a pad.
Flight Results:
Both units performed well and gave expected results. Non-interference DVR video. I will actually continue to use the QWinOut over the Runcam because of the size difference with same specs. The Video below is onboard DVR vs goggle DVR. Another cool idea is to wire the DVR after the OSD so you could record your telemetry to the DVR. If I had thought of it before I installed, I would have definitely done that.
I think this is an excellent way to get decent race footage without all the downsides of HD options and I plan to add it to all my "race only" frames.
Here is footage from the QWinOut vs Fatshark's DVR