Organizer
Gadget news
Garmin Dash Cam X310 review: a feature-packed 4K dash cam that’s Garmin’s best yet
1:59 pm | October 28, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Dash Cams Gadgets Vehicle Tech | Tags: | Comments: Off

Garmin Dash Cam X310: one-minute review

The Garmin X310 is a 5-star dash cam that is compact, easy to use, and shoots 4K video with HDR at 30 fps. It ticks a lot of boxes, while also looking and feeling like a quality product, reliably recording high-quality footage, and packing several routes for upgrading – from a parking mode, to the option for live remote viewing and connecting several synchronized dash cams to one vehicle.

It all works very well, as Garmin dash cams have for years now, and the integrated polarizing lens is a nice bonus. But the X310 is expensive, and while 4K video is nice to have, it doesn’t offer enough to convince owners of Garmin’s last flagship, the Dash Cam 67W, a reason to upgrade. However, if you’re new to dash cams and have the budget, this is a fantastic option and one of the best dash cams available.

Garmin Dash Cam X310

(Image credit: Future)

Garmin Dash Cam X310: price and availability

As of October 2024, this is the new flagship of the Garmin dash cam range. It is priced at $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$679 and is available now.

It sits above the equally new X210 ($299.99 / £259.99 / AU$499), the X110 ($199.99 / £199.99 / AU$349) and the entry-level Dash Cam Mini 3 ($149.99 / £149.99 / AU$249).

Garmin Dash Cam X310: specs

Garmin Dash Cam X310: Design

This is Garmin’s flagship dash cam, but it’s still remarkably compact, at 70 x 42.2 x 19.5 mm. It’s about twice the size of the tiny Dash Cam Mini 3, which considering the X310 has a 2.41-inch display on the back and 4K capabilities, is mighty impressive.

The simple, rectangular body houses two buttons on the right (for power and manually saving a recording), a USB-C port on the left, and a microSD card slot on the bottom. Garmin doesn’t include a memory card with this dash can, which feels a bit mean considering the high price and that this is their flagship model.

Garmin Dash Cam X310

(Image credit: Future)

Garmin’s fantastically simple windshield mount makes a welcome return for this generation of dash cam. It’s a short arm that attaches to the dash cam with a ball-and-socket joint for plenty of adjustability, then fixes to a magnetic metal disc, which then sticks to the windshield with adhesive. The disc stays on your windshield, while the dash cam can be removed whenever you like, then snaps back into place magnetically when you need it.

The whole mounting system takes up far less space than that of any other dash cam brand, and makes for a discrete installation.

Garmin Dash Cam X310

(Image credit: Future)

Garmin Dash Cam X310: Performance

The specs alone should be enough to tell all you need to know. It doesn’t feel long since 4K dash cams represented a brave new world, and a world where video quality didn’t necessarily live up to expectations. There are no such concerns with the Garmin X310.

By default, it records 4K resolution with HDR at 30 frames per second, and the footage looks fantastic. You could argue that 4K is overkill for a dash cam, and while you may often be right, there‘s no denying the quality displayed here. Videos are smooth and full of detail, with accurate colors and nice control over the exposure and white balance.

The X310 also lets you record in 1080p Full HD with HDR at 30 fps, or if you drop the HDR the frame rate can be cranked up to 120 fps. The latter is a perfectly good option, and results in even smoother footage that retains plenty of detail when paused, thanks to all those extra frames. But the default 4K option is probably what most buyers will stick with, and for good reason. This produces some of the best video I’ve seen from any dash cam – and certainly the best from one as compact as the Garmin X310.

Previously an optional extra, Garmin now fits its dash cams with an integrated polarizing filter. This is designed to reduce windshield reflections and on a sunny day we found it did a great job. The blue fabric dashboard of our test car (used for the daytime recording in this review) was practically invisible, and didn’t once reflect across the windshield.

Garmin Dash Cam X310

(Image credit: Future)

Nighttime recordings lose some detail, naturally, and there’s more noise as the camera battles against the low light. Footage is still very good though, and while vehicle license plates generally aren’t readable on the move, they come into clear focus when stationary and in reasonably close proximity.

One small downgrade from Garmin’s previous flagship, the 67W, is how the lens field of view has shrunk from 180 degrees to 140. I always liked how Garmin’s lenses were wider than the competition, but losing 40 degrees in pursuit of a less distorted image – one that suffers less from a curved fisheye effect at its edges – isn’t such a big deal.

Using the X310 is as easy as ever. You don’t even have to create a Garmin account, if you don’t want to. Just insert a microSD card (there isn’t one included in the box), plug it in to the 12-volt (lighter) socket and away you go; it starts recording when the car is switched on. The 2.4in touchscreen can be used to adjust settings, like video resolution, so you don’t need to use Garmin’s Drive app either, if you don’t want to.

Garmin Dash Cam X310

(Image credit: Future)

That said, the app is used to handle software updates (one was available when we began our review), and it’s an easier way to access the dash cam’s settings menu. Here, I chose to switch off the collision warning system, since it twice alerted me to an imminent collision, despite my car being parked at the time. On one occasion there wasn’t even another vehicle passing by. The app is also where you set up Vault, an optional subscription service where recordings are uploaded to Garmin’s cloud storage via your smartphone’s internet connection. It’s a handy feature, but at £9.99 a month I feel it doesn’t offer enough, especially versus the Nextbase iQ smart dash cam with its connected features. I’m happy to have recordings saved to my microSD card instead, where they can be transferred to my phone manually.

Paying for Vault also unlocks the Parking Guard function, which requires a constant power supply (cables sold separately) and an active Wi-Fi connection, such as to a hotspot left in the car. With all that set up, the dash cam will alert your phone when it senses a collision (or potential theft) and provide a live view.

Lastly, Garmin’s voice control system works as well as ever. It’s a handy way to turn the microphone off, or manually save a piece of footage (although pressing a button or tapping the screen does the same thing).

Should you buy the Garmin Dash Cam X310?

Garmin Dash Cam X310

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You want 4K video
This dash cam shoots 4K video with HDR at 30 fps. The results are fantastic, with lots of detail, accurate colors, balanced exposure and very little grain, even at night. There’s also an option for 1080p at 120 fps, if you prefer.

You need GPS
Integrated GPS means all your video recordings include your vehicle’s speed and location, using GPS coordinates. These can act as crucial pieces of evidence if you’re accused of causing a collision.

You’d like the option for expansion
Although it works great on its own, the X310 can be improved. Garmin sells a permanent power cable to enable the parking mode. After that, you can add a Wi-Fi hotspot to your car and access the dash cam remotely via the Drive app, then through the same app you can add up to three more Garmin dash cams, all recording in sync to provide 360-degree coverage around your vehicle.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a tight budget
This is an expensive dash cam and 4K video is very much a luxury that many drivers can do without. Dash cams can cost very, very little, and while we wouldn’t necessarily recommend the cheapest possible model, there are many alternatives that cost a third of the X310.

You want the smallest dash cam
The X310 is compact for what it offers, but if you want one even smaller you should look at the equally new Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 instead. It lacks a screen (and GPS) but is truly tiny.

You already have the Garmin 67W
Garmin’s latest flagship, the 67W, is still a great dash cam. The X310 adds 4K video and a polarizing lens, yet costs over 50 percent more. If you have a 67W and it still works fine, the new model isn’t worth upgrading to.

How I tested the Garmin Dash Cam X310

  • I installed the Dash Cam X310 into two cars
  • I used the dash cam during multiple journeys, during the day and also at night
  • I set up the dash cam using the Garmin Drive smartphone app

I installed the Garmin X310 in two different cars and used it frequently for a variety of journeys during the day and at night. I tried out its various features and transferred video recordings to both my smartphone and computer for a closer look.

  • First reviewed October 2024
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 review: same great design, now with less glare
7:34 pm | October 18, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Dash Cams Gadgets Vehicle Tech | Tags: | Comments: Off

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3: one-minute review

When it comes to compact dash cams, Garmin proves with the Mini 3 that it’s still the market leader. This is a tiny dash cam that shoots Full HD with HDR at 30 fps, and is so small it practically disappears behind your rear-view mirror, for a near-seamless installation. It also has a decent voice control system, and the smartphone app works well for adjusting settings and downloading stored footage.

That said, the Mini 3 is a very small upgrade on the three-year-old Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 and, other than an integrated polarizing lens, offers no real incentive to upgrade. If you have an earlier Garmin Mini dash cam, then keep it. But if you’re looking for a very small Full HD dash cam, this one has to be at the top of your list, it's one of the best value dash cams out there.

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3: price and availability

Launched in September 2024, the Mini 3 is part of a new family of dash cams from Garmin. As with previous generations of Dash Cam Mini, the 3 is Garmin’s entry-level model.

Available now, the Mini 3 is priced at $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$249. This makes it slightly more expensive than the Mini 2, which arrived back in the summer of 2021. The new model is available now.

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3: specs

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3

(Image credit: Future)

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3: Design

The new Garmin Mini 3 looks almost identical to its predecessor, except for how it’s now designed to be mounted horizontally instead of vertically. This helps it hide more neatly behind the central rear-view mirror of most cars, and means the microSD card slot and microphone mute button are now on the bottom of the device instead of the side.

There’s still a USB port on the right-hand side, but this has been upgraded to USB-C, and there’s still a big button on the rear for manually saving footage. This can be handy for when you witness an incident but aren’t directly involved.

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3

(Image credit: Future)

Garmin’s fantastic (and fantastically simple) windshield mount returns once again with the Mini 3. This attaches to the dash cam with a ball-and-socket joint, then sticks to the windshield with an integrated adhesive pad. There’s plenty of adjustability, but the ball of the mount is gripped tightly enough by the socket of the dash cam to prevent it from moving as you drive.

Also included in the box is a USB-C to USB-A cable and an adapter for plugging the dash cam into your car’s 12-volt socket. The adapter has a pair of USB-A connections, so you can power the dash cam and charge your smartphone at the same time. I’d have preferred a pair of USB-C ports instead, given that’s what almost all smartphones now use, but that’s a small criticism.

As with previous generations of Garmin Dash Cam Mini, a microSD card is not included in the box, so you’ll need to provide your own.

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3

(Image credit: Future)

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3: Performance

Despite its tiny proportions, the Mini 3 records HDR video at Full HD. It does so through a 140-degree lens with a built-in polarizing filter designed to cut down on windshield reflections. Apart from the addition of the filter, this is the same specification as the Mini 2 – and, as a result, the footage produced by the Mini 3 looks pretty similar too.

That’s no bad thing. Footage is sharp and clear, with nicely balanced exposure and enough detail for easily reading vehicle license plates, street signs and road markings; all the things you rely on a dashcam to pick up with great clarity. There were practically no reflections at all in the footage we captured, even on a sunny autumn day, and although not Hollywood quality, the 1080p video (at 30 frames per second) looked plenty good enough for such a tiny dashcam.

Nighttime footage isn’t as clear, of course, but even well after sunset there’s enough detail to work out what’s going on. Vehicles and road markings are clearly visible, however number plates cannot be read as reliably as they can during the day. I also noticed some reflection on the windscreen from my car’s infotainment display, but this was upwards in the top of the camera’s view and well out of shot.

Day and night, the Garmini Mini 3 produces very good footage, especially considering how tiny this dash cam is. Although I obviously couldn’t test the crash detection function, I noticed how the dash cam saves a portion of footage when the driver brakes firmly. So even if you don’t actually hit anything, you’ll have evidence of what could have been a near-miss. As ever, the sensitivity of the dash cam can be adjusted in the app settings menu, which is handy if you find it triggers too easily, such as over speed bumps or potholes.

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3

(Image credit: Future)

As for additional features, the Mini 3 has access to Garmin’s voice control tech. It’s always worked pretty well, throughout the history of the Garmin Dash Cam range, and is equally good here. You can ask the dash cam to manually save a recording, or turn the microphone on/off. It’s a nice-to-have but something you’re unlikely to use frequently.

As with other Garmin dash cams, the Mini 3 has a parking mode that alerts your smartphone when a collision is detected while parked. However, this requires a hardwiring kit to give the camera a constant source of power (sold separately), an active WiFi connection and a subscription to Garmin’s Vault cloud storage service. For some buyers this will add unnecessary expense and complexity, but if you can provide the all-important WiFi connection it can turn your dash cam into a round-the-clock surveillance system.

Another fringe-case feature of Garmin dash cams is how up to four can be synced up together. That way, you can have one facing forwards and one rearwards, then even a couple facing to the sides if you have a large vehicle that might benefit from 360-degree recording. Remember though, each dash cam will need a 12-volt or USB socket for power.

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3

(Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3?

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You want a distraction-free dash cam
Since there’s no screen, there’s absolutely nothing to distract you. It’s even possible to mount the Garmin Mini 3 behind the rear-view mirror, so it’s almost completely out of the driver’s sight.

You can manage without GPS
If you just need video – without speed, direction and location data – this is the dash cam for you. GPS data can be added to recordings if you sync the Mini 3 with a compatible Garmin dash cam equipped with GPS.

You don’t need 4K video
Unless you have a big budget, there’s every chance you can do without 4K video from your dash cam. The Full HD footage of the Mini 3 looks plenty good enough for its purpose, and compared to 4K takes up far less storage space too.

Don't buy it if...

You already have the Mini 2
The new Mini 3 is a very small upgrade on the three-year-old Mini 2, so if you still have that dash cam and it’s working fine, we recommend you stick with it.

You want GPS
As with the previous two generations of Mini, Garmin’s smallest dash cam lacks GPS. This adds location, speed and direction-of-travel data to your recordings, so if you feel you need those metrics you’ll have to look elsewhere.

You prefer dash cams with displays
Since it’s so small, the Mini 3 has no display. This means you’ll need to use the free Garmin drive app to adjust settings and check the camera’s point-of-view during the setup process. It also means you can’t view footage on the dash cam itself, and instead recordings need transferring to your phone or computer.

How I tested the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3

  • I installed the Mini 3 into my own car
  • I used the dash cam during several journeys, during the day and also at night
  • I set up the dash cam using the Garmin Drive smartphone app

I installed the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 in my own car and used it over the course of a couple of weeks. This included journeys during the day and at night, and gave me a good opportunity to inspect how the camera performs in various lighting conditions. I also tried out the Garmin Drive app, which is used to see a live view of the camera and adjust settings during the setup process.

  • First reviewed October 2024
70mai Dash Cam A510 review: an affordable all-round surveillance solution
7:54 pm | July 19, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Dash Cams Gadgets Vehicle Tech | Comments: Off

70mai Dash Cam A510: two-minute review

Choosing a dashcam can be quite labor-intensive if you’re not sure what you’re after, due in part to a bewildering array of options. What I like about this, the 70mai Dash Cam A510, is I know exactly what I’m getting. It’s a twin-camera bundle, which comes competitively priced while still offering lots of performance from both lenses.

Crucially, there’s quality video to be had, with the front camera capturing 2.7K 1944p footage thanks to a Sony Starvis 2 sensor while being able to shoot quite widely via a very decent 140-degree field of view. Meanwhile, the smaller rearward facing unit can capture 1080p video and features a 130-degree field of view.

70mai Dash Cam A510 price and availability

The 70mai Dash Cam A510 is available now and for the North American market comes in a few different bundle variants including the Set bundle seen here. Pricing kicks off with the 70mai Dash Cam A510 for $109.99, followed by the A510-1 for $129.99, the A510-1 64GB for $139.99 and the A510-1 128GB, which costs $149.99. For Europe, the A510-1 costs €149.99, the A510-1 64GB is priced at €159.99, while the A510-1 128GB is €169.99. UK customers will find pricing starts from £130. Head to their website to check out money-off deals and get the breakdown on the model variants.

What’s more, these are versatile units because they’ve got an easily rotated lens, with the rear camera going a full 360-degree for cockpit recording if it is needed. Add on built-in GPS and I’ve got a camera combination that can also capture all-important on-the-go data such as location, speed, and the more obvious date and time information.

The 70mai Dash Cam A510 is easy to install and setup, while the box contains everything need to get started with my set also including a 64GB microSD memory card. Bluetooth connectivity means that video content can be viewed on a smartphone, with an impressive app making that task easier. I’m also very pleased that this model features a built-in LCD screen, which adds an extra touch of in-car convenience.

70mai Dash Cam A510

(Image credit: Future)

70mai Dash Cam A510: Design

I’ve been trying the 70mai Dash Cam A510 Set, which means that inside the box there’s the front-facing camera as well as a smaller variant that points out the back of the car. In fact, this bundle comes with all I needed to get started, which is always a bonus. It’s worth noting though that for anyone not wanting to power the setup via a 12V socket, an additional hardwire kit is required. This is also essential to get all the parking surveillance features activated.

The main camera features a 2-inch LCD display, with four pressable buttons immediately beneath for working your way through all of the features and functions. A chunky manual helps with the initial setup, and there’s a smaller one that covers the rear-facing camera. On the side of the main camera are three ports, for the power and rear camera cables, plus one for the microSD card. A slimline button on the bottom of the unit can be used for emergency video capture.

70mai Dash Cam A510

(Image credit: Future)

I think the overall build quality of this model feels as good as any dashcam I’ve tried. Better still, it’s easy to plumb everything in and get it up and running. The box contains static sheets too, which provides an easy way to fix both cameras to the screens of vehicles, without the need to stick the very adhesive pad directly to the glass. This makes sense for anyone wanting to move the cameras between vehicles. There’s also a tool for pushing cables behind trim elements to make the camera setup as unobtrusive as possible.

I rather like the 12V plug for this model too, which has a spare USB port next to the power cable inlet, meaning it’s possible to charge other things on the go. The cables are of a generous length, so this bundle should work with most vehicles. Usefully, 70mai has designed the rear camera with a 360-degree lens, meaning you can turn it to point into the cockpit of the car for surveillance duties when needed. The front lens is not as flexible but rotates enough so that it’s easy to tweak depending on the angle of the windshield.

70mai Dash Cam A510

(Image credit: Future)

70mai Dash Cam A510: Performance

I like having the benefit of a front and rear camera in the car, which is one of the 70mai Dash Cam A510’s main strengths. The dual recording capability gives a live view out the front and out the back, all on the same screen, which is handy, but it’s not really a big enough to pick out any details.

Therefore, while the screen on the back of the main camera is decent enough, reviewing of any recorded content was best done on either my phone, via the impressive 70mai app, or my laptop. The specification means that there’s a good level of data included on all the footage, with date, time, speed and coordinates all being displayed along the foot of the video content in easy-to-read white lettering.

I do think the 70mai Dash Cam A510 struggles a little bit when it’s faced with sudden changes in lighting conditions. The transition from darker, cloudy skies to sudden blocks of clear blue sky and sunshine sees the lens struggling to correct itself. This isn’t bad enough to put me off the 70mai Dash Cam A510 though as the lens soon gets back up to speed and carries on providing otherwise consistent results.

70mai Dash Cam A510

(Image credit: Future)

Meanwhile, the 70mai Dash Cam A510 coped with low-light and after-dark conditions admirably. 70mai says it has incorporated its so-called Night Owl Vision algorithm into this model and I’m certainly impressed by the way it copes with nighttime lighting, especially under streetlights. These can often prove problematic with dashcams, but the 70mai Dash Cam A510 handles this scenario just fine.

Previewing footage on my laptop, I think the 70mai Dash Cam A510 also captures all those vital details needed in case of an incident, so license plates and road signs are all clearly displayed. The color balance and general quality are very good too, with nothing outside of the lens glare issues mentioned above to be worried about. It’s a solid performer, that’s for sure.

70mai Dash Cam A510

(Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the 70mai Dash Cam A510 dash cam?

70mai Dash Cam A510

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the 70mai Dash Cam A510 dash cam

  • I installed the dash cam into my own car
  • I used it for several journeys during both day and night
  • I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for appraisal

I spent time with the 70mai Dash Cam A510 installed in an SUV, which meant I had plenty of screen space in order to get it installed. However, the design is also sufficiently compact enough to work in vehicles with less glass area to play with. 

I tried the  dashcam bundle over a period of time, across a range of driving scenarios, and in all sorts of weather conditions. Once installed, I found it to be very low-maintenance and enjoyed having the benefit of a chime on startup, just to know that it was functioning as expected.

  • First reviewed July 2024
Miofive S1 dash cam review: good 4K video at a great price
10:30 am | June 5, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Dash Cams Gadgets Vehicle Tech | Comments: Off

Miofive S1: two-minute review

If you’re in the market for a new dash cam and want 4K video on a two-digit budget, the Miofive S1 is for you. In a world where budget 4K options frequently fail to deliver, this dash cam produces surprisingly good results, with great sharpness, decent color reproduction and very little grainy noise, even at night.

Miofive S1 price and availability

The Miofive S1 dash cam is available now. It carries a US retail price of $119.99 but at the time of writing (June 2024) it is reduced to just $79.99, making it feel like excellent value for money. It is priced at £79.99 in the UK and is available both from Amazon or directly from Miofive itself. The package includes the dash cam itself, plus a pair of USB cables (one for power in your car, one for transferring footage to your computer), a windscreen mount and a pry tool for tucking the cable between interior panels. A microSD card is not included.

Pair the S1’s video quality with good hardware, a nice design and a 3in screen, and you’re onto a winner. There’s even GPS for adding speed information to your recordings, plus 5GHz Wi-Fi makes for speedy video transfers between the camera and your smartphone, via the Miofive app.

This dash cam is easy to install, set up and use. It’s also discreetly designed and even has a handful of AI-powered functions that some buyers might find useful (or can easily be disabled). I wish the windscreen mount were of higher quality, but this is a small criticism of what is otherwise an excellent 4K dash cam at a great price.

Miofive S1 dash cam

(Image credit: Future)

Miofive S1: Design

For a dash cam with a 3in display, the Miofive S1 is impressively compact. It also has a textured finish around its outside edges, and the panel housing the protruding camera lens is reminiscent of carbon fiber. This might not appeal to everyone, but I think it adds a nice bit of contrast that makes the hardware look and feel more premium than the price tag suggests.

There’s a prominent power button on the top edge of the dash cam, and four more buttons to the right of the screen that are used to navigate the menu system, since the display is not touch sensitive. Lastly, the left side is home to a microSD card slot (no card is included in the box, however), and a port for connecting an optional rear camera.

A windscreen mount is included in the box. This slides into a cold shoe-style connection on the top of the device, then slides onto a mounting plate, which sticks to the screen with an adhesive pad. Miofive includes a pair of windscreen stickers in the box, which make it easy to remove the dash cam mount if you change cars or no longer want it installed. The windscreen mount works fairly well and offers a good amount of vertical and horizontal adjustability, but isn’t of the highest quality, with some sharp edges to the plastic components.

Miofive S1 dash cam

(Image credit: Future)

Another small criticism I have is with how the horizontal adjustment of the windscreen mount cannot be locked into place. The vertical adjustment can, thanks to an integrated screw that can be tightened to stop the camera moving up or down, but it’s free to move left or right. This tends not to happen while driving, but could potentially be knocked out of place.

The S1 is powered via a USB-C cable and 12V plug adaptor. These are both included in the box, along with a much shorter USB-C to USB-A cable for transferring recordings to your computer. Alternatively, footage can be sent via 5GHz Wi-Fi to the Miofive smartphone app. Each one-minute, circa-250 MB file takes around 20 to 30 seconds to transfer to the phone.

Installing the Miofive S1 is nice and easy. Simply attach the windscreen mount to the camera, then apply one of the windscreen stickers to your car and stick the mount to that using the integrated adhesive pad. You can use the live view function of the smartphone app to make sure the camera has the right view before sticking it into place. 

Miofive S1 dash cam

(Image credit: Future)

Miofive S1: Performance

All too often, budget 4K dash cams struggle to live up to their high-resolution promise. Not so, the Miofive S1. I was mightily impressed with the video quality, which packed plenty of detail and none of the grainy noise low-priced dash cams often suffer with.

If you don’t want to record in 4K, the options of 2K (2560 x 1440) and Full HD (1920 x 1080) are also available, but all three shoot at 30 frames per second. I’d liked to have seen a 60 or even 120 fps option for the lower resolutions, as the smoother video this creates can sometimes look better than 4K shot at a lower frame rate. Unfortunately the Miofive S1 doesn’t support this, so you’re best sticking at 4K and buying a large-capacity microSD card, since each one-minute segment of video weighs in at about 250 MB.

All that said, 4K with HDR at 30 fps is still smooth enough for this use case, and there’s lots of detail in every recording. Key bits of potential evidence like vehicle registration plates, traffic lights and street signs are all clear and legible. Colors are a little flat, especially on overcast days, and the S1 lacks the high-quality sparkle of pricier systems, like the Nextbase iQ and Viofo A229 Pro, but for dash cam recordings this isn’t really a problem, especially when you consider the price of the Miofive. Similarly, the 140-degree lens isn’t as wide as some rivals, but it still did an acceptable job of recording the full width of my car.

For well under £100 (and under $100, too, at the time of writing), this really is a very good dash cam. It’s quick and easy to set up, and while the app asks you to create an account this isn’t actually necessary. You can set up the dash cam, connect it to your smartphone, download and install the latest firmware, then tweak its settings and transfer video files, all without going through the effort of making an account first. For that alone, Miofive should be applauded.

Miofive S1 dash cam

(Image credit: Future)

Like other dash cams, the S1 starts recording right after you switch on the vehicle ignition. It then saves footage as files that are each one minute long, until the memory card is full. The files are then gradually overwritten, starting with the oldest first. If it detects a collision, the footage recorded at that moment is saved to a separate, secure folder that is not overwritten.

The camera automatically overlays footage with the time and date, as well as the vehicle speed (calculated using the dash cam’s integrated GPS antenna), and the local timezone. The display is a bit cluttered during recording, but it switches off after about a minute and is no longer a distraction. Handily, a little voice message plays when the screen goes off, stating how the dash cam “continues to serve”. It’s a strange bit of translation, but a handy way of reassuring the driver that it's still recording.

Other features include a parking mode that springs into life when a collision is detected while the car is switched off, but this requires the hardwiring cable sold separately.

Nighttime footage is less sharp, but still impressive for a dash cam at this price point. There’s a good amount of light after sunset and very little grain. Vehicles, road markings and pedestrians are easy to spot, but registration plates are tricky to read.

Lastly, the Miofive S1 has a set of so-called AI features. While I doubt many owners will care for the “fatigue driver alarm” or “harsh driving alert”, the “stop and go reminder” can be useful. It issues a discreet beep if the traffic ahead has started moving and you’re not paying attention. I found the default collision sensitivity to be slightly too sensitive – it was occasionally triggered when driving over a pothole – but through the app it’s easy to turn this down.

Miofive S1 dash cam

(Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the Miofive S1 dash cam?

Miofive S1 dash cam

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Miofive S1 dash cam

  • I installed the dash cam into my own car
  • I used it for several journeys during both day and night
  • I connected it to my phone and downloaded recordings for appraisal

I installed the Miofive S1 in my own car, set it up via the smartphone app and used it for several journeys. I made sure to record footage during the day and night to see how the camera performs in different lighting conditions, and tweaked the settings – like collision sensitivity and the AI functions – to see what difference they made to the ownership experience. I then transferred footage to both my smartphone and computer for a closer look.

  • First reviewed June 2024
Rove R3 Dash Cam review: ticks all the boxes
1:30 pm | March 31, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Dash Cams Gadgets Vehicle Tech | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

If you’re looking for a dash cam that can do a little bit of everything, the Rove R3 Dash Cam is well worth investigating. Even some of the best dash cams on the market don’t always come with all the features and functionality needed for comprehensive protection. The  Rove R3 Dash Cam carries an impressive specification, with a 3-channel touchscreen dash cam being the core component.

However, armed with cabin and rear cameras too, it delivers a comprehensive range of video coverage, including 1440p video capture out the front, 1080p footage in the cabin, and 1080p out the back. There’s voice guidance, built-in GPS and 5GHz Wi-Fi, plus a very practical parking mode feature for keeping tabs on things when you’re not in your vehicle.

Image 1 of 10

Rove R3 dash cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 10

Rove R3 dash cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 10

Rove R3 dash cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 10

Rove R3 dash cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 10

Rove R3 dash cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 6 of 10

Rove R3 dash cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 7 of 10

Rove R3 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 8 of 10

Rove R3 dash cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 9 of 10

Rove R3 dash cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 10 of 10

Rove R3 dash cam

(Image credit: Future)
Rove R3 Dash Cam Price and Availability

If you can put up with all the pop-ups on the official site, the Rove R3 Dash Cam is available direct. Your best bet is to head to Amazon, where the RRP of $399.99 is currently discounted to $199.99 – though this could obviously change at any time. The package comes with everything you need, including front and rear cameras and all the accessories for fitment and use. However, a hardwire kit and microSD cards are available as extras.

Rove makes a big deal about this model being powered by a Super Capacitor, which is mentioned quite a lot in the promotional blurb. In other words, the dash cam opts to use one of these over a lithium-ion battery. 

It makes no difference in the grand scheme of things if you’ve got the camera connected by default anyway. Having said that, Rove reckons this makes it more useful to folks who might encounter extreme temperatures ranging from -4°F (-20°C) to +158°F (+70°C). Extreme adventurers take note.

Rove R3 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Rove R3 Dash Cam: design

The Rove R3 Dash Cam arrives in a box that flips up to reveal just about everything you need from a complete solution dash cam package. The artwork looks like it was designed using a home desktop publishing package and is quite chaotic in places, but, looking past that, the initial impressions made me keen to get the Rove R3 Dash Cam set up.

Full marks should go to Rove for providing a comprehensive, full-color manual that outlines all the steps for getting set up and how to use video once it's been recorded. There’s a supplementary app for both iOS and Android too. it's possible to use everything without calling on it if you’re not fussed, but it does enhance the overall user experience if you do.

Also inside the box are the main camera, a smaller rear camera, a 4.8 AMP dual charger plug, a suction mount, a wire trim tool, a 2.5ft USB Type-C data cable, a lengthy rear camera cable, a 12ft USB Type-C power cable, cable hiding clips, electrostatic films, a wet cleaning pad, and spare 3M adhesive stickers.

Image 1 of 8

Rove R3 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 8

Rove R3 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 8

Rove R3 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 8

Rove R3 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 8

Rove R3 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 6 of 8

Rove R3 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 7 of 8

Rove R3 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 8 of 8

Rove R3 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

The build quality of all the components feels as good as that found on any of the other best dash cams. I like the robust feel of the main camera and the 3-inch screen is big enough to touch even if you’ve got chunky fingers. The design is also nicely laid out: I quickly knew where all the cables needed to go as they’re marked up logically. All I needed to do was pop in a microSD card and start plumbing it all in.

Considering the Rove R3 Dash Cam is a complete solution package, there’s inevitably time to be spent sticking the cameras on the front and rear screens. I made use of the electrostatic sheets, which saves getting your screen covered in gum from the adhesive if I have to take it off again. The wiring, especially for the rear, takes further time to push in around the headliner, but I found the included tool made fairly light work of that. It all plugs in easily enough, though.

I especially like the way you can mount the main camera as it is, straight to your screen. Alternatively, there's the option to use the mount, which means it can be more easily positioned if any adjustment is needed. I got lucky the first time with my screen-mounted route, but either option works well depending on your requirements. Usefully, the lens in the main camera can also be twisted in a circular motion, so the view of the road can be adjusted easily.

Rove R3 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Rove R3 Dash Cam: Performance

Setup took me about 30 minutes all told, which is reasonable. I then powered up, which happens automatically if you’re plugged in, and had to pick through a few options to configure the camera.

It involves common tasks, such as formatting the memory card (which was included in my test example but isn't normally), setting the date and time, choosing a time zone and carrying out any customization options. I plugged the dash cam into my 12V electrical socket, though you can buy a hardwire kit if you’re looking for a permanent installation. 

There’s a small button on the side of the camera to manually power up, but, once installation is complete and it has power, the Rove R3 Dash Cam engages its video recording mode automatically.

Conversely, the Rove R3 Dash Cam will stop recording if you power down your ignition (or unplug it) within 1 to 2 seconds. It will save the last video being recorded, so there’s no fear of losing any footage. I felt happy to use the camera in its default setup and settings arrangement, but dipping into the menus lets you easily tweak most aspects of the functionality.

Perhaps my favorite aspect of the Rove R3 Dash Cam is the three-channel coverage thanks to having a front camera, a rear-facing one, and the lens built into the main unit that covers the cabin area. Adding to the appeal is the built-in GPS Geotagging (incorporated into the mounting point of the main camera), which means the footage always has live speed and location data as part of the capture process. Getting footage off the cameras was easy too, with dual-band Wi-Fi (5GHz and 2.4HGz) straight to the app proving handy.

I removed the card and reviewed the footage on the larger screen of my laptop, with crisp and clear results returned by all three cameras. The 150-degree view provided by the f1.4 front lens, which uses a 5-megapixel OmniVision OSO5A10 CMOS sensor is solid and more than usable for picking out the definition on number plates and the like. The cabin and rear cameras feature f1.8 a 140-degree field of view with 2-megapixel Sony Starvis IMX307 sensors on board.

Rove R3 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Overall, after-dark footage was impressive, with, again, plenty of definition coming from all three cameras. The Rove R3 Dash Cam seems to react well to changes in light too, even inside the cabin as I moved past street lights, which can frequently make footage look less than brilliant. The G-Sensor tech, which works for the parking monitor, only engages if it’s hardwired, so I didn’t get the chance to try this. Aside from checking the sensitivity though, I see no reason to doubt the quality of the footage it captures.

The screen on the back of the camera is a little busy, with a host of function icons along the top and the different camera views under that, but, as with most dash cams, I find everything works best if I keep tabs on footage via the app or on my laptop. The screen is perfectly serviceable for carrying out tweaks to any of the settings, though.

Should you buy the Rove R3 Dash Cam?

Rove R3 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Rove R3 Dash Cam

  • I used it every day over several weeks
  • I used it on a wide range of journeys
  • I recorded video for extended periods

After installing it in my car, I put the Rove R3 Dash Cam through its paces over the span of two weeks, leaving it in situ for the whole test period. During that time, I used my car for a variety of journeys, from shorter commutes to longer runs. As well as using all the features and functions found within the camera, I also experimented with the app and downloaded footage to my laptop for closer inspection. The only feature I didn’t experience was the motion-sensing option, which only works if the Rove R3 Dash Cam is hardwired into a vehicle.

  • First reviewed March 2024
Thinkware F70 Pro Dash Cam review: think small
12:00 pm | March 21, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Dash Cams Gadgets Vehicle Tech | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

With a range of more than ten dash cams, Thinkware is no stranger to the market. In 2018, it launched the F70, a product that remains its most basic offering. The lack of mobile connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi made it difficult for users to interact with it in ways that are now expected. Thinkware has addressed these issues in a newer 'pro' version with more features and better interactivity; the F70 Pro. 

Landing in 2023, the F70 Pro covers all the basics very well. In terms of the design, you'll be hard pushed to find a smaller dash cam. It sits neatly behind the rear view mirror. The downside of its size is that it doesn't have a screen for viewing the footage. To do that, you'll either have to connect it to your smartphone using the Thinkware app or put the microSD card into your computer.

Video can be recorded at 1080p and 30 fps, meaning there's little to no possibility of zooming in or slowing down the footage for closer inspection. Considering this is a budget dash cam, there is no reason to expect higher resolution or slow motion modes. If you're after a higher specification, then our best dash cams guide is worth a look.

Thinkware F70 Pro dash cam

(Image credit: Future)
Thinkware F70 Pro Dash Cam Price and Availability

The Thinkware F70 Pro Dash Cam is available on the Thinkware website for £119. The same package is available in the US, through outlets including B&H and Amazon, for $99.99.

Inside the box, you get the dash cam, a windscreen mount, a variety of electrostatic stickers, a hardwired power cable, and a sticker removal tool.

For those not wanting to hardwire the dash cam in, there is the option of purchasing a separate OBD power cable that connects to your vehicle's OBD II socket. This enables the parking mode feature and is sold at £29.99 / $44.99

There is no GPS functionality natively, but it can be added on with the optional GPS antenna. For £20.00 in the U.K. or $29.99 in the US, you can access GPS mapping and the speed camera database.

But don't write the F70 Pro off just yet – it's a dash cam with advanced features, including an Advanced Parking Surveillance Mode. When hardwired or using the OBD II connector, it is possible to record while your car is turned off. The device monitors and captures motion and impact with an extra 10 seconds of footage captured before and after the incident.

As well as a Parking Mode, the F70 Pro also boasts night vision, safety camera alerts and a high temperature protection system. For only £119.00 / $99.99 it's amazing the number of premium features that are included. If you're happy with HD resolution and a slightly lower video quality then the F70 Pro is an excellent choice.

Unlike the F70, the F70 Pro can connect to the Thinkware dash cam app. This is available on both iOS and Android and enables users to view a live stream of what the camera is seeing as well as review existing footage on the microSD card. The app itself is extremely easy to navigate and contains all the camera settings. 

There is no shortage of alternative options for 1080p dash cams. For the same price, there is the Garmin Mini 2 or if you have a little bit more money to spare and want a rear camera too, then the Nexar Pro is a great choice.

Thinkware F70 Pro dash cam

(Image credit: Future)

Thinkware F70 Pro Dash Cam: design

The F70 Pro is extremely easy to set up. Everything that is required is included in a single small box – even a 32GB microSD card is included, so you don't have to buy one of those separately. The card clicks in and out and is easy to access. The windshield mount attaches to the windscreen with an adhesive panel that is strong and reliable.

The dash cam slides into the mount with no trouble at all, although sliding it back out is a bit more of a pain. I used a 12V power cable, and once I had connected that, I was ready to connect it to the app.

Thinkware F70 Pro dash cam

(Image credit: Future)

The build quality of the F70 Pro is as you'd expect for a budget device. The plastic construction is strong enough to withstand any knocks it'll encounter and is also very lightweight. The cylinder design with well-engineered buttons at both ends makes for a very attractive, compact case. Thinkware has made good use of the slim design, opting to put the power cable port at the top and the microSD port at the bottom.

The dash cam can rotate up and down to capture either more of the immediate road in front or into the distance. The hinge moves freely but is strong enough to stay where it is left.

The windshield mount is equally small, although the pad is strong enough to keep the dash cam exactly where it needs to be. The device can slide out of the mount, but I found this to be too stiff and put me at risk of damaging either the dash cam or the mount.

Thinkware F70 Pro dash cam

(Image credit: Future)

The additional hardware kit opens up a couple more features, including a Parking Surveillance Mode and a Time Lapse Parking Mode. I wasn't able to test either of these, as they require hardwiring the unit or using the OBD II Connector. The Parking Mode includes everything a user would need, including motion and impact detection. It records for 10 seconds before and after an incident to give you that extra bit of evidence should you need it.

The dash cam also comes with what it calls Night Vision, but sadly it's only available during the Parking Mode. It would be ideal to have this feature during all nighttime driving, but it's limited to this one mode. It helps to ensure license plates and road signs are appropriately visible.

The F70 Pro doesn't have GPS built in, but this can be activated when connected to your smartphone, or you can purchase and use the Thinkware GPS antenna.

Thinkware F70 Pro Dash Cam: performance

The F70 Pro boasts a 2.1 MP CMOS Image Sensor that is capable of capturing Full HD (1920 x 1080 px). The reduced quality of this sensor is very much in line with the budget price of the unit and only delivers great results in the best lighting conditions. 

Users who do a lot of daytime driving will be more than pleased with the output, with the camera able to capture all the important details, including the number plates of other drivers. 

The Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) mode captures more color and detail and is particularly helpful on those bright days when a small sensor such as the 2.1MP CMOS type employed here is in danger of blowing out highlights.

My results during nighttime recording were a lot more sketchy. The sensor really starts to struggle, something that would be improved with the Super Night Vision feature, but alas, this is only available during Parking Mode.

Footage is captured at 30 fps, which is perfect for real-time playback but lacks the frames to slow the footage down afterwards. There are situations where things happen too quickly for the camera to adequately record what happens, so a greater number of frames per second helps to capture more pictures during the course of any incident.

For better results, especially in more challenging light, go for a dash cam with a Sony Starvis 2 sensor or with 4K recording capabilities. This will help to increase detail and picture quality, an essential requirement when needing to provide evidence of a crash.

The inclusion of a 140 degree wide angle lens helps to capture a greater range of vision not only in front of the car but off to the sides as well. This comes into its own when incidents occur at the sides of the car and would simply not be visible with a dash cam that has a smaller field of view.

Unfortunately, there is no ability to capture footage beyond 140 degrees. With an increasing number of dash cams able to record around 360 degrees thanks to dual cameras (or in the case of the 70mai Omni – a single rotating camera), the lack of this really does show that this is a budget dash cam that id best for first-time buyers. 

Should you buy the Thinkware F70 Pro?

Thinkware F70 Pro Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Thinkware F70 Pro

  • I used it for my daily commute
  • I used it during different lighting conditions
  • I recorded video for extended periods

I used the Thinkware F70 Pro Dash Cam in my car and enjoyed testing out its range of features on a number of different journeys. I was able to test the picture quality in a variety of different lighting and weather conditions, including daytime and nighttime.

I connected the dash cam to my smartphone and tested out all of the Thinkware app's features, including the live view and the gallery of previously recorded footage. I didn't test the parking surveillance mode due to not hard-wiring this device with the additional hardware kit. 

After transferring the files onto my Mac I was able to properly inspect the quality of the video and see how it compared to other dash cams.

  • First reviewed March 2024
Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam review: a clever, compact solution
1:01 pm | March 7, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Dash Cams Gadgets Vehicle Tech | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

Owning a sports car with a small windscreen area means that some of the best dash cams are a little too intrusive for my needs. That’s why the arrival of the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam is ideal; it’s one of the smaller models on the market. It offers a compact footprint using the sticky pad on your screen, and takes less space in the cabin thanks to its dinky dimensions. I’d say it’s about half the size of a comparable standard dash cam, making it perfect for smaller cars or those working with a limited glass area.

Image 1 of 3

Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 3

Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 3

Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam Price and Availability

The Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam is available to buy now and is on sale in the US directly from Viofo for $149, although this is currently discounted down to $119.99. It's also available in the UK, again from Viofo, for £119; a further discount brings that down to just £95. While the package contains everything you need to get up and running, there’s no hardwire kit included, so you’ll need to buy this is an add-on if you wish to have a more permanent installation in your vehicle.

Better still, there’s very little to figure out with the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam, since it features a limited number of buttons and ports on its exterior. These include a one-touch button on the back of the unit for capturing and storing a chunk of footage manually, and a microphone button that can also be given a long press during setup to format the memory card. This model takes the usual microSD card, with a 32GB card supplied in the box; it slots into a port on the side, while the power cable does the same. After holding down the button, there's an audio notification that states the card has been formatted, while a red LED on the unit indicates that the dash cam is functioning correctly.

Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Getting the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam into position proved easy enough, with the option to stick it onto your screen using a 3M self-adhesive pad. This can also be attached to a static sheet, also supplied in the box, removing the need to get gum from the glue directly onto your screen. A 12V connector, with a USB2 Type-C to Type-C data cable, a spare sticky mounting pad , plus a tool for pushing the wires behind interior trim are also included.

Image 1 of 4

Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 4

Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 4

Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 4

Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

I found the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam very easy to position. The base is attached to the camera part with a moveable joint, which allows you to angle the lens to suit the different pitches found in vehicles. Get lucky, and you could get a good view of the road on your first attempt; however, you’ll need to check some test footage on the supporting app since there's no rear screen with this model. It’s not a major downside, however.

In terms of the specification, the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam features Sony Starvis 2 technology, which means you’ll capture solid footage with help from the 5.12 megapixel, 1/2.8-type image sensor. At best, this delivers 2K 1440p video recording, but I’ve found the resulting footage of excellent quality – as you can see for yourself in the video clip included within this review. Considering I tested the dash cam during those dark and dreary winter months, the end results are very usable.

Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Image quality is further helped by the high dynamic range of the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam, with the HDR doing a very credible job after dark. I found the voice control option on this model impressive, too, which allows you to turn on Wi-Fi functionality or start and stop recordings without you having to use your hands – an obvious boon when you’re driving. The dual 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi is handy for moving footage off the card, and also lets you check footage on the app if you have that installed on your phone.

Considering its relatively basic specification, this model does come with 24/7 parking monitoring functionality, although you'll need to hardwire it into your vehicle for this to work. If you’re after a permanent dash cam solution in your car then this would be worth doing. Thanks to the G-sensor, the camera can detect movement in car parks, any sudden impacts, and captures time-lapse footage for good measure.

Should you buy the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam?

Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam

  • I used it daily over several weeks
  • I used it on a variety of journeys
  • I recorded video for extended periods

I spent time using the Viofo VS1 Tiny Dash Cam over a period of weeks in the winter months, which meant that it was frequently deployed in dark and damp conditions. The supplementary app was used to check footage and tweak features and functions, while the memory card was also removed and previewed on a laptop so that I could get a closer look at captured content, which also presented the opportunity to check over the audio quality. 

The unit was not hardwired into the test vehicle for the duration of the review period, but worked perfectly well being plugged into my car’s 12V socket.

  • First reviewed February 2024
Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam review: comprehensive cover inside and out
11:30 am | December 18, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Dash Cams Gadgets Vehicle Tech | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

Although there are plenty of options when it comes to the best dash cams, not all of these products offer a complete, one-stop solution. Enter the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam, which is just that: a collection of three cameras in one box. If you’re looking for a dash cam bundle that can film the view out of the front of your vehicle, as well as the back, and keep tabs on the interior, this could be it.

Viofo sees this as its current flagship model, and it has every reason to be pleased with the outcome. The Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam comes in a plush and well-presented box. The main 4K dash cam unit features 4K Sony Starvis 2 sensor technology and can capture 4K Ultra HD videos at 30fps with a 140-degree field of vision. This is supplemented by a pair of 2K Quad HD cameras, which are smaller but can still capture 30fps and feature a 160-degree viewing angle.

The all-important view out of the front of your vehicle is the star-turn here, with its 8-megapixel Sony Starvis 2, 1/1.8-inch IMX678 image sensor. However, the rear camera is no slouch either thanks to a 5-megapixel Sony Starvis 2 1/2.8-inch IMX675 image sensor, which Viofo reckons offers 2.5 times wider dynamic range in a single exposure than predecessors. 

What that means is much better-quality video in a wider variety of driving scenarios. The wider dynamic range and better sensitivity to light ensure the overall shooting quality works more efficiently across a raft of different situations.

One such situation is capturing video at night or in very low-light conditions as experienced during winter months. Both camera sensors in this package benefit from DOL-HDR technology, which helps to boost the quality of after-dark capture. This becomes even more useful when it comes to the likes of capturing license plates, as well as helping you get clearer video when there are sharp variations in light, such as going through tunnels or when heavy traffic produces an endless array of glaring headlights.

Image 1 of 6

Viofo A229 Pro

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 6

Viofo A229 Pro

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 6

Viofo A229 Pro

(Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 6

Viofo A229 Pro

(Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 6

Viofo A229 Pro

(Image credit: Future)
Image 6 of 6

Viofo A229 Pro

(Image credit: Future)
Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam Price and Availability

The Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam is available direct from Viofo as well as the usual online outlets. It has an RRP of £293.88 in the UK though at the time of writing is discounted down to £269.39. If you’re in the US, the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam has an RRP of $359.99, which is also discounted to $329.99 at the moment. 

Unlike the previously reviewed Nextbase iQ model, the package can be used without any type of subscription service to exploit all of its many and varied features and functions.

Bumping up the appeal of the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam still further is the voice-control feature, which lets you easily control the video and audio recording, Wi-Fi connectivity, and other basic commands with hands-free simplicity. Also handy on this front is the way the unit lets you know of any memory card errors without you needing to avert your eyes from the road to find out for yourself.

For everyday practicality, there's also 5GHz connectivity, which means the Wi-Fi setup is much more efficient than the included 2.4GHz band. It’s just a quicker way of moving video from the camera to other sources, such as cloud storage, web space, or your computer. If your laptop isn’t to hand, you can check over videos on your phone. The Viofo app is worth having for this purpose as it offers smoother and more convenient file handling.

As this is a pro-type solution, you get the bonus of an intelligent parking mode feature too, which requires you to hardwire the dash cam into your car. Once that's done, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefit of round-the-clock coverage, with the main point being it’ll capture video if someone damages your car while it’s parked up. 

Parking mode is engaged automatically when the car’s ignition is turned off and you can manage settings from the Viofo app. For peace of mind, there’s a low-voltage function built in so your car battery will never be run down by the camera unit.

Viofo A229 Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Another plus with the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam is its G-sensor functionality, which is the brains of the unit. It can detect any movement to your vehicle and trigger the capture of a 45-second video before an event and a 30-second video after anything happens, so you’ve got a complete record of any notable events that need to be documented. A GPS logger function will also capture vital details, including location, speed, and time, meaning you’ve always got an overview of every scenario.

Look out for the time-lapse recording mode, which captures condensed chunks of footage at 1/2/3/5/10fps minus any audio. This is handy if you’re keen to document an important or interesting journey without having mountains of footage to sift through at the end of it. Naturally, the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam will capture video in a loop-based setup with the added benefit of the G-sensor tech locking any video that it deems important, such as when a bang or jolt occurs in your vehicle.

Image 1 of 5

Viofo A229 Pro

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 5

Viofo A229 Pro

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 5

Viofo A229 Pro

(Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 5

Viofo A229 Pro

(Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 5

Viofo A229 Pro

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to installing and setting up the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam, the process is thankfully very straightforward. You can, of course, get the unit hardwired into your car if you prefer a more permanent arrangement, but this model can simply be plugged into a 12V power socket in your vehicle and works from the off.

I was really pleased with just how easy this model was to configure. Viofo also includes a microSD card, which just needs to be formatted before use, but the camera does all of that for you during setup. Granted, there’s quite a lot of wiring to tuck away if you’re hooking up the internal and rear-facing cameras, but there’s an included plastic tool for helping you get it under trim panels and such. Once all that is done, this is very much a plug-and-play dash cam package, with the 2.4-inch HD screen offering up a great view of controls and the road ahead.

Viofo A229 Pro

(Image credit: Future)

The design of the camera units is clever too, with a neat pivoting motion on both the main unit and the supplementary cams allowing you to get their viewing angle just right. This even worked on a sports car I was driving with a very angled windshield, which means the Viofo A229 Pro dash should work in most vehicles. Everyday use is just as impressive, which, as you’ll see from the footage displayed on this page, works well even if you’re driving in mid-winter conditions that are sub-optimal, to say the least.

Should you buy the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam?

Viofo A229 Pro

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam

  • I used it frequently over the course of one week
  • I used it on a variety of journeys
  • I recorded video for extended periods

The great thing about the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam is that it can be used by anyone without any installation skills. I chose to plug it into the 12V socket in my car, using the supplied cable while evaluating the on-screen controls and the app options.

Video footage was recorded on a variety of journeys from short commutes to longer treks. Road conditions and surfaces were also used to compare footage for things like clarity, resolution, and overall quality. Testing in the latter half of the year also means the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam was evaluated for the way it handled different light conditions, including dark mornings and inclement weather.

Performance was also evaluated over longer periods of recording time, to ensure the Viofo A229 Pro Dash Cam was happy with being on for protracted periods without overheating or malfunctioning.

  • First reviewed December 2023
70mai A810 Dash Cam review: incredible bang for buck
1:00 pm | December 15, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Dash Cams Gadgets Vehicle Tech | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

70mai is one of the leading manufacturers of dash cams and their newly launched A810 is a credit to their already impressive lineup. The 4K front-facing camera can deliver excellent results in all lighting conditions and the added HDR technology gives it a great boost when shooting in intense light or at night.  

The secondary camera is only 1080p resolution and comes as a separate piece of hardware in the set. As great as it is to have a second camera for recording the vehicle cab, the quality of that video is inferior to its front-facing big brother. Colors aren't as vibrant and it struggles in tricky lighting conditions. The additional camera also means an increase in trailing cables as the unit has to be connected to the main device. 

The A810 contains a range of extra surveillance features including night vision, parking mode, and GPS tracking. All of these make it a great option for security-minded drivers. 

The dash cam market includes a range of similar 4K options, as well as other cameras that offer additional features. Check out our best dash cams guide if you're looking for other possibilities.

70mai 4K A810 Dash Cam with screen

(Image credit: Future)
70mai A810 Dash Cam Price and Availability

The 70mai 4K A810 HDR Dash Cam is only currently available in the United States with a planned launch in the UK in March 2024. 

Dash Cam only: $149.99
Dash Cam and Hardwire Kit: $169.98
Dash Cam and RC11 Rear Camera: $165.99
Dash Cam and RC11 Rear Camera with Hardwire Kit: $185.98
Dash Cam and RC12 Rear Camera: $179.99
Dash Cam and RC12 Rear Camera with Hardwire Kit: $199.98

Inside the box, you get the dash cam, a windscreen mount, an electrostatic sticker, a power cable, a car charger, and a seal twister tool. 

The USB-C-to-USB-A and car-charger adapter will keep the dash cam powered when driving. If you want the dash cam to work when the engine is off, you’ll have to purchase the 70mai UP03 Hardwire Kit. This is essential for making use of the parking surveillance feature. 

The app makes it easy to control the dash cam via your phone, as well as view and download your media. However, it’s a shame that when you connect the app, you instantly lose the ability to control the dash cam from the device itself. 

The Nextbase 622GW and the Vantrue E1 are both great 4K dash cam alternatives, but if you don't need that level of resolution or want something a bit more minimal and trendy, 70mai’s Omni dash cam is a cracking option. This smaller device has all the features of the A810, minus 4K resolution and dual video recording. 

The A810 includes a microSD solution for storage

(Image credit: Future)

The A810 build quality is pretty modest, with all the body parts being plastic. This results in a noticeably lightweight unit but, at the same time, doesn’t feel particularly robust.

The device is also not particularly attractive or modern in terms of design. However, all the ports are contained on one side of the device, which is a good implementation for ensuring a tidy setup.

The 3-inch screen has a resolution of 640 x 360. This display is flush with the outer casing, which made me a little nervous about damaging it during installation and moving it in and out of my car. A small lip around the screen would more adequately protect the screen from an unexpected drop or impact. 

The camera can be rotated 90 degrees around the vertical orientation but this is manually operated. Rotating it felt a little like forcing the camera in ways that it didn’t feel natural to be moved. I was concerned about how the hinge would cope with the regular movement, but it held up under all my tests. 

The A810 includes a camera that can rotate 90 degrees vertically

(Image credit: Future)

One of the most important features of any dash cam is video quality. There's no use having all the additional surveillance features in the device if what it captures isn’t of a high enough quality to ‘see’ what's happening in the shot.

The video quality of the front-facing camera is excellent across its two resolutions, 3840 x 2160 and 1920 x 1080, with the latter available at both 30fps and 60fps. The picture is crisp, with bold and vibrant colors throughout. The quality of the 4K is particularly helpful for enabling users to zoom in on the footage - something that's essential for identifying number plates. 

The backup camera doesn’t, in any way, match the quality of the primary camera. That's to be expected, but I think the 1080p rear-facing camera struggles to replicate colors accurately and produces a pretty average picture. The HDR capability rescues it in some regard, as it's still able to adequately cope with the light and dark ends of the color spectrum. 

The standout feature of the A810 is its 4K video resolution at 30fps. This video quality is down to the built-in Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 Core Chip. The resolution puts it squarely alongside Nextbase 622GW and the Vantrue E1 – 4K recording is by no means universal across dash cams, making the A810 one of a limited set of options if 4K is essential to you.

The Sony chip benefits from the technology around it that captures the light. The lens is wide angle, boasting a 150-degree field of view – perfect for capturing a broad view in front of the car – and has seven layers for capturing the light being transmitted in ultra-high definition. Alongside IR functionality and a large f1.8 aperture, it can deliver great results even at night. 

The lens can be manually rotated around 90 degrees in a vertical orientation but by no means boasts the abilities of the 70mai Omni, which allows 360° horizontal rotation and can even be controlled via the app.

As well as the 4K front-facing camera, this dash cam set comes with a backup camera, making it possible to record the road and the vehicle cab for an almost 360-degree surveillance setup. This second camera, capable of recording at 1080p, is a separate piece of kit and can be installed or removed as you see fit.

The HDR capabilities and night vision technology enable the A810 to deliver great results in low-light conditions, such as driving at dusk or night. This is made possible by the highly sensitive image sensor and wide dynamic range. This comes at a cost with visible noise in darker areas, but that is rarely a problem for security-sensitive drivers.  

The built-in GPS means that every route can be logged and tracked. This is ideal for providing evidence of your vehicle’s location for legal or insurance purposes. 

The additional hardware kit opens up a couple more features, including time-lapse recording and smart parking guardian mode. The time-lapse feature is pretty self-explanatory but, in essence, makes it possible to capture long periods in smaller files. This has the downside that periods between the capture start and end times might not be captured and, therefore, important events might get missed.

The smart parking guardian mode tracks impact and motion around your vehicle. This requires the hardware kit because it needs a constant power supply to function. The additional snapshot functionality helps to capture specific incidents when you’re not with your car.  

Image 1 of 4

70mai 4K A810 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 4

70mai 4K,A810 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 4

70mai 4K A810 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 4

70mai 4K A810 Dash Cam

(Image credit: Future)

The device is easy to set up right out of the box. The box includes the windscreen mount, as well as the cables required for power and the secondary camera. I plugged this into my car's USB-A port, so I didn't check the setup process for the hardware kit. 

The mount has a well-engineered, sticky backing strip that's easily removed and placed on the windscreen. This mount locks securely into the dash cam and provides a very satisfying click when it’s in place. 

The dash cam takes MicroSD for its storage capacity, but you won’t find one of those in the box. Make sure you purchase this alongside the dash cam, otherwise, you’ll be disappointed that you can’t get your camera up and running straight away. 

All of 70mai’s previous dash cams had app functionality, and the A810 is no different. The 70mai app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for wide-ranging accessibility.

The app was straightforward to download, and connecting it to the dash cam was no trouble at all. The app lets you control the dash cam, as well as view and download recordings. 

I did find it frustrating that when the app is connected it automatically locks the functionality of the dash cam buttons. A two-way setup would make for a far superior experience. I see no need to limit user interaction to either the app or the device. 

Should you buy the 70mai A810?

An optional secondary camera can be purchased

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the 70mai A810

  • I used it regularly across a number of journeys
  • I used it during the daytime and at night
  • I recorded video for extended periods

I used the 70mai 4K A810 HDR Dash Cam during the winter and so was able to test almost every type of weather condition that the British climate can offer. I also recorded footage during a variety of different lighting conditions, including the most extreme light and dark scenarios.

I made good use of both the device and the associated app, controlling its features through both avenues. 

I was unable to test the parking surveillance mode or the time-lapse feature due to not hard-wiring this device with the additional hardware kit. 

  • First reviewed December 2023
70mai Omni Dash Cam review: a smart, rotating 360-degree dash cam
1:00 pm | December 4, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Dash Cams Gadgets Vehicle Tech | Comments: Off

Two-minute review

The 70mai is an excellent dash cam at a great price point – its 360-degree coverage and AI-powered features are real highlights, and you'll be hard-pushed to find anything better at this price.

The 360-degree coverage is by far its biggest selling point. You can get better video resolution, such as 4K, on other dash cams, but there aren't many on the market that enable a full rotation for filming any angle of the car. This feature will be particularly appealing for vloggers who want car surveillance while also being able to capture vlogs while driving. It also has the added benefit of being able to capture security threats that are to the side of or behind the windscreen.

The dash cam also benefits from a number of AI-powered features, such as motion detection. The Omni will automatically rotate to track any potential threats, including someone trying to break into the car through one of the doors. The AI hardware is great at assessing incidents, and deciding whether they pose a threat to the safety of your vehicle. 

The design has a lot to commend it too. It's well engineered, and designed to have a human-feel. The human-like display graphics means it's a bit like having a Tamagotchi sitting in front of you while you're driving – it smiles and waves, which I personally thought was a nice touch.  

There are, however, other dash cams that can record better video, at a higher resolution, and contain some better features – check out our best dash cams guide if you're looking for other options.

70mai Omni Dash Cam with rotating camera

(Image credit: Future)
70mai Omni Dash Cam Price and Availability

The 70mai Omni dash cam costs $199 / £158/ AU$399 for the 128GB, $184.99 / £147 / AU$349 for the 64GB model, and $169.99 / £135 for 32GB of storage. 

If you want to take advantage of the parking surveillance mode then you'll need the additional UP03 Hardwire Kit which will set you back $19.99 / £16 / AU$49.95.

For those who are concerned about longevity, 70mai sell a pair of replacement stickers, adhesives and mounts in an accessory pack. This cost $5.99 / £4.77 / AU$6.16.

70mai are currently only shipping this dash cam to the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

So, what do you actually get alongside the Omni? As you'd expect, it ships with everything you need to mount it to your windscreen, which is done using an electrostatic sticker, of which there are two in the box. There's also a spare adhesive sticker, and if you manage to damage these you can buy replacement ones through the 70mai website. 

To help keep you powered on the go you get a USB-C power cord and a car charger adapter. It's also possible to purchase a separate UP03 Hardwire Kit that lets you connect the device directly into the car battery. This is required to enable the camera to work even when you're not in the car, which is essential for making use of the parking surveillance feature. 

The user manual is written in clear English, making it easy to follow the setup process and troubleshooting tips.

70mai Omni Dash Cam with buttons to one side

(Image credit: Future)

The device itself is really nice to look at and touch. It's well engineered, with a sturdy hinge that lets you mount the unit at any angle you want. The hinge feels slightly stiff, but this has the added benefit of ensuring that it stays at exactly the angle you set it at.

The camera head is distinguished from the main body by the use of two different materials. The shiny black top houses the camera, which protrudes only ever so slightly from its housing. This top 'head' rotates really nicely around 360 degrees with no sense of sharp or jerky movements. It is possible to rotate this part when the device is powered off, though, which could result in you accidentally damaging the gimbal.

The main body is also plastic, but has a slightly softer touch to it. This houses the power cable port and the set of buttons. The buttons are red, which makes them stand out and ensures you'll never miss them. There's an on/off button, which also acts as a 'select' button when navigating the menus, while the up and down button lets you move through the menus. When the camera is mounted, these buttons are on the left-hand side of the unit which is great if your car is left-hand drive, but not ideal if it's right-hand drive.

The compact design means that if you choose to tuck it behind the rear view mirror  it'll largely be out of sight while offering good visibility.

70mai Omni Dash Cam secures to the windscreen with an electrostatic sticker

(Image credit: Future)

One of the most important elements of a dash cam is the video quality. If you're going to the expense of buying one of these cameras and installing it in your car, then you want to make sure it's going to give you the visual information you need. These cameras are primarily used for surveillance, which means a certain resolution and definition is required. 

There's only one video resolution, which is Full HD 1920 x 1080px, with the option to capture footage at either 30fps or 60fps; if high resolution is important to you then you may want to pick up a 4K dash cam like the Nextbase 622GW. The resolution can only be adjusted through the app, which somewhat hampers its usability.

The lens is f/1.8 which allows plenty of light to hit the sensor and enables excellent low-light performance. Don't expect incredible detail in the shadows, though, as you would need a much better sensor to achieve this.

That said, the camera has a HDR feature which, when enabled, helps to reduce noise and detail loss in the highlights and shadows.

The lens has a field of view of 140 degrees, and can rotate through 360 degrees, which allows for a significant amount of the road in front of the vehicle to be captured.

The biggest selling point of this dash cam is its 360-degree functionality, although this isn't a true 360-degree camera; as mentioned it has a field of view of 140 degrees, and the 360-degree coverage is made possible by the rotation capabilities of the camera head. The ability to film out of the front windscreen as well as back towards yourself driving is a great feature. There are a range of benefits to this, including being able to film someone trying to break into your car when you're not present, while content creators will appreciate the ability to record vlog-style videos inside the car.

The night vision mode ensures that the 1080p footage is captured no matter what time of day it is; this works surprisingly well, and is aided by the HDR feature.

As well as video capture, the Omni contains a number of other features that help take car video surveillance to a whole new level.

First up is the 24-hour parking surveillance. This is only possible with the additional hardware cable, but once installed will ensure that any potential threat to your car when you're not present is captured.

AI motion detection further helps to ensure that the camera picks up any threat, no matter where it is around the car's exterior. If you walk near the car or are acting suspiciously then the AI hardware will determine how suspicious the movement is and if deemed a threat will begin recording.

You can connect the dash cam to the 70mai app for a greater level of control, including more settings. It's through the app that video clips and photos are viewable. I was a little disappointed to find that there isn't an SD or microSD card slot, which would mean you wouldn't have to rely on the app to view footage. 

You aren't reliant upon the device, or even the app, to control this dash cam. Through a number of voice commands the user can record video or rotate the camera head, enabling you to safely operate the camera when driving. 

Image 1 of 5

70mai Omni dash cam with 360 degree viewing angle

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 5

70mai Omni dash cam with 360 degree viewing angle

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 5

70mai Omni dash cam with 360 degree viewing angle

(Image credit: Future)
Image 4 of 5

70mai Omni dash cam with 360 degree viewing angle

(Image credit: Future)
Image 5 of 5

70mai Omni dash cam with 360 degree viewing angle

(Image credit: Future)

The Omni dash cam is remarkably easy to set up. The whole process of setting up the camera, connecting it to the app and then installing the device in my car took no more than 10 minutes, and the electrostatic sticker was strong enough to hold the unit firmly in place.

App connectivity was reliable, and connected seamlessly every single time. The app doesn't have the best reviews on the Apple App store, but I had very few problems with it. My only issue with the app was that it did seem to disconnect from the device far too quickly after ceasing recording. The connection process is quick and easy, so it wasn't necessarily a big problem, but it did become a bit of an annoyance. 

The 70mai app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Should you buy the 70mai Omni?

70mai Omni Dash Cam for 360 degree viewing

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the 70mai Omni

  • I used it regularly across a number of journeys
  • I used it during the daytime and at night
  • I recorded video for extended periods

The 70mai Omni was a pleasure to test, providing a satisfying overall experience. After installing the device and setting up the app I proceeded to use the dash cam like any other security-conscious driver would.

I wasn't able to test the parking surveillance feature as I didn't hardwire the device into the battery, but I did record footage during multiple journeys, in different lighting conditions and with a range of potential security issues.

  • First reviewed November 2023
Next Page »