- 2.5 inch TFT LCD: 270° whirl, Recording resolution:1280x960 / 720x480 / 640x480 pixels
- 120 deg View Angle Day Night Video Camera with 6 IR Leds
- Microphone: can record sound
- Interface: USB2.0
- Support SD/MMC Card: up to 32GB (not included)
For starters you're going to need one of these: Transcend 16 GB SDHC Class 10 Flash Memory Card TS16GSDHC10E You can get the 32 GB size as well but I know the 16 GB one works.
I uploaded a somewhat lengthy video from the unit with a fairly detailed review. Please note I had to shrink the file so it would fit under amazon's 100MB limit. The actual file is almost 500MB for 5 minutes and is 640x480. But what I uploaded should give a decent idea of the video quality. For this item please remember price matters. It is a cheap piece of hardware and it shows. I mention in my video review that I could not even use the power adaptor that came with the DVR because it caused interference on my FM radio. I had to use the adaptor that I had from my Garmin Nuvi 350. But, that worked so I'm less irritated than i would otherwise be.
Despite the problems I gave it 5 stars because of how cheap it is. Frankly I wish they'd double the price and up the build quality. But if you just want to play with something like this I think this is a good way to start.If you're looking for an inexpensive camera that works good, try this out. I haven't had one problem with this working incorrectly.
Issues I have with it (but for the price, is just fine...):
Picture isn't the greatest. It isn't real clear. If you're using this to read road signs or license plates, forget it. If you're using it to show that there are in fact other cars or large objects, it is just fine.
I've noticed that switching into the 720p mode, it does jump a little bit. It isn't bad though, just slightly noticeable.
The infrared for nighttime use isn't the greatest either. It shows picture great to the front of the hood and then it loses all IR because of the headlights.
It does feel a little cheap, but again, for the price, not bad.
I have used this for a couple of weeks now. If you'd like to watch a few videos of me responding to calls (I'm a volunteer firefighter), go here:
The oldest videos with me responding, are w/out 720p and the newer ones have 720p. I don't notice a huge difference, just the slight jumping of the picture...
Overall, not a bad product for the price.This product us well worth the 30 or 40 bucks you pay for it. If you want HD picture, GPS, & G-forge readings there are plenty of OTHER options but they will be hundreds. I see this camera as something that will provide non-bias evidence if ever needed to defend myself.
It IS low resolution, but not close to a deal breaker. It reminds me of the quality of digital video cameras 5 or so years back as far as picture quality is concerned.
The on-board LCD really should only be used for aiming the camera to the car's center. Other than that the LCD is very low quality. Once you remove the video from the card, it looks mush better than on the LCD. I am able to make out clearly the license plates in front of me for one car length, out of that it is too pixelated, but still shows a good view of what is going on. There is also a digital zoom if you need to get a little closer, albeit lower resolution, to your subject while driving.
You CAN turn off sound which I thought helped and saved space on the SD card. The IR should also be turned off due to at night it reflects off the window back to the camera. It can be turned on again if you need to take the camera out to record outside damage without a light source.
Night vision (IR Off) is lacking. You would still be able to use it in court to show how the other cars moved, but you couldn't use it to ID people or plates.
Battery lasts a couple hours but I just keep mine plugged in because the charging cable they sent is LONG. It wrapped from the review mirror (Where my camera is), around the frame of the windshield, down the door, under the carpet, under the chair, and into the center console (2004 Toyota Camry).
Mount is EXCELLENT, the most solid part of the package; never moves aim or loses suction.
Case of camera is medium-grade plastic and seems to hold together well, not too bad by any means.
Overall: I will be getting another for the second car. Happy with purchase.
1 YEAR UPDATE:
The camera is still running just as it did when I first set it up. The only thing that broke was the most solid part of the item... the mount. The suction ring came off of the mount so I could not attach it to the window. It has a standard camera mount screw so finding a replacement was not hard. My overall opinion of the product has not changed: It is a GREAT camera for the amount you have to pay! Video is not great, but it will hold up in court if you needed it (Which is why most of you are getting it anyways). It was HARD to set up but once that is done, it works forever. I will be buying more and am happy I got the first one.
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