This is just a condensed version, folks. For the full write-up with more photos and some video clips, please head out to http://gshack.org/?p=387

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After several instances where my car was hit while parked, and several near-instances with crazy drivers and pedestrians, I set out in search for a dashcam that worked well and doesn’t scream “look at me!”

After months of searching I found BlackVue. The initial reviews were OK, with the major issue being that it overheated. Fast forward to a few months and they released a Version II which supposedly fixes that issue. This is the one I’m reviewing.

At-a-glance:

• It’s compact and easily hidden
• With an extra battery-saver module, can run unattended with the car off (auto-parking mode)
• Full HD video (1920×1080@30fps, H.264/mp4) + audio recording
• Full-featured Android app (does everything the desktop application does, plus a few mobile features.)
• 120/98 hor/vert angle
• Built-in GPS
• 3-way G sensor
• Voice guidance
• Using MyWay viewer, can do a video search of the video.
• Real-time video monitor (video out, useful for those with 2007’s which has the Vid-In ports)
• Includes 16gb microSD card, software, mounts, *really long* cigarette power plug, video cables, SD card reader and extra mounting adhesives.

The unit is very svelt and easy to work with. It’s like an over-sized lipstick. There is only one “button” which you only press to manually activate parking monitoring, otherwise even that part is automatic and the button is just for lighting effects as it allows you to choose the best LED color to match your interior lighting. If you’re completely into stealth, the light on that and the GPS/Recording button can be completely turned off as well.

The video's daytime clarity is as good, if not better, than any other portable camera in the same price range and form factor. And from what i’ve seen, certainly a step above most dash cam products currently in the market.

Night videos are also still relatively clean with very little noise.

Nits. Other than the fact that I had to order this from Korea, which means the manual is in Korean, there’s nothing bad to be said about the unit at the moment. The manual issue is easily rectified by downloading the English version anyway.

Sample video clips and a further notes about the unit, please head out to the Shack.
http://gshack.org/?p=387

Thanks.

 

That's pretty cool Mike. It's neat, clean, simple, and it would be awesome evidence in a "who's at fault" situation.





EDIT: Come to think of it, if the refresh rate is high enough on this, it might be an alternative for the Go Pro on track days!

 

I thought these only existed in Russia and squad cars

 

Very nice review as always mike! iv been looking into car cams for long time now but havent gotten it cause most iv seen stand out a lot but this one seems awesome all around! Thanks for the detailed share!

 

My buddy has one similar to this installed in his car in Taiwan. Says they are being installed as a regular part now in cars there because of all the traffic accidents that happen. Seen a few on Ebay but nothing as stealthy as this. Great find my friend and looks to be a simple and very clean install. Impressed to the max. And yes they are a great and cheaper alternative to a GoPro, all while having the same capability.

 

Thanks guys

30fps is the max, which is still pretty decent but nothing like the GP's 60fps max. It'll work for track days (my old track camera was a 480p 30fps camcorder, which worked well except until the G-shock sensor triggered, shutting the hdd down)

That said, this will work just as well for track. Just don't take it outdoors or when skiing. Definitely no water sports.

My wife is Russian, does that count?

Felt the same way. Most dash cams are rather bulky, fussy to work with or took up too much space on the dash. This one is pretty much "set it and forget it", plus it's rather stealthy.

Standard install eh? Can't blame them, especially after the numerous videos i've seen of cars parked when all of a sudden someone runs in front of it and slams into the hood.

 

ooooooh nice to see this camera getting some exposure over here in the usa. im planning on getting this one. i see that you have it by the blue part of the window. i see the image isnt affected due to it. that was my only worry about this. im seriously impressed by the night time image this thing puts out.

 

Id like to know if the GPS function can be disabled. Say I am cruising along over the speed limit and some guy ignores his stop sign and I t bone him. I dont want the speed to be a factor against me.

 

If you'll click through to my site, there are some set-up screens posted.

I don't think GPS can be turned-off, but you can turn off the speed display in the recording. Additionally, the GPS info is in a separate file, not embedded into the video file. If one were to view just the video, it will not include all the other information such as g's, speed, etc.

 

Great, thanks for the info. I took a look and am impressed. I may pull the trigger on this, I like how stealthy it is. I thought the GPS info would have been embedded.

 

You're welcome.

Yep, each video segment is actually three files:
- MP4 (the vid itself)
- 3GF (data file)
- GPS

 

If you're concerned about a "self-incriminating" device in your car, then you should be (more) concerned about whether or not there is a "black box" in your model year's car. I'm not sure about '03, but my '07 has it and there's not much you can easily do about it. Also, you have to be careful if you do find a way to diasable it, that your insurance company won't have a provision in their fine print that nullifies your coverage for doing so; it's in most policies anymore.

 

^ That's a great point.

 

hey soundmike, any noticeable degradation in video quality since first use?

 

Not that i can tell. Did you want me to look for something in particular?