Almost EVERYONE is Wasting Money on Dash Cams.

Key Concepts

• Dash cam image quality and features
• SOC (System on a Chip) and CMOS image sensor manufacturers (Novatek, Sony STARVIS)
• Value vs. high-end dash cams
• Misleading marketing and paid reviews
• Importance of firmware updates and community feedback

Dash Cam Market Overview and Initial Experiences

The video begins with the host, Linus, expressing frustration over the poor performance of several top-rated dash cams purchased from Amazon, despite spending over $1000. The initial motivation for buying dash cams stemmed from the prevalence of insurance fraud and the need for reliable evidence in case of accidents. Linus recounts his initial experience of purchasing cheap dash cams that failed to function. The dash cam market is described as confusing, with misleading specs, paid reviews, and contradictory marketing materials.

Key Considerations for Dash Cam Selection

The video highlights several factors to consider when choosing a dash cam:

• Proof of Fault: The primary function of a dash cam is to provide evidence in case of an accident.
• Usability Features: Parking mode, discreetness, loop recording, gravity sensors, and cable length are important usability considerations.
• Image Quality: The ability to clearly identify vehicles, people, and license plates is crucial.

Dash Cam Reviews and Comparisons

The video reviews several dash cams across different price points, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses:

• Thinkware F70 (Value Pick - $70): A bare-bones option lacking features like GPS or a screen, but simple to set up and capable of capturing clear footage, especially license plates on stationary cars.
• Biuone A20 ($60): Poor image quality, especially at night, and a screen that doesn't automatically dim.
• Chortau BT 13 ($70): Grainier daylight quality than the A20, but slightly better text readability. Features a mini HDMI input for the rear camera.
• IIWEY T1: Poor performance in ideal conditions, struggling to read road signs.
• Pruveeo D30H: Claims to be a 4k camera but metadata reads 1080p. Uses capacitors instead of lithium batteries, which is a plus for longevity.
• REXING V1 4k ($100): Slightly clearer than the F70 at dusk, but not significantly better.
• Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 ($110): Performs similarly to the REXING V1 4k, but requires an app and account for full functionality.
• Rove R2-4K ($120): Captures less detail than the budget F70, especially at night.
• Viofo A119 V3 ($100): Boasts true 1440p recording, easy mounting, and firmware updates. Considered the best in the sub-$100 range, but still somewhat disappointing in overall image quality.

High-End Dash Cams and Disappointment

The video then tests two high-end dash cams:

• BlackVue Dr750X+ ($270): Features dual-band wifi, a back-illuminated image sensor, and LTE cloud storage backup, but image quality is comparable to cheaper Chinese cameras.
• Thinkware U1000 (Flagship Device): Features a 150-degree viewing angle, 1440p 60 FPS recording, geofencing, and red light camera detection. While it has some useful features, the image quality is only marginally better than the Viofo A119 V3, despite costing significantly more. The red light camera detection is highlighted as a potentially money-saving feature.

The Underlying Issue: Component Manufacturers

The video reveals that the limited image quality across different dash cams is due to the limited number of companies manufacturing the core components:

• SOC (System on a Chip): Novatek is the major player, with older chips like the NT96660 being widely used. Other manufacturers include HiSilicon (Huawei), Ambarella, and Allwinner.
• CMOS Image Sensor: Sony STARVIS (a sub-category of their Exmor sensors) is the dominant manufacturer. The IMX335 is a common sensor found in many dash cams.

The video suggests that many dash cam brands are essentially using the same underlying technology, with limited differentiation in image quality. The Rove R2-4K potentially upscales the image to 4k, which could explain the difference in image quality compared to the Viofo A119 V3, which uses a newer Novatek processor (NT96670). The Thinkware U1000 uses a STARVIX IMX334 sensor, which is a slight upgrade, but not worth the significant price increase.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The video concludes that there is a hard limit on image quality achievable with current dash cam technology. Top dash cam companies are focusing on adding features rather than improving image quality.

Recommendations:

• Thinkware F70: For budget shoppers.
• Viofo A119 V3: For most users, offering the best balance of price and performance.
• Viofo A129+: For those who want to add a rear camera without breaking the bank.

The video advises viewers to ignore Amazon reviews and consider the underlying technology when choosing a dash cam.