Panorama X2

Panorama X2

The Panorama X2 dashboard camera is manufactured by the Chinese company Shenzhen Onstar Technology Co. Ltd.  This is a dual channel camera that has one of the most powerful specifications we have seen in a dash camera.  Unlike most dual dash cams that have 1 CPU for both cameras, the X2 has a separate Coach 12 processor for both the front and rear cameras.  Another impressive feature is that the X2 uses the Sony Exmor IMX322LQJ CMOS Sensor for both the front and rear cameras.  This combination allows for 1080p recording at 30fps for both cameras, one of the few dual cameras with this capability.

The X2 has many features as well:

  • Dual microSD memory slots, 1 for each camera, Can use 128Gb + 128Gb MicroSD Cards ( Fat32 ) for a total 256Gb memory
  • Built-in Battery Discharge Prevention for Parking Mode ( user selectable Low Voltage cut-off )
  • Parking mode records 4-5 seconds before motion is detected and for 13-15 seconds after motion is “gone”.
  • Each camera records motion detection footage separately. For example, if there is a motion detection in front of the car, it only saves video file from front camera.

Both cameras currently have a bit rate of 15Mbps bit-rate (may be user adjustable in future firmware).  This camera has excellent video quality during the day and good video quality at night for both cameras.  One of the better dual cameras for video quality available now.

The Panorama X2 has a 3.5″ touch screen, G-sensor and an external GPS is available.  There are however a few things to be aware of with this camera:

  1. The biggest drawback is the large size of the front camera at 96mm x 66mm x 33mm.  The rear camera is much more discreet.
  2. The Panorama X2 was designed to be used for parking mode and no cigarette lighter supplied. A 3-wire hardwire ( battery, acc, ground) is provided and this is typically connected to the fuse box.
  3. Owners have indicated that the X2 runs hot.  Fortunately this has not caused any issues as of yet

We would like to thank our member niko, who provided the initial information for this review. You can read the original thread in our forum.

Size Comparison

Here is a size comparison of the Panorama X2 with the Panorama S

Panorama X2 Comparison
Panorama X2 Comparison

Similar Models

A Chinese version of this model sells as the Safego F2.  While they are quite similar, the Safego version may be using lower quality hardware components and is targeted to the Chinese market.    However price is significantly less.  For people on a budget, this might be a reasonable option.  More information can be found here.

SAFEGO F2

Menu Interface

Our member niko has provided an overview of the menu interface in this video.

Known problems

Gray Box Freezing

Some owners have indicated that the camera freezes and a gray box appears.  This typically occured with 64GB or larger microSD cards.  Firmware 1.01.09 and newer have native exFAT formatting support for microSDXC which should resolve this problem.

Blurry Picture

Some of the early cameras have had an unfocused / blurry picture for either the front or rear camera.  Some owners have manually refocused the cameras, but this will void the warranty.  The following video shows how to refocus the rear camera.

High Pitched Buzz

Some owners have indicated that there is an occasional high pitched buzzing noise when recording.  This does not happen always and not all owners have indicated this problem.  It may be a result of the rear camera or cables being too close to car antenna or other objects  emitting interference.

Mounting the Camera

Pano X2 InCar (1)
Pano X2 InCar (2)
Pano X2 InCar (3)
Pano X2 InCar (4)
Pano X2 InCar (6)
Pano X2 InCar (7)
Pano X2 InCar (8)
Pano X2 InCar (9)
Pano X2 InCar (11)
Pano X2 InCar (13)
Pano X2 InCar (14)

Discreet Updates

The Panorama X2 is not the most discreet camera due to its size and “bling” on the front of the camera.  Our member niko provided some examples of making this camera more discreet.

Electrical Tape

See this post.

Black Matte Painted

See this post.

Rear Camera Integration

See this post.

Sample Videos

Please Select 1080p from Youtube settings at bottom right corner.

Day Video – Front

Day Video – Rear

Night Video – Front

Night Video – Rear

Mobius (top left) vs Panorama X2 (top right)vs Mini 0806 (bottom)

Should I Purchase?

The Panorama X2 has great specifications for a dual camera with 1080p recording for both the front and rear.  The camera has excellent video quality during the day and good video quality at night.  It also has all the features of a high end dash cam (with the exception of WiFi).  The manufacturer provides decent support via firmware updates to address issues.  The $300 price tag is also reasonable for a high end dual camera.

With that being said, the front camera is large and not the most discreet.  Also, the firmware is still not fully mature but has improved since the camera was released (stability is still an issue as of April 2015).  We are hoping the focus issue has been corrected (have not confirmed yet) as well.

Overall, this is definitely one of the better dual cameras available on the market today and should be a consideration when looking at high end cameras.

Firmware

WARNING! MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR FIRMWARE ARE PERFORMED AT YOUR OWN RISK. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR DASH CAM AS A RESULT OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Firmware Update Instructions

  1. Download the firmwareCopy “DHD_FullBurn.ELF” to the root of each microSD card. (meaning not inside any folders)
  2. Insert the microSD cards into your Panorama X2
  3. Navigate to settings, about, and press update
  4. Watch the progress bar fill up, when it’s done it will shutdown / reboot.
  5. You will need to change the language back to English using visual icons alone since it will be in Korean

Below is step-by-step video on how to update a firmware on Panorama X2 created by niko.  Note: This video was created before the latest exFAT support. You’ll notice this video asks you to format the cards in the computer first. After 1.01.09 or above, there is no need to format cards in your computer any more. Just follow the video example so you know what to look for using the steps above.

Latest Firmware

User Manual

Specifications

Detailed Specifications

Read Review
Camera Type Dual Channel
Form Factor Hanging - Rectangular
Country China
Processor 2 Zoran Coach 12 processors (1 for each camera)
CMOS Front Sony Exmor IMX322LQJ
CMOS Rear Sony Exmor IMX322LQJ
Channels 2
Screen 3.5"
GPS Optional
G-Sensor Yes
Wi-Fi No
Parking Mode Buffered
Lock Files Auto or Button
Max Resolution Front 1920×1080p
Front Frames Per Second 30
Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) 15
Max Resolution Rear 1920×1080p
Rear Frames Per Second 30
Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) 15
Video Format MP4
Compression H.264
Diagonal Viewing Angle Front 120°
Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear 120°
SD Card Type Dual MicroSD
Max Size (Spec) 128GB + 128GB
Max Size (User) 128GB + 128GB
Size Front (mm) 96 x 66 x 33
Size Rear (mm) Unknown
Mount Adhesive
Power Supply 12V
Operating Temp -20°C to 70°C
Battery Capacitor
Error Notification Screen
Swivel (To Record Side Windows) No
Apps PC
Cloud Connectivity No
Release Date Oct 2014
Unique Features Buffers video in parking mode (saves 5 seconds before impact / motion detection and 15 seconds after)
Advantages Dual 1080p with good video quality
Disadvantages Very large front camera
Immature firmware
Final Word One of the better dual cameras available today but front camera is too big.

Published: January 9, 2015

Panorama X2 - DashCamTalk
Panorama X2

The Panorama X2 is one of the better dual cameras available today but front camera is too large.

Product SKU: Panorama X2

Product Brand: Panorama

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 300

Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
6