The 70mai Dash Cam Lite is a Chinese single channel dash camera released in Aug 2019. The camera is also known as the MiDrive D08. This is one of the more affordable dash cams in the 70mai lineup. The Dash Cam Lite is based on the MSTAR MSC8336D processor and SONY IMX307 CMOS sensor.
While this camera was released later than the popular 70mai Dash Cam Pro (MiDrive D02), the specs are a slight step down but at a lower price point. Note there 2 versions of this camera. An international version (wording on box and camera sticker in English) and Chinese version (wording on box and sticker in Chinese).
Video Quality
The 70mai Dash Cam Lite records 1080p video at 30fps with an average bitrate of 16.2 Mbps. Video quality during the day is very good and night quality is good. Surprisingly the video is only a little bit worse than the 70mai Dash Cam Pro and some lighting conditions it does a better job of picking up details.
Features
From a design perspective, the Dash Cam Lite is almost identical to the Dash Cam Pro. It has an identical wedge share, 2″ screen, g-sensor and optional GPS. The main difference is the less discreet gold color lens holder. We prefer the silver color of the Dash Cam Pro since it is less “blingy” and more discreet.
Like most 70mai dash cams, the Dashwith WiFi and has apps for Android and iOS. The Dash Cam Lite provides non-buffered parking mode if you hardwire the dash cam to your vehicle (optional hardwire kit required).
The camera comes with an adhesive mount and cannot swivel to record interactions at the driver or passenger windows. The Dash Cam Lite is a small camera with dimensions of 82 x 58 x 40mm. Overall build quality is good and the camera comes with screen error notifications.
Support
70mai appears to be responsive to questions and has adequate support. They also provide firmware updates which is a positive as well. That being said, the Dash Cam Lite is not nearly as popular as the Dash Cam Pro and does not have the same level of user support and firmware as the Pro.
Known Problems
The 70mai Dash Cam Lite has had good reliability and there are no widespread problems.
Replacing the Battery
While we typically recommend dash cams with capacitors, the 70mai battery works well and has had not the swelling / expansion issues as cameras with cheaper batteries. Replacing the battery is not difficult and the instructions are the same as the 70mai Pro.
Sample Videos
Should I Purchase
The 70mai Dash Cam Lite is an impressive cam with its low price and good video quality. We like the wedge shaped design but are not fans of the golden lens holder. The WiFi capability and smartphone app are positives as well. The use of a battery instead of a capacitor might turn off some people but this battery has been reliable and should not be a problem if you don’t use parking mode.
While the Dash Cam Lite is a good camera, it is not as popular as the Dash Cam Pro. Most people will spend the few dollars more for higher resolution. While you won’t go wrong with the Dash Cam Lite, we slightly prefer the Dash Cam Pro.
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
There are 2 methods to update the firmware: via the app (follow the instructions in the app) or manually (follow the instructions below).
Note that there are no hardware differences between the International (English), Chinese and Russian versions of this camera. Any language firmware can be flashed to the camera.
Updating Firmware Manually Steps
- Turn off parking mode in the camera
- Turn off the camera and remove external power
- Download and unzip the file
- Format the memory card in FAT32
- Copy the update folder from the zip file to the root of the memory card
- Insert the MicroSD card in the camera
- Attach the external power
- Hold down the rightmost button and turn on the camera by pressing the large long button in the middle of the camera. Hold the right button until the update message appears, and then release it.
- Wait until the screen goes blank (usually no more than 15-20 seconds)
- Turn on the camera with the large button and firmware should be updated
Latest Firmware
International Firmware
Chinese Version
Specifications
| Spec | 70mai Dash Cam Lite |
|---|---|
| Price | $45 |
| Overall Rating | 6.8/10 |
| Price Rating | 9 |
| Brand | 70mai |
| Channels | 1 |
| Channel Setup | Front |
| Form Factor | Wedge |
| Front Resolution | 1080p |
| Spec | 70mai Dash Cam Lite |
|---|---|
| Parking Mode | Non-Buffered |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| GPS | Optional |
| Apps | Android, iOS |
| Cloud Connectivity | No |
| Voice Commands | No |
| Spec | 70mai Dash Cam Lite |
|---|---|
| Processor | MSTAR MSC8336D |
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Compression | H.264 |
| Screen Size | 2" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Mount | Adhesive |
| Power Supply | 5V |
| Battery Type | 500mAh |
| Spec | 70mai Dash Cam Lite |
|---|---|
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Card Size | 256GB |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to 60°C |
| Swivel | No |
| Country | China |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Release Date | Aug 2019 |
| Spec | 70mai Dash Cam Lite |
|---|---|
| Day Video | 8 |
| Night Video | 7 |
| Reliability | 7 |
| Discreetness | 6 |
| Support | 4 |
| Spec | 70mai Dash Cam Lite |
|---|---|
| CMOS | Sony STARVIS IMX307 |
| Max Resolution | 1920 x 1080p |
| FPS | 30 |
| Bitrate | 16.2 Mbps |
| Viewing Angle | 130° |
| Dimensions | 82 x 58 x 40 |
| HDR | No |
Published: November 1, 2020
70mai Dash Cam Lite
The 70mai Dash Cam Lite is similar to the 70mai Pro but cheaper but with 1080p video. Quality is good and this dash cam offers good value for your money.
Product SKU: 70mai Dash Cam Lite
Product Brand: 70mai
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 45
Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
6.8