70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S

70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S

The 70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S (MiDrive D06) is a small, cylindrical Chinese dash cam which is an upgrade to the original 70mai Smart Dash Cam. Both cameras share the same form factor and have very similar specs but the hardware used in the 1S are slightly different.

The camera uses an MSTAR MSC8336D processor and Sony STARVIS IMX307 sensor. This combination allows for 1080p at 30fps video recording using a bit rate of 16Mbps. Video quality is good during the day and average at night. While video quality is not at the same level as some pricier cameras, particularly at night, it is better than most cameras in the $40 price range.

The 70mai 1S has a cylindrical design and is small at 100 x 55 x 32mm. It does not come with a screen and can be mounted discreetly in your vehicle. The form factor is very simple with one power button providing multiple functions (power on, power off, turn on WiFi, turn off Wifi, format SD card and restore default settings).

Beyond the button, the primary way to configure the camera is through the available iOS or Android app connected via Wifi. Not having a screen and relying solely on the app to configure the camera could be a problem for some users. The app is not rated highly and depending on your phone, you could have connectivity issues (common problem with many dash cam apps, not just the 70mai app).

The camera also has a G-sensor which locks files when the sensor is triggered. Note there is no way to manually lock the files. The camera does not come with GPS or any form of parking mode. It also uses a battery rather than a super capacitor making it not ideal for very high temperature environments.

The 70mai can be mounted directly to the windshield or on a provided electrostatic sticker. The electrostatic sticker allows you to remove the camera from the windshield without leaving any residue. Sticking directly to the windshield without the electrostatic sticker will provide a firmer mount.

Note that there is a Chinese version and International version of this camera. We recommend purchasing the International version if given the choice.

Known problems

Cannot connect to Wifi

Some owners have had problems connecting the Smartphone App to the camera Wifi. Try turning off the mobile data when attempting to connect to the camera. This has resolved the connection problem for some owners.

Broken Mount

A number of owners have indicated the mount has broken on the 70mai 1S as shown in the pictures below.

Internal Photos

Sample Videos

Day Video

Night Video

Should I Purchase?

If you are on a budget and looking for an affordable dash cam with reasonable video quality, the 70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S for $40 is a decent option. Many other dash cams at this price point have inferior video quality and build quality. Reliability appears to be good for such a low priced camera. The small size, discreet form factor and Wifi capability are all positives as well.

That being said, there are a number of drawbacks to consider. The camera has no GPS, limited manufacturer support, uses a battery instead of a super capacitor and has no parking mode. The biggest issue is without a screen, you will rely solely on the 70mai app to setup the device. Some owners have no issues with the app but others have significant problems which could spoil the entire purchase

Overall the 70mai 1S is a good value given the low price as long as you are OK with the drawbacks.

Where to purchase for lowest price

The 70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S sells on Amazon, Aliexpress and eBay.

Note: Links to vendors are affiliate links that support our website. Read our affiliate disclosure here.

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

Before updating the firmware, check if your camera is the International version or the Chinese version. If the sticker on your camera has English writing, it is the International version. If it has Chinese writing, it is the Chinese version.

International Version
70mai 1S International Version
Chinese Version
70mai 1S Chinese Version
  1. Format the microSD card in the dash cam (insert the card into the dash cam – turn it on – press the button 3 tomes to format – recording will start – turn off the dash cam – remove the memory card)
  2. Download the firmware and unzip the file
  3. Copy the FW_DR0008.bin file to the root of the microSD memory card.
  4. Insert the microSD card into the dash cam
  5. Turn on the dash cam, the light will start flashing blue, indicating the firmware update has started
  6. After a successful firmware update, the dash cam will turn off and the blue LED will turn off
  7. Turn on the dash cam by pressing the button 1 time

International Firmware

Chinese Firmware

User Manual

The English User Manual can be downloaded here.

Specifications

Detailed Specifications

Read Review readreview
Camera Type Single Channel
Form Factor Cylindrical
Country China
Processor MSTAR MSC8336D
CMOS Front Sony STARVIS IMX307
CMOS Rear N/A
Channels 1
Screen No
Touchscreen No
GPS No
G-Sensor Yes
Wi-Fi Yes
Parking Mode No
Lock Files Auto
Max Resolution Front 1920×1080p
Front Frames Per Second 30
Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) 16
Max Resolution Rear N/A
Rear Frames Per Second N/A
Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) N/A
Video Format MP4
Compression H.264
Diagonal Viewing Angle Front 130°
Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear N/A
SD Card Type MicroSD
Max Size (Spec) 64GB
Max Size (User) 64GB
Size Front (mm) 100 x 55 x 32
Size Rear (mm) N/A
Mount Adhesive
Power Supply 5V
Operating Temp -20°C to 60°C
Battery 240mAh
Error Notification Audio
Swivel (To Record Side Windows) No
Apps Android, iOS
Cloud Connectivity No
Release Date Jul 2019
Warranty 12 months
Unique Features Electrostatic mount
Advantages Good video quality during day
Wifi
Low price
Disadvantages No parking mode
App is not the best
Final Word One of the better low cost dash cams available. As it doesn't have a screen, not having a great app is the biggest drawback of this dash cam. Worth considering if you are on a budget.

Published: Jun 10, 2022

70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S - DashCamTalk
70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S

The 70mai 1S is a decent low cost dash cam. As it doesn't have a screen, not having a great app is the biggest drawback. Worth considering on a budget.

Product SKU: 70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S

Product Brand: 70mai

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 40

Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01

Product In-Stock: SoldOut

Editor's Rating:
6.8