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.
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.
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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.
70mai 1S International Version70mai 1S Chinese Version
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)
Download the firmware and unzip the file
Copy the FW_DR0008.bin file to the root of the microSD memory card.
Insert the microSD card into the dash cam
Turn on the dash cam, the light will start flashing blue, indicating the firmware update has started
After a successful firmware update, the dash cam will turn off and the blue LED will turn off
Turn on the dash cam by pressing the button 1 time
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
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.