The Carcam K2000 dash cam, also known as the K2000 is a high definition dash cam that records 720p at 30fps. Even though marketing material indicates this camera can record at 1080p at 15fps, this is not true. The 1080p video is actually interpolated. The Carcam K2000 camera is based on a Novatek processor (click picture to enlarge).
There are many versions of this camera available and it is quite difficult to ensure you are getting a high quality one. This camera used to be very popular but it is difficult to find the “high quality” versions for sale any more. Most of the versions for sale are poor quality.
K2000 Models
There are many versions of this camera available:
- K2000 with R210 sensor
- K2000 based on DV Turnkey platform
- Mystery MDR-670 based on DV Turnkey platform (Russian version)
- P5000 based on DV Turnkey platform
- K2000B with BaiDa sensor
There are also many fakes that have terrible picture quality and should be avoided.
R210
The R210 model is considered the best version of the K2000. The R210 sensor is 1/4″ and can take photos up to 12 megapixels. It has the best video quality of all K2000 cameras. The easiest way to determine if you have an R210 model is based on the firmware. R210 typically come with the following firmware versions:
- DVPLS100B17 (not too common)
- DVPLS100B18 (very common and known as the original K2000)
- DVPLS100B23 (not too common)
- DVPLS100B30 (very common and known as the latest K2000)
The DVPLS100B18 R210 version is the older version and typically came with a flat lens (see left image below). The newer DVPLS100B30 typically came with a convex lens (see right image below). Unfortunately the image quality of the original flat lens is better than the newer convex lens.
DV Turnkey
The next best version of the K2000 is based on the DV Turnkey platform. Also this camera often comes with a “Made in Japan” sticker on it. The easiest way to determine if you have an DV Turnkey model is based on the firmware. DV Turnkey cameras typically come with the following firmware versions or similar:
- DVPLSV010.110727
- DVPLS100B14.110714
- DVR-B709.110920-B
- DVR-B709.110907-C
- DVR-R=B709.1101130-A
- DVR-B709.1101215-A
Fake K2000
There are many fake Carcam K2000 cameras for sale. The following are typical characteristics of a fake K2000:
- No silver ring around the lens (usually black)
- No HDMI connector or HDMI connector covered with a sticker
- Firmware not the same as listed above
Avoid all fake K2000 since the video quality is extremely poor.
Carcam K5000
A nearly identical camera to the K2000 is the Carcam K5000 with the notable difference of having 8 LED lights around the lens. Note the LED lights don’t improve picture quality.
This camera is based on the Novatek processor and internally is nearly identical to the Carcam K2000. Some people claim the manufacturer is Givoe in China.
This camera can sometimes be found under the following names:
- Carcam P9000
- K9000
- X2000L
- F2000
Here are some internal pictures of the K5000.
Known problems
Poor sound quality
These dash cams are notorious for having crackling and hissing sounds when recording. In some cases the quality is so bad that you cannot hear conversations in the car. This is due to poor quality of the microphone used. The only solution is to replace the microphone but this is a relatively complex procedure.
Camera stops recording or freezes
There are many instances of cameras that stop recording or freezes.
Some potential solutions are:
- Reset camera and format the card in the camera
- Use a class 4, 8 to 16 gigs micro-SD card. Do not use class 10 micro-SD cards or micro-SD cards with capacity over 16GB
- Replace the camera
Video is out of focus or blurry
This is a very common problem, particularly with the DV Turnkey camera. The lens of the dash cam is not adjusted properly and needs to be turned or twisted until it is in focus.
- Take out the memory card
- Unscrew the 6 screws
- Pull up on the display, which raises the cover up, the dash is divided into 2 parts.
- See a piece of double-sided tape and remove the lens. Be careful not to lose the springs and caps on both sides
- The lens is covered with a drop of thread sealant on 2 sides. Take a paper cutter remove the sealant on both sides The lens should now spin freely
- Adjust lens by looking at image quality on the screen while rotating the lens. Mark where the quality is best
- Use superglue to set it in place
- Assemble in reverse order
Mounting the camera
Standard mount
Standard mount attached to top of windshield.
Stealth mount
Some people have used double sided velcro tape to create a stealth mount as shown.
Sample Videos
R210 Day Video
R210 Night Video
DV Turnkey Day Video
Should I Purchase?
The low price makes this Carcam K2000 it an interesting option. However the poor video quality makes this a camera we do not recommend.
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.
Do not try to flash dash cams with incompatible firmware. For example, if you have a BaiDa dash cam, do not use this firmware.
Firmware Backup
Before updating your firmware, it is highly recommended to backup your existing firmware. This can be easily done using the following method.
- Format a micro-SD card
- Create a blank DVPLS.txt file and copy to the micro-SD card
- Insert the card into the dash cam
- Hold down the “OK” button while holding down the “ON” key.
- The dash cam will go into the engineering menu (Calibration).
- Select the menu item number 8 ReadNorFlash and click “OK.” The dash cam will create a backup
- When finished, you will see “ReadAllNorFlash OK”
- Press the button “OK” in the menu
- Select the item number 7 to Exit
- The backed up firmware is on the card
Firmware Update – R210
Only update the firmware if your camera has an R210 sensor via these instructions. Any updates you perform are at your own risk.
- You must use a micro SD-Card reader to perform this operation. Do not attempt to do this directly on the dash cam.
- Download the desired firmware from the section below.
- Copy the firmware file to a micro SD-card using a card reader.
- Insert the card into the dash cam.
- Hold down the “OK” button and while holding it, press the “ON” button . Do not let go of the “OK” button until firmware is updated.
- Firmware is updated once you see the LED blinking frequently
- Release the “OK” button
- Remove the micro SD card and delete the firmware file from the micro SD Card
R210 Firmware
These firmware files are only compatible for cameras that have an R210 sensor.
Firmware Update – DV Turnkey
Only update the firmware if your camera has an R210 sensor via these instructions. Any updates you perform are at your own risk.
- You must use an micro SD-Card reader to perform this operation. Do not attempt to do this directly on the dash cam.
- Download the desired firmware from the section below.
- Copy the firmware file to a micro SD-card using a card reader.
- Insert the card into the dash cam and turn it on. Do not press any other buttons until the firmware is updated
- Once updated, remove the micro SD card and delete the firmware file from the micro SD Card
DV Turnkey Firmware
These firmware files are only compatible for cameras that have a DV Turnkey platform.
User Manual
Specifications
Detailed Specifications
| Read Review |  |
| Camera Type | Single Channel |
| Form Factor | Hanging - Rectangular |
| Country | China |
| Processor | Novatek NT96632BG |
| CMOS Front | Unknown |
| CMOS Rear | N/A |
| Channels | 1 |
| Screen | 2" |
| GPS | No |
| G-Sensor | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Parking Mode | No |
| Lock Files | Auto |
| Max Resolution Front | 1280 x 720p |
| Front Frames Per Second | 30 |
| Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) | 3 |
| Max Resolution Rear | N/A |
| Rear Frames Per Second | N/A |
| Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) | N/A |
| Video Format | AVI |
| Compression | H.264 |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Front | 140° |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear | N/A |
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Size (Spec) | 32GB |
| Max Size (User) | 32GB |
| Size Front (mm) | 119 x 55 x 13 |
| Size Rear (mm) | N/A |
| Mount | Suction |
| Power Supply | 5V |
| Operating Temp | Unknown |
| Battery | 500mAh |
| Error Notification | No |
| Apps | None |
| Cloud Connectivity | No |
| Release Date | Aug 2011 |
| Unique Features | None |
| Advantages | Low price |
| Disadvantages | Poor night quality Some reliability issues |
| Final Word | Not a true 1080p camera, consider other affordable cameras instead. |
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2013
Carcam K2000 - DashCamTalk
The Carcam K2000 is not a true 1080p camera, consider other affordable cameras instead.
Product SKU: Carcam K2000
Product Brand: Carcam
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 50
Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
4.5