DOD F900LS

DOD F900LS

The DOD F900LS is an updated version of the DOD F900LHD.  This dash cam can record HD video (1080p at 30FPS and 720p at 60fps).  The camera does not come with GPS or a G-sensor.

Video quality during the day is good and night video is improved over the F900LHD.  One of the main criticisms of the F900LHD is that the night video is too grainy.  The F900LS has decent night video that is not too grainy.  However, the night video does not appear to be as good as some of the Korean cameras (Itronics, BlackVue, FineVu).  Also the 60fps recording is more of a gimmick since there is no material improvement in video quality but there is a reduction in viewing angle.

This camera uses a Zoran processor not the popular Ambarella A2s60 processor that was used in the F900LHD.

The case is quite similar to the original F900LHD but not exactly the same.  In fact the case of the DOD900LS appears to be identical to a popular “fake” model of the DOD900LHD.  The F900LS has a 2-prong battery connector compared to the 3-prong connector in the F900LHD.

2-prong battery connector

F900LS 15

One drawback is its relatively large size at 106.7mm(L) x 53.9mm(W) x 33.3mm(H).  Since this is a new cam, reliability is unknown.

Real vs Fake F900LS

There is no consensus yet on what a real vs fake F900LS camera is.  So far the camera appears to come in 2 colors, silver and black.  Real cameras usually will have the following features:

  1. 2-prong battery connector as shown above
  2. When looking at the EXIF information (right click on a photo from the camera, click properties and view the details tab) the Camera Maker should be DVR and the Camera Model should be 35
  3. DOD hologram sticker in battery compartment
F900LS Laser Sticker 1
F900LS Laser Sticker 2

Some cameras come in a black and gold box (the most popular), while others come in a black and grey box (usually in Russia).  If this camera gains popularity, there will likely be many fakes to watch out for.

Known problems

Overall Build Quality

Numerous owners have complained about poor overall build quality.  Some cameras have buttons that rattle.  Other cameras do not connect properly to the holder.  Perhaps this is due to the initial production batches but it is quite disappointing for such an expensive camera.  Note that many users are pleased with the build quality of the F900LS so this is not the case for all cameras.

Blurry video quality when cold

Numerous owners have reported that when recording on a cold day, the video quality would be very blurry.  As the camera warms up in the car after 10 minutes or so, the quality returns to normal.  There is no known solution for this problem.

Mounting the camera

Standard mount

Mount from Bottom

Standard mount attached to bottom of windshield.

Mount from Top

Standard mount attached to top of windshield.

Viewing Angle

The F900LS has a 93 ° viewing angle for both 1280×720 / 30 fps and 1920×1080 / 30 fps resolutions.  In comparison the F900LHD has a 97°  viewing angle at 1280×720 / 30 fps and 72° viewing angle at 1920×1080 / 30 fps.  The improvement in viewing angle for the 1080p video is noticeable.  Note that at 1280×720 / 60 fps the viewing angle is much less at only 58 °.

Sample Videos

Day 1080p @ 30fps

Day 720p @ 60fps

Night

Should I Purchase?

While the improved night time video quality is appreciated, this camera is not a best buy.  The camera is large and expensive.  It does not come with GPS or a G-sensor.  Build quality and cold temperature performance is sub-par for some cameras as well.  For the price, many people were expecting a better camera.  We cannot recommend this camera.

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. Format your SD card with FAT32 system.
2. Copy Main.elf to a new SD card.
3. Put the SD card into the camera.
4. Turn on the camera and enter into menu, find its sub-menu “Version”, and then enter
5. Press “Menu” button to update.
6. The camera will be turned off automatically after update was finished.

Latest Firmware

The F900LS uses a Zoran processor so the firmware has a 7-digit number name.  The firmware number contains the release date of the firmware and version in the following format YY MM DD N, where YY – year, MM – month, DD – day, N – firmware version. For example, if the firmware number is 1209020, it can be decoded as follows:

2012, September 2, version number 0

The F900LS has come with the following firmware.

  • v1207200
  • v1208010
  • v1208060
  • v1209020

There is only one available firmware at this time is:

Firmware-244-2162.zip

This firmware will convert firmware that is v1207 *** to firmware v12080***.  If your camera is not running v1207***, do not use this firmware.

User Manual

Specifications

Detailed Specifications

Read Review
Camera Type Single Channel
Form Factor Hanging - Rectangular
Country China
Processor Zoran
CMOS Front Unknown
CMOS Rear N/A
Channels 1
Screen 2.5"
GPS No
G-Sensor No
Wi-Fi No
Parking Mode No
Lock Files No
Max Resolution Front 1920×1080p
Front Frames Per Second 30
Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) 13
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 105°
Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear N/A
SD Card Type SD
Max Size (Spec) 32GB
Max Size (User) 32GB
Size Front (mm) 107 x 54 x 33
Size Rear (mm) N/A
Mount Suction
Power Supply 5V
Operating Temp -10°C to 60°C
Battery 1000mAh
Error Notification No
Apps None
Cloud Connectivity No
Release Date Jun 2012
Unique Features None
Advantages Good video quality
Disadvantages Poor build quality
Too big
Expensive
Final Word Blurry image when cold and expensive price. Avoid.

Last Updated: January 7, 2013

DOD F900LS - DashCamTalk
F900LS

The DOD F900LS has blurry image when cold and expensive price. Avoid.

Product SKU: DOD F900LS

Product Brand: DOD

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 160

Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01

Product In-Stock: SoldOut

Editor's Rating:
4.2