I am introducing OEM style dash cam (Dash Cam Researcher)

[Mikeali]

Is there a higher resolution version of the image?
Still looks like you have your hand around its neck!


Looks like I lose my OEM mirror?
I like my real OEM mirror, don't want to replace it with a fake OEM style mirror...

I'll find original Image then Share with you

 

[tomy91]

Btw, if your dash cam product’s are not equipped with;
1.) STARVIS 2 Image Sensors
2.) HDR
3.) Properly calibrated firmware so night time HDR actually works
Just forget it, and take your efforts to eBay, AliExpress, Amazon, etc. with all the other counterfeit / knock off junk.
-Chuck

Looks like the day has come. 🙂 Drive Smarter with Mangoal Tech’s STARVIS 2 4K HDR Dash Cam

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

Looks like the day has come. 🙂 Drive Smarter with Mangoal Tech’s STARVIS 2 4K HDR Dash Cam

Here is what I think of Mangoal…

Mangoal Dash Camera Review OEM FIT VW ID4

 

[mentadent]

Manmissedthegoal

 

[Freway01]

I've been doing a lot or research on Dash Cams that will get 'Wife Approval', which means it can't be too intrusive, and blends into the environment. For me, it has to be able to produce quality video both during the day and at night. I've honed in on the THINKWARE U3000 Pro and the MANGOAL STARVIS 2 Front 4K HDR Dash Cam IMX678. Both use the Sony IMX678 sensor which is part of Sony's STARVIS 2 series.

I've been leaning towards the 'MANGOAL STARVIS 2 Front 4K HDR Dash Cam IMX678' because of the 'Wife Factor' and according to ChatCPT, the video functionality is basically identical in both, so it gets down to features. Because my vehicle, a 2025 AWD Chevy Blazer RS already has ADAS (forward collision warning and lane departure warning), rear camera mirror, and the HD Surround Vision system, I don't need many of those features that are part of the THINKWARE U3000 Pro.

Question, was the MANGOAL unit you tried equipped with the Sony IMX678 sensor, and if it was, how was the video quality, both day and night?

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

I've been doing a lot or research on Dash Cams that will get 'Wife Approval', which means it can't be too intrusive, and blends into the environment. For me, it has to be able to produce quality video both during the day and at night. I've honed in on the THINKWARE U3000 Pro and the MANGOAL STARVIS 2 Front 4K HDR Dash Cam IMX678. Both use the Sony IMX678 sensor which is part of Sony's STARVIS 2 series.

I've been leaning towards the 'MANGOAL STARVIS 2 Front 4K HDR Dash Cam IMX678' because of the 'Wife Factor' and according to ChatCPT, the video functionality is basically identical in both, so it gets down to features. Because my vehicle, a 2025 AWD Chevy Blazer RS already has ADAS (forward collision warning and lane departure warning), rear camera mirror, and the HD Surround Vision system, I don't need many of those features that are part of the THINKWARE U3000 Pro.

Question, was the MANGOAL unit you tried equipped with the Sony IMX678 sensor, and if it was, how was the video quality, both day and night?

Please do not give MANGOAL a penny of your money.

 

[Freway01]

Why? Did you reach out to MANGOAL about the problems you are having? Did you have to older of new model that uses the IMX678 sensor? Did you even test the camera? If so, how was the video quality?

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

Why? Did you reach out to MANGOAL about the problems you are having? Did you have to older of new model that uses the IMX678 sensor? Did you even test the camera? If so, how was the video quality?

You never watch the video obviously.

Cant get video quality if it does not fit.

 

[Freway01]

I did watch the video and you never said you tested the video quality. You keep talking about the specs for the comparing the 'STARVIS' sensor saying it isn't really 4K. You may be right if the unit you were sent to test didn't have the Sony IMX678 sensor in it, but the newer model of the MANGOAL OEM style Dash Cams use the IMX678 (STARVIS 2) sensor which according to ChatGPT is 4K.

According to ChatGPT:
Here are the key technical specifications for the Sony STARVIS 2 image sensor used in newer higher-quality dash cams, specifically the Sony IMX678 model that most 4K STARVIS 2 dash cams are built around: منصة بسطة+2docs.framos.com+2

📸 Sony IMX678 STARVIS 2 Sensor Specs (Imaging Core)​

📍 Sensor Type & Technology

• 
  
• Back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS image sensor with Sony STARVIS 2 low-light optimized architecture — improved sensitivity and dynamic range vs older STARVIS sensors. منصة بسطة
• 
  
• Designed for security, automotive (dash cams), and other high-detail imaging applications. sony-semicon.com

🏷️ Physical & Optical Characteristics

• 
  
• Optical Format: ~1/1.8-inch (diagonal ~8.86 mm) sensor. sony-semicon.com
• 
  
• Active Resolution: ~8 megapixels (~3856 × 2176 pixels). Leopard Imaging Inc.
• 
  
• Pixel Size: 2.0 µm × 2.0 µm (large pixels help gather more light for improved low-light performance). منصة بسطة

🎥 Resolution & Frame Rates

• 
  
• Up to 3840 × 2160 (4K UHD) resolution (8 MP). docs.framos.com
• 
  
• Maximum full-resolution readout up to ~60 fps in 12-bit RAW or 72 fps in 10-bit RAW (platform dependent). sony-semicon.com

📊 Dynamic Range & HDR

• 
  
• STARVIS 2 incorporates advanced HDR capabilities, including Clear HDR (captures high dynamic range in a single exposure with reduced motion artifacts) — ideal for challenging lighting transitions (e.g., entering/exiting tunnels). منصة بسطة

⚡ Output & Interface

• 
  
• Supports MIPI CSI-2 interfaces (multiple lanes) for high-speed image data transfer — common in embedded dash cam ISP pipelines. Leopard Imaging Inc.
• 
  
• RAW10 / RAW12 output formats available for flexible ISP processing. sony-semicon.com

🚗 Performance Benefits in Dash Cams

• 
  
• Larger pixel size and STARVIS 2 architecture = better low-light sensitivity and less noise at night. منصة بسطة
• 
  
• Strong HDR helps retain detail in both bright and shadowed areas (e.g., dashboard vs outside scene). منصة بسطة
• 
  
• Lower power consumption than earlier STARVIS designs (beneficial for 24/7 parking mode recording). منصة بسطة

⚙️ Typical Dash Cam Integration
Dash cam models using this sensor often pair it with automotive-grade ISPs to deliver:

• 
  
• True 4K video at 30 fps (some higher-end models approaching 4K 60fps with optimized processing),
• 
  
• HDR video,
• 
  
• Enhanced night vision / low-light clarity,
• 
  
• Wide dynamic range for license plate detail in varied lighting. Viofo-official

📌 Summary​

Feature	Specification
Sensor model	Sony IMX678 STARVIS 2
Optical format	1/1.8″
Effective resolution	~8 MP (3840×2160)
Pixel size	2.0 µm
Max frame rate	~60 fps (12-bit) / ~72 fps (10-bit)
HDR	Clear HDR (improved over traditional multi-exposure)
Interface	MIPI CSI-2 (multi-lane), RAW10/12
Benefits	Strong low light, wide dynamic range, less power

You stated in the video that MANGOAL sent you the dash cam to test, did you go back to them to discuss the mounting problems you were having?

 

[lufa6977]

I've been doing a lot or research on Dash Cams that will get 'Wife Approval', which means it can't be too intrusive, and blends into the environment. For me, it has to be able to produce quality video both during the day and at night. I've honed in on the THINKWARE U3000 Pro and the MANGOAL STARVIS 2 Front 4K HDR Dash Cam IMX678. Both use the Sony IMX678 sensor which is part of Sony's STARVIS 2 series.

I've been leaning towards the 'MANGOAL STARVIS 2 Front 4K HDR Dash Cam IMX678' because of the 'Wife Factor' and according to ChatCPT, the video functionality is basically identical in both, so it gets down to features. Because my vehicle, a 2025 AWD Chevy Blazer RS already has ADAS (forward collision warning and lane departure warning), rear camera mirror, and the HD Surround Vision system, I don't need many of those features that are part of the THINKWARE U3000 Pro.
.
.

How did you hone in on those two brands/models? If you used ChatGPT, you did yourself no favors. The U3000 Pro has better image quality than the U3000, but still not at the level you may want. This site has plenty of YouTube-linked test videos from testers and users for the various manufacturers' brands; your choices are essentially Chinese or Korean.

The Korean company VUEROID makes the S1 4K, a top-of-the-line offering, and you can get it in 1-channel mode on Amazon.

The Chinese company VIOFO makes the A329S series, which is also a top-of-the-line offering, and is available in 1-channel mode from Amazon.

There are other brands to choose from, but you should look at the manufacturer categories here and read for yourself what will work best for you.

 

[Freway01]

No, I read a ton of reviews and specs for many of the top rated dash cams, and wanted to make sure that video quality, both day and night, is extremely high. Research showed that dash cams using the Sony IMX678 (STARVIS 2) sensor was a key factor when it came to video quality. Size came next, followed by the functionality, then the 'Wife Factor' (size, location, and clutterness). Only need a front dash cam, and because of the way my 2025 AWD Chevy Blazer RS is already configured (has ADAS (forward collision warning and lane departure warning), rear camera mirror, and the HD Surround Vision system), I don't need many of those features that are part of many of the dash cams I looked at, including the THINKWARE U3000 Pro and ones with some sort of screen.

I only used ChatGPT when I got down to my top 5 choices, and used ChatGPT to do a compare of each, and to get the specs along with the Pros and Cons for each. That got me down to the THINKWARE U3000 Pro and the MANGOAL STARVIS 2 Front 4K HDR Dash Cam IMX678. The THINKWARE U3000 Pro has a lot of features I already have so I've been seriously thinking about the MANGOAL. I was hoping to find a few users out here in the forums that have and use the newer MANGOAL STARVIS 2 Front 4K HDR Dash Cam IMX678 to get their feedback.

Is see that MANGOAL sent SafeDriveSolutions a unit to try, but he had issues with the installation (not sure if he watched the installation video in the MANGOAL site for his vehicle), and claimed that the unit he was sent wasn't really 4K. Makes me wonder if MANGOAL sent him the original version and not the newer STARVIS 2 version. My research shows that STARVIS 2 version uses the IMX678 sensor which is 4K, and has HDR2 for low light situations.

Does anyone out in these forums have and use the newer MANGOAL STARVIS 2 Front 4K HDR Dash Cam IMX678? If so:

1. How was the install?
2. Did you use the ODB cable so you have all of the dash cams feature or the special cable that taps into the mirror sensor?
3. How is the video quality during the day? Can you easily read license plates?
4. How is the video quality at night or in dark situations? Can you easily read license plates?
5. How good is the phone app used to monitor and adjust the dash cams settings?

Real-life usage is what I need to make my final decision.

 

[lufa6977]

Here is a link to the Mangoal page for one of their Blazer offerings;

Mangoal 4K Dash

Mangoal clearly states the CMOS is a IMX335...this is not a 4K CMOS. At best it is a 2.5K CMOS. Another of the Blazer offerings does claim UHD 4K at this link but they do not specify which CMOS is being used.

Mangoal Blazer Link

Mangoal does not list any manuals that I can find on their site. I find that concerning. My suggestion is to contact Mangoal and ask which Blazer unit has an IMX CMOS with UHD 4K, 16:9 specifications.

If you are uncertain of which SONY IMX has UHD 4K, 16:9 then look at this link, I have provided it before for others to use...it is convenient to have, as it keeps people honest and informed.

Sony IMX Product Line

It should be evident by now that ChatGPT is not going to be very helpful.

 

[Freway01]

Your MANGOAL link takes you to the old or original MANGOAL dash camera from the Blazer, but if you go out to the MANGOAL site (https://www.mangoaltech.com/?srsltid=AfmBOore-5fR3eyjK8vcUk8aQmFkYehaAHYBBTiO9v6ZXtObUarBeORy) you'll see at the top of the page a dropdown list for 'DASH CAMERAS', and next to it, 'STARVIS 2 CAM'. If you select 'DASH CAMERAS' and select 'Chevy', followed by 'Blazer', you'll be taken to a list of the original dash cams for the Blazer (your link). These are not the newer dash cams with the Sony IMX678 (STARVIS 2) sensor.

You have to select the 'STARVIS 2 CAM' dropdown from the main menu, then select 'Chevy', followed by 'Blazer. Now you will be shown a list of different options for the 'STARVIS 2 Front 4K HDR Dash Cam IMX678', the first option, is the one I'm looking at because it's just the front dash cam and has a 'Type A' cover. If you select the first option, it states it uses the 'STARVIS 2 sensor', and has IMX678 in the product name. I confirmed this with MANGOAL support.

Try doing a Google search or ask ChatGPT about the IMX678 sensor and this is what you'll get:

Yes, the Sony IMX678 sensor is a part of Sony's STARVIS 2 line, not a separate thing; STARVIS 2 is the advanced technology powering sensors like the IMX678, delivering superior low-light, wide dynamic range (HDR), and Near-Infrared (NIR) performance for security, dash cams, and surveillance. Think of STARVIS 2 as the technology platform, and the IMX678 as a specific, high-performance sensor model built on it.
Key Points:

• STARVIS 2: Sony's advanced tech for excellent low-light and high-contrast imaging.
• IMX678: A specific 8.3MP (4K) sensor that uses STARVIS 2 tech.
• Benefits: Better detail in dark/bright areas, smoother 4K/60fps video, enhanced NIR sensitivity, and improved HDR over older sensors like IMX334.

In short, when you see "Sony IMX678," it inherently means it's a STARVIS 2 sensor, offering advanced imaging for demanding applications.

The IMX678 sensor with STARVIS 2 is used in the high-end dash cams like the THINKWARE U3000 Pro.

 

[LateralNW]

@Freway01
Here is a link to the imx678 that you may be referring to?

I can't believe the link is the description of the unit lol.

STARVIS 2 Front 4K HDR Dash Cam IMX678, Custom Fit for Chevy 5th Gen Blazer 2019-2026(Model A), 5GHz WiFi, GPS, 64GB Card

Elevate your Chevy 5th Gen Blazer 2019-2026 with Mangoal 4K Dash Cam (Model A). Enjoy Integrated OEM Look, UHD 2160P Video, G-Sensor, Loop Recording, Easy Installation, WiFi & App connectivity, and a 128GB Card.

www.mangoaltech.com

I haven't had anything to do with this product, just helping out with the link.

 

[Freway01]

If I buy this dash cam, I'll order it from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/B0FNMNW9G2) because I can send it back to them instead of China, for a refund.

 

[lufa6977]

@Freway01
Here is a link to the imx678 that you may be referring to?

I can't believe the link is the description of the unit lol.

STARVIS 2 Front 4K HDR Dash Cam IMX678, Custom Fit for Chevy 5th Gen Blazer 2019-2026(Model A), 5GHz WiFi, GPS, 64GB Card

Elevate your Chevy 5th Gen Blazer 2019-2026 with Mangoal 4K Dash Cam (Model A). Enjoy Integrated OEM Look, UHD 2160P Video, G-Sensor, Loop Recording, Easy Installation, WiFi & App connectivity, and a 128GB Card.

www.mangoaltech.com

I haven't had anything to do with this product, just helping out with the link.

Wish they had a manual section. While they do not list my 2013 Outback, they do list later-year models. If I had a manual or instructions, it would be interesting to see if one of these would work. The 2013 is old enough that it often gets overlooked in regard to these new toys. I had to work with Dongar to get them to understand their device would work with my 2013. 🙂

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

Let me know when you have returned it to Amazon so we can get you a real dash camera.

 

[Hack_man]

I really really don't like that the box states this as an OEM dashcam.
If I can't call a car dealer's parts counter and order it under the car manufacturer's own part number, it's not OEM.

If it said "OEM style" it would have been OK.

 

[lufa6977]

I really really don't like that the box states this as an OEM dashcam.
If I can't call a car dealer's parts counter and order it under the car manufacturer's own part number, it's not OEM.

If it said "OEM style" it would have been OK.

View attachment 88793

Good point. Sometimes I wonder if it is a language translation issue when I see this type of writing on a box or instructional manual.

The original post rates 68 percent for text that resembles AI text; it is from a manufacturer, but is written as if it were from a reviewer or an ad campaign.

Nonetheless, as you stated, if I can't order it at the dealership, then I do not consider it an OEM product.

 

[gtx_aspec]

Let me know when you have returned it to Amazon so we can get you a real dash camera.

Do you offer an OEM (integrated) style screenless 4k / 2k (front and back, or tri channel) dash cam in the same style?