VIIVIIIXIII
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Dome DAB205 Dashcam review (Ambarella A12A55, 1440p 30fps, GPS)
Thanks to @GearBest for supplying this unit.
Official website: http://www.szdome.com/product-detail-25.html
Product link: Price: $87.88USD w/ free shipping
Discount code: CAR18OFF (expires December 31, 2016)
Review:
Up for review is the Shenzhen Dome DAB205. I have reviewed several SZ Dome units in the past, such as the Z7, GS98C, and D201 -- all following a similar formula of using superb hardware housed in a black shell mounted via suction cup. The DAB205 is no different.
The Dome DAB205 uses the Ambarella A12A55 processor capable of recording up to 2560x1440p 30fps (or 1920x1080p 60fps). The unit features a 4.0MP OV4689 CMOS sensor, external GPS module, 170° wide angle lens, 512GB microSD card support, HDR, all standard dashcam functionality, and a few extra features that I don’t recommend using (ie. ADAS and gimmicky parking mode).
The DAB205 appears to be a side grade, or very minor upgrade, to the D201. Specifications for both units are nearly identical. The DAB205 performs very well at 1440p resolution (termed “QHD”) with HDR. Both day and night video output is sharp and clear. I was able to read license plates and road signs with ease in all conditions. Bitrate is around 20 mbps during the day and up to 25mbps in low light (1 min clip is 180MB). The microphone on this unit is very good.
The DAB205 features an upgraded suction cup mount and external GPS. The new suction cup uses a twisting mechanism to lock itself to the windshield, which feels very secure, however, the joint between mount and the unit shakes slightly when driving. The suction cup and overall size of the unit is rather bulky. The external GPS (included, but optional) is another wire for you to tuck away (Note: the GPS is designed to be placed on the dash facing up).
The DAB205 faceplate is an improvement over the D201 with more black and less chrome. SZ Dome also switched to a more conservative design over the previous winged grills. This new faceplate also has more surface area for better ventilation and cooling. Note that this unit uses a small Li-ion battery, and is not ideal for extreme climates.
Overall, the SZ Dome DAB205 is a great dashcam for those valuing video quality above all else. My only reservations from recommending this unit, would be lack of discreteness and a capacitor. Other recommended alternatives to consider at around this price range include the Viofo A119, Mini 0826 and DDPai Mini2.
Link to my previous Dome D201 review here:
https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/dome-d201-dashcam-review-ambarella-a12-1440p-30fps-gps.15125/
… and Dome GS98C review here:
https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/dome-gs98c-ambarella-a7-dashcam-review-a7la70-1296p-30fps-gps.12927/
Original sample clips:
2560x1440p 30FPS [HDR: ON]
Weather has been bad in my area. I’ll try to upload more sample clips as the skies clear and sun is out.
Screenshots:
Here are some 1440p QHD HDR stills for a better idea of the image quality capabilities of the unit. License plates directly in front are very readable even with foggy conditions during the day, and rain during the night.
Stock photos:
Specifications and features list:
• Chipset : Ambarella A12A55
• Sensor: Omnivision OV4689 (4MP)
• LCD Screen: 3.0 inch
• Lens: 170 degree wide angle
• Video Resolution: max. QHD 2560x1440p 30fps or 1920x1080p 60fps
• Photo Resolution: max. 16MP
• GPS: Optional (included)
• Memory Card: max. supports 512GB (not included)
• Battery: built-in Li-ion battery, 250mah
• Interface Type: Mini HDMI, Mini USB
• Language: supports multi language including English, Dutch, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese
• Size: 101 x 51 x 37mm
• Weight: 115.9g
• Operating Temp.: -30 - 80 Deg.C
• Other functions: ADAS, loop recording, auto start/stop, HDMI output, parking mode, motion detection, and G-sensor.
Box contents:
• 1 x Dome DAB205 Car DVR Recorder
• 1 x External GPS Module
• 1 x Suction Mount Bracket
• 1 x Car Charger
• 1 x mini USB Cable
• 1 x Chinese / English User Manual
Thanks to @GearBest for supplying this unit.
Official website: http://www.szdome.com/product-detail-25.html
Product link: Price: $87.88USD w/ free shipping
Discount code: CAR18OFF (expires December 31, 2016)
Review:
Up for review is the Shenzhen Dome DAB205. I have reviewed several SZ Dome units in the past, such as the Z7, GS98C, and D201 -- all following a similar formula of using superb hardware housed in a black shell mounted via suction cup. The DAB205 is no different.
The Dome DAB205 uses the Ambarella A12A55 processor capable of recording up to 2560x1440p 30fps (or 1920x1080p 60fps). The unit features a 4.0MP OV4689 CMOS sensor, external GPS module, 170° wide angle lens, 512GB microSD card support, HDR, all standard dashcam functionality, and a few extra features that I don’t recommend using (ie. ADAS and gimmicky parking mode).
The DAB205 appears to be a side grade, or very minor upgrade, to the D201. Specifications for both units are nearly identical. The DAB205 performs very well at 1440p resolution (termed “QHD”) with HDR. Both day and night video output is sharp and clear. I was able to read license plates and road signs with ease in all conditions. Bitrate is around 20 mbps during the day and up to 25mbps in low light (1 min clip is 180MB). The microphone on this unit is very good.
The DAB205 features an upgraded suction cup mount and external GPS. The new suction cup uses a twisting mechanism to lock itself to the windshield, which feels very secure, however, the joint between mount and the unit shakes slightly when driving. The suction cup and overall size of the unit is rather bulky. The external GPS (included, but optional) is another wire for you to tuck away (Note: the GPS is designed to be placed on the dash facing up).
The DAB205 faceplate is an improvement over the D201 with more black and less chrome. SZ Dome also switched to a more conservative design over the previous winged grills. This new faceplate also has more surface area for better ventilation and cooling. Note that this unit uses a small Li-ion battery, and is not ideal for extreme climates.
Overall, the SZ Dome DAB205 is a great dashcam for those valuing video quality above all else. My only reservations from recommending this unit, would be lack of discreteness and a capacitor. Other recommended alternatives to consider at around this price range include the Viofo A119, Mini 0826 and DDPai Mini2.
Link to my previous Dome D201 review here:
https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/dome-d201-dashcam-review-ambarella-a12-1440p-30fps-gps.15125/
… and Dome GS98C review here:
https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/dome-gs98c-ambarella-a7-dashcam-review-a7la70-1296p-30fps-gps.12927/
Original sample clips:
2560x1440p 30FPS [HDR: ON]
Weather has been bad in my area. I’ll try to upload more sample clips as the skies clear and sun is out.
Screenshots:
Here are some 1440p QHD HDR stills for a better idea of the image quality capabilities of the unit. License plates directly in front are very readable even with foggy conditions during the day, and rain during the night.
Stock photos:
Specifications and features list:
• Chipset : Ambarella A12A55
• Sensor: Omnivision OV4689 (4MP)
• LCD Screen: 3.0 inch
• Lens: 170 degree wide angle
• Video Resolution: max. QHD 2560x1440p 30fps or 1920x1080p 60fps
• Photo Resolution: max. 16MP
• GPS: Optional (included)
• Memory Card: max. supports 512GB (not included)
• Battery: built-in Li-ion battery, 250mah
• Interface Type: Mini HDMI, Mini USB
• Language: supports multi language including English, Dutch, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese
• Size: 101 x 51 x 37mm
• Weight: 115.9g
• Operating Temp.: -30 - 80 Deg.C
• Other functions: ADAS, loop recording, auto start/stop, HDMI output, parking mode, motion detection, and G-sensor.
Box contents:
• 1 x Dome DAB205 Car DVR Recorder
• 1 x External GPS Module
• 1 x Suction Mount Bracket
• 1 x Car Charger
• 1 x mini USB Cable
• 1 x Chinese / English User Manual
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