G90-7S (A7LA70 chipset + GPS) vs. Mini 0803 (A7LA50 chipset + GPS)

[Hilts]

This is a quick comparison between the G90-7S (A7LA70) and the Mini 0803 (A7LA50), with footage recorded by both units in daylight conditions and night time. For both dash cams the latest FW available from each supplier has been installed and the nearest comparable Video Resolution/Image Quality settings have been used.

This is footage from the G90-7S with the A7LA70 chipset which has three more Video Resolution settings than the standard G90 (A7LA30 chipset) version, namely; 1920 x 1080 at 50fps, 2304 x 1296 at 25fps and 2560 x 1080 at 25fps.

G90-7S supplied by Shenzhen DOME Technology (with Ambarella A7LA70 chipset & external GPS module)

Supplier Website: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/107697
DCT contact: @Doreen
Email: dome.doreen@gmail.com
FW/IQ version: r439M - https://mega.co.nz/#!ZkRG2STD!-8MZzzwz2XsTVQA1akfF2fTYUF8yNMBeuNKL4uy_bWo
Memory card used: Kingston 64GB MicroSDXC Class 10 (exFAT format)
Sensor: OmniVision OV4689 4.0MP
Image Quality: Super Fine
Meter Mode: Center
Anti Flicker: Auto​

N.B. The hardware (PCB) of the non-GPS & GPS versions of the G90 with the A7LA70 chipset is slightly different. This means that you can't add-on the GPS function to a non-GPS version of the G90.

Mini 0803 supplied by FoxOffer (with Ambarella A7LA50 chipset & GPS mount)

Supplier Website: http://www.foxoffer.com
DCT contact: @billknow
FW version: 20140611v1.0 - https://mega.co.nz/#!RlZ1CRhD!DlOxFTgf7L7XuKL17GzEiISGX21_WLXHLemcTHlaz7k
Memory card used: Kingston 32GB MicroSDHC Class 10 (FAT32 format)
Sensor: Aptina AR0330 3.5MP
Quality: Super Fine
AE Meter Mode: Center
Flicker: Auto
White Balance: Auto
EV: 0​

Screen shot comparisons & downloadable Video Footage (1 min duration/104.8MB - 160.1MB size) for:-

1. G90-7S 25 fps vs. Mini 0803 30 fps - 1920 x 1080 HDR/WDR Off.
2. G90-7S 25 fps vs. Mini 0803 30 fps- 1920 x 1080* HDR/WDR On.
3. G90-7S 50 fps vs. Mini 0803 30 fps - 1920 x 1080 HDR/WDR Off.
4. G90-7S 25 fps vs. Mini 0803 30 fps - 2304 x 1296 HDR/WDR Off.
5. G90-7S 25 fps 2560 x 1080** HDR Off. ​

* = This is the only video setting on the G90-7S with HDR On function.
**= There is no directly comparable setting on Mini 0803.

Both units have been installed high up on the windscreen and are, mostly, tucked up behind the rear view mirror.

Mini 0803 & GPS mount:



G90-7S, suction mount (with power supply through it) & cable/socket (from the separate GPS module):



G90-7S GPS Module:



Mini 0803 & G90-7S as seen from the outside:

 

[Hilts]

1. G90-7S 25 fps 1920 x 1080 HDR Off vs. Mini 0803 30 fps 1920 x 1080 WDR Off.

G90-7S Daytime screen shot:

Video footage - https://mega.co.nz/#!pxI3UJ5I!fXtCfF-5EQzIVgk16qfaDd2wscedU81dQ8N4vLYPct8


Mini 0803 Daytime screen shot:

Video footage - https://mega.co.nz/#!othglKhA!V-oBwfn7rRNKDSj2GXj9i4wredW7xSJGgJ81kapXSiM


G90-7S Night time screen shot:

Video footage (no sound) - https://mega.co.nz/#!YgJk2BYY!gKmgLRq7rcPGk1W6g5oftphaeaYuVBsfaCm5iZNUvK4


Mini 0803 Night time screen shot:

Video footage (no sound) - https://mega.co.nz/#!ltBEiKbR!NdoldugUGNknSGOPWjc1OGJFMZL8sMS9BHPkRjGORIQ

 

[Hilts]

2. G90-7S 25 fps 1920 x 1080 HDR On vs. Mini 0803 30 fps 1920 x 1080 WDR On.

G90-7S Daytime screen shot:

Video footage - https://mega.co.nz/#!984SDZYa!W0nZX7JaPpns4QyX22sf9bAZfrn5Nx-g2m7PAcFV1vA


Mini 0803 Daytime screen shot:

Video footage - https://mega.co.nz/#!8sRR3a6S!oSAgEEzU4cYw2wikN6FMAvZUiWOrEJegAHTeuAYWEXc


G90-7S Night time screen shot:

Video footage -https://mega.co.nz/#!Bg41ACba!QGWXxdsFsxW8tKldTKBQytHs5sX1RP1BtgLiFK7-nC8

Mini 0803 Night time screen shot:

Video footage - https://mega.co.nz/#!c4ZTgCBB!SguMhADnbEv4v7Xn1kFLI98gMBUgzw7Zoj9v5u3t4rE

 

[Hilts]

3. G90-7S 50 fps 1920 x 1080 HDR Off vs. Mini 0803 30 fps 1920 x 1080 WDR Off.

G90-7S Daytime screen shot:

Video footage - https://mega.co.nz/#!59gFDDQa!tfJrShGULIKAF9GzYC-tS0Uy1ZZnDFY18BrtVsPv-fI


Mini 0803 Daytime screen shot:

Video footage - https://mega.co.nz/#!ZtQygAbQ!sbkOYfQ5iHRNc-jPoaJ0zv8bX-_aA-zVifiHMw3osY8


G90-7S Night time screen shot:

Video footage - https://mega.co.nz/#!Y4gkzQIS!3MKkA5BW7x-DV8ulVzSalVBze-Ck1eTRCmzUHqKnA0c


Mini 0803 Night time screen shot:

Video footage - https://mega.co.nz/#!lhIhSJwC!5Vj3sHTeXvkIWSWY5t_6c9vKDyHvam8Qp7TpwswI3mI

 

[Hilts]

4. G90-7S 25 fps 2304 x 1296 HDR Off vs. Mini 0803 30 fps 2304 x 1296 WDR Off.

G90-7S Daytime screen shot:

Raw video footage - https://mega.co.nz/#!V5xW2ZBL!FfZGfwmIZRFJG7vQv8lHadjuamRWmyz7ftSygnoDilk


Mini 0803 Daytime screen shot:

Raw video footage - https://mega.co.nz/#!YkZknZ4Y!9vS3cVPEqlJ78GSx1Eyh-zMmZR9XLN50W_cyIdmz0dE


G90-7S Night time screen shot:

Raw video footage - https://mega.co.nz/#!A5xwAK5K!9ExPtZA6KrabwqyjMMigSyNTzCoFP3XLhxJj4B7BBek


Mini 0803 Night time screen shot:

Raw video footage - https://mega.co.nz/#!c4xXmaBY!KjGeMBgQcFWXuBuuTVi9M8d1VU0jzEMhQZ5ifyMgpzg

 

[Hilts]

5. G90-7S 25 fps 2560 x 1080 HDR Off.

G90-7S Daytime screen shot:

Raw video footage - https://mega.co.nz/#!ItQQkKhA!84L2_-8qXHEn_lxq3DjyPJnPn1q06gLvy4Ulz5ZZZ8Q


G90-7S Night time screen shot:

Raw video footage (no sound, accidentally hit the mute button whilst changing Video Resolution) - https://mega.co.nz/#!lgJwFAia!KFiYm2Zt1F8XvTHOcjrSNRkaCdO7PFGT3RuGMkXxfjU

 

[Hilts]

Other comments/findings:-

Mounts
Both the Mini 0803 (GPS or non-GPS) mount and the G90 suction mount have come in for some criticism.

This Mini 0803 has the original style GPS mount which, like many other of this type, has had to be 'paper shimmed' to reduce movement. This mount has recently been redesigned, hopefully to overcome this problem. There are other Threads on DCT covering this matter.

The G90's suction mount, like other suction mounts, is prone to falling off the windscreen, especially where it's mounted over 'sunscreen dimples'. This has been overcome by applying an extremely slight 'sheen' of Vaseline on the suction cup (thanks @Sunny for that tip). So far it has stayed in place for three weeks & counting....
Unfortunately the first mount that arrived was DOA - no power could pass from the mini USB socket on the mount through to the G90. This was quickly replaced by SZDome (thanks @Doreen ). It did reveal a design flaw as the locking nut, to allow vertical movement, prevents you from connecting directly to the mini USB socket on top of the G90 in such circumstances.
This mount does cause a little bit of 'wobble' on the images under certain road conditions, but it is not bad. It would be better, though, to have a shorter adhesive style mount for improved stability.

Overheating
There have been numerous complaints about Mini 0803s overheating, leading to the manufacturer installing a heat-sink in the latest version. This one doesn't have the new heat-sink and it gets a quite warm on long journeys, but not hot. Having said this it did get much hotter when experimenting the only time that Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) was tried, as it also did noticeably whilst using 1 minute Recycle time whilst recording the recent footage. Therefore, for anyone struggling with an overheating Mini 0803 I would recommend that you:-

1. Ensure LDWS is OFF.
2. Set the 'Recycle' time to 5 minutes.

The G90-7S runs much cooler than the Mini 0803. I have not tried the LDWS on the G90-7S, nor am I likely to. But if my experience of the Mini 0803 is anything to go by it may cause the unit to heat up a fair bit.

GPS performance
Both the integral mount GPS on the Mini 0803 and the separate GPS module on the G90-7S work well. Typically from a 'cold start' it takes:-

• Mini 0803 approx. 1m30s to obtain a GPS lock.
• G90-7S approx. 30-40s to obtain a GPS lock.

N.B. The hardware (PCB) of the non-GPS & GPS versions of the G90 with the A7LA70 chipset is slightly different. This means that you can't add-on the GPS function to a non-GPS version of the G90.

Battery life
Both the Mini 0803 and G90-7S have small capacity batteries in them. This is enough to save the last file, but not much more than that. Always use a USB charger (iPhone/Kindle type) when making any setting changes or FW updates.


Sound recording issues
An early batch of G90's suffered from distorted sound recordings at moderate volumes. This G90-7S has come from a newer batch where this issue has been improved. The sound recordings are now quite good, being sensitive without becoming distorted at higher volumes.

 

[Dionic90]

I have the G90 a70 and what was the cost of the GPS module for it? do you have a link to purchase?

EDIT: is it this GPS module thats compatible with the G90 A70:

https://shop.pier28.com/index.php/sg-gps-for-street-guardian-sg96650gm.html

 

[Hilts]

I have the G90 a70 and what was the cost of the GPS module for it? do you have a link to purchase?
EDIT: is it this GPS module thats compatible with the G90 A70:
https://shop.pier28.com/index.php/sg-gps-for-street-guardian-sg96650gm.html

Sorry I can't help with that, as they came together not separately. I'd ordered the G90-7S directly from Shenzhen DOME Technology a while ago:-

....BTW - On the back of the video footage you've posted I've just placed an order with SZDome, for a G90-7S model c/w GPS module. This is the Ambarella A7LA70 chipset version of their G90 series DashCam. It'll interesting to see how it performs vs. the Mini 0803 (with A7LA50D chipset). Can't wait to get my hands on it and get some footage recorded!

If your G90 supplier can't assist then I'd suggest starting a conversation with @Doreen or dropping her an email dome.doreen@gmail.com
Hope that helps.

 

[Padwanjoe]

@Hilts Thank you for the quick comparison you have done. Great job!

 

[Nigel]

Nice set of pictures

Some observations of the photos:

The G90 is a lot more visible from the outside and looks a lot more like a camera, and maybe an expensive one.

The Mini 0803 is seeing a lot more dashboard reflection which is affecting the image contrast and colour, could just be due to being mounted on the other side of the mirror as the G90 appears to have more contrast on the left than the right of it's image.

The Mini 0803 has a wider field of view which should make plates less easy to read. However the plates are generally the same readability.

The night time images are remarkably close and the G90's more advanced HDR doesn't seem to have an advantage over the Mini 0803's WDR.

Sharpening on the G90 spreads out around 50% further than on the Mini 0803 and has more contrast, good for a sharp image when your zoomed out but bad when you zoom in to see maximum detail.

Test 2 nighttime, The streetlight has a large starburst on the Mini 0803 and is clean on the G90 suggesting that there is dirt/grease on the lens or on the glass in front of the Mini 0803 which will be reducing the sharpness and contrast of it's images.

Test 2 nighttime, the plate on the van is readable on the Mini 0803 and burned out on the G90.

Test 3 daytime, the G90 has considerably more chromatic aboration (false colour) at the top and top left of the image - the Mini 0803 has a better lens.

Test 4 daytime, the G90 image is far clearer, I assume the difference is mainly down to dashboard reflections and dirt on the glass. It would be nice to swap the camera positions over to check, but so not easy with the adhesive mount of the Mini 0803.

 

[Mandami]

Have you tried to open the case of the GPS ? What GPS module does it use ? Also it will be possible to turn the antenna on the other side of the case ? I see that you had to use double sided tape to stick it on the windshield.
Does the GPS geotags each video frame or it simply creates a separate file with nmea data ?

@Dionic90 Mine has to arrive, but also it doesn't have the GPS sensor. This is not really a problem. The only function I'll not be able to use is the FCWD and the speed warning. On the other hand I have the speed warning and the trip logger from my Garmin. In addition, I have a GPS sensor which powers on from the car battery and it can be used as trip logger and/or bluetooth GPS sensor (with apps from any OS and even old java based phones like SE w810, SE k800, etc.).

 

[Hilts]

Nice set of pictures

Some observations of the photos:

The G90 is a lot more visible from the outside and looks a lot more like a camera, and maybe an expensive one.

The Mini 0803 is seeing a lot more dashboard reflection which is affecting the image contrast and colour, could just be due to being mounted on the other side of the mirror as the G90 appears to have more contrast on the left than the right of it's image.

The Mini 0803 has a wider field of view which should make plates less easy to read. However the plates are generally the same readability.

The night time images are remarkably close and the G90's more advanced HDR doesn't seem to have an advantage over the Mini 0803's WDR.

Sharpening on the G90 spreads out around 50% further than on the Mini 0803 and has more contrast, good for a sharp image when your zoomed out but bad when you zoom in to see maximum detail.

Test 2 nighttime, The streetlight has a large starburst on the Mini 0803 and is clean on the G90 suggesting that there is dirt/grease on the lens or on the glass in front of the Mini 0803 which will be reducing the sharpness and contrast of it's images.

Test 2 nighttime, the plate on the van is readable on the Mini 0803 and burned out on the G90.

Test 3 daytime, the G90 has considerably more chromatic aboration (false colour) at the top and top left of the image - the Mini 0803 has a better lens.

Test 4 daytime, the G90 image is far clearer, I assume the difference is mainly down to dashboard reflections and dirt on the glass. It would be nice to swap the camera positions over to check, but so not easy with the adhesive mount of the Mini 0803.

Thanks Nigel.

Some of the daytime photos have been cropped a bit to get them under the DCT 2MB download limit.... especially the G90-7S 2304 x 1296 daytime, sorry!

Yep, the G90-7S hasn't had any sort of 'stealth makeover' as yet, e.g., removal of the chrome ring & black marker over the silk screen print (as I have on the Mini 0803). I was leaning over the bonnet (hood) with my arms straight out in front of me to get that photo, in real life it is no-where near as visible at that photo shows.

The contrast is probably affected by the vertical angle of both units. The Mini 0803 angle is limited by a number of 'notches' (as you'd know). The G90-7S is angled down as much as the mount/windscreen angle allows, I'd prefer it to be angled slightly lower. I couldn't get them exactly the same angle.

There's very little difference in horiztonal FOV between the two. Neither mount allows any sort of horizontal adjustment, so most differences you see are down to the distance between them on the windscreen (and that I've cropped some screenshots slightly). They're all taken from the associated Video footage, so that's the best place to compare FOV/night time image/sharpness, etc. Yes, there is some chromatic noise around the edge of the G90-7S footage, but on the whole the clarity is good.

 

[GJHS]

Nice job @Hilts. Is there a clear winner to you? One you prefer to use? Seems the G90 is a little sharper

 

[Hilts]

Have you tried to open the case of the GPS ? What GPS module does it use ? Also it will be possible to turn the antenna on the other side of the case ? I see that you had to use double sided tape to stick it on the windshield.
Does the GPS geotags each video frame or it simply creates a separate file with nmea data ?

@Dionic90 Mine has to arrive, but also it doesn't have the GPS sensor. This is not really a problem. The only function I'll not be able to use is the FCWD and the speed warning. On the other hand I have the speed warning and the trip logger from my Garmin. In addition, I have a GPS sensor which powers on from the car battery and it can be used as trip logger and/or bluetooth GPS sensor (with apps from any OS and even old java based phones like SE w810, SE k800, etc.).

I haven't opened the GPS module. Perhaps you can ask @Doreen about this module & where to get it from.
The GPS module does work the other way up, but it takes about 4-5 minutes to get a GPS lock. I didn't like it attached to the surface of the dashboard, so that's why it ended up being stuck to the windscreen out of the way.
The GPS tag is within the video footage, there are no separate files.

Hope you enjoy yours when it arrives!

EDIT - Just opened up the GPS module & taken some photos....

There are no markings on the outside but these photos might help...
View attachment 7799 View attachment 7800 View attachment 7801 View attachment 7802
The letters on the circuit board are VCC, GND, TXD & GP10 with C&Q 89 in large letters on the reverse - hope that means something to someone.
External dimensions of the GPS module approx. 46mm x 39mm x 13mm.

@Dionic90 - What FW/IQ have you got in yours? r439M or something else?

P.S. I've just ordered a GPS module for the A118 from FoxOffer - When it arrives I'll compare the internals with this one & try it on the G90-7S if it looks hopeful.

 

[Hilts]

Nice job @Hilts. Is there a clear winner to you? One you prefer to use? Seems the G90 is a little sharper

Thanks @GJHS it's taken considerably longer than I'd originally hoped, but better late than never I suppose!

I'd have preferred to sit on the fence a bit more, but as you've asked...
I like the form factor/stealthiness of the Mini 0803, however I prefer the images I'm getting from the G90-7S at the moment. Overall the G90-7S just edges it for me. All it really needs is a better mount and a 'Black Edition' case (or some simple "Black Marker Pen" mods from me).

The stock Mini 0803 FW still needs work to sort out the 'over sharpening issues' (as it has done ever since it was released). It's a shame the manufacturer doesn't have a representative on DCT to directly pick up on the issues being reported, rather than one of their assemblers pretending to do this! At least they are making headway with their redesigned mount.
In the meantime I'm going to try out some alternative Mini 0803 FW versions to see if there have been any image improvements.

The G90-7S does show how good the Mini 0803 could become with a bit more FW development.

Hopefully the screen shots/video footage will enable others to make up their own minds which they prefer.

 

[JooVuu]

This is by far the best comparison we have seen and way more thorough than ours. Your conclusions and analysis seem to back up our findings - the G90 A7LA70D (what JooVuu.com stocks) produces better image quality and clarity. I also prefer the colouring of the G90. However, the form factor does win for the Mini 0803. The G90 is a bit rectangular and standard looking. I do think it comes down to 'six of one and half a dozen of another'. Great review/comparison!

Kind regards,

JooVuu

 

[Siddharth Talageri]

Excellent write up Hilts, this should be good enough for a person intending to buy one, great pics from the G90 cam, crisp and clear ,I have just ordered mine but from ali express. I hope they give me after sales service. Or else will have to rely on Doreen,

Thanks for sharing mate.

Kind regards, Sid.

 

[Hilts]

This is by far the best comparison we have seen and way more thorough than ours. Your conclusions and analysis seem to back up our findings - the G90 A7LA70D (what JooVuu.com stocks) produces better image quality and clarity. I also prefer the colouring of the G90. However, the form factor does win for the Mini 0803. The G90 is a bit rectangular and standard looking. I do think it comes down to 'six of one and half a dozen of another'. Great review/comparison!

Kind regards,

JooVuu

That's very kind, thank you @JooVuu . If you want to use any of the photos, video footage or parts thereof on your website there's no need to ask.

Do you stock or know anything about the G90 GPS module? Not sure if @Dionic90 or @Tobby ordered theirs from you, they were asking for information that I don't have.
Also do you know if there is, or will be, an alternative adhesive mount for the G90?

Many thanks.

 

[Tobi@s]

Now I want a G90 :/
Someone make me a special offer