Review - Blueskysea B1W

TonyM

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Country
United Kingdom
Dash Cam
A139, M1S
Thanks to @estore009 for providing a retail B1W dashcam for test and review. Whilst most of my time with the camera is spent testing and helping to develop the product, I have taken some time to prepare a general review of the B1W.

Blueskysea B1W


Highlights:

  • 1080p 30fps (720p option)
  • Sony IMX323 sensor / GM8135S processor
  • 150degree F1.8 lens
  • Dual supercapacitor
  • WiFi
  • Small, discreet
  • Parking mode (untested - hardwire kit arriving soon)

Likes:
  • Good day & night performance
  • Capacitor design
  • Small and discreet
  • Sturdy mount
  • Excellent APP

Dislikes:
  • Low bitrate 12Mbps - some loss of fine detail
  • Tends to over-expose highlights
  • Voice messages (under review)
  • Poor sound quality
  • WiFi default is 'always-on' (this is being reviewed and may change)
  • Date/time stamp often difficult to read

The B1W is a small all-black cylinder-shaped camera which is mounted in a bracket that permits 360 degree rotation. The current model does not auto-flip the video depending on the orientation of the camera - this is due to be added at a later date.

The bracket slides on/off a small mount fixed to the window. The mount/bracket feels sturdy whilst remaining easy to adjust. I have not noticed any vibration when driving on rough roads.


Power is supplied via a micro-usb port on one end of the cylindrical body, next to the microSD slot.



The B1W is intended to be used with the lens to the left side of the mount. (If auto-flip is implemented, then mounting with the lens on the right side will be possible).



The USB cable obstructs access to the microSD card slot, so for easy access to the card, the cable must first be removed.



Without a screen, all settings are made via the smartphone app, which is very well written and easy to use. The live preview allows precise aiming of the camera during installation.




The only control on the B1W is a single button on the opposite end of the body to the USB & microSD ports. This button has two functions. A short press generates an event recording which is stored in a separate folder to the normal loop recordings. A long press turns the WiFi on/off, with visual confirmation by the led being green/red respectively.

Additional confirmation of the B1W's operations comes in the form of spoken recordings: "SD card detected", "Recording start", "System going down"... These are in well-spoken English, and at present cannot be turned off, although a simple musical tone option is being considered.
 
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Daytime video: 1080p 30fps

Video Comments:
  • OSD date/time stamp in top left corner is hard to read against a bright sky
  • Highlights often over-exposed
  • Default sharpening seems high
  • Good colours and contrast day & night
  • Good detail, despite the low bitrate
  • Recorded sound has a lot of background 'noise'
 
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