Review: "Smallest HD 720p DVR" or "Video Recorder A8"

jokiin said:
This isn't a sub $50 DVR, suspect you're thinking of a different version

Is this not the A8? http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2012...sor-120-degree-wide-angle-D-A8/566785095.html

niko said:
At the moment the best mini dash cam: quality vs price is this one here


viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1401

1080p / 30fps
15Mbps bit rate
F1.6 (F1.8?) aperture

More info with full youtube 20min long overview and loads of RAW video files samples from that topic.

Thanks for that, will have a good look at it.
 
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0mfgroflmao said:
jokiin said:
This isn't a sub $50 DVR, suspect you're thinking of a different version

Is this not the A8? http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2012...sor-120-degree-wide-angle-D-A8/566785095.html

niko said:
At the moment the best mini dash cam: quality vs price is this one here


viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1401

1080p / 30fps
15Mbps bit rate
F1.6 (F1.8?) aperture

More info with full youtube 20min long overview and loads of RAW video files samples from that topic.

Thanks for that, will have a good look at it.

You are welcome.
I have ordered one. Will receive within 7-10 days and make tests myself, however techmoan.com made already pretty convincing review and tests.
 
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I've had the H264 A8 version in the car for a several months now. Some comments and observations...

Got it for about $41 on 3/8/2013 from wonderfull003 on ebay. Shortly afterwards, the price shot up to $96. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=251202727212

At this ebay site, the camera is sold out but there are some useful photos http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-HD-Sm...-sensor-/110913841519?clk_rvr_id=463231210746

The camera seems to be available for $43 at
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2012...sor-120-degree-wide-angle-D-A8/566785095.html

I like this version much better than the original one which had no mic switch. The daytime video quality is quite good. Night is not great, but acceptable. The camera is very small and unobtrusive. Also, it mounts directly (semi-permanently) to the windshield; no need for bulky mounting contraption.

Occasionally the camera just decides to shut down whether it's warm or cool. If I turn off ignition and restart, the camera runs OK.

The audio was scratchy and noisy. After disassembling the camera, I decided that I would try replacing the microphone. Finally located an exact replacement at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190690560316. That solved the problem, though it requires some very fine soldering skills.

To disassemble the camera, note that the circular trim ring on the left end of the camera just pops off, revealing 4 screws. Caution: when you go to remove the camera housing from the mounting ring, a spring-loaded ball bearing will slip out and fly across the room. Lay a cloth over the camera to catch it.

When I first stuck the camera on the windshield, the picture was noticeably off level. In order to reposition, I first located suitable double-sided tape at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400435816620. Using a single-edge razor blade, I was able to separate the old tape from the glass without damaging the plastic mount. Then I remounted the camera in the correct position with new tape.

I use a Sandisk 32GB Ultra Micro chip which gives me about 10 days of recording before it automatically erases older files. I have not had any problem with losing date/time as some others have reported.

Altogether, I like the camera for high quality picture and very small size. Definitely worth $40-$50, but $100 is stretching it. I am actually considering getting 3 more of them for full wrap around coverage. [Those plans are on hold -- see below.]

[UPDATE - June 28]
Now that summer is here, I see the camera goes out of focus when the car is parked in the hot sun. I tried shading it with a small piece of cardboard, but it did not help. Once things cool down, the camera returns to proper focus but this is a serious problem.
 
Does anyone know how to disable the G sensor? My car rides on stiff coilover suspension and the bumps in the road will trigger the g sensor quite easily on any setting
 
I've just bought one like this on Ebay but I have no idea which model i have....

its not a h264 model

I have 1080p video in avi format (yep 1080p !! might be upscaled tho)

at the momment all I want to know is how to disable the motion detection - every time i stop at traffic lights after 5 sec the recording stops!

I've tried to access the menu but only get as far as the date time page.


******updated*******
ebay listing
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370850311612
 
Palomar said:
I've had the H264 A8 version in the car for a several months now.

The audio was scratchy and noisy. After disassembling the camera, I decided that I would try replacing the microphone. Finally located an exact replacement at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190690560316. That solved the problem, though it requires some very fine soldering skills.

To disassemble the camera, note that the circular trim ring on the left end of the camera just pops off, revealing 4 screws. Caution: when you go to remove the camera housing from the mounting ring, a spring-loaded ball bearing will slip out and fly across the room. Lay a cloth over the camera to catch it.

Thanks for the Mic fix post, since your cam looks like a cousin I'm hoping your solution will apply to the new Smallest Ambarella Car DVR with 1080P A2S60 & OV2710
- https://www.ebay.com/itm/121132982864- http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product ... 74589.html
- http://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-2013 ... 26255.html

This unboxing video even compares the two!

I posted mic fix Smallest Ambarella Car DVR investigation details here:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1001&start=220#p23500
 
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kam76 said:
I've just bought one like this on Ebay but I have no idea which model i have....

its not a h264 model

I have 1080p video in avi format (yep 1080p !! might be upscaled tho)

at the momment all I want to know is how to disable the motion detection - every time i stop at traffic lights after 5 sec the recording stops!

I've tried to access the menu but only get as far as the date time page.


******updated*******
ebay listing
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370850311612

Hi, I have brought exactly the same cam (same seller and item number) and have exactly the same problem. Did you manage to figure out how to change it to continuous recording instead of by motion detection?

Thanks
 
agleave said:
kam76 said:
I've just bought one like this on Ebay but I have no idea which model i have....

its not a h264 model

I have 1080p video in avi format (yep 1080p !! might be upscaled tho)

at the momment all I want to know is how to disable the motion detection - every time i stop at traffic lights after 5 sec the recording stops!

I've tried to access the menu but only get as far as the date time page.


******updated*******
ebay listing
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370850311612

Hi, I have brought exactly the same cam (same seller and item number) and have exactly the same problem. Did you manage to figure out how to change it to continuous recording instead of by motion detection?

Thanks
Sorry, but you should not take this bargain. This is pretty much junk. There is no menu. You can only set date, that will reset next time you cycle power. It also using M-JPEG (not H264), so at 1080p25 it is using 18Mbps. A8 is a real dash cam with menu and options you can change.
 
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Can anyone tell me if the AVI version of this dash cam is able to adjust the lens and if so how? I notice the focus is sharp close and on the windscreen but further out not so sharp.
 
Done. Anyone like internal pics of the updated can that still runs hot


Regards
Duke
 
Yes, please. Can you please explain how did you open it and fix the focus?
 
Somebody know how can i make it record audio automatically when power on car ? Actually it start recording video automatically when i start car engine, but it is video only.. Thanks
 
Somebody know how can i make it record audio automatically when power on car ? Actually it start recording video automatically when i start car engine, but it is video only.. Thanks
Is the mic mute switch switched to "on"?
 
Hi, on my A8 Camera dont have this switch mic button.. Thanks
 
Would be great have 0803 camera but wihout lcd and same size as a8..
 
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