kdLinks X1

kdLinks X1

The kdLinks X1 dash cam is a Chinese camera released in late 2014.  This is another camera that is based on the popular Novatek NT96650 processor and the Aptina AR0330 CMOS sensor.  The G1W, Mobius, B40 / A118, GT680W, Innovv C1 and SJ4000 all use the same processor and CMOS sensor.  However, the kdLinks X1 stands out as being the most expensive of the bunch.

Video quality during the day is very good and night quality is average. The night video had some artifacts and is a bit grainy. Overall the video quality is on par with most other NT96650 and AR0330 cameras.  It uses a wide angle lens (165°) which causes some barrel distortion on the video.  The kdLinks X1 records 1080p at 30f/s with an average bit rate of approximately 12,000kpbs.

The camera comes with a 2.7″ screen, g-sensor and has built-in GPS with geo-tagging.  The GPS antenna is integrated into a rather large suction cup mount.   The mount is of low to average quality and the connector for the GPS interferes with the mount and is hard to use.  The camera is not the smallest at 89mm x 58mm x 38mm and combined with the large mount, the kdLinks X1 is not a discreet camera.

SkyEye Z750

Like many Chinese dash cams, the kdLinks is sold under other names as well.  One of our members, xyBone, purchased the SkyEye Z750 and his review can be found here.

SkyEye Z750

Overmax CamRoad 6.1

It is also being sold as the Overmax CamRoad 6.1 in Europe (primarily Poland).

Overmax CamRoad 6.1

Known problems

Battery Swells / Explodes

There have been a number of reports of the battery swelling / exploding due to high heat in the kdLinks X1.  The following review was posted on Amazon then later deleted.

kdLinks X1 Battery Explodes 1

Here are some other pictures of a swelled up battery.

KDLinks X1 Battery Swelling 1
KDLinks X1 Battery Swelling 2

Another owners camera

kdLinks x1 Expanded Battery

Memory Error

Some owners have complained of “Memory Error” appearing on the screen.  This could be due to a defective SD card.  If a different SD card does not solve the problem, then there may be a hardware issue with the camera.

Device Freezes

Numerous users have indicated this camera freezes at random times.  kdLinks claims it is a 32GB card compatibility issue and a new firmware has been released to address this.  Unfortunately we are not sure if the problem has been completely solved.  Note that this problem is mentioned in the user manual and the suggestion is to “Press the “reset” button with a paper clip to reset the settings back to default.  If the ambient temperature is excessive, you may need to wait a few minutes.”

Low Quality Battery

Beyond the expanding battery problem, a number of users have indicated that the battery dies and won’t hold a charge.  This can result in losing the last file before the camera turns off.  The solution is to replace the battery.

kdLinks X1 Teardown

From an Amazon user.

kdLinks X1 Teardown 1
kdLinks X1 Teardown 2
kdLinks X1 Teardown 3

PC and Mac Software

The kdLinks X1 has PC and Mac Software available to view videos.

Sample Videos

Day Video

Night Video

Should I Purchase?

The kdLinks X1 has been a popular seller on Amazon in early 2015.  While it appears to be a decent camera, it is not the most discreet camera and performs on par with cameras half the price.  The seller on Amazon has been responsive to questions on Amazon which is a positive from a support perspective.

Overall, we prefer the more discreet B40 / A118 and Mobius which have similar video quality at less than half the price.  See what other owners have to say about the kdLinks on our forum.

User Manual

The English User Manual for the Overmax CamRoad 6.1 can be downloaded here.

Specifications

Detailed Specifications

Read Review
Camera Type Single Channel
Form Factor Hanging - Rectangular
Country China
Processor Novatek NT96650
CMOS Front Aptina AR0330
CMOS Rear N/A
Channels 1
Screen 2.7"
GPS Yes
G-Sensor Yes
Wi-Fi No
Parking Mode No
Lock Files Auto or Button
Max Resolution Front 1920×1080p
Front Frames Per Second 30
Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) 12
Max Resolution Rear N/A
Rear Frames Per Second N/A
Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) N/A
Video Format MOV
Compression H.264
Diagonal Viewing Angle Front 165°
Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear N/A
SD Card Type MicroSD
Max Size (Spec) 32GB
Max Size (User) 32GB
Size Front (mm) 89 x 58 x 38
Size Rear (mm) N/A
Mount Suction
Power Supply 5V
Operating Temp Unknown
Battery 120mAh
Error Notification Screen
Swivel (To Record Side Windows) Yes
Apps PC, OSX
Cloud Connectivity No
Release Date Oct 2014
Unique Features None
Advantages Seller responds to questions quickly
Disadvantages Not the most discreet, particularly the mount
High price
Final Word Not the most discreet camera and video quality on par with cameras half the price. The Mobius and B40 / A118 are better values.

Published: February 12, 2015

Updated: March 15, 2015

kdLinks X1 - DashCamTalk
KDLINKS X1

The kdLinks X1 is not the most discreet camera and video is on par with cameras half the price. Mobius and B40 / A118 are better values.

Product SKU: kdLinks X1

Product Brand: kdLinks

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 170

Price Valid Until: 2023-02-03

Product In-Stock: SoldOut

Editor's Rating:
5.2