The K1S dashboard camera is manufactured by the Chinese company Koonlung. This is one of the first dual channel 1080p cameras that has the main DVR unit separate from the cameras. Most of the dual cameras released today often come with a very large front camera which is not a very discrete design. The K1S takes a different approach. They have 2 small cameras and a separate DVR unit that can be hidden elsewhere in the vehicle (i.e. locked in the glovebox).
The K1S is Ambarella A7LA70 processor and an Omnivision CMOS sensor (likely the Omnivision OV2710). This combination allows for 1080p recording at 30fps for both cameras, one of the few dual cameras with this capability. The front camera has a bit rate of approximately 13Mbps and the rear camera is approximately 9Mbps. This camera has very good video quality during the day and average video quality at night for both cameras. While video quality will satisfy many people, the night quality is a bit worse than the dual cameras which are using the Sony Exmor CMOS sensors (Lukas LK-7950WD, Panorama X2, etc.)
The Koonlung K1S has a 2.7″ touch screen and an optional external GPS. While the form factor of the K1S is excellent, there are a few drawbacks. Unlike many other expensive dual cameras, the K1S does not have pre-buffered parking mode. Also the camera uses a battery rather than a capacitor (many people prefer capacitor based cameras since they withstand extreme temperatures better than batteries).
Known problems
Poor Audio Quality
Some owners have indicated the audio quality is poor. It can be somewhat muffled and difficult to understand. There is no known resolution to this problem.
No MPH Setting
The K1S records speed in kilometers per hour. There is no way of changing this to miles per hour at this time with the camera. However some dash cam viewer software allows the speed to be displayed in MPH. This GPSPlayerV1.9.zip has that feature.
MPH setting is now available
Camera Freezes
Some owners have indicated that the camera freezes. No known solution for this problem.
Reboots on touch
One owner has indicated that the DVR unit reboots itself when the screen is touched or the wiring is moved. This could be due to a loose USB port. One owner has been able to squeeze the port to provide a better connection which resolved the issue.
Sample Videos
Please Select 1080p from Youtube settings at bottom right corner.
Night Video – Front
Night Video – Rear
Should I Purchase?
The Koonlung K1S is one of the first dual 1080p cameras with a separate DVR unit. Video quality, while not the best, is actually quite good. The form factor is excellent and you can lock away the DVR unit in your glove box. The camera does not have a lot of additional features like parking mode and WiFi but it does have GPS.
Since this camera is relatively new, reliability is unknown yet but there have been a handful of negative reports (rebooting / freezing). Overall, this is the best discreet dual camera available on the market today and is a good buy if reliability is maintained.
See what other owners have to say on our Koonlung forum.
Firmware
WARNING! MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR FIRMWARE ARE PERFORMED AT YOUR OWN RISK. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR DASH CAM AS A RESULT OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Firmware Update Instructions
- Download the firmware and unzip / unrar it
- Format the SD card, copy the k1s.bin firmware file to the root directory
- Insert MicroSD with new FW into dash cam
- Power on dash cam, you will be asked to update firmware
- Update firmware
Latest Firmware
- k1s-r180_en_KPH.rar (Kilometres per hour)
- k1s-r180_en_MPH.zip (Miles per hour)
Previous Firmware Versions
User Manual
Specifications
Detailed Specifications
| Read Review |
 |
| Camera Type | Dual Channel |
| Form Factor | Remote Lens |
| Country | China |
| Processor | Ambarella A7LA70 |
| CMOS Front | Omnivision OV2710 |
| CMOS Rear | Unknown |
| Channels | 2 |
| Screen | 2.7" |
| GPS | Optional |
| 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) | 13 |
| Max Resolution Rear | 1920×1080p |
| Rear Frames Per Second | 30 |
| Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) | 9 |
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Compression | H.264 |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Front | 160° |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear | 160° |
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Size (Spec) | 64GB |
| Max Size (User) | 64GB |
| Size Front (mm) | 28 x 28 x 32 |
| Size Rear (mm) | 28 x 28 x 32 |
| Mount | Adhesive |
| Power Supply | 5V |
| Operating Temp | -10°C to 60°C |
| Battery | 1100mAh |
| Error Notification | Screen |
| Swivel (To Record Side Windows) | No |
| Apps | PC |
| Cloud Connectivity | No |
| Release Date | Feb 2015 |
| Unique Features | Dual camera with separate control unit |
| Advantages |
Small Front and Rear cameras, both 1080p Discreet Separate control unit that can be hidden |
| Disadvantages |
Poor quality audio Initial reliability appears to be mixed No buffered parking mode |
| Final Word | One of the first dual 1080p cameras with a separate control unit. Great design and good value. Missing some of the high end features (buffered parking mode, WiFi). |
Published: April 6, 2015
Updated: April 4, 2016
Koonlung K1S - DashCamTalk
The Koonlung K1S is a dual 1080p camera with a separate control unit. Great design and good value.
Product SKU: Koonlung K1S
Product Brand: Koonlung
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 240
Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
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