The REDTIGER 4K Dual Dash Camera (Model F7N) is a dual channel dash cam released in Jun 2021 by a Chinese manufacturer named Zhoushan Panda Electronic Commerce Co. This is the first dash cam we have seen from this manufacturer and is a popular camera on Amazon with many positive reviews.
The REDTIGER F7N is based on the Novatek NT96670 processor and the Sony Starvis IMX335 CMOS sensor for the front camera. While the camera is advertised as a 4K camera, this is not true. The 5MP Sony IMX355 CMOS sensor only has a maximum native resolution of 2592 x 1944p. 4K cameras must have a native resolution of 3840 × 2160p. The REDTIGER 4K video is interpolated not true 4K.
Interestingly, it does use the same Q70 Main board as the Blueskysea B4K (the B4K is a true 4K camera as it uses the Sony STARVIS IMX415 CMOS sensor).
Unfortunately REDTIGER does not disclose the CMOS sensor for the rear camera. However, we suspect they are low end components given the poor video quality of the rear camera.
Redtiger F7N Plus
Redtiger launched a nearly identical model called the F7N Plus or F7NP. It is essentially the same camera with the following “upgrades”:
- Includes a 32GB microSD card
- Rear camera is not waterproof and is mounted internally
- GPS is included via the mount
Image and build quality is identical to the original F7N
Video Quality
The front camera records 1440p video at 30fps with an average bitrate of 15 Mbps. Setting the resolution higher than this does not provide true 4K video but rather interpolated 4K video. That being said the video during the day is very good but night quality is average.
The rear camera records 1080p video at 30fps with an average bitrate of 10 Mbps. Unfortunately the rear camera video quality is average during the day and below average at night.
The rear camera is waterproof and can be used externally. Depending on your vehicle, mounting this externally may not be the easiest. That being said, the rear camera can be mounted internally.
Note running the cameras with 2160p interpolated resolution will reduce the frame rate for both the front and rear cameras from 30fps to 24 fps. We suggest running the camera with 1440p resolution for the front and 1080p for the rear.
Features
The REDTIGER F7N has a 3.16″ screen, g-sensor and has built in GPS. The camera comes with WiFi and has free apps for Android, iOS and the PC. Unfortunately the UCAM app is quite basic and there have been numerous user complaints regarding it due to connectivity issues.
The F7N provides non-buffered parking mode if you hardwire the dash cam to your vehicle (will require an optional REDTIGER hardwire kit).
The camera comes with an adhesive mount but cannot swivel to record interactions at the driver or passenger windows.The F7N is a medium sized camera at 97 x 32 x 20mm. While build quality is good, initial reliability appears to be average.
Unfortunately the F7N does not come with audio error notifications. It does provide error notifications on the screen but these can easily be missed by the driver.
Support
REDTIGER provides very little support for this camera and have provided very few firmware updates since the camera has launched. REDTIGER provides a 12 month warranty, which is standard for most dash cams.
Internal Photos
Known Problems
While there have been a handful of problems for some cameras (GPS not working, parking cable not working, camera not turning on), there haven’t been any prevalent problems.
Sample Videos
There are a lot of videos on Youtube for this camera. While not a bad performing camera in the day, night videos are not the best and capturing details can be a problem.
Should I Purchase
While the REDTIGER F7N is a popular camera on Amazon, advertising it as a 4K camera when the CMOS sensor does not support native 4K is disappointing. Video quality for the front camera is on par with other 2K cameras on the market. Rear camera is below average.
REDTIGER rarely does firmware updates and the app is average at best. On the positive side build quality is good and the camera uses a capacitor instead of battery.
A much better buy is the Blueskysea B4K which shares many components including the same main board and has a nearly identical form factor. The B4K comes with true 4K image sensor (Sony IMX415), has better support and has a lower price.
User Manual
The English User Manual can be downloaded here.
Specifications
Detailed Specifications
Published: December 30, 2021
Updated: January 03, 2024
REDTIGER F7N - DashCamTalk
The REDTIGER F7N is not a true 4K camera. Video quality for the front camera is on par with other 2K cameras but rear camera video quality is poor.
Product SKU: REDTIGER F7N
Product Brand: REDTIGER
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 130
Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
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