The ROVE R2-4K is a Chinese camera based on the Novatek NT96660 processor and Omnivision OV4689 CMOS sensor (Note as of Aug 2020 Rove claims this camera uses a SONY IMX335 CMOS sensor. This has not been verified so be careful updating firmware). While the camera is advertised as a 4K camera, this is not a true statement. 4K cameras must have a native resolution of 3840 × 2160p. The 4MP Omnivision OV4689 CMOS sensor only has a maximum native resolution of 2688 x 1520p.
The 4K option in this camera (2880 x 2160p @ 24fps) is interpolated and does not provide better image quality than the lower resolutions. We suggest running the camera with 2560 x 1440p. While not 4K quality, video quality during the day is good and night quality is above average. The ROVE R2-4K performs similar to other cameras using the NT96660 and OV4689 hardware.
The R2-4K comes with a 2.4″ screen and built in GPS. Build quality is good. The size of the camera is not the smallest at 76×51×25 mm and not the hanging form factor is not the most discreet. That being said, the camera comes with 2 mounts, a suction and adhesive mount. Both allow the camera to swivel 360° to record interactions at the side windows (i.e. police stops).
The camera comes with G-sensor but does not have a buffered parking mode. The R2-4K also comes with WiFi and supporting apps for Android and iOS. It also uses a 250mAh internal battery rather than a super capacitor. That being said, reliability appears to be above average and there have been some firmware updates for this product.
AZDOME GS63H
Like many Chinese dash cams, the ROVE R2-4K is sold under numerous brand names. The most popular is the AZDOME GS63H. This camera is identical to the R2-4K and can be purchased directly from China for $60.
The camera is also sold under the generic names GS63H or RLDV-63H.
Known problems
Overall reliability appears to be above average for the ROVE R2-4K. The most common complaint with the camera is micro-SD card errors. Ensure you are using a legitimate Class 10 MicroSD card for the camera. Samsung is recommended by the manufacturer. SanDisk Ultra is NOT recommended.
Sample Videos
Day Video
Night Video
Should I Purchase?
The ROVE R2-4K is not a native 4K camera and video quality is on par with other cameras that use the Novatek NT96660 processor and Omnivision OV4689 CMOS sensor. The camera is not the most discreet and the price is high for what you are getting. The internal battery makes this not the ideal camera for hot environments as well.
On the positive side the camera is well built and reliability is above average. If you are considering this camera and want to save a few dollars, the AZDOME GS63H purchased directly from China is equivalent and nearly half the cost.
See what other owners have to say about the ROVE R2-4K on our 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
- Format the memory card in your dash cam. Remove the memory card from the camera
- Unzip and copy the firmware files directly to the memory card using your computer
- Keep the camera plugged into the power and turned OFF.
- Insert the memory card with the latest firmware files into the camera.
- Press the POWER button once. This will start the firmware update process. You should see the blinking RED LED on top left corner which means your ROVE R2-4K dash camera is updating the new firmware. Please NOTE: you will NOT see any activity on the display of the camera. It will stay blank during the firmware update. The firmware update may take up to 1 or 2 minutes. So please be patient.Once the firmware is updated, the camera will turn ON automatically.
- Once the camera turns ON after the update, the first thing you would want to do is FORMAT the memory card by going into the camera’s system settings. Otherwise, the camera will keep updating the firmware every time it restarts.
- You can now check the latest firmware version by going into the camera’s system settings >then>firmware version.
Latest Firmware
Note that as of Aug 2020, ROVE claims this camera uses a Sony IMX335 CMOS sensor instead of the Omnivision OV4689. The firmware below is only for the Omnivision OV4689 cameras.
The latest firmware can be downloaded on the ROVE website or here:
Previous Firmware Versions
User Manual
The English User Manual can be downloaded here.
Specifications
Detailed Specifications
| Read Review |  |
| Camera Type | Single Channel |
| Form Factor | Hanging - Rectangular |
| Country | China |
| Processor | Novatek NT96660 |
| CMOS Front | Omnivision OV4689 |
| CMOS Rear | N/A |
| Channels | 1 |
| Screen | 2.4" |
| GPS | Yes |
| G-Sensor | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Parking Mode | Non-Buffered |
| Lock Files | Auto or Button |
| Max Resolution Front | 2560×1440p (Quad HD) |
| 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) | 20.5 |
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Compression | H.264 |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Front | 150° |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear | N/A |
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Size (Spec) | 128GB |
| Max Size (User) | 128GB |
| Size Front (mm) | 76×51×25 |
| Size Rear (mm) | N/A |
| Mount | Adhesive and Suction |
| Power Supply | 5V |
| Operating Temp | -20°C to 70°C |
| Battery | 250mAh |
| Error Notification | Screen |
| Swivel (To Record Side Windows) | Yes |
| Apps | PC, OSX, Android, iOS |
| Cloud Connectivity | No |
| Release Date | Aug 2017 |
| Unique Features | None |
| Advantages | Mount can swivel 360° |
| Disadvantages | Not real 4K video Battery instead of a capacitor Not buffered parking mode |
| Final Word | Not a native 4K camera and video quality reflects that. Price is high for what you are getting. |
Published: June 1, 2020
ROVE R2-4K - DashCamTalk
The ROVE R2-4K is not a native 4K camera and video quality reflects that. Price is high for what you are getting.
Product SKU: ROVE R2-4K
Product Brand: ROVE
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 110
Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
5.7