You can never be too careful on the road, and we don’t just mean by driving defensively. Even the safest drivers occasionally end themselves in accidents for no apparent reason. You might wind up in court if that occurs. Also, you never know what the other driver may say in an effort to blame you.
It can be downright impossible to achieve justice in a he said/she said situation. You can be forced to pay for someone else’s injuries that they weren’t your fault. Even worse, you can be the one who was hurt while the other motorist escaped punishment. Yet, this need not take place. A dash cam footage can offer important evidence of what transpired both before and after a collision.
Review of the Thinkware X800 is about to begin. This package has front and rear dash cameras as well as a GPS antenna. That’s great, but to really assess how it operates, we’ll need to delve a little deeper. Let’s look more closely!
Control mechanisms
The on-board controls on the X800 are not overly complicated. Two little black buttons are located next to the display, on the left. They give you the option to switch between the camera feeds and manage several fundamental operations. A reset button that is sunken into a tiny pinhole is located at the bottom of the housing. To press it, you’ll need a paperclip or any other tiny thing.
Yet, you may still modify your dash cam settings in a more sophisticated manner. On your PC or Mac, you can install a companion app. The camera is then connected using a specialized data wire. You can modify the parking, activation, and GPS settings while it’s connected. Since you generally won’t alter those settings very often, if at all, this isn’t a major nuisance.
Consider the Thinkware F790 if you want all of your controls to be on-board. It boasts a sizable on-board display with several features. Because of its flat form and close fit on your windshield, it doesn’t obstruct your view. On the other hand, it lacks a built-in display.
Key features
One of the standout aspects of the X800 is the Sony Starvis sensor, which promises increased low-light performance and 2K video recording capabilities. The movie has a higher pixel density than 1080p Full HD, which has a resolution of 1920 x 1080, and is also written as 2560 x 1440.
For drivers who want it, the huge, 2.7-inch touchscreen LCD display is also a perk. Dash cameras with displays can be annoying, but they also offer a practical method of interacting with the operating system, viewing recordings, adjusting settings, and checking the camera’s field of vision without the need for a smartphone app.
Other features include a parking mode that requires the optional (but free) hard-wiring equipment to provide the camera with a consistent supply of power when the engine is off, and GPS functionality that can be accessed by purchasing an attachable antenna.
Build and handling
The X800’s appearance is one that we really like. Although you may argue that how a dash cam appears is immaterial, Thinkware has obviously given the aesthetics considerable care. We believe this is a solid sign that attention has also been paid elsewhere.
The front panel, which has a texture that somewhat resembles leather, is our favorite feature, and the dash cam seems more like a tiny camera overall.
At only 100mm long, 55.5mm broad, and 30mm thick, the X800 is comparatively small (including the large camera bump). Instead of being unnecessarily huge like some other dash cams, it features a sleeker, more upscale style. The windscreen mount attaches to the top of the camera with an adhesive pad and a hinge that can be adjusted nearly 180 degrees, making it compatible with windscreens of any rake.
On one side, there is a power switch and microSD card port (Thinkware offers a somewhat modest 32GB card in the package), and on the top, there are plugs for power, GPS, and an optional rear-facing camera.
Performance
In daytime, the X800’s video output appears quite excellent because it is sharp and makes it easy to read important elements like road signs, traffic signals, and license plates. Nevertheless, nighttime recordings aren’t quite as clear.
The video is sufficiently clear to show what’s happening and to identify who is at fault in the case of an accident. However, the majority of the license plates are washed out, which may make it more challenging to pinpoint the negligent driver.
Even though the Sony Starvis sensor that was installed here helps, dash cam footage that maintains registration plates’ correct exposure after dusk is uncommon.
We adore how uncomplicated this dash cam is. Instead of having speed camera and lane departure warnings, it quietly performs the function of a dash cam. Nice and snappy, the touchscreen automatically turns off so that you won’t be distracted while driving.
Conclusion
Dash cam equipment is included in the Thinkware X800 Front + Rear Dash Cam Package. You will have a lot of coverage thanks to the front and back cameras. Because of the high video resolution, even at night it appears vibrant and clear. Also, you receive a hardwiring kit and a GPS antenna, both of which many manufacturers charge extra for.
Installing the system is simple, however a little more difficult if you’re utilizing the hardwiring kit. A smartphone app would have been nice given the lack of physical controls. Even so, it’s simple to remove the MicroSD card and review your films using the Computer software, which functions quite well.
