DOD GS600 Car Black Box DVR & GPS Logger 1920x1080 HD Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Update 5/25/11: I now am unable to access any of the setup features of the camera via TV. I worked with a manufacturer tech and was unable to get it to work. I asked for an RMA and they were no longer honoring returns on old firmware cameras and are also not upgrading firmware on older cameras so I'm stuck with my bad camera.
Update: I had to purchase a video capture card for my PC to get to the settings feature because my new TVs don't have composite video input and a 120v cigarette adapter to use the camera inside since there is no a/c adapter available (US Distributor expects first delivery in August). Once connected to the card I stopped recording I was able to get into the setting for the first time. The remote control is weak and you have to be close to the unit for it to work. I set the record mode to 5 minutes because 1 minute is too short a play time and 5 second record delay between files is not critical in my application and dropped down to 720p capture. I then recorded some driving, reconnected to the video card, and attempt to gain access to the menu, but as soon as I stop recording, the camera displayed only MSC in the middle of the screen. I have serious doubts that the new firmware is going to fix this camera. I dropped my rating from 4 to 2 because it is not performing to specification.
The camera produces very good HD 1080p video however there are some issues with the current firmware in the cameras. I have used this camera for about a week and I like that is small enough to hide behind my rear view mirror so I don't have additional vision obstruction. You need to install Quicktime, Google Earth, and the full KLite codec pack to view the videos in the player. Camera must use microSD class 6 or higher to record HD video. I have used Lexar and Patriot class 10 cards. Camera firmware is V2.0.3.
Pros:
1. Good camera images although there is a fish-eye effect at the bottom and top of frame in 720p mode.
2. GPS gets signal fast
Cons:
1. Current firmware 2.0.3 and earlier is not for the U.S. market and is not user upgradable. Manufacturer no longer upgrading firmware on older cameras nor supplying updates to dealers.
2. You need a TV with analog video inputs or a video capture card on a PC to set up the camera.
3. Gap between video increases as you increase record length. 1-2 sec for a 1 minute clip, 5-10 second gap for a 5 minute clip, up to a 45-90 second gap for 45 minute clip.
4. Settings in the included player only allow setting the record resolution, GPS adjustments and timezone based on offset from GMT. (you have to set Daylight savings manually and know your numeric offset.)
5. Software window size is fixed so all video displays in one size no matter the resolution.
6. Speedometer in player is only Km/H, however mph does display in GPS window.
7. GPS accuracy is good in 1 minute record mode only, in 5 minute mode, the video steadily lags further and further behind GPS position.
8. HD playback via does not function.
9. Manufacturer is not honoring its warranty.


Click Here to see more reviews about: DOD GS600 Car Black Box DVR & GPS Logger 1920x1080 HD

Click here for more information about DOD GS600 Car Black Box DVR & GPS Logger 1920x1080 HD