Blackvue DR400G HD

Soikiu · 01-27-2012, 09:24 AM

Hi all,

Just got my new toy - a Blackvue DR400G HD blackbox. Bought it from eBay at USD245 including express shipping.

Installation is fairly straight forward. It comes with a mini SD card which is supposed to be preloaded with the camera's software. However, I had to reinstall mine from the website. Once you install the latest software into the Mini SD Card, it automatically updates the camera once you insert it and turn the ignition on.

Image quality is pretty good and although it only comes with a "sticky tape" instead of a "suction cup" mount, vibration from the road and car is acceptable. Unfortunately I can't upload movies (mp4) on this website, or at least I'm not sure how to.

Instead I've attached some pictures from tonight's test drive. Angle is off so please bear with me. The camera doesn't have a built-in screen so you need to either upload it on your computer, Android smartphone (you can get an app for this product) or a portable MP4 player.

Is it the best? I'm not sure as this is my first camera. One thing though, the software only works with PCs... couldn't install the software on my Mac, but I can still watch the recordings on Quicktime. This camera also has a motion sensor and impact sensor which triggers auto recording when the car is parked.
Overall, I'm pretty happy with it. Having a built-in screen would be an absolute plus.

Product website: http://www.blackvue.co.kr/en/contents/sub1.asp?idx=7

cc_bavarian · 01-27-2012, 10:25 AM

Interesting bro. I've been thinking of getting one since seeing some at a shop in 188. Possible to upload to youtube or vimeo and share the link here? Wanna see the image quality.

Soikiu · 01-27-2012, 10:47 AM

Try this... bear in mind the angle is wrong..

little_croco · 01-27-2012, 06:42 PM

Nice quality! Suggested you turn off the speed indication

Soikiu · 01-27-2012, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by little_croco

Nice quality! Suggested you turn off the speed indication

Hahahaha... Good idea bro

Soikiu · 01-27-2012, 10:15 PM

Day time test, camera set at the right angle right under the rear view mirror. Only thing is my detector of off center to the side now...

Any ideas on how I can decrease the reflection off the windscreen?

cc_bavarian · 01-27-2012, 10:25 PM

Nice quality. But cannot do 720p @ 60fps (according to their site). The audio is ok. How is this installed?

I'm still debating to get an in-car camera or a POV camera. POV camera I can take around to shoot other things or mount on exterior of the car. The in-car is restricted. But then again, if this is for car security etc. this is the way to go.

little_croco · 01-28-2012, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soikiu

Day time test, camera set at the right angle right under the rear view mirror. Only thing is my detector of off center to the side now...

Any ideas on how I can decrease the reflection off the windscreen?

Reflection cannot be totally avoided, but you can try to put the cam as close to the windshield as possible.

BTW, it seems to me they share the same firmware of Papago...

Soikiu · 01-28-2012, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cc_bavarian

Nice quality. But cannot do 720p @ 60fps (according to their site). The audio is ok. How is this installed?

I'm still debating to get an in-car camera or a POV camera. POV camera I can take around to shoot other things or mount on exterior of the car. The in-car is restricted. But then again, if this is for car security etc. this is the way to go.

It's stuck on the windscreen with a gel-like double sided tape
I can watch it on 720p on YouTube on my computer bro

little_croco · 01-28-2012, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soikiu

It's stuck on the windscreen with a gel-like double sided tape
I can watch it on 720p on YouTube on my computer bro

It should go as high as 1080p. I would consider 30fps is good enough for cruising recording unless you want to make documentary like clips

Soikiu · 01-28-2012, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by little_croco

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soikiu

It's stuck on the windscreen with a gel-like double sided tape
I can watch it on 720p on YouTube on my computer bro

It should go as high as 1080p. I would consider 30fps is good enough for cruising recording unless you want to make documentary like clips

Yup, you're right
Need to tweak it on the computer again.. Can't change any settings on my Mac

Icy J · 01-28-2012, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soikiu

Day time test, camera set at the right angle right under the rear view mirror. Only thing is my detector of off center to the side now...

Any ideas on how I can decrease the reflection off the windscreen?

are your windows open, your bass insane or the mic not that great LOL. Makes me wanna save up to get a gopro, I can film some other stuff using that too

Soikiu · 01-28-2012, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icy J

are your windows open, your bass insane or the mic not that great LOL. Makes me wanna save up to get a gopro, I can film some other stuff using that too

LoL... nope, windows not open but music volume was up a little high

Bought this more for the picture quality, not so much the mic to be honest... what's a gopro?

Soikiu · 01-28-2012, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cc_bavarian

Nice quality. But cannot do 720p @ 60fps (according to their site). The audio is ok. How is this installed?

I'm still debating to get an in-car camera or a POV camera. POV camera I can take around to shoot other things or mount on exterior of the car. The in-car is restricted. But then again, if this is for car security etc. this is the way to go.

Hey bro, here's my setup:

cc_bavarian · 01-28-2012, 03:32 AM

What I meant was shooting 720p @ 60fps not @30fps as per the pec.

@ 60fps not posible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soikiu

It's stuck on the windscreen with a gel-like double sided tape
I can watch it on 720p on YouTube on my computer bro

cc_bavarian · 01-28-2012, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icy J

are your windows open, your bass insane or the mic not that great LOL. Makes me wanna save up to get a gopro, I can film some other stuff using that too

Yeah I was thinking Go Pro or Contour+ for shooting other stuff...not just in-car vids.

cc_bavarian · 01-28-2012, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soikiu

Hey bro, here's my setup:

Looks good bro! The power connects to what?

Soikiu · 01-28-2012, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cc_bavarian

Looks good bro! The power connects to what?

The power cord it comes with is long enough to border the windshield and into the center console cigarette lighter. It also comes with 4 cable harnesses for you to do this

Icy J · 01-28-2012, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soikiu

LoL... nope, windows not open but music volume was up a little high

Bought this more for the picture quality, not so much the mic to be honest... what's a gopro?

Another video camera lol

another thing to add to my 'to buy' list...damn.

01-27-2012, 09:24 AM	#1
Soikiu Malaysian Invasion 32 Rep 442 Posts Drives: E90 323i LCI Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 323i LCI [0.00]	Blackvue DR400G HD Hi all, Just got my new toy - a Blackvue DR400G HD blackbox. Bought it from eBay at USD245 including express shipping. Installation is fairly straight forward. It comes with a mini SD card which is supposed to be preloaded with the camera's software. However, I had to reinstall mine from the website. Once you install the latest software into the Mini SD Card, it automatically updates the camera once you insert it and turn the ignition on. Image quality is pretty good and although it only comes with a "sticky tape" instead of a "suction cup" mount, vibration from the road and car is acceptable. Unfortunately I can't upload movies (mp4) on this website, or at least I'm not sure how to. Instead I've attached some pictures from tonight's test drive. Angle is off so please bear with me. The camera doesn't have a built-in screen so you need to either upload it on your computer, Android smartphone (you can get an app for this product) or a portable MP4 player. Is it the best? I'm not sure as this is my first camera. One thing though, the software only works with PCs... couldn't install the software on my Mac, but I can still watch the recordings on Quicktime. This camera also has a motion sensor and impact sensor which triggers auto recording when the car is parked. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it. Having a built-in screen would be an absolute plus. Product website: http://www.blackvue.co.kr/en/contents/sub1.asp?idx=7 Attached Images Last edited by Soikiu; 01-27-2012 at 09:43 AM..
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01-27-2012, 10:25 AM	#2
cc_bavarian First Lieutenant 13 Rep 316 Posts Drives: 2007+ E90 330i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E90 330i [0.00]	Interesting bro. I've been thinking of getting one since seeing some at a shop in 188. Possible to upload to youtube or vimeo and share the link here? Wanna see the image quality.
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01-27-2012, 10:47 AM	#3
Soikiu Malaysian Invasion 32 Rep 442 Posts Drives: E90 323i LCI Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 323i LCI [0.00]	Try this... bear in mind the angle is wrong..
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01-27-2012, 06:42 PM	#4
little_croco Colonel 142 Rep 2,957 Posts Drives: E90 330i Monaco Blue/Beige Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 E90 330i [6.00]	Nice quality! Suggested you turn off the speed indication __________________ E90 330i VB32 Monaco Blue/Beige/BurledWalnut - Prodrive GC-014I Forged 18" 8.5J/9.5J British Black + Michelin PSS 225/255 + Bilstein PSS10 + H&R ARBs + ACS bodykit + Brembo Gran Turismo Brake Kit 355-6F/345-4R + Rogue Engineering IKON exhaust kit + Simota Intake V2 + MFD Scoops + Blackline w/ red bulbs + PIAA H11 4700K fog + PIAA 6500K White Angel Eyes + MTEC 7000K license plate LED + GS-55 front doors LED + Valentine-1
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01-27-2012, 10:15 PM	#6
Soikiu Malaysian Invasion 32 Rep 442 Posts Drives: E90 323i LCI Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 323i LCI [0.00]	Day time test, camera set at the right angle right under the rear view mirror. Only thing is my detector of off center to the side now... Any ideas on how I can decrease the reflection off the windscreen?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-27-2012, 10:25 PM	#7
cc_bavarian First Lieutenant 13 Rep 316 Posts Drives: 2007+ E90 330i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E90 330i [0.00]	Nice quality. But cannot do 720p @ 60fps (according to their site). The audio is ok. How is this installed? I'm still debating to get an in-car camera or a POV camera. POV camera I can take around to shoot other things or mount on exterior of the car. The in-car is restricted. But then again, if this is for car security etc. this is the way to go.
	Appreciate 0 Quote