If you are thinking of a compact and smart dashboard camera, Thinkware x550 might be the one that could get the job done. It stands somewhere among the top dash cams today and performs pretty well. The device offers full HD and offers decent low-light image quality. An additional rear camera is supported at the back. Thus the driver would be aware of events taking place behind you. The camera does not, however, offer super HD like some of the better dashboard cameras. But it is based on the 1/2.9-inch Sony Exmor CMOS sensor that comes with 2.4 MP.
The sensor, being big, offers good low-light capability and offers super night vision. The brightness of the picture is enhanced through processing. The maximum video resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels, which is also the only one available. People cannot save memory by using 720p. A 16 Gb MicroSD card is supplied with the device which would be good for about 2 hours. If both the cameras are used, you can record for an hour.
In case of accidents, the incidents would get stored in the internal memory of the device and not in the microSD card to improve the chances of recovery. No information regarding the internal memory of the camera is available but it is definitely more than 500 MB. The device also offers notifications on speed cameras. You would need to update the database from time to time to take full benefits of this feature. There is a Parking Mode that automatically turns on as soon as you switch off the ignition. The camera would start recording as soon as a shock is detected. You would get notifications when you start up the next time. You can even capture a time-lapse series of events.
Technical Specifications:
| Camera | 2.4M Pixels, 1/2.9″ (SONY CMOS Image sensor) |
|---|---|
| Display Panel | 2.7″ Clear Display (320×240) |
| Viewing Angle | Approximately 140° (diagonally) |
| Video | ALL Full HD (1920X1080) for front & rear view camera when connected |
| Capacity | Micro SD Card 16GB / 32GB / 64GB UHS-I |
| Recording Modes | Super Night Vision / Time Lapse / Continuous Recording Mode, Incident Recording Mode, Manual Recording Mode, Parking Surveillance Recording Mode,Audio Recording |
| Acceleration Sensor | 3-Axis Acceleration G-Sensor (3D, ±4G) |
| GPS | Built-in GPS (Glonass supported) |
| Power | Input Voltage: DC 12/24V (Max 35V), Power Cable Port x 1 (3.5pi) / Power Consumption: 5.3W (mean) – 2ch,30fps , 3.5W (mean) – 1ch,30fps / Super Capacitor |
| Interface | 1 x Video-IN (micro USB), DC-IN, Micro SD slot |
| ETC | Front Security LED |
Pros and Cons
The Thinkware x550 is one of the premium dashboard cameras which gives a proper thought what the consumer would be using it for.
Reasons to Buy
- The device has a parking mode with a permanent installation.
- There is a built-in GPS system in the device along with GLONASS.
- The customer gets a second camera option for the rear.
Reasons to Avoid
- One of the really bothering things is that you would get only full HD recording which is too costly for memory.
- There is no suction mount cup included in the device.
The Thinkware x550 is one of the dashboard cameras in the market that is designed keeping in mind the real necessities of the user.
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