Dash cams are gaining popularity in this side of the world, as their usefulness becomes harder and harder to ignore. Even the most basic camera is able to provide visual evidence in the unfortunate event of an accident, which could clear up any confusion or disputes.
But not all dash cams are created equal, which is why the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS)—the organisation behind the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP)—has teamed up with CyberSecurity Malaysia to create the CamScore rating system. The so-called dash cam safety score evaluates devices based on three criteria:
- Basic features
- Advanced features
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
It should be noted that the “ADAS” functions found in these dash cams will not actually brake or steer for you, as your car’s built-in ADAS features (if fitted) can do. These are limited to warning systems such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning, as well as crash detection available on certain models.
The agency says CamScore will not only give users a better idea of a dash cam’s quality but also help them ensure their purchase is worth their money. With all that out of the way, let’s have a closer look at the five models that have earned the maximum five-star rating.
1. 70mai A800S
The A800S is one of three 70mai dash cams on the list, boasting a score of 4.59. It’s capable of 4K recording thanks to its Sony IMX415 1/2.8″ stacked CMOS sensor and f/1.8 glass lens that provides a 140º FOV, and it uses 3D dynamic noise reduction (DNR) and an AI algorithm to reduce noise in low light. It’s also compatible with the RC06 rear camera that together deliver dual-channel recording of the car’s front and rear, as well as the FC02 interior camera.
Other features include a three-inch IPS display and built-in GPS for embedding speed data and coordinates, as well as forward collision warning and lane departure warning. The camera can also be wired to the car using an optional hardware kit to enable parking surveillance mode, using the built-in accelerometer to detect sudden shakes or collisions and start recording.
The A800S can also continuously record at 1fps when parked, compressing 30 minutes of footage into one minute—both to save storage and allow for faster playback. Footage is saved in a MicroSD card and can be downloaded to the 70mai smartphone app through the device’s built-in WiFi. The A800S is priced at RM504 and can be purchased through the official Shopee and Lazada stores.
2. 70mai Pro Plus+ A500S
The Pro Plus+ A500S (yes, that’s two plusses) achieved the same score of 4.59 by retaining all of the features of the A800S. The only discernible difference is the loss of 4K recording; it instead spits out videos at 2592×1944 resolution through its Sony IMX335 sensor, which is still respectable. It also has a slightly smaller two-inch display.
The rest of the features are identical, including compatibility with 70mai’s rear and interior cameras, built-in GPS, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, a parking surveillance mode and 1fps continuous recording when parked. The benefit of going for the A500S is the significantly cheaper price—it retails at RM329 on Shopee and Lazada.
3. Thinkware U1000
The Thinkware U1000 received a slightly lower score of 4.56 compared to the 70mai models listed above. This might lead you to believe it has fewer functions, but if anything it’s actually more feature-rich. It too offers 4K recording via its Sony IMX334 sensor, but it’s also capable of recording 2K video at 60fps. It also delivers a wider 150º FOV and is capable of dual-channel recording with a Thinkware rear camera.
The U1000 also comes with Super Night Vision 2.0, using image signal processing (ISP) technology to record brighter videos in low light. Thinkware sells two optional accessories for the device—the 4,500mAh BAB-50 battery pack enables 24 days of standby time, enabling a parking surveillance mode without the need to wire the dash cam into the car’s electrical system. Meanwhile, a radar module allows the U1000 to detect moving objects and start recording.
Like the 70mai cameras, the U1000 can be wired to the car to continuously record video (at 2fps this time) when parked, and crucially the hardwiring cable is included in the box. It also comes with forward collision warning and lane departure warning, but adds a front departure alert that will let you know if the car in front is moving from a stop. But the device’s key differentiator is the Thinkwave Cloud 2.0 beta, which enables several features, although they all require the U1000 to be connected to a WiFi hotspot.
Users will be able to get a remote live view of the camera, track the location of their car and set up a geofencing function, useful if someone else is driving their vehicle. The built-in accelerometer also enables crash detection that will send a 20-second clip (10 seconds before the impact, 10 seconds after) to the cloud and notify the user. Unfortunately, all these features come with a steep price—the U1000 costs a whopping RM2,599 on Shopee and Lazada, although it at least comes with the rear camera bundled in.
4. 70mai M500
The third 70mai device on the list is the M500, which received a score of 4.53. Like the A500S, it shoots 1944p video, but it adds HDR capability and a wider 170º FOV, albeit with a smaller f/2 lens aperture. Other features shared with its siblings include a parking surveillance mode, 1fps continuous recording and built-in GPS. One key difference is that the M500 has internal eMMC 5.1 storage that’s claimed to offer faster read/write speeds compared to MicroSD cards, preventing skipped frames and card errors.
The M500’s expanded ADAS features include front departure alert and pedestrian and cyclist warnings, on top of the usual forward collision warning and lane departure warning. It also incorporates voice control for taking photos or videos, and it can also provide audible low tyre pressure alerts when paired with an optional Bluetooth tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) kit.
Really, the only knock against the M500 is the lack of dual-channel (front and rear) recording support, which likely explains its lower rating. Pricing for the device on Shopee and Lazada is as follows:
- 70mai M500 32GB – RM439
- 70mai M500 64GB – RM479
- 70mai M500 128GB – RM619
5. DDPAI X5 Pro
Lastly, we come to the DDPAI X5 Pro, which received a score of 4.52. This dash cam comes with the same Sony IMX415 sensor as the A800S to enable 4K recording, but it can also shoot 1080p videos at an impressive 90fps. The device incorporates Realcube Image Technology algorithm to deliver sharper videos, as well as NightVis technology for brighter videos in low light.
The X5 Pro also comes with 32GB of eMMC internal storage, coupled with a MicroSD that supports up to 128GB. Like all of the other devices here, it has built-in GPS and an accelerometer but adds a gyroscope, enabling the dash cam to overlay speed, altitude and g-force data in the form of a racing game-style HUD.
Other features shared with the rest on the list are a parking surveillance mode and 1fps continuous recording when hardwired. The ADAS functions include forward collision warning, pedestrian warning and front departure alert, but no lane departure warning. The X5 Pro also has a crash detection feature that will save the footage in a separate folder, in order to prevent it from being overwritten. One key feature is the fitment of a supercapacitor instead of a battery, reducing the risk of overheating and explosions.
Like the Thinkware U1000, the DDPAI X5 Pro is quite expensive, retailing at RM1,799 on Shopee and Lazada. Again, this includes a rear camera to enable dual-channel recording.
