INTRODUCTION

   Unlike several countries all over the world where we're located car dash cameras are by far the most underappreciated automobile related safety accessory/gadget and although we've all done our fair share to raise awareness not only through our reviews but also by installing dash cameras to all our cars things are still far from what they should. The reason for this actually eludes us because leaving out all the accidents and insurance scams that happen here every single day one just needs to check the countless clips on YouTube that show just how irreplaceable a dash camera can really be. Pittasoft has led the car dash camera market with their BlackVue line of models almost since their introduction in 2007 and today after reviewing several of their award winning Full HD (1080p) dual-channel models today in our hands we have their very first 4k (2160p) dual-channel model the BlackVue DR900S-2CH.

   Pittasoft has set the standard in the car dashcam industry since it was established in 2007. Taking car dashboard camera technology to the next level with its groundbreaking Full-HD 1-channel and 2-channel cameras, Pittasoft has enabled global customers to maximize usability by connecting car dashcams to smart devices via Wi-Fi and BlackVue Cloud services. Anytime, anywhere, BlackVue Over the Cloud provides instant access to playback, remote Live View and video sharing as well as peace of mind with emergency alarm notifications, location tracking and backup of important footage.

   Resolution is not the only thing that makes a 4k lens, clarity, colors and fps are equally if not more important and so Pittasoft had to wait until the proper CMOS sensor was available and so late last year they finally went with a Ultra high definition 8MP CMOS image sensor for the front camera (unfortunately we don't know the exact model although according to its specs it could be the OmniVision OS08A10) which can record in 4K resolution (3840x2160p) at 30fps and/or 1080p (1920x1080p) at 60fps (diagonal viewing angle is set at 162 degrees). The small rear camera on the other hand utilizes the STARVIS 2.1MP CMOS sensor by SONY which can record in Full HD resolution (1920x1080p) at 30fps (diagonal viewing angle as with previous BlackVue models is considerably less than the front camera at 139 degrees). As expected 4k recording would result in larger file sizes but thanks to the H.265 HEVC compression codec used in both the BlackVue DR900S (single camera) and DR900S-2CH (dual-camera) models (for compatibility purposes Pittasoft has made it possible to switch between H.264 and H.265) storage requirements haven't increased in comparison with previous BlackVue models (check the bottom of the next page for more information on file sizes and bitrates). Other built-in features include a 3-axis acceleration sensor (for impact and motion detection), super capacitor (prevents possible recording data corruption if power is suddenly cut off), microphone and speaker (allow you to communicate with the person driving via the smartphone app), WiFi (802.11b/g/n/ac - Dual Band 2.4GHz/5GHz), GPS, audio recording proximity sensor and a microSD slot compatible with cards up to 128GB in capacity. Also just like its predecessors the DR900S-2CH features a live feed function via Cloud (up to 10 minutes per day - Pittasoft offers special events with unlimited view / requires registration) and in the case you’re using a Power Magic Pro or Power Magic Battery pack and there’s a valid WiFi connection where your car is located the Cloud feature will notify you of any impacts to your vehicle (via the BlackVue app).

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Just like with past BlackVue models the DR900S-2CH arrived inside a white box that has the product line name at the top and the resolution at the center.

Both the model specifications and features can be found on the left and right sides of the box.

Contact information about Pittasoft is available at the base of the box.

Both cameras are placed inside a formed piece of cardboard which keeps them quite secure during shipping.

Contained in the box are the front and rear cameras (both feature lens covers), coaxial cable (used to connect both cameras), car lighter power cable, trim tool (helps you route the cables), quick start guide, product warranty paper, microSD USB card reader, 16GB microSD card (already mounted), 8 cable holders and 2 pieces of extra-strong adhesive tape.

THE BLACKVUE DR900S-2CH

Measuring 118.5mm in length and 36mm in diameter (without the dash base) the BlackVue DR900S-2CH is identical to all of the previous models in the DR6xx/7xx lines.

To showcase this we placed the DR900S-2CH right next to the DR650S-2CH.

The most important feature of the new DR900S-2CH is its CMOS sensor which can record up to 4K resolution (3840x2160p) at 30fps (the lens used feature a diagonal viewing angle of 162 degrees).

On both models both the WiFi connectivity logo and the enable/disable audio proximity sensor are placed on the left side (still the design is a tad different).

The WiFi on/off button, microSD card slot, rear camera coaxial port and the DC in are all identical on both units.

Moving at the rear of both cameras we find the built-in microphone and speaker along with the record and GPS activity LEDs (the bronze line of the DR900S-2CH points to a more expensive model).

The rear camera may record at Full HD (just like the camera of the DR750S-2CH model) but it's identical in size with what we've seen by previous HD rear cameras (67.4mm in length and 25mm in diameter).

BLACKVUE SD / CLOUD VIEWER

As always prior to actually using the dash camera in your hands we suggest heading over to the official support page to check for any possible firmware updates (if there are just format the microSD card with the BlackVue Viewer application, decompress the contents of the FW file onto the card and place it into the camera - once you turn it on it will start the firmware update procedure on its own).

The BlackVue Viewer is available for both Windows/MAC and Android/iOS devices and in this review we used the latest Windows version (installed firmware was v1.006 - since then v1.008 has been released).

The BlackVue Viewer software screen is divided in four sections the list of available recordings, recording playback, satellite/map position view and the 3-axis accelerometer information along with a small calendar.

Of course just like with past versions you can place both camera recordings on the same screen but this version has something new called SLO-MO (slow-motion) playback which can be turned on from the top right corner as seen above (this allows you to check for tiny details which you'd miss with normal playback).

From the settings tab you can change between Km/h and MPH, change map service (if you're in China) and enable/disable PIP.

You can also adjust the camera settings stored into the microSD card including the resolution, compression codec used, enhanced night vision mode (unfortunately this can't be enabled only for night recording), recording and 3-axis sensitivity features, LEDs (on/off), voice recording (on/off), volume levels, WiFi (SSID/Password/Band) and Cloud login/information (if you'd like to take a look at the Smartphone app you can check it in our previous BlackVue review here).

AUDIO & VIDEO QUALITY

As always we didn't use YouTube to place our recordings since we want all of you to see exactly what you will when using the camera (unfortunately since these clips are stored on our server they are very short in duration) so to download the above clips you just need to left click with your mouse or right click and use the save as command. For this test we used the Highest available quality setting which produces a bit rate between 24Mbps and 27Mbps for the front and between 9.5Mbps and 12.5Mbps for the rear camera (what's more impressive is that unlike some other high bitrate models the DR900S doesn’t get hot).

CONCLUSION

   The DR900S-2CH currently offers the best car dash cameras have to offer in pretty much everything including build quality, features, resolution and bitrate and although it's still not what we'd consider as perfect it's a great first try by Pittasoft in the 4k market. Now there are two reasons behind the why the DR900S-2CH is not perfect, fps and night recording. For the majority of consumers out there 30fps will be more than enough but there are SoC solutions out there which support up to 60fps 4k recording (same goes for the rear camera of course) so our guess is that this is what Pittasoft will be focusing on for their next model. As for night recording although very good it still doesn't seem just as vibrant and crisp compared to what we got from previous BlackVue models (lighting issues mostly) and although there's probably room for further improvement via firmware tweaks our guess is that this is a hardware related limitation (one which we hope Pittasoft will also improve in their next 4k model). These of course can’t be considered as drawbacks since they are still more than what you’re getting from the majority if not all of the dash cameras currently available in the market but still these have to be addressed. Also do keep in mind that by default the 5GHz band is enabled for WiFi connectivity so some older smartphone and tablet models may not see the SSID (if that’s the case you will need to change the settings from the micro SD card via the BlackVue Viewer for Windows/MAC) and also that H.265 HEVC files may be just too much for your system to playback (older system will have that issue) so in order for you to be able to watch them you may need to choose the H.264 codec instead.

   The reason Pittasoft has enjoyed the top spot in terms of car dash camera sales over the past few years is without doubt the build quality, features, design and video/audio performance of their BlackVue models. Still all those things come at a cost and so currently the BlackVue DR900S-2CH model retails for USD479.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 445Euros inside the EU (Amazon UK) a price tag which although quite hefty still represents exactly what you’re getting. With that out of the way if you’re not willing to spend as much for the dual-channel BlackVue model you can always opt for the single-channel one which retails for roughly USD100/100Euros less. No matter which model you decide to get your hands on however you’ll be getting the highest resolution, best image quality and available features currently available from a car dash camera which is why the BlackVue DR900S-2CH gets our Platinum Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Design/Size
- 4k UHD Resolution (Front Camera) / Full HD Resolution (Rear Camera)
- Image Quality (Sharpness/Color Reproduction)
- Audio Quality
- Dual Camera Solution
- Built In Dual Band WiFi/GPS/G-Sensor
- Range Of Motion (Tilt)
- Motion Sensor On/Off Audio Recording
- BlackVue Viewer Software (PC/MAC/Android/iOS)
- Cloud Access
- Up To 128GB MicroSD Cards
- Power Magic Pro & Power Magic Battery Pack (Extra)

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Not Convertible Friendly
- Slight Night Vision Quality Issues