Technical Details
– Max. resolution: 1920×1080 @ 30fps
– Price: n/a
– Bit rate: 15 Mbps
– Aperature: F/1.8
– WDR Super Night Vision
– 2.7″ Screen
– Boot time: 4 seconds
– 1 second overlap between video clips
– Medium size (113mm x 46mm x 32mm)
– Angle of view: 120° diagonal (G1WH: 140°)
– Video format: MOV
– Photo format: JPG
– Photo resolution: up to 12M
– Time and date stamp on video
– Supports up to 32GB MicroSD cards
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor
– Interfaces: HDMI, USB, AV
Review
The G1W (also known as GS108) is a cheap dashboard camera of Chinese origin. Despite its low price, it records high quality video in 1080p resolution. Released in mid 2013, the G1W easily outperforms other dash cams of its price segment as far as image clarity is concerned.
At day time, the G1W’s video quality could easily compete with cameras twice its prize, if it weren’t for an inherent shakiness of the footage. This seems to be the major drawback of this camera model. You probably wouldn’t choose the G1W to record scenic routes or artistic scenes, but it is still very much suitable if you mainly need it for security and evidence in case of an accident.
At night, the G1W’s footage seems a bit fuzzy, but due to the Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) feature, night video quality is definitely superior to what other cameras in this price range deliver. The G1W originally cost around $80, but can now be had for less than $50 (check out the links below).
While it is not the smallest dash cam model around, it fits nicely behind the rear view mirror. With loop recording, auto on/off, a G-sensor and in-built motion detection, it covers the basics that a dash cam can’t do without. While it doesn’t have GPS, it sports a 2.7″ screen so you can watch what’s recording as you adjust the device.
The G1W does have kind of a cheap feel to it, being made of rather light materials. Material costs have obviously been kept low in order to make this device as affordable as possible. Nevertheless, customer feedback has been largely positive so far.
Due to its superior video quality, the G1W easily replaces the DVR-207 as the top choice in the lower price segment. However, as with most cheap dashboard cameras, there may be low quality fake versions on the market, so make sure you buy from a reputable seller like the ones listed below.
To sum it up, this camera absolutely does the job if you just need a set-and-forget security camera, at the lowest possible price. (There are even cheaper cameras, but we definitely don’t recommend those as the quality is too bad to be usable long term). If you are able to spend a little bit more though, do consider the Viofo A119 instead, which is not only smaller but also more elegant, has a higher build quality, and last but not least records better video footage.
Newer Versions: G1WH, G1W-C, and G1W-CB
In December of 2013, two newer versions of the G1W were released, the G1WH and the G1W-C. Most features including video quality and reliability are the same for all three. We will highlight the crucial differences below.
In December of 2014, the G1W-CB became available, combining the main advantages of the G1WH and the G1W-C.
G1WH
The G1WH is a newer version of the basic G1W camera, released near the end of 2013. The main differences are the lens, which has a larger viewing angle of 140° (compared to the G1W’s 120°), and the casing, which is all black, without any writing on the outside and without the somewhat annoying silver ring around the lens that might attract attention.
Thus, for about a relatively small price increase, the G1WH has a larger field of view and is a more discreet than the G1W. All else being the same, this is a decent improvement.
G1W-C
The feature that sets the G1W-C apart from the G1W is that it comes with a capacitor instead of a battery. Most dash cams have internal batteries to ensure that in the event of a power cut, the camera can continue recording for a couple of seconds and then safely power down without losing or corrupting video footage. This feature would be especially invaluable in the event of an accident that results in a loss of power to the camera.
Generally speaking, capacitors are much more reliable than batteries. Firstly, they have a significantly better heat resistance: Batteries can explode when overheated, and if you live in a hot climate it can get quite hot in your car when you park it in the sun for a while. Second, a battery’s capacity to hold charge declines with age, so after a couple of months or years in action, it just might not be able to fulfill its purpose anymore and you might not even know it until it’s too late.
So far, capacitors were only being used in high-end dash cams, with most cheaper dash cams relying on batteries. Therefore the G1W-C is a welcome innovation for the lower price segment, as capacitor based cameras are definitely superior to battery based ones (unless you want to unplug them from your car and grab some footage outside, which is only possible if you have a battery built in – but then again, you can also use a mobile phone for that purpose).
Furthermore, the G1W-C has a better sound quality, due to it’s microphone being in a different position internally.
G1W-CB “Black Bezel” – RECOMMENDED – Stealth version of G1W-C
The G1W-CB is identical to the G1W-C, except that the silver ring around the lens has been replaced by a black one, similar to the G1WH. Thus it is a stealthier version of the G1W-C.
This is our favorite camera of the G1W series, as it combines the advantages of the discrete G1WH with the improved reliability of having a capacitor.
G1W Video Samples
For full original video quality, make sure to watch on full screen and select maximum video resolution (use the cog icon in lower right corner). You may have to rewind the video after changing the resolution.
Day Time Video Sample
Day time video quality is crystal clear. Note how easy it is to read license plates even from medium distance. The video is a bit shaky though, so it might not be the best choice for artistic use. But if you need the dash cam only for evidence in case something happens, the G1W is definitely fit for purpose.
Night Time Video Sample
Night time video is a bit blurry, but acceptable for a camera of this price. It is tricky to read license plates while driving, but when stopped / up close they are clearly visible even at night.
Where To Buy
The G1W series cameras are no longer available.
