Technical Details
– Max. resolution: 2304×1296 or 2560×1080 @ 30fps
– Price: n/a
– 3″ screen
– HDR Super Night Vision
– Size: 90mm x 55mm x 40mm
– Weight: 63.5g
– Ambarella A7 processor
– Omnivision OV4689 CMOS sensor
– Angle of view: 145° diagonal
– Video format: MOV
– Photo format: JPG
– Photo resolution: up to 13MP
– Supports up to 64 GB MicroSD cards (free 32GB card included)
– Time and date stamp on video
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor, parking mode (unbuffered)
– Interfaces: USB 2.0, AV
– Lock file button
– Internal capacitor instead of battery
– Internal microphone and speaker (mutable)
– Suction mount
Z-Edge Z3 Review
The Z-Edge Z3 is a popular dash cam that was released in early 2016. While this camera is made in China, it is being distributed by an American company, Zero Edge Technology, LLC.
The Z3 is capable of recording up to 1296p video at 30fps, and it also supports our preferred dash cam video format, 2560x1080p. This format is wider than your regular 1296p or 1080p videos, allowing you to gather more details of your surroundings, while focusing less on the view sky above and the ground below.
Here’s a quick overview of supported video modes:
| Resolution | fps | HDR |
|---|---|---|
| 2304x1296 | 30 | - |
| 2560x1080 | 30 | - |
| 1920x1280 | 30 or 45 | Yes |
| 1280x720 | 30 or 60 | - |
With a viewing angle of 145°, the Z-Edge Z3 captures a decent field of view. Video quality is good at day time, and fair at night. Compared to other dash cams of its price range, the Z3’s video seems somewhat blurry at times. However, license plates of other cars are usually well visible when close.
The Z3 is a camera that focuses on the basics, such as auto on/off, date/time stamp, G-sensor, and loop recording. It comes without most extras such as GPS or Wi-Fi.
Its build quality is good, and the camera has a solid feel to it. Three chrome buttons on either side allow you to set up and operate the device. The Z3’s menus are easy to navigate. If you have some experience with dash cams you should be able set it up easily, without needing to refer to the (moderately helpful) instruction leaflet.
The lower left button serves as a lock file button that lets you save crucial footage from becoming accidentally overwritten. However, there’s a slight catch to using it: It’s also used to enter the cam’s menu, so to save the footage, you have to press it twice in short succession. The first press will only turn on the camera’s screen. The second press will actually save 10 seconds of video prior and 20 seconds of video after the event, in a file separate from your normal recordings.
This camera supports a non-buffered parking mode. When ignition is off and a jolt is detected by the G-sensor, the camera will spring into action and record during 25 seconds after the event.
Some users complain about muffled audio quality, however audio quality is not generally a priority that we evaluate dashboard cameras for, as our focus lies primarily on video quality.
The camera is covered by an 18 month warranty. Email support by Zero Edge during this time period has been reported to be excellent. They are very responsive, and will replace your device should you experience a major fault.
To summarize, this is a decent basic dash cam that does its job reasonably well. However, the camera is not very discreet, and video quality is inferior to other cameras in the same price range. For example, the Viofo A119 not only records notably better video, but is also much smaller and stealthier.
That being said, if you’re OK with the video quality and don’t need extras like GPS or Wi-Fi, the Z-Edge Z3 is a reliable set-and-forget camera. It’s easy to operate, and good support from the vendor is an important plus.
Z-Edge Z3 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 good, if slightly out of focus. License plates of other cars a usually readable when close.
Night Time Video Sample
Night video quality is average to fair, depending on lighting conditions. Unfortunately there is a lot of glare from street and traffic lights, and again, the video seems slightly blurry.
Where To Buy
The Z-Edge Z3 is no longer available for sale.
