Technical Details
– Dual channel dash cam (single channel version also available)
– Max. resolution: front 1080p, rear 720p
– Price: n/a
– Optional external GPS
– Operating temperature: from -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F)
– Video format: AVI
– Supports up to 32GB MicroSD cards
– 15-20 second bootup time
– Time and date stamp on video
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor
– Buffered parking mode (when impact detected, records 10 sec before and 20 sec after the event)
– Voice menu
– Lock file button
– Interfaces: AV only
– Player software for MS Windows
– Internal capacitor instead of battery
– Internal microphone and speaker
Front Camera:
– Max. resolution: 1920×1080 @ 30fps
– Bit rate: 14 Mbps
– Small size: 100mm x 58mm x 34mm
– Weight: 87g
– 2 MP SONY EXMOR CMOS sensor
– F1.8 aperture
– Angle of view: 130° diagonal
Rear camera:
– Max. resolution: 1280×720 @ 30fps
– Bit rate: 4 Mbps
– Very small size
– 1 MP CMOS sensor
– Angle of view: 120° diagonal
BlackSys CF-100 Review
The BlackSys CF-100 is a Korean dual-channel dash cam that was released in mid 2013. It is now available for below $100, and in terms of video quality it can compete with significantly higher priced two-way dash cams. Note that there are also single-channel versions of this camera on the market, which are labelled 1CH instead of 2CH.
The dual-channel version consists of a front camera, which is the main unit (depicted above), and a small, cylindrical rear camera that plugs into the main unit via a long coaxial cable. The BlackSys CF-100 doesn’t have an in-built screen, nor does it have USB or HDMI output like most other dash cams do. To review your video footage, you can either connect an external screen to the camera’s AV jack, or pop its SD card into your computer or smart phone. Viewing software for MS Windows is included.
The front camera records at 1080p with a bit rate of 14Mbps, producing good video footage at day, while night time video is fair. The rear unit operates at 720p and only has a 4Mbps bit rate, resulting in fair day time video, but poor night time footage unfortunately.
The BlackSys CF-100 comes with loop recording, auto on/off, G-sensor, and parking mode. An external GPS unit can be acquired separately should you need it. When in use, you can trace your driving route on Google Maps using the CF-100’s viewing software.
Another notable feature of this dash cam is its ability to buffer video when operating in parking mode. When an impact is detected, it will save video footage from 10 seconds before up to 20 seconds after the incident. Make sure to use a battery discharge prevention device when using the camera in parking mode for extended periods of time though.
The camera has a large emergency button so you can save any video segments that you would like to keep from being overwritten. Also, it uses a capacitor instead of an internal battery. Capacitors generally have a much longer life span than batteries and are less likely to become damaged due to overheating.
In summary, the BlackSys CF-100 is a good option if you can live with the poor rear video quality at night. While it doesn’t have a whole lot of extras like the BlackVue cameras do, it does come with all the dash cam basics and even supports GPS and a buffered parking mode. At about $90, the CF-100 is also real bargain compared with most other dual-channel dash cams that deliver acceptable video quality.
BlackSys CF-100 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 Front Video Sample
Front video quality is good. It’s not the sharpest we’ve seen, but signs and license plates of nearby cars are generally easy to read.
Day Time Rear Video Sample
Rear video quality is fair during the day time. As this is 720p, it is obviously not as well defined as the front video, but the car driving behind is clearly visible.
Night Time Front Video Sample
Forward video at night is fair. All relevant details and events close to the camera are clearly visible.
Night Time Rear Video Sample
The rear video captured at night is very dark. While it is possible to see more or less what’s happening, you likely won’t be able to read most license plates.
Where To Buy
The BlackSys CF-100 is no longer available.
