The Korean company BlackVue are by far the most innovative dash cam manufacturers on the market. In the year 2021 alone, they have released more new dashboard cameras than most other brands manage to create in their lifetime! Plus, BlackVue have been making dash cams since this site started out, in 2013.
But would you know the nuances and differences between all the different models? If you’re planning to buy a BlackVue camera, are you aware of the difference between the DR750S and DR750X series? What about the DR900’s? And should you get the optional 4G LTE module?
If you’re a bit lost here, don’t worry. This FAQ article will answer any questions you might have, possibly saving you hours of research on the internet.
What’s The Difference Between BlackVue’s DR590, DR750, And DR900 series?
BlackVue currently have three “numbered” series on the market: Namely, DR590, DR750, and DR900.
The DR750 has been around the longest. They record 1080p front, and 1080p rear (if you get a 2-channel setup, meaning a dash cam with a rear camera).
The DR900 records up to 4K with the front camera, and 1080p to the rear.
The DR590 is sort of a budget version of the DR750. it doesn’t support cloud connectivity (while the DR750 and DR900 do). It does support parking mode though, and some models have Wi-Fi also (DR590W and DR590X).
What Do The “-1CH / -2CH / -3CH” Extensions Mean In BlackVue’s Dash Cam Designations?
Quite simple: -1CH stands for 1 channel, and -2CH means 2 channels. So, BlackVue dash cams ending in -2CH include a rear camera, while -1CH’s don’t.
As of recently, BlackVue also offers -3CH dash cams, which have 3 channels. One channel looks forward out the windshield, one films behind the car, and one records the car’s interior. The interior camera has infrared lights, so you can record even when it’s dark and the cabin lights are off.
What’s The Difference Between BlackVue’s “S” And “X” Series?
(As in, for example, DR750S vs. DR750X, or DR900S vs. DR900X)
The “S” series are the older, original dash cams, such as DR750S and DR900S. They support cloud connectivity, but you need an extra mobile hot spot in your car so the camera can access the internet.
The “X” series (DR750X and DR900X) was released in 2021, and introduces “native” cloud connectivity (except DR590X).
You still need an extra module to connect to the camera to the internet. This module is called CM100, and plugs into the dash cam with a cable. The CM100 is completely optional, and it also costs quite a bit extra.
If you don’t want (or can’t afford) the CM100, you can still just use a mobile hot spot to connect a DR750X or DR900X series camera to the internet, just like you would connect the “S” series.
How Does The BlackVue CM100 LTE Module Work?
The CM100 is an optional module that you plug in to your DR750X or DR900X dash cam. It connects the camera to the 4G LTE mobile network.
BlackVue’s CM100 LTE module
For this, it needs an active SIM card (not included).
Note that the CM100 is not compatible with DR590X series cameras, which do not support cloud connectivity.
Do All BlackVue Dash Cams Need The CM100 Module To Connect To The Cloud?
Currently, there is just one BlackVue model that comes with a “built-in” internet connection: The BlackVue DR750X LTE Plus.
You still need an active SIM card for this one though.
All other BlackVue dash cams (at the time of writing) need either a CM100 or a mobile hot spot in your car for cloud connectivity.
The BlackVue DR750X-2CH LTE Plus comes with built-in cloud connectivity. Get it on Amazon (ad)
What Is The Difference Between A BlackVue DR750X And A DR750X Plus, Or A DR900X And A DR900X Plus?
The main difference is that the “Plus” series uses a better image processor, resulting results in improved exposure. This makes it easier to distinguish details like license plates in the video footage, especially at night.
Another advantage of the “Plus” series is that the -1CH cameras now come with a port for a rear camera, so you can upgrade from a DR750X-1CH Plus to a DR750X-2CH Plus just by buying the rear camera. The older DR900X-1CH (no “Plus”) won’t allow this, because it doesn’t have a port for the rear camera.
The same goes for the DR900X-1CH: The “Plus” version also has a port for the rear camera, so you can easily upgrade it to a -2CH camera.
