Technical Details
– Max. resolution: 1920×1080p @ 30fps
– Price: n/a (no longer available)
– Bit rate: 15 Mbps
– Optional external GPS
– WDR Super Night Vision
– 2.7″ Screen
– Small size (80mm x 50mm x 35mm)
– 5M CMOS sensor
– Angle of view: 140° diagonal
– Video format: MOV
– Photo resolution: up to 12MP
– Supports up to 32GB MicroSD cards
– Date and time (and speed if you have GPS) stamp on video
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-sensor
– Interfaces: HDMI, USB
Shadow GT680W Review
The Shadow GT680W is a small Chinese dash cam that was released in late 2013. In size, price, and quality, it plays in the same field as the Mini 0801, but of course there are a number of differences. One of them is obviously the form factor. Some will prefer the elegantly rounded Mini 0801, others will like the clear and functional rectangular form of the GT680W: As per your personal taste, just compare the pictures and see which one you like better.
In terms of size, the GT680W is slightly larger than the Mini 0801, but both are smaller than a standard credit card. As for colors, the GT680W comes in black and silver, or all black. For the sake of discreetness, we prefer the all-black version.
This camera records at a 15Mbps bit rate. Video quality is very good during the day, and good at night time. The Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) function enhances night time performance. When compared to the Mini 0801, the GT680W’s day time video looks equally sharp, but a bit darker and less colorful. At night, the GT680W’s video quality is slightly better than the Mini 0801’s.
This dashboard camera is quite easy to operate. A 2.7” screen allows for simple calibration and setup, and allows you to view the video footage right in your car. The GT680W supports an external GPS unit, which connects to the camera through a long cable and has to be installed elsewhere in the car. If you choose to go without GPS, you will be able to get this camera about $20 cheaper.
Loop recording, auto on/off and date/time stamp (and speed stamp if you have GPS) are included as usual. Motion detecion is also supported, so the camera will save files from getting accidentally overwritten if an impact is detected. Included with the camera is a CD with configuration software for PC but not for Mac.
All in all, the GT680W’s reliability seems to be good, and customer feedback has been great so far. One problem is a soft high-pitched background noise in the recordings, which there doesn’t seem to be a fix for at this time. If you need high quality audio, you may want to look for a different camera model. Otherwise, the Shadow GT680W is a great buy if you are looking for an affordable, high-quality dash cam.
Shadow GT680W 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
Daytime video quality is very good for a camera of this price. Details are clearly visible and license plates can be read easily when close.
Night Time Video Sample
Night video is also good. The first minute or so of the video is in a tunnel, but after about 1:10 you can see that even outside at night the video is very detailed, and license plates can be read almost as well as during day time.
Where To Buy
The GT680W is no longer available.
