Technical Specifications
– Dual channel dash cam
– Max. resolution: front 1080p, rear 720p
– Price: n/a
– Optional external GPS module
– Wi-Fi
– ARM Cortex-A7 processor
– Video format: AVI
– Supports up to 128 GB MicroSD cards
– Time and date stamp on video
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor, buffered parking mode with motion detection
– Battery discharge prevention
– Player software for Windows / Mac
– Apps for Android / iOS
– Operating temperature: from -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F)
– Storage temperature: from -30°C to 80°C (-22°F to 176°F)
– Live-view function
– Internal capacitor instead of battery
– Internal microphone and speaker
– Voice alerts
– Adhesive mount
Front Camera:
– Max. resolution: 1920×1080 (1080p)
– Bit rate: 11 Mbps
– Size: 119mm x 35mm (diameter)
– Weight: 62g
– 2 MP sensor
– Angle of view: 130° diagonal
Rear camera:
– Max. resolution: 1280×720 (720p)
– Bit rate: 7 Mbps
– Weight: 23g
– 1 MP sensor
– Angle of view: 120° diagonal
LG Innotek LGD521 Review
Released in early 2017, the LG Innotek LGD521 is LG’s first step onto the dash cam market. With its elegant, stealthy black cylinder shape, the LGD521 looks similar to the BlackVue DR650 series from the outside. However, its features and capabilities are quite different, and it’s available at a lower price.
The forward-facing camera records 1080p video at 30 frames per second, while the rear camera records only 720p, also at 30fps. Video quality is more or less comparable to that of other dual dash cams of a similar price, however top-of-the-line cameras like the Thinkware F770 and the BlackVue DR650S-2CH do record noticeably better video.
The LGD521 supports Wi-Fi, and apps are available for Android and iOS. Video download speed is relatively fast: It takes about 35 seconds to transfer one minute of footage. The camera also has a live view function: When activated, live-view temporarily lowers the camera’s bit rate, allowing you to view a live video feed with virtually no delay on your smart phone.
This camera doesn’t have a screen. An external GPS antenna is available separately for around $30 if you need it.
When hard-wired to the car’s fuse box, this camera supports buffered parking mode, triggered by optical motion detection or the camera’s G-sensor. It will save footage from 10 seconds before to 10 seconds after an event. A hard-wiring kit is included with the camera. If you choose not to use parking mode, you can just plug the camera’s power adapter into your cigarette lighter as usual.
The LGD521 has a low-voltage cutoff function to protect your car’s battery in parking mode (make sure to set this up in the camera’s settings). A high-temperature cutoff is also available, so the device won’t get fried if it exceeds its maximum operating temperature of 70°C (158°F).
Physical controls on the camera itself are minimal: There’s a power slider and a Wi-Fi/Audio button. A short press of the button mutes and unmutes audio recording, while a long press triggers the Wi-Fi signal. All other settings are configured via the app or by sticking the SD card into a computer and using LG’s playback and configuration software (available for PC and Mac).
A quick mount guide is included with the camera.
There is no lock file button, however a user has suggested a simple workaround: Just tip the camera hard enough to set off its internal G-sensor, and it will mark the current video file for keeping (confirmed with a chime).
In summary, this is a decent dual-channel dash cam, for a fair price. Its video quality could be a bit better though, especially at night. At the moment, competing devices from Thinkware and BlackVue have better features and record higher quality footage. However, keep in mind that this is one of LG’s early attempts to get a hold on the dash cam market, so we are excited to see what devices LG will present in the near future.
LG Innotek LGD521 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
Forward video quality at day is good, with a decent field of view. Other cars’ license plates are easy to read when up close, but distorted when at some distance.
Day Time Rear Video Sample
Rear video is fair during the day. It’s easy to see what’s going on behind you, and the trailing car’s license plate, though mirrored, is easy enough to make out. However, overall video quality is slightly blurry.
Night Time Front Video Sample
Front video quality at night is fair. License plate details of the leading car are easy to see, however the readability of other cars’ license plates is hit-and-miss, depending very much on illumination.
Night Time Rear Video Sample
Rear video at night is poor. Even the license plate of a car stopped right behind us is very hard to make out.
Where To Buy
The LGD521 is no longer available for sale.
