Technical Details
– Max. resolution: 1920×1080 @ 30fps
– Price: n/a
– Bit rate: 11 Mbps
– OBD-II support (with LK-750 module)
– GPS
– UV filter
– Small size (90mm x 70mm x 48mm)
– Weight: 111g
– 2MP CMOS sensor
– Video format: AVI
– Supports up to 256GB MicroSD cards
– Interfaces: USB, AV
– Time/date/speed stamp on video
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor, parking mode
– Angle of view: 135° diagonal, 107° horizontal, 55° vertical
– Operating temperature: from -20°C to 80°C (-4˚F to 176˚F)
– Storage temperature: from -30°C to 90°C (-22˚F to 194˚F)
– Lock file button
– Internal capacitor instead of battery
– Internal microphone (mutable) and speaker
– Configuration software for MS Windows only
Lukas LK-7900 ARA Review
The Lukas LK-7900 ARA was released in early 2014 as a successor of the popular LK-7900 ACE dash cam. While they use the same casing and look identical from the outside, the LK-7900 ARA has several additional features, the most noticeable of which is that it can connect to your car’s OBD-II interface to record potentially important driving data like steering wheel position, accelerator and brake pedal status etc. However, note that OBD-II will work only for a range of compatible cars (see below), and you need an LK-750 module (sold separately) to connect.
The LK-7900 ARA’s memory capacity has been expanded to support 256GB SD cards. This is twice as much as the LK-7900 ACE suports, and allows for more than 48 hours of video footage to be stored before the oldest file will be overwritten. Also, the camera’s internal battery has been replaced by a capacitor, increasing longevity and reliability of the device.
The LK-7900 ARA shares the ACE’s high temperature tolerance, with maximum operating temperature stated as 80°C and maximum storage temperature even higher at 90°C. As of March 2015, no other major dash cam has been confirmed to operate reliably in such extreme temperatures. Therefore if you are looking for a camera to use in hot climates, the LK-7900s will be of interest to you.
Similar to the ACE, the ARA supports GPS as well as loop recording, auto on/off, G-sensor, parking mode and date/time/speed stamp. An optional CPL filter can be acquired separately to reduce windshield reflections in bright sunlight. However, remember to take this off at night to avoid your video becoming too dark.
The LK-7900 ARA’s video footage, while comparable to the LK-7900 ACE, is a bit sharper and more clearly defined. At day, the LK-7900 ARA records very good 1080p video, and night video quality is good but not the best you can get.
All in all, the Lukas LK-7900 ARA is a stealthy, highly temperature resistant dash cam that can record over 48 hours of continuous video footage at high quality. Also, OBD-II is a great feature to have if your car is one of the compatible models.
OBD-II compatibility
At the time of this writing, compatible cars for the LK-7900 ARA’s OBD-II recording feature include the more recent models of the following brands:
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Renault
- GM / Chevrolet
- Ssangyong
- Toyota
- Lexus
- Nissan
- Infiniti
Of course you can use the LK-7900 ARA with any vehicle, just be aware that OBD-II recording may not work if your car isn’t compatible.
B-Type vs. D-Type
There used to be two versions of the LK-7900 ARA, B-type and D-type. The D-type came with an LK-750 module to connect to the car’s OBD-II port, while the B-type didn’t have the module.
However, the D-type has been unavailable for some time now, so if you’re going to use OBD-II, you need to get the B-type (which is the LK-7900 ARA standard version) and acquire the LK-750 module separately.
Lukas LK-7900 ARA 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
Very good video quality in the day time. Footage is bright and clear, with vivid colors. Signs and license plates can be read easily.
Night Time Video Sample
Night video quality is good. While a bit fuzzy for today’s standards, it’s still good enough to clearly see what’s going on, and other cars’ license plates are readable without any problem.
Where To Buy
The Lukas LK-7900 ARA is no longer available for sale.
