Technical Details
– Max. resolution: 1920×1080 @ 30fps
– Price: n/a
– Bit rate: 12 Mbps
– GPS (optional)
– Aperture: 1/2.5″
– 1.5″ Screen
– Small size (75mm x 47mm x 35mm)
– Weight: 62g
– 5MP CMOS sensor
– Angle of view: 135° diagonal
– Video format: MOV
– Photo format: JPG
– Time and date stamp on video
– Supports up to 32GB MicroSD cards
– 8GB built-in memory (optional)
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor
– Interfaces: HDMI, USB, AV
UPDATE: This is the original camera of the Mini 080x series. Several enhanced versions are now available: Most notably the Mini 0805 and Mini 0806, which can record at higher resolutions while maintaining the original advantages of the Mini 0801.
2016 UPDATE: For an overview of all the Mini cameras in the series (from Mini 0801, the original, all the way up to Mini 0903/Nano Q, the latest of the series), check out this article.
Mini 0801 Review
The Mini 0801 is a very small Chinese dashboard camera based on the Ambarella A2S60 chip set. For less than $100, you get 1080p video, plus optionally a GPS logger and/or 8GB internal memory. Video quality is great at day, and average during night time.
This is one of the smallest dash cams available in 2014. Installed behind the rear-view mirror, it is very discreet and inconspicuous, while at the same time being easily operable via the built-in 1.5″ screen.
The power cable plugs into the camera mount (the bracket that sticks to the windscreen), which in turn has electrical contacts for the camera itself. This is a nice feature that we wish more dash cams had, because it allows you to remove the camera from your car easily without having to unplug and replug the cable each and every time.
Features include the usual loop recording, auto on/off, G-sensor and date and time stamps on the video. At 135° (diagonal), the 0801’s viewing angle is larger than what most other dash cams offer in this price range.
Older versions of this camera use the TS video format, which is one of the lesser known video formats and therefore not widely supported. As of September 2013, the Mini 0801 firmware has been upgraded to allow it to record in MOV format.
Unfortunately the upgraded firmware still seems to be having some quirks. There have been reports of the camera just locking up randomly, or of the loop recording not working properly. Hopefully these issues will be sorted out with an official firmware update by the manufacturer soon.
That said, a majority of users appear to be satisfied with the product. With 1080p resolution and GPS, the Mini 0801 has a functionality similar to the GS1000, but with a smaller and more attractive casing and much improved video quality.
Mini 0801 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
Great video quality at day. The image is colorful, detailed and sharp. Signs and license plates are easily readable. No complaints.
Night Time Video Sample
Night video quality is average, definitely not bad for a camera in the lower price range. Much better than the GS1000. License plates can be read with ease.
Where To Buy
The Mini 0801 is no longer available for sale.
