Redtiger F7N Review: Not Really A 4K Dash Cam

Redtiger F7N Specs

– Dual channel dash cam
– Released 2021
– Max. resolution: 1440p front, 1080p rear
– Price: Amazon US / CA / UK – AliExpress – more countries & vendors (affiliate links)
– GPS
– Wi-Fi
– 3.18″ Screen
– Video format: MP4
– Codec: H.264
– Supports up to 256 GB MicroSD cards
– Novatek NT96670 processor
– Time and date stamp on video
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor
– Parking modes: Simple, time-lapse
– Lock file button
– CPL filter
– Operating temperature: from -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F)
– Apps for Android / iOS
– Internal capacitor instead of battery
– Internal microphone and speaker
– Suction cup mount
– Warranty: 12 months

Front Camera:
– Max. resolution: 2560×1440 @ 30fps
– Bit rate: 15 Mbps
– Size: 97mm x 32mm x 20mm (3.82 x 1.26 x .79″)
– Sony Starvis IMX335 sensor
– Angle of view: 170° diagonal32

Rear camera:
– Max. resolution: 1920×1080 @ 30fps
– Bit rate: 10 Mbps
– Angle of view: 140° diagonal

Redtiger F7N Review

The Redtiger F7N is a Chinese dash cam that was released in June 2021. It is one of the best-selling dash cameras on Amazon and has a large amount of positive reviews there. So let’s have a closer look at this camera.

The manufacturer claims that this camera records 4K resolution forward, and 1080p to the rear. When we look at the forward camera sensor though, it’s a Sony Starvis IMX335. That sensor has a maximum resolution of 2560×1440, which is also known 2K (1440p).

Thus, the Redtiger F7N is not at true 4K camera. It achieves 4K resolution through interpolation, which does not enhance video quality (if anything, it degrades it).

Design

The F7N has an oblong shape, and its build quality is good. It hangs from a suction cup mount that attaches to the car’s windshield, so it is quite noticeable from outside of the car.

You can operate the dash cam either via its 3.18″ screen, or with your phone over Wi-Fi. Apps are available free for Android and iOS. The app is quite basic though.

Video Quality

This camera records 2K video (not 4K, as advertised) with its front camera. Forward video quality is very good during the day, and fair at night.

The rear camera records at 1080p. Its image quality is fair during the day, but mediocre at night.

Parking Modes

The F7N supports two parking modes, simple (G-sensor triggered) and time-lapse.

In simple parking mode, the camera will start recording a 10 second video when an impact is detected by the G-sensor.
in time-lapse parking mode, the camera records at 1 frame per second (fps) instead of 30.

A hard-wiring kit is needed to power the dash cam in parking mode (not included).

Optional Extras

The following extras are available for this camera:

CPL filter – reduces windshield reflections in bright sunlight, ~$25
Hard-wiring kit – powers the dash cam in parking mode, ~$20

User Manual

The camera’s user manual is 44 pages long, and while understandable, it is written in rather broken English.

Other Features

A unique feature of the F7N is that the rear camera is waterproof, so you can mount it on the outside of your vehicle if desired.

This camera has no audible notifications for error messages. They will be displayed on the screen, but this can easily be missed by the driver.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that it’s advertised as a 4K camera when it isn’t, the Redtiger F7N records decently crisp video with its front camera. You will be able to read the license plates of most other cars during the day time. At night, it depends very much on the camera angle.

As for the rear camera, while we do like the fact that it is waterproof, that doesn’t make up for its mediocre video quality. It is quite hard to read any license plates on the rear footage, even when recorded at day.

To sum it up: It’s hard to find a true 4K dash cam with good video quality in this price range (about $150 at the time of writing). At this time, the 70mai A800S is the cheapest reliable true 4K dash cam on the market.

Pros:

Reliable
Waterproof rear camera

Cons:

Fake 4K
Disappointing rear video quality for the price
No audible error notifications

Redtiger F7N 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

Watch this video on YouTube

Forward video quality is very good during the day. You can read license plates of cars even when driving by.

Day Time Rear Video Sample

Watch this video on YouTube

Rear video during the day is fair. The unusual viewing angle is due to the camera being mounted outside on the outside of the car.

Night Time Front Video Sample

Watch this video on YouTube

Forward video at night is fair. You need to get very lucky to decipher any license plates: They are only readable when the angle and lighting is exactly right. Most license plates are washed out by our own headlights.