Technical Details
– Dual channel dash cam (rear camera optional)
– Max. resolution: front 1080p, rear 1080p
– Price: eBay US – more countries & vendors (ad)
– 2.7″ screen
– Integrated GPS
– WDR
– Ambarella A7 processor
– Operating temperature: from -10°C to 60°C (14°F to 140°F)
– Storage temperature: from -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F)
– Video format: .MP4
– Supports up to 64 GB MicroSD cards
– Time and date stamp on video
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor, motion detection
– Buffered parking mode
– Interface: Micro USB
– Lock file button
– Player software for Windows / Mac
– Internal capacitor instead of battery
– Internal microphone and speaker
– Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
– Front Collision Warning System (FCWS)
– Front Vehicle Departure Warning (FVDW)
– Adhesive mount (transparent)
Front Camera:
– Max. resolution: 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 30fps
– Size: 104mm x 51mm x 29mm
– Weight: 111g
– Sony Exmor 1/2.9″ CMOS sensor (2.19 Megapixel)
– Angle of view: 140° diagonal
Rear camera:
– Max. resolution: 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 30fps
– Size: 56mm x 28mm x 23mm
– Weight: 28g
– Sony Exmor 1/2.9″ CMOS sensor(2.19 Megapixel)
– Angle of view: 140° diagonal
Thinkware X500D Review
The X500D’s rear camera
The Thinkware X500D is a modular dual channel dash cam, consisting of a front and rear unit that can also each be acquired separately. The front unit, when purchased on its own, is just called Thinkware X500, and the rear unit is somewhat cryptically named TWA-X500F750R.
The rear camera comes with a 21ft (6.4m) cable that should allow you to comfortably install it in most vehicles. Incidentally, it can also be used with another Thinkware dash cam, the F750.
While this review is about the X500D, the X500 is exactly the same except it doesn’t record out of your rear window obviously. Note that the dual channel version is sometimes also sold as X500, so if you see a Thinkware X500 advertised, pay attention if it has the rear camera included or not.
Video Quality
Unlike many other dual channel dash cams, the X500D uses identical lenses and sensors for both the front and rear unit. As a result, video quality is similar for both views, with the exception of course being that at night it will be darker behind your car than in front when you have your headlights on.
Both cameras record 1080p video at 30fps, with video quality being good to very good during the day time, and fair at night on more or less well-lit roads. On very dark roads, video quality of the rear camera degrades notably though.
User Manual / Player Software
The English version of the user manual is well written and easy to read, setting it apart from the many badly translated manuals which can be hard to understand or downright unintelligible. Also, the camera’s player software, which can be downloaded for free from Thinkware’s web site, is quite easy to use. It is available for both Windows and Mac.
Memory Capacity
The X500D supports memory cards up to 64GB in size, allowing you to record dual channel 1080p video for up to 4 hours before the loop recording function starts to overwrite the oldest files. If you use the single channel X500 version, you can record up to 8 hours before starting to loop.
Saving Video Footage
This camera has a G-sensor that, if activated by any kind of impact, will save footage from 4 seconds prior and 2 second after the event to the camera’s internal memory (in addition to being saved on the SD card). This is Thinkware’s trademark Dual Save Technology as you have a backup in case the SD card gets damaged or lost. Note that the G-sensor can also be triggered by bumps in the road, so make sure to adjust its sensitivity accordingly.
If you see anything that you want to keep a record of but that doesn’t trigger the G-sensor, use the lock file function. This function can be activated by pressing the round button with the red dot on it. It will save 10 seconds before and 50 seconds after the button is pressed in a separate folder on the memory card.
Parking Mode
If hardwired to your car’s electrics, the X500/X500D also supports a buffered parking mode that will record 10 seconds before and 10 seconds after an event is detected, either by G-sensor or optical motion detection. For this to work, you need a hard wiring kit though. Check the vendors’ listings to see if a hard wiring kit is included or whether you’d have to order one separately.
Other Features
Other features supported by the X500D that we won’t go into much detail about, because most or all modern dash cams have them and we’ve written extensively about them elsewhere, include: WDR enhanced night vision, time/date stamp on video, auto on/off, road safety systems (ADAS) such as LDWS, FCWS, FVDW, a super capacitor instead of an internal battery, and integrated GPS.
Summary
All in all, this camera records decent video for a dual channel dash cam and is one of our favorites in this sector. We also like the fact that you can buy the single channel X500 version first and upgrade to the dual channel version later, if you feel like it. Of course this option may turn out slightly more expensive than getting the X500D right away.
Unfortunately, the front unit isn’t the stealthiest — it is actually quite noticeable with its part black, part silver casing. That said, this camera has better video quality than most other dual channel cams we have reviewed. It is quite reliable even in hotter climates, and it’s getting mostly positive customer reviews. To top it off, the X500D is actually one of the less expensive dual channel cams, making it one of the best value for money dual dash cams currently available.
Thinkware X500D 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
Day time video quality is very good for the front camera. License plates are clearly visible, even when driving by at some distance.
Day Time Rear Video Sample
Rear video quality is good at day. License plates are easily readable when close.
Night Time Front Video Sample
Night time video quality is fair for the front unit. While its clearly visible what’s going on in front of your car, license plates are naturally hard to read due to reflections from your own car’s headlights.
Night Time Rear Video Sample
Night video for the rear camera is fair when the road is well lit (starting at 1:34). On darker patches of road (starting at 3:00), video quality degrades, however the trailing car’s license plates becomes readable when at close range.
Where To Buy
The Thinkware X500D (front and rear camera) is available for sale here:
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[feedback cam=’Thinkware X500D’]
