Technical Specifications
– Dual channel dash cam
– Max. resolution: 1080p @ 30fps (front and rear)
– Price: n/a
– WDR Super Night Vision
– 2.4″ Screen
– Novatek 96663 processor
– Video format: MP4
– Photo resolution: 12M
– Supports up to 128 GB MicroSD cards (over 11h video)
– 64GB card holds >5h of video
– Time and date stamp on video
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor
– Parking mode: Impact triggered, unbuffered, records 30 seconds after event
– Operating temperature: from -12°C to 60°C (10°F to 140°F)
– Storage temperature: from -20°C to 71°C (-5°F to 160°F)
– Interface: USB 2.0
– Lock file button
– Player software for Windows / Mac
– Internal battery: 450mAh (lasts about 30 minutes)
– Internal microphone and speaker
– Adhesive mount
– Languages: English, Simplified Chinese
Front Camera:
– Max. resolution: 1920×1080 @ 30fps (2560×1440 in front-only mode)
– Bit rate: 12 Mbps
– OV4689 sensor
– Size: 91mm x 70.5mm x 35mm
– Angle of view: 150° diagonal
Rear camera:
– Max. resolution: 1920×1080 @ 30fps
– Bit rate: 12 Mbps
– Size: 54.4mm x 40mm x 32mm
– Angle of view: 150° diagonal
Z-Edge S3 Review
The Z-Edge S3 is a Chinese dual-lens dash cam that was released in early 2017. While it’s advertised to support 1440p resolution, this is only true when you run it in forward-only mode. When recording front and rear, it records 1080p each way, which is still a decent resolution though.
Video quality is good overall, except for the rear night video feed which is only average quality. The rear camera turns out not to be light sensitive enough to record decent video when it’s dark.
While the Z-Edge S3 doesn’t support gimmicks such as GPS and Wi-Fi, it does have a basic, impact-triggered parking mode. The camera will start recording whenever a vibration is detected by its G-sensor. It record for 30 seconds, drawing power from its battery.
With parking mode powered by an internal battery, no hard-wiring or external battery pack is required. According to the manufacturer, the internal battery will last for 30 minutes. This should be enough for recording any incidents unless you leave your car parked for a very long time.
Of course, having an internal battery makes the Z-Edge S3 more susceptible to heat failure. If you are looking for a dash cam to use in a hot climate, we recommend getting a device with a capacitor instead.
The S3 supports memory cards up to 128GB in size. A 16GB card is included. While this is OK to get you started, a 16GB card will hold less than 1.5 hours of video in a 1080p front-and-rear setup.
For dual-lens cameras, we recommend using at least a 64GB class 10 card. Keep in mind that continuous video surveillance is quite taxing for the memory chip. The larger the card you use, the longer it will last. Larger cards have longer recording cycles and therefore the data on the card gets overwritten less frequently, improving the card’s lifespan.
This camera has a 2.4″ screen that can be configured to turn itself off after a couple of seconds, so as not to distract you from driving. You can watch your video footage on the built-in screen, or connect a computer via USB. Viewing software is included for PC and Mac, or you can just use any video player to watch the MP4 encoded video.
Some people use the Z-Edge S3 as a taxi cam, however the rear camera doesn’t have infrared lights so it’s not ideal to record the passenger cabin at night. Here’s an overview of dash cams better suited for monitoring your passenger cabin.
This camera is on the lower end of the price spectrum for front-and-rear dash cams. While it comes without any extras except for a simple parking mode, the S3 has turned out to be quite reliable and is clearly recommended if you’re looking for a low-cost front and rear dash cam.
Z-Edge S3 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
Front video is a bit grainy, and nearby license plates are a bit washed out by sunlight. Overall video quality is good though.
Day Time Rear Video Sample
Rear video quality at day is also good. You can read number plates of nearby cars by pausing the video.
Night Time Front Video Sample
Forward video quality at night is good as well. It’s easy to read the license plates of cars driving by. Note that this particular sample video shows a PIP configuration (with the rear video feed showing in the upper right corner).
Night Time Rear Video Sample
Rear video quality at night is only average. The image is fuzzy and you can just barely see what’s going on. Other car’s license plates are only readable when very close, e.g. when pulling to a stop behind you at a red light.
Where To Buy
The Z-Edge S3 is no longer available.
