If you search for 4K dash cams online, you will find a plethora of options, both real and fake. However, if you see brands like BlackVue and Nextbase, you can be confident that these dash cams are the real deal. Take it from us!
In this review, we’ll take a look at each of the brand’s entries in the 4K dash cam scene - the BlackVue’s new DR970X 4K UHD Cloud dash cam and Nextbase
best-selling 622GW.
4K footage is the best you can get, and fortunately, both the BlackVue DR970X and the Nextbase 622GW can deliver 4K UHD video @ 30 frames per second.
The DR970X has an 8.29MP Sony STARVIS image sensor for its main camera, while the 622GW has an 8MP Omnivision CMOS sensor. While both cameras have 8MP resolution, Sony STARVIS is thought to have superior image sensors than Omnivision or any other camera technology.
The BlackVue DR970X's new SigmaStar image processor and ISP software tuning automatically adjusts footage's white balance, dynamic range, and contrast to provide an ultra sharp and clear view. As a result, BlackVue triumphs in this segment.
While it depends on your dash cam demands, we highly recommend you to get a multi-channel dash cam so you can keep an eye on what’s happening in front, at the rear, and even inside your vehicle.
The BlackVue DR970X is available in a variety of configurations, including single channel, dual channel, and a new model with integrated 4G LTE connectivity, the DR970X-2CH LTE, whereas the Nextbase 622GW is available as a standalone main and front camera.
If you want a rear or interior camera for the 622GW, you must buy them separately, costing a hundred dollars more for each camera. The DR970X, on the other hand, includes a secondary camera in every package - you just have to choose which model you want.
With a front camera that can cover a field of view of 162 degrees, the DR970X is one of the best on the market for wide-angle recordings. With the Nextbase 622GW, you only get 140 degrees, limiting your ability to see more lanes on the road and what options you have for camera mounting.
Motion and impact detection, and a Time Lapse feature are all included in BlackVue's Advanced Parking mode. It's also worth noting that BlackVues now have built-in voltage monitoring, which is helpful for tracking your battery's life and preventing it from running out.
The Nextbase hardwiring kit does also have voltage cut-off, but this cannot be configured through the settings of the camera like the BlackVue, and is instead set to a cut-off of 11V. 11V is an incredibly low cut-off that we do not recommend, even BlackVue’s lowest cut-off is only 11.8V, and it is normally set to 12V. Some Nextbase users have even resorted to switching over to an old-school BlackVue wiring system to circumvent this, check out this thread for reference. The short version is that 11V is simply too low a cut-off for a modern camera, and can be the difference between starting your car as normal, and you needing to give it a full jump-start.
Nextbase also has motion detection, impact detection, and Super Slow Motion. To use this feature, however, you must purchase a separate hardwiring kit for the 622GW. The DR970X, on the other hand, includes a hardwiring kit in the box. You can also use a dedicated BlackVue battery pack, such as the Power Magic Ultra B-130X Battery or the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8, to extend parking mode.
The BlackVue DR970X, like the rest of the BlackVue lineup, is designed discreetly and without a screen to maintain a sleek appearance while not attracting thieves when attached to the dash or windshield.
In contrast, the Nextbase 622GW has a 3-inch touch screen for viewing videos and navigating settings. In reality, we don't find the touch screen useful because it is too small, and it defeats the purpose of having a dedicated mobile app where you can conveniently access footage.
BlackVue cameras also sit very tight to the windshield, while Nextbase cameras sit lower, in a location where its touch screen is accessible.
Loop Recording is available on both the DR970X and the Nextbase 622GW. However, its storage capacities vary. The BlackVue DR970X can be upgraded to 256 GB storage, whereas the Nextbase 622GW can only be upgraded to 128GB.
Apart from the built-in GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the BlackVue Cloud is one of the main reasons why drivers love BlackVue. With this free service application, you can easily stay up to date on what's going on in and out of your car in real time, no matter where you are in the world.
BlackVue Cloud features Push Notifications, Remote Live View, Remote Video Playback, Emergency Alerts, GPS Tracking, Two-Way Voice Communication, Video Backup and Cloud Storage, and an Event Map to provide complete peace of mind and security in every drive.
Nextbase also has a Cloud, though its primary function is to provide storage and file-sharing services. The Nextbase Cloud is mainly for when you are in the vehicle, and will not provide the same peace of mind when you are away from it that the BlackVue would. To be fair, the Nextbase 622GW includes features such as what3words and an Emergency SOS response.
Another important consideration is temperature and weather resistance. Nextbase claims that the 622GW has an Extreme Weather Mode function that reduces fog in misty conditions.
It’s a good feature, although we noticed that the dash cam’s operating temperature is only at -20° to 45°C (from -4° to 113°F). The BlackVue DR970X is built stronger, capable of withstanding conditions at -20°C − 80°C (-4° to 176°F).
It’s also worth noting that the Nextbase 622GW uses a lithium-ion battery, as opposed to a Super Capacitor like the BlackVue. Lithium-ion batteries are known to be less weather resistant than Super Capatictors, as super capacitors are found in all premium models.
While both dash cams capture 4K, the BlackVue DR970X has more advanced features in terms of video quality, parking mode security, and Cloud connectivity.
The BlackVue DR970X has multiple camera configurations, while also carrying an upgraded image processor and a superior Sony STARVIS sensor. In terms of the field of view? The 162-degree is an additional point for BlackVue.
Aside from recording capabilities, a significant comparison here is Cloud connectivity. Nextbase does have a cloud, but it is only for storage and file sharing. It lacks the capabilities of the BlackVue Cloud, which can locate, alert, and provide accurate driving information in real-time.
Furthermore, the BlackVue DR970X can be connected to a CM100G LTE module, which can be used to activate your internet connection and transform your dash cam into a Wi-Fi router capable of connecting up to five devices.
So in terms of overall features, functionality and reliability, the BlackVue DR970X wins.
4K video resolution, advanced parking modes, cutting-edge Cloud features, convenient installation and weather protection - enjoy them all with the BlackVue DR970X, now available here at BlackBoxMyCar!
