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FineVu GX33 vs. BlueSkySea B1W Dash Cam Review
Durability should never be compromised when purchasing a gadget. Purchasing low-cost devices, such as dash cams, may initially save you money, but in the long run, it may cause problems that cost you more.
Today, two of the most affordable dash cams available, ranging from $50 to $160, are the FineVu GX33 and the BlueSkySea B1W. If you're thinking of buying either of these two, read BlackboxMyCar's product review first.
Review: FineVu GX33 Front and Rear Full HD Camera
The FineVu GX33 is the most recent addition to the FineVu Full HD lineup, launched by the Korean manufacturer in February 2022. Unlike other entry-level dashcams on the market, the GX33 is only available in a two-channel configuration. You can disable the rear-facing camera if you only want to use the front-facing camera.
FineVu GX33 Image Quality and Recording Capabilities
A 2.1MP front-facing camera captures 1080p Full HD video at 30FPS with a 132-degree wide-angle view. The FineVu GX33 is powered by an Allwinner V536 processor. The V536 is a high-performance processor from Allwinner that supports WDR, noise reduction, and other image enhancement algorithms.
Even though you won't get 4K UHD or 2K QHD, the FineVu GX33's performance is quite good for a Full HD camera. You get high-quality video that looks great on your smartphone and computer. In any lighting condition, the 2.1MP "/28" Sony Exmor R STARVIS image sensor captures stunning, full-color video. The GX33 includes Auto Night Vision and HDR, which automatically adjust brightness and clarity.
What Security Features does the GX33 have?
With the FineVu Hardwiring Kit (or a dashcam battery pack such as the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8), the FineVu GX33 provides various parking security options, including impact and motion detection, parking time-lapse mode, and Smart Time-Lapse.
What is the Smart Time Lapse Feature on the FineVu GX33?
In contrast to other entry-level dashcams that do not allow you to change the recording frame rate for continuous driving recording mode, the GX33 includes a new feature called Smart Time Lapse recording, which is a recording mode in which the camera takes snapshots at regular intervals and replays them at normal speed.
What is the Power Saving Parking Mode of the GX33?
The FineVu GX33 is also equipped with a Power Saving Parking Mode that encompasses FineVu's advanced power consumption technology to keep the GX33's power consumption at 0.15 W, which is less than 5% of the regular parking mode's 4.1 W power consumption, providing up to 30 days of standby runtime.
What is AI Damage Detection?
It is also built with the AI Damage Detection feature, which is a game-changing feature for added peace of mind. Using high-resolution machine vision cameras and sensors, the AI Damage Detection scans the entire vehicle body structure from various angles to generate a computational representation of the vehicle and its damage.
The FineVu GX33 also offers ADAS, or Advanced Driver Assistance System, that can detect front vehicle motion and provide lane departure warning alerts. Its Speed Camera alert function provides seven types of camera information in voice guidance: speed camera, red light camera, speed limit camera, and average speed alert. It also has a Driving Rest Guide which sends you notifications when you need to take a break from driving.
Taking budget-friendly entry-level to a whole new level, the GX33 is FineVu's most affordable screenless Wi-Fi model, including a 32GB microSD card, and a 3-year manufacturer warranty.
Review: BlueSkySea B1W Mini Wi-Fi Dashcam
How compact is the B1W dash cam?
The BlueSkySea B1W is one of the smallest dash cameras on the market, measuring only 90mm x 29mm x 38mm. Although its almost invisible pill-shaped design on the dash may encourage more theft and vandalism, it does put your mind at ease knowing that you will capture it all on camera.
B1W Image Quality and Recording Capabilities
Recording at 1080P full HD is an impressive feat for small dash cams. With a frame rate of 30fps and a data rate of 12mbps, the B1W can capture all the fine details that other cameras may miss.
With the B1W's Novatek GM8135S processor and the Sony IMX323 image sensors, you get clear images at any time of day or night. Because there is no LCD screen, the camera can rotate fully 360 degrees, capturing everything that happens inside or outside the cabin. A 150-degree wide-angle lens also provides a full view that at least spans three car lanes.
Does the B1W have Parking Mode?
Parking mode is also available on the Blueskysea B1W dash cam. When the dash cam's G sensor detects any kind of impact or force, the camera automatically turns on and records 30 seconds of video. This gives you peace of mind and allows you to know what's going on when you're not in your vehicle.
Moreover, instead of a battery, the B1W car camera video recorder employs dual supercapacitors, making it a safer and more reliable choice for use in hot environments.
Is the BlueSkySea B1W Wi-Fi Ready?
For the driver’s convenience, the B1W dash cam includes built-in Wi-Fi for simple connection to your smartphone app. The "B1W-CARDVR" APP allows you to synchronize the files on the car camera to your phone, making it very efficient to operate live preview, playback, and device management on your phone.
PRODUCT COMPARISON: FINEVU GX33 vs. BLUESKYSEA B1W
BlueSkySea B1W
Resolution (F+R)
Full HD 1080p @ 30 FPS
Full HD 1080p @ 30 FPS
Image Sensor
2.1MP Sony Exmor R STARVIS Image Sensor
Sony IMX323
Parking Mode
Yes
Yes
G-Sensor
Yes
Yes
Wide-Angle View
132°
150°
GPS
Built-In
None
Operating Temperature
-20° to 70°C
-20°C - 70°C
Loop Recording
Yes
Yes
Maximum SD Card
128GB
64GB
LCD Screen
None
None
Wi-Fi
Yes
Yes
Microphone
Yes
Yes
Speaker
Yes
Yes
Special Features
Live View via FineVu app, AI Damage Detection 2.0, Power Saving Parking Mode, ADAS, Sony Starvis Sensors, Smart Time lapse, Two-Channel Front and Rear, 32 GB SD card included, Speed Camera, Driving Rest Guide
360-degree rotatable camera, 150-degree angle view, ultra discreet design
Country of Origin
Korea
China
Warranty
3-Year Manufacturer Warranty
1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Verdict: Which One Should I Get? The FineVu GX33 or the BlueSkySea B1W?
The BlueSkySea B1W is an excellent choice for those looking for a dash cam in the $50 to $60 price range. It can capture 1080p full HD and has a rotatable 360-degree camera which makes the video recording more flexible.
Although its price is relatively lower than other competitors, like the GX33, it offers decent features such as Wi-Fi connectivity and parking mode. However, reviews on global shopping platforms showed concern on the quality and durability of the B1W. Some may have used it for months, which couldn’t be really questioned because of its pricing.
On the other hand, we have the FineVu GX33 - a hundred bucks more expensive than B1W but is guaranteed reliable in all weather conditions. The safety and security features are also advanced to make sure that all the passengers and the drivers can travel with utmost peace of mind.
Compared to BlueSkySea, FineVu has been known to produce quality dash cams and car electronics since 1992 so the quality isn’t something that you should be worried about. For long-term use, the GX33 is more user and budget friendly. FineVu reassures you with its 3-year manufacturer warranty - longer than BlueSkySea’s 1-year offer.