A free service allows for a limited number of video views and downloads but owners can pay for a monthly subscription to unlock unlimited access. This service also allows customers to fire up and check the camera remotely, which could offer peace of mind to those paranoid about concierge parking facilities at airports, for example. Footage from the cameras can be streamed live, camera settings can be quickly and easily changed via the simple app interface, clips can be rapidly saved to the smartphone or shared through email, Twitter and more. Better still, an advanced geo-location service sees the car’s position highlighted on a map when footage is reviewed.
Power to the camera is supplied as soon as the ignition is fired up and the unit will give audio instructions regarding its current state. Users must log on to its Wi-Fi network via a smartphone to get a live feed from the cameras, as well as access files and use other functionality. Video footage can be reviewed via the device, along with a map view of where the incident took place and the time of the incident. The box contains a long USB cable and car charger adaptor that plugs into the 12v socket, as well as cable clips for pinning the power cable out of the way, a 32GB memory card and sucker mounts.
We also didn’t like the adhesive mount and the fact that you have to buy a memory card separately. Unfortunately our night-time footage didn’t record due to a “card error”, and connection issues with the app meant that we weren’t able to format the card to correct the problem. Trying to rectify the problem was intensely frustrating and, after some time, we gave up. Without a built-in screen, you’re relying on the mobile app to replay footage and check the framing of the camera, and to change settings. One the plus side, there’s little to distract the driver and the emergency record button is clear enough, should you want to lock footage of an accident ahead of you. Although the compact Garmin takes up very little space on the windscreen, its sticky window mount is more permanent than suction-cup rivals. In fact, it’s a pain to peel off and leaves a terrible smudgy mess, making it difficult to experiment with positioning.
A compact shape and twist-to-grip suction mount plus long cigarette lighter charger make this very easy to attach to and detach from your windscreen. A star is knocked off as there’s no SD memory card in the box – you’ll have to buy that separately.
Really decent video quality but as with the other Transcend we had on test, the overly-sensitive G-sensor was a big problem. The 16Gb memory card is a great addition at this price but we’d have preferred a suction mount to the adhesive mount. WiFi capability and a mobile app are a distraction, not a necessity, but you’re not paying a huge amount for these additionally features. Slightly fiddly to install as it has a screw-in sucker mount, which can also mean it loosens if you try to angle the camera once attached to the windscreen. However, the tiny size makes it a discreet addition to your car. A suction mount makes this very to attach to and detach from your windscreen. It comes with a 4GB memory card as standard but a larger one can be specified.
A suction cup fixture makes less of a mess of the windscreen but there’s a spare adhesive strip included should you get placement wrong first time around. Plus, like most cameras tested, it comes with a long 12V to mini-USB power cable, which you’ll have to pin out of the way to stop it dangling in the driver’s face. Monitor Mode also helps keep unnecessary files off the memory card, as it will record just one frame per second when no movement is detected and will record as normal when movement is picked up again. The Kaiser Baas R30 promises better-than-HD picture quality and lots of functions but in reality the picture quality is only OK and the key functions can be found on cheaper models. Not having a built-in screen is a major problem, in our experience , even if it has WiFi connectability, and in this case the mobile app connection let us down.
The external GPS cable records speed and location, which is stamped onto the video footage, but there’s no software to plot these details on a map. A smart little unit with motion sensor and G-sensor, and while GPS is not standard you can plug in additional hardware if you wish to upgrade at a later date.