Using the 120º ACT20 Action Cam as a car DVR.
Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 8:45PM For a while now I've been hunting for a car DVR that's small enough to be hidden away. I don't like the idea of detaching something from my windscreen every time I park up...I'd much rather have a camera that could be installed and then forgotten about.
Well one of the contributors to the site (apologies, but I've forgotten who) suggested that I should take another look at the ACT20 action camera because following a firmware update it is now able to function as a car DVR.
The ACT20 made for a pretty mediocre action camera, but perhaps it could redeem itself when repurposed as a car (or bike) DVR. I picked up a new 120º version and gave it another shot. Watch the video to find out how it fared.
I bought mine from
My full review of the original 60º ACT20 camera can be found at the link beow.
http://www.techmoan.com/blog/2011/6/21/the-act20-action-camera.html
Reader Comments (5)
Techmoan, your comments/reviews are spot on. I have the ACT20 (60 deg version) and I love the form factor of this camera. I also have a couple of 808 16 (60 deg and 120deg), but you need to weatherproof these camera's and supply additional power (as the battery doesn't last very long).
As you said ACT20 form factor, 808 16 video quality, for less than £50 = Winning combination for rugged Action Camera
The only thing I would add, is user changeable battery. My ACT 20 camera battery last less than 30mins after about 18months daily use (was 2hours 30mins when new), so now I have to operate on the camera (as it is sealed device) to see if I can replace the battery.
I am a cycle commuter, so the ACT20 has been used in rain, snow, freezing temperatures, dropped.
Great review as always. I have an 808-16 bar mount like this obtained from ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pc-Bike-Holder-Bicycle-HandleBar-Mount-Holder-for-808-11-18-16-camera-Cam-/221146190776?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item337d5713b8
Hi there, just come across your brilliantly in-depth reviews this afternoon and therefore have given you as the reason I have done no work to my boss.
I wondered if you have reviewed either of the HEDCAM bullet cams in the past? This ACT the closest to either I have come across for useability on an off road bike. I have a 60˚Hedcam but get very annoyed with its on/off button so am looking for a GoPro or Drift Stealth camera packaged in something that doesn't resemble a house brick!
This is more like it price wise but it still resembles something thrown by an angry ice cream salesman:
http://my.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MyEbay&gbh=1&CurrentPage=MyeBayWatching&ssPageName=STRK:ME:LNLK:MEWAX
The main problem when trail riding with a GoPro etc. stuck to your head is that it will soon be removed by a branch or brush and usually half take your head with it.
Yours frustrated cameraman of Malvern.
Re the bike mount you where original right the part with the rubber insert is designed to go over the handlebar that's why it opens up and the rubber stops it slipping round, if it does not fit the cam it is an incorrect part.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Bike-Torch-Flashlight-Mount-Handle-Bar-Mount-Torch-Holder-UK-SELLER-/150942030603?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item2324d89b0b
Hi. I found a very useful app to setup camera configuration and change date and time with few clicks only and you can keep that app on the camera in case if you drain the battery or lost all setting. There is a download link under the author video. (I'm not the author)
http://youtu.be/VJO722_GQyc