Watch your back - with the Vico Marcus 5 Dual 1080p Dash-Cam
Monday, September 29, 2014 at 7:22PM This is the first true Dual 1080p Dash-cam that I've tested and it's very impressive. Both the front and rear cameras record in full 1920x1080 at 30 FPS, the video never skips any frames and all recordings are seamless (there are no frames missing between files). In order to record two 1080p files to the same SD card at the same time the bit-rate has been lowered slightly, but I haven't noticed any unpleasant artifacts as a result. The camera records the same great quailty video whether it's day or night.
Now, of course, nothing is perfect and I do have a few ideas and thoughts that I share about the product (and possible future updates) during the course of the video, but I don't want to detract from what's been achieved here, this is a trailblazing camera and it's available now (for a price).
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Downloadable Samples
I've uploaded a few samples that I've trimmed for length and the same files are available to download from this link Notice I wrote Download, don't stream these, because you won't gain anything. Its only when you play the downloaded clips from your own HDD that you see their true quality.
Reader Comments (52)
2 small cameras would be ideal, just as long as they were waterproof. (think motorcycle)
Hi Mat,
Fab review as always, very detailed. I quite agree, the front camera is bulky and difficult to hide, I agree with your suggestion of two small cameras with perhaps a separate box doing the recording. I think using this logic then multi-cameras might be something for the future, not beyond the realms of possibility.
My main issues are price, the size of the unit and all those dam cables, but at least it's a start with the 1080p as standard in the rear cam.
My existing duel cam does place the images side by side but there's no option to split them entirely, but it is handy to see both views at the same time on screen.
Separately, I've noticed that theres a GoPro Hero 3 using 4K...I know none of us have a 4k TV yet but it shows the technology is there and not that expensive either considering- £220 on some sites. I know it's not a car cam but I thought I'd mention it.
Thanks again for listening.
Daz
Another perfectly executed review as per usual Mat, not sure where you find the time to do all these but must say they are greatly appreciated.
The video quality is superb but as already mentioned the front camera is a bit too bulky, incorporating two smaller cams and having the main control unit separate would definitely be a bonus and something I'd consider purchasing. On occasion I use dual cams utilizing my existing units on-hand, for the front the DOD LS430W is my preferred choice with the DR32 coming up in the rear, a little tougher in the sync department but does the trick.
Regards,
Slivy58
I am strongly considering this cam for use on my bicycle. Currently I have the Mobius on the front but filming synchronously front and rear would be aiding much better in exposing reckless car drivers, passing too close and fast, which happens almost every day.
How accurate is the GPS-Module in terms of showing your own speed?
Of course power source would be a problem, wouldn't it?
So let's say with an 1.5A Output 10000mAh power bank (something like this just popped up: http://www.amazon.co.uk/EasyAcc-10000mAh-Brilliant-Smartphone-Bluetooth/dp/B00H9BEC8E); how long could I expect to record?
And doesn't the software run under Wine or some PC emulator on a Mac?
Thank you for the review.
Frank
Yes: 2 small cameras would be ideal, just as long as they were waterproof. (think bicycle and motorcycle)
Seriously, don't know why no one hasn't come up with it yet. Quite frustrating.
Just make both camera-modules separate from its's recording/screen module and versatility, especially mounting options least possibility, will be much greater.
I mean, manufactures, just listen to Matt/Techmoan (and the commenters). In almost every review video of a dash cam he complains about the camera being too bulky and awkward to mount. Why do you think he is still using the Mobius?
Key words are:
- separate, small camera modules (stealth)
- waterproofness of all components
- no protruding cable sockets (integrate into housing)
- small, flexible mounts
Agree that 2 separate cameras and a control box would be much better.
Ideally the front camera could attach the back of the rear view mirror and have adjusters to line the camera up.
I have a load of roadster rear view mirrors and have worked out how to open them. There is a reasonable amount of room inside so the idea is a DVR inside the rear view mirror. The mirror foil can be trimmed to create a window for any LCD. I have just had a 3D printer delivered so I'm going to try and print a lens holder with built in adjustment. Should work.
Hi Mat,
Very informative - thank you.
I can see some similarities with my Transcend DrivePro 200. That said, can you say if the capacitor in the Marcus 5 is likely to retain the date and time settings for several days?
If not, then for owners without the optional gps attatchment it may be a bit of a pain to enter these details on a regular basis (and also re enter any additional on screen information as described).
The DP200 does of course have wi fi which makes regular resetting that much easier but the same cannot be said fot the Marcus 5.
Great review, I was eager to see this one as I've been considering getting a rear camera.
And of course I have a question, do you still have the camera? Could you try plug the USB camera into your PC and see what happens if anything! Would be interesting to build a multi camera DVR with that camera.
Hi Mat...great review,
A dual camera set-up is high up on my want list (currently using two 0801's) and this looked like a solution but I agree the front camera/dvr is too bulky two small camera's and separate dvr is the way to go, unfortunately there are not many about the only half decent looking one I've came across is this - http://www.koonlung.com/english/productview.asp?id=33 - but I can't find it for sale anywhere.
Here's hoping the manufacturer takes note of your request.
Good find. I think it's just a render of a concept so far, but I'll see if I can find one anywhere too. I've reviewed some Koonlung products before.