Dash cams have become an essential gadget for modern drivers, providing security, peace of mind, and crucial evidence in the case of accidents. Among the leading brands in this space is FineVu, a renowned South Korean manufacturer known for its high-quality and innovative products.
In this review, we dive into the FineVu GX4K Dash Cam, a 4K dual-channel DVR that promises to be one of the standout models of 2024. This review will cover every aspect of the device, from unboxing to installation, performance, and overall value.
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Introduction
FineVu is a household name in its domestic market, South Korea, where it is the leading manufacturer of dash cams. The GX4K model is a dual-channel setup, featuring both front and rear cameras to provide comprehensive coverage of your vehicle’s surroundings. The company has packed this model with several advanced features, including AI integrations, to enhance safety and usability.
Priced at around $350, the GX4K is positioned as a more affordable alternative to top-tier models from domestic brands like BlackVue and Thinkware, while being competitively priced against popular Chinese brands such as Viofo and DDPai. With its promising hardware specifications and sleek design, the GX4K sets high expectations.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The unboxing experience of the FineVu GX4K is straightforward yet impressive. The package includes the front camera unit, rear camera unit, hardwire kit, microSD card reader, and various cable management accessories. One thoughtful touch is the inclusion of a user guide placed right at the top of the box, which is especially helpful for first-time dash cam users.
The front camera unit is slim and stylish, featuring two physical buttons for microphone control, emergency recording, and Wi-Fi settings. It also includes a QR code for easy setup, a power input, rear camera port, and a microSD card slot equipped with an on/off switch. This switch is a particularly convenient feature, allowing users to disable the dash cam without unplugging it, a unique trait of FineVu products.
The rear camera module is a 1080p unit with an adjustable angle, ensuring that you can capture the optimal view of the road behind your vehicle. The overall design is compact and modern, promising a seamless integration with your car’s interior.
Technical Specifications
A closer look at the technical specifications of the FineVu GX4K reveals a well-equipped device designed for reliability and performance. The main unit features a Sony Starvis image sensor and a dual-core processor, providing a 136° front and 143° rear field of view. The dash cam supports microSD cards up to 256GB and includes innovative parking mode features with AI temperature control, boasting up to 98% power savings.
The dash cam is powered by a super capacitor instead of a battery, enhancing its suitability for hot climates and improving overall reliability. It also includes built-in GPS, dual-band Wi-Fi for smartphone connectivity, and a three-year international warranty, underscoring FineVu’s confidence in the product’s durability.
Image Sensor and Processor
The front camera unit of the GX4K employs the Sony IMX 515 image sensor, a reputable component known for its excellent performance in dash cameras. While it belongs to the first generation of Starvis sensors, the preliminary results are promising. Despite the presence of an Allwinner chipset, which is not my favorite due to its average reputation, the GX4K performs admirably, with an emphasis on reliability and safety.
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Installation and Setup
Installing the FineVu GX4K can be a bit challenging, particularly when it comes to the hardwire kit. However, once installed, it proves to be a highly reliable solution. The absence of a screen for installation guidance is a notable omission, as this feature has become standard in recent dash cams. Instead, users need to find an appropriate spot on the windshield that is within the wiper’s reach and does not obstruct the driver’s view.
The installation process involves connecting the front camera unit to the fuse box, requiring identification of fuses with constant power and those that activate with the engine. A multimeter can be handy for this task, and if it feels too daunting, professional installation or a cigarette lighter adapter can be considered. The rear camera installation is more straightforward, with an adjustable angle to ensure optimal positioning.
Performance and Footage Quality
The performance of the FineVu GX4K is where it truly shines. The daytime footage is superb, offering bright, crisp images with excellent dynamic range and detail. The 4K resolution, combined with H.265 encoding, allows for high-quality recordings that occupy less storage space compared to H.264 encoding. When compared side-by-side with the BlackVue DR970X, the GX4K holds its own, with only minor differences in image quality.
One of the standout features is the noise reduction capability, which slightly blurs distant objects to reduce noise, a result of the Allwinner chipset. However, this does not significantly detract from the overall image quality.
Low-Light Performance
In low-light conditions, the GX4K performs better than expected. The Sony Starvis image sensor ensures good performance in low-light environments, capturing clear and detailed footage even at night. While newer models with second-generation Starvis sensors may offer slightly better performance, the GX4K remains a top contender in its class.
Parking Mode
The GX4K’s parking mode is one of the most advanced features available in dash cams today. Users can choose from motion detection, time-lapse, or power-saving modes. The power-saving mode is particularly impressive, consuming only 0.06 watts, virtually eliminating any concerns about draining the car’s battery. Additionally, the low-voltage cutoff feature and an extra option for earlier cutoff during winter ensure that the dash cam operates safely and efficiently.
Smartphone App and Configuration
The FineVu GX4K is accompanied by a well-designed smartphone app that allows users to fine-tune various settings, such as recording resolution, bit rate, and exposure. While the default settings provide excellent footage quality, the app offers flexibility for those who want to tweak the camera’s performance further.
The app also facilitates easy access to recorded footage, making it simple to review and share videos as needed. The user-friendly interface and robust functionality of the app enhance the overall user experience.
Drawbacks
No product is without its drawbacks, and the FineVu GX4K is no exception. One of the main criticisms is the design of the cables, which are not L-shaped, making them slightly less convenient to manage. Additionally, the GX4K lacks 4G or cloud connectivity options, which would allow for 24/7 access to the dash cam via a mobile network. This feature is becoming increasingly common in high-end models.
The absence of a screen for installation guidance is another notable omission, and users who prefer not to use the hardwire kit will need to purchase an optional cigarette lighter adapter separately. These drawbacks, however, are relatively minor and do not overshadow the overall quality and performance of the GX4K.
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Summary
In conclusion, the FineVu GX4K Dash Cam is a highly reliable and well-rounded product that offers excellent image quality, advanced features, and robust performance. While it may not be the absolute top in its class, it is certainly among the best available, providing exceptional value for its price.
The GX4K’s strengths lie in its comprehensive coverage, innovative parking mode, and user-friendly smartphone app. Its few drawbacks are easily outweighed by its numerous benefits, making it a great choice for anyone in need of a dependable and high-quality dash cam.
Final Thoughts
The FineVu GX4K Dash Cam stands out as a top contender in the dash cam market for 2024. Its combination of reliability, advanced features, and competitive pricing make it an attractive option for both new and experienced dash cam users. Whether you are concerned about security, evidence collection, or simply want to capture your driving experiences, the GX4K is a worthy investment.
For those who prioritize image quality, reliability, and advanced features, the FineVu GX4K is an excellent choice. Its performance in both daytime and low-light conditions, coupled with its innovative parking mode and user-friendly app, ensure that it meets the needs of a wide range of users.
If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences with the FineVu GX4K, feel free to join the discussion in the comments section below. For more information on how to order this unit and support my work, check out this link.
