Kenwood DRV-A301W dashcam review
Our Verdict
At first glance, the Kenwood DRV-A301W blends polish design and practiced functionality. However, while paradigm quality is up to scratch, it isn't quite class-leading, and sound issues spoil what could have been a solid entry for this household make.
For
- Expert design
- GPS and speedometer
- Companion app is nifty
Against
- Noisy playback
- Inoperable without power connectedness
Tom's Guide Verdict
At first glance, the Kenwood DRV-A301W blends smooth design and proficient functionality. Nevertheless, while image quality is up to scratch, it isn't quite class-leading, and sound issues spoil what could accept been a solid entry for this household brand.
Pros
- +
Good design
- +
GPS and speedometer
- +
Companion app is great
Cons
- -
Noisy playback
- -
Inoperable without ability connection
Kenwood DRV-A301W: Specs
Field of view: 136°
Megapixels: 2MP
Resolution: 1920 ten 1080p
GPS: Yes
Brandish: ii.7" TFT LCD
The catchily-named Kenwood DRV-A301W aims to provide a solid quality dashcam for cheaper than what you'd normally pay for a mid-range model.
While at that place are a few things to recommend, such as GPS, attractive pattern and one of the best companion apps I've toyed with, there are a few negatives that hinder its chances against its competitors. And for a little extra cash, you lot could detect models that offer 1440p resolution and voice assistant support.
Kenwood DRV-A301W dashcam review: Cost and availability
You can option upwardly the Kenwood DRV-A301W for $119 at Amazon, All-time Buy, and other major electronics retailers. Those in the Uk can pick up the Pro Bundle, which includes the base unit, a hardwire kit, 32MB retentiveness card and bear case for £109.95.
Kenwood DRV-A301W dashcam review: Design & features
The Kenwood DRV-A301W is a strong performer in the looks section. Its sleek, midnight black design and contoured torso make information technology highly-seasoned at any angle. However, its smooth plastic and shape can brand information technology a little slippy in the hands.
On its backside is a logically laid out button system surrounding a pleasingly wide two.vii" display.
Features-wise, the A301W offers several, including a G-sensor to record and protect footage of any incidents automatically. With an optional hardwire kit, the unit can also incorporate a parking style to runway the aftermath of any detected incidents. An onboard GPS is as well on paw to display speed and exact location.
Kenwood DRV-A301W dashcam review: Setup
Setting upwardly the Kenwood DRV-A301W was fairly smooth. Later nearly a infinitesimal spent setting the state, time and appointment, the device was ready and rolling.
The parcel comes with 2 mounting options: a suction loving cup or viscous pad. The inclusion of a 16MB microSD card was a welcome sight too. The unit too has a tiny rubber pad that slips off completely to reveal connectors for its magnetic mount. However, the pad is hands misplaced — I have no idea where it is right now, and so be sure to go on a shut eye on it.
Withal, one bugbear is that the DRV-A301W holds very little battery charge, making adjusting settings or reviewing footage an accented pain in the butt without a ability connectedness.
Kenwood DRV-A301W dashcam review: Software
Smart devices can connect to the DRV-A301W via a local wireless network and the Kenwood Dash Cam Director app. Information technology's an intuitive and well-designed piece of software, offering you a live view feed on its dwelling screen. From at that place, yous tin can navigate to its saved footage, downloaded mobile videos and settings menu.
Playback via the app was both expert quality and responsive, though initially, I did encounter frequent and choppy buffering. After a connectedness reset, however, the onboard Wi-Fi worked speedily to deliver thumbnails and playback footage. This was a pleasant surprise from the dread I've come to expect from dealing with previous dashcam apps.
Kenwood DRV-A301W dashcam review: Video and sound quality
Movie quality was surprisingly good for a dashcam of this price and spec, with practiced lighting coming out of night shots. However, in that location's noticeable grain in much of the footage I captured both during the twenty-four hour period and night. Its colors can also look a petty washed out and dull unless objects are under direct sunlight.
Additionally, sound was a letdown. I transferred the video files beyond to my PC, and upon reviewing the footage, I discovered an audible, high-pitched chirp running across the entirety of my footage. I tested this across dissimilar files on my PC, the app and the device itself, only to find the same issue. Disappointing.
Kenwood DRV-A301W dashcam review: Verdict
With its curvy design, logical button setting and wide brandish, the Kenwood DRV-A301W is a neat low-to-mid-tier dashcam that'll look good on any windshield. The GPS, wireless device linking, quick-release mounting system and bundled memory card are as well nice additions.
Still, despite mostly acceptable video quality and a superb companion app, its playback is marred by noise bug, at least in the model I reviewed. I as well wish information technology offered a niggling more, such equally a touchscreen or phonation control, to ready it apart from its rivals.
Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/kenwood-drv-a301w-dashcam
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