KDLINKS X1 Dash Cam Review

KDLINKS X1 is a dash cam by KDLINKS inc., which is one of the leading consumer electronics products companies located at Atlanta.

Price

KDLINKS x1 dash cam is priced at $399.99.

Score: C

Sales Package

• KDLINKS X1 dash cam
• User guide
• CD with software for GPS function
• MicroSD card adapter
• Windshield suction cup with GPS module
• Suction cup without GPS module
• 8GB microSD card
• Cigarette car charger with cable
• Power cable
• Micro USB cable

KDLINKS X1 User Manual

Click here to download.

Design

The KDLINKS X1 is sleek, compact, and light device standing at 6.6 x 5.1 x 3.2 inches and weighs 65.1 grams. The KDLINKS x 1 dash cam is a sleek model that features a 2.7 inch screen. The camera can be turned at 360° in any direction. It can be of great utility if the driver wants to record certain situations like when an officer or any other individual on the side of the cab or a vehicle by the vehicle’s side. The X 1 can also be used as a web cam when plugged into a computer device.

Score: B+

How to install KDLINKS X1 Dash Cam

The X 1 dash cam comes with a relatively inconspicuous and easy-to-adjust suction mount for installation. The sales package includes two mounts: one with a GPS module, and one without a GPS module. The interface may be a little intimidating for some users as the onscreen interface is extremely icon-heavy which makes the navigation difficult. For installation, the user will have to constantly refer to the user manual. The users found the installation process quite a complicated one. Also, the X 1 dash cam mounts a little lower than most dash cams making it a little less discreet than required.

Score: C

Battery

The 3.7 V 110 mAh Li-polymer battery can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -40° Fahrenheit to 170° Fahrenheit. It would’ve provided more utility if it could last little longer than mere 60 seconds. The USB power port X 1 dash cam comes with makes up for the battery’s shortfall.

Score: C

KDLINKS X1 Full HD Dash Cam Video

The X1 dash cam records as soon as the driver turns on the ignition. It uses the Novatek NT96650 processor and the AR0330 KDLINK X1 sensor capable of recording at 1080p (full HD) at 30 frames per second.

The videos captured by the KDLINKS X 1 full HD dash cam are clear and crisp. One can read the vehicle number plates at a distance of 10 to 20 meters. The video captured by the x1 dash cam is quite good – however not the best. The videos captured on default setting are slightly over-exposed. Out of the dash cams available in market at the price point, the X1 has the widest field of view 160 degrees. It is a good feature on a dash cam, but unfortunately it also causes ‘fish-eye’ effect on the videos. This can be tackled using a de-fishing filter in the video software like DeFishr by Mercalli.

The videos captured in the day time fares well. For the ones captured in the low-lit conditions or during night-time, the night vision feature produces satisfactory video output.

The videos are saved in .MOV format.

Samples

The following videos are captured by the X1 in day and night time:

Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=3dV_DDs2vmA&feature=emb_logo

Night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=XxVZHHVgmKQ&feature=emb_logo

Score: B-

KDLINKS X1 Dash Cam GPS

The GPS module is built into the camera and embeds the location and related information into the video clips. By using the KDLINKS Player software that comes in a CD included in the dash cam sales package, one can also use Google Maps to track the location, speed and route of the vehicle. The GPS feature also updates the time and date information, but it has to be set manually on the KDLINKS X1 dash cam.

The GPS feature can also be turned off if desired.

Score: B+

G-Sensor

A gravity sensor, or G-sensor, detects sudden acceleration or deceleration. In the unfortunate event of an accident, the inbuilt G-sensor automatically detects it. The emergency lock button locks the video file to save it from getting erased or overwritten in the loop recording.

Score: B-

KDLINKS X1 Dash Cam Software

The KDLINKS X1 dash cam software is compatible with Windows devices. The interface is quite simple and is easy to understand and navigate. The camera however can be configured without the software. So, not much is needed in the application. The application has a feature to play the recordings, check average and maximum speed, location at the time, and length of road ahead.

Score: B-

Storage

Supports microSD card with storage capacity up to 32 GB.

The micro-USB port on the KDLINKS X1 dash cam is used for both power supply and transferring the captured video to a computer or a compatible mobile device. This removes the necessity for a microSD card reader that is usually required to transfer the videos from a dash cam using an external microSD card. Also, one can view the recorded videos on the 2.7-inch LCD screen right inside the vehicle without having to transfer them to any external device.

Score: C

Customer Support

KDLINKS is well identified for its outstanding customer service. The support team is responsive and claim to respond to queries within 24 hours without any exception. There have also been instances wherein the customer support helped in replacing charger cables and other accessories on request from customers within a reasonable timeframe.

Score: B-

Pros

1. The wide angle lens allows to capture the vehicles in other lanes.
2. Easy software installation.
3. External emergency button on the device.
4. Customer support.
5. Heat resistance – the X1 can perform efficiently in temperature ranging from 170˚ Fahrenheit and -40˚ Fahrenheit for 6+ hours.

Cons

1. High price point.
2. Absence of a touch screen – a feature available on most dash cams in similar price range.
3. The device performs well in warm temperatures. However, the li-polymer battery is prone to warp if left in-cab for long periods of time.

Overall KDLINKS X1 Dash Cam Review

The KDLINKS X1 dash cam does offer features that is useful for truckers. However, it does not justify the price point. The absence of touch screen and a cloud-based storage, short battery life, and it being prone to warping are some important areas one should consider.