Review of the Navitel R700 GPS Dual - a multifunctional car harvester

It's quite common to say that if something is good for everything, it's good for nothing. So with great interest I approached the video recorder, the review of which you are reading right now. Navitel R700 GPS Dual is not an ordinary camera, but rather a multifunctional combine. Why? Or rather - what do you have to pay the PLN 500 for?

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Let's start from the beginning - let's take a look at the functions of the video recorder, which the manufacturer provides on its website. The first one is, of course, the car camera itself - it would be a bit strange if it was missing here, wouldn't it?

Navitel R700 GPS Dual - functionality

Working out the name of the model, we reach the GPS element and here we see a clear inspiration from Yanosik GTS devices. Navitel R700 GPS Dual is supposed to act as a "speedometer and informant" - of course only when it comes to the built-in warning database. However, it is worth noting that our current position is imposed in the form of a watermark on the video.

Navitel R700 GPS Dual in Media Expert

Since we break down the name into prime factors, let's move on to Dual. The dash cam is equipped with an additional camera that can be placed on the rear window or registration frame. What's more, it is said that it can be used as a reversing camera - where does "supposedly" come from, I will explain later.

It would be worth adding that the Navitel R700 GPS Dual offers quite rich software, both for computers (!) and smartphones. We will go to Navitel DVR Player and Navitel DVR Center a bit later, in the meantime, let's take a look at the contents of the box.

Sales set

The video recorder comes to the user in a classic packaging for the manufacturer. What's inside it?

First of all, the camera itself with a wiping cloth - let me mention now that the Navitel R700 GPS Dual is equipped with a microUSB socket that can be used to transfer files. In addition, a suction cup holder with a miniUSB socket - this is what we should use if we want to use the full potential of the device. It turns out that the GPS module itself is in the holder that needs to be powered so that the Navitel R700 GPS Dual can correctly read our position.

Next on the equipment list is the rear camera with two mounting kits consisting of 3M adhesive tape and two screws. The cable itself is 580 centimeters long in total, with a small plug after about 90 centimeters (counting from the camera) with two wires - the main one for the camera and the red one, which will be discussed later.

In addition, a power supply set - a short microUSB cable and a power supply (non-modular, so-called stick) terminated with a miniUSB plug. In addition to all this, in the sphere of unnecessary paperwork, we will find an additional navigation license - a voucher for an annual subscription to Navitel Navigator.

The full specification of the device along with the dimensions can be found on the manufacturer's website, so let me limit myself to the most important information.

The video recorder itself is equipped with a 2.7-inch display with a resolution of 320×240 pixels, five control buttons, an input for the rear camera (3.5 mm jack), a place for a handle and a microSD card with a capacity of up to 64 GB .

Navitel R700 GPS Dual records thanks to the SONY IMX307 sensor in Full HD resolution at 30 frames per second, and its viewing angle is 170 degrees. The rear camera, although also in 30 frames, records only in HD resolution (1280 × 720 pixels). Its viewing angle is 130 degrees, but in return it boasts an IP65 protection certificate, thanks to which we can place it outside the car.

Somewhere else at this stage, it would be worth adding that the video recorder has been equipped with a battery sufficient for several minutes of operation without power without access to electricity. It can be useful, for example, in parking mode.

What about editing?

The video recorders I used (private Xiaomi and the once tested Navitel R600) were installed rather carelessly - just by plugging the cable under the seals. In this case, I knew it had to be different. As far as I know, I'm not the only person who was afraid of editing, so let me say a few words about this topic.

I decided to place the rear camera on the glass, or rather on the plastic, inner element of the trunk lid. "Unfortunately", my car has factory-tinted rear windows, so the camera had a slightly difficult task, but ... I no longer had a factory place above the registration frame due to the previously installed reversing camera.

So how about this montage? I led the cable under the plastics of the trunk lid, then under the headliner (by removing the door seals) and finally to the video recorder. From the front camera, I went through the headliner and the A-pillar to the additional cigarette lighter socket hidden behind the glove box.

It's worth to reserve a few hours for the whole thing, especially if someone is doing it for the first time - probably the right dose of experience is enough to deal with it in several dozen minutes. However, it is not complicated and does not require any tools.

What about that red wire? I admit that I did not use it - a little out of spite. According to my knowledge, it should be connected to the rear light beam - in this case, after engaging the reverse gear, the Navitel R700 GPS Dual should only display the image from the rear camera on the display so that it can be used as a rear view camera.

I did not, however, decide to take this step, because the manufacturer ... does not inform about such a function or use in any element of the instruction. Okay, also because I have a previously installed reversing camera connected to the same harness ;). For the manufacturer's "explanation", I will add that Navitel reserves in the manual that it would be best to use a qualified professional to install the rear camera.

If someone decided to use this option, I would like to add that the manufacturer did not add a quick connector worth several pennies to the set, which allows you to connect wires without stripping the insulation. Some consider it a worse solution, but it certainly requires less commitment than, for example, a soldering iron.

A few words about handles and mounts

During assembly, it turned out to be quite annoying that the rear camera itself must be connected directly to the main unit, not the handle (as is the case with the power supply).

This means that the whole thing looks less aesthetically pleasing, and the idea of ​​conveniently detaching the DVR without worrying about dangling cables dies. Especially that the manufacturer, for a completely incomprehensible reason for me, ended the cable with the reversing camera with an angled plug - so you can't even "lead" it nicely and comfortably to the other wire so as to hide them together.

At the very end, I have to mention that the quality of the adhesive tapes for mounting the reversing camera cries to heaven for vengeance. I used both - on the first try, the tape did not cope with the degreased and cleaned rear window. I decided that it may be due to its curvature and I put on the already mentioned plastic - unfortunately, the tape does not stick to either the metal element of the handle, the glass or the rough plastic.

Video recorder as a rear view camera? Not the best idea

Since we're on the subject of the rear-view camera, let's say it out loud. If someone dreams of a reversing camera and wants to do a little all-in-one, and the Navitel R700 GPS will help them with this ... I'm not a fan of such an idea.

Looking at the 2.7-inch display of the video recorder, I know that such dimensions and a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels are not enough to talk about comfortable peeking at obstacles. It is also worth bearing in mind that the reversing camera will be fully useful only when you decide to mount it by the license plate - in the case of the rear window, it can be difficult, especially if you drive a sedan.

In my opinion, the manufacturer failed by not providing a full-screen view from the rear camera on the entire surface of the screen. Well, it was enough to trigger such a view with a click. Firstly, it would make it possible to avoid plugging into the car's electrics (which for people who do not like such games can be an insurmountable obstacle).

Secondly, the ability to take a look at the image from the rear camera without engaging reverse gear can be useful, and there are no obstacles for the Navitel R700 GPS Dual to play such a role.

We've got the assembly done - how does this GPS work?

Due to the nature of the DVR, I placed it so as to always have a preview of the display, although I don't like such an exposure of the car camera. I turned on the appropriate functions in the menu, looked at the clock and the speed measured by the camera from time to time, and waited for those famous warnings.

Well, speed measures quite well, but I haven't had a chance to really verify the informant's role. For all the kilometers covered, it turned out that the Navitel R700 GPS Dual did not report anything to me. The fact is, I have not had the opportunity to pass any stationary speed camera, but what about other notifications mentioned by the manufacturer?

Do not get me wrong - I have no complaints about the fact that the Navitel R700 GPS Dual did not report any speed camera to me, since I did not pass one. But if we want to talk about a solid guide, then a database of dangerous bends, pedestrian crossings or speed limits on the road would be necessary. I dealt with all these elements during the tests and, well, their Navitel R700 GPS Dual was not aware.

Nevertheless, I do not question the sense of the GPS module in any way. Locating the car itself, so that you can track any recorded event without any doubt, can be useful. GPS copes very well with this, although it happened to a few slugs - once or twice throughout the test period, the video recorder needed a few minutes to find itself. For most recordings, he picked up the location almost instantly.

Let's get to proper everyday use

I've complained, I've complained, but let's get to the most important thing. The "GPS informer" itself and the preview of the image from the rear camera are somehow secondary to the quality of the recorded image. Let's take a look at how Navitel R700 GPS Dual copes with everyday use.

The first half of the video is sample footage from the front camera, and the second half is from the rear camera. Needless to say, the preview from the other was added in post-production? ;)

Keep in mind that my car's rear window is tinted at the factory, which made the camera's job a bit more difficult. I will also add that the Navitel R700 GPS Dual allows you to enter your registration, which in the form of a watermark is applied to the image - I entered the name of our portal there.

When it comes to the quality itself ... it's not that bad, you can see SOMETHING. But let's be honest - it should be much, much better. Navitel R700 GPS Dual was priced at PLN 500, and in this amount you can count on more. Unfortunately, the price range is mainly determined by additional functions, not the quality of the optical sensor itself.

I leave the detailed assessment to you - I will only comment that reading license plates will be average at best. If you're looking for a simple "what and when" recording, the webcam will work, on the other hand ... you don't have to spend five hundred zlotys for this purpose.

Since I allowed myself to remove the sound from the recordings, I will say that the webcam records it ... somehow. It is possible to recognize spoken words, but it is unlikely to be suitable for recording vlogs ;).

And finally, a short word about the technicalities - five minutes recorded by the camera weighs 300-420 megabytes, the rear camera needs an additional 200-230 MB for that.

Interface and available settings

It would be worth saying a few words about what settings we can choose within the video recorder. Personally, I would say that the Navitel R700 GPS Dual is ... quite clumsy? Nevertheless, the manual describes quite precisely what you can do with each of the buttons.

The most important thing from my point of view is locking a given file, which is done with the Power button. Why not the right arrow, which could be suggested by the triangle with an exclamation mark drawn next to it? Maybe you can explain to me.

There are quite a lot of options and some are almost unreadable, let's focus on the most important ones. First of all - the resolution and quality of the video (FHD or HD, always 30 frames per second and "quality"), the length of the clip, sound recording or exposure correction.

Navitel R700 GPS Dual also provides simple settings for photos - we can turn on the "photo" mode in the webcam. Further useful can be simple settings for Wi-Fi, clock (however, the DVR reads the time correctly thanks to GPS), location marker or license plates and language.

In a separate paragraph, let me separate the settings for ... additional functions that are to make this model unique. First of all, we can choose whether we always want to see the image on the webcam or whether we focus on the speedometer or speedometer with time.

Here we can also enable information about speed cameras, sound alarm in case of exceeding the speed limit (importantly, only for speed cameras), Parking Monitor (i.e. parking mode, I believe), motion sensor and correct the rear camera setting (vertical and horizontal reflection).

Okay, what about the everyday experience? Throughout the entire period, the camera scored one, quite a big faux pass. After accidentally disconnecting the power and reconnecting it, it stopped recording the image. It turned on and off correctly, but in REC mode it stuck after two seconds of recording (not even saving this time). The problem disappeared after turning the device on and off, but the DVR should not have such failures. It can be said that this was not a one-time problem - the camera also has an obvious problem with leaving the smartphone connection mode and then it can also cut itself.

Navitel DVR Center and Navitel DVR Player - how does the video recorder management software work?

The phone application seems to be functional, but in practice it turns out that it is not adapted to work with this model. My general feelings are exactly the same as in the case of the handle - the whole thing is not adapted to the view from two cameras. Navitel DVR Center is probably just an application adapted to all models.

It also has three big flaws. First of all, it works quite clunky - unfortunately. Secondly, and this is almost unforgivable, the live view does not include the rear camera at all. It's quite annoying, especially at the assembly stage - when the DVR was already on the windshield with all the power, and the cables from the reversing camera inserted into the headliner, it turned out that I had to determine its arrangement by eye.

The most annoying thing, however, was the fact that after connecting to the webcam with a smartphone, the webcam ... jams and stops recording. In order to work again, it was necessary to turn the video recorder on and off.

So it turned out that not only was the mounting tape included in the set really mediocre, but the same position of the camera had to be adjusted "by eye" - which is not so easy. Preview would allow for much more convenient up and down adjustments (which is possible), and would probably avoid the slight skewing of the image, which is definitely my mistake.

I even tried to correct it, but without seeing it, I was just bending it back and forth, especially when the mounting tape started to slide over both the car plastics and the metal plate from the camera itself.

A better impression than an application for smartphones is made for computers. In this case, we have the ability to watch recordings from two cameras at the same time - and not, as in the case of Navitel DVR Center, one after the other. Under the recording, we can also look at the graph of speeds achieved at a given moment of the journey, and the video recorder itself also divides sections into routes.

Thus, at the top we can see the length of a given trip, its duration, and below a map with the marked route that we covered. The whole thing works very efficiently and for that I must admit a really big plus. Navitel R700 GPS Dual is great for home analysis of recorded videos - we can see exactly our speed at the moment, our position on the map, and the graph will also record sudden braking or acceleration.

At the end, all that's left to do is export the episode of your choice to a separate file. This can also play tricks, but it works well enough - that's how I chose the materials for the examples above.

Summary

To be honest, I didn't expect that one video recorder could require so many issues, and although this review is now over 2.5 thousand words long, I still have the impression that some I treated the issues lightly.

So I'll try to keep things short and to the point. Navitel R700 GPS Dual is a good and universal choice if someone is looking for a video recorder with a rear camera. I suggest, however, not to expect additional functions of the "GPS informer" or a convenient application for the phone. Personally, I would limit the use to discreetly mounting the DVR behind the mirror (starting with the rear camera so that you have convenient access to the view when adjusting it) and possibly reaching for materials in emergency situations. In the case of analyzing a risky situation, the Navitel DVR Player software will certainly be helpful - this program makes up for many other disadvantages, but it is not enough.

The combination of possibilities offered by the video recorder, in my opinion, may be a disadvantage, not an advantage - the basic function of the device is blurred, it is easy to get lost in the maze of available options, and when it comes down to it ... the whole thing is of average use. Some concerns, however, cause me that the webcam can jam - including repetitively when connected to the application.

Nevertheless, it's still one of the cheaper options that offers both front and rear recording. There are two alternatives in this price range. The first one is slightly 70mai Mirror Wide - a model undoubtedly less handy, because it replaces a mirror, in return it certainly performs better as a reversing camera due to the larger image from the camera. The second is the much more discreet Mio MiVue C380 - I hope that someday I will be able to test it and compare it to Navitel.

Review of the Navitel R700 GPS Dual - a multifunctional car combineConclusionsAdvantagesrecording from both sidesa multitude of functions, at least when we choose the useful onesNavitel DVR Player for computersDisadvantagesThe quality of the recordings is definitely lame - too much for this pricethe product seems not very well thought out and these disturbing jams... 5Rating