My Thoughts on the BOTSLAB G980H Dash Cam (After 4 Weeks Testing It)

Having a dash cam in your vehicle is seen as a necessity these days. You never know when you’ll need it, and if you don’t have one, you probably wish you did.

One such manufacturer that’s been in the dash cam industry for several years is BOTSLAB. They always seem to be on the cunning edge of development when it comes to our safety on the road.

Recently, they reached out to NerdTechy and let us test out their new G980H Dash Cam. Over the past few weeks, we’ve spent some time with it, and we’re here to report on our experience using it.

When I first installed the BOTSLAB G980H Dash Cam, I was immediately struck by the sharpness of its stunning video resolution and the vivid colors it captured.

However, I did encounter some minor issues that you might want to take into account. Curious about how these aspects could impact your experience? Let’s get right into it.

Key Takeaways

• The BOTSLAB G980H captures 4K video with vibrant colors and excels in low-light conditions.
• It features a 170-degree front and 150-degree rear field of view, effectively eliminating blind spots.
• Integrated GPS logs speed and location, accessible via the BOTSLAB app for detailed analysis.
• 24/7 parking mode requires a hardwire kit and records upon detecting motion or bumps.
• Installation can be somewhat challenging, especially for dual-camera setups, and may require professional assistance.

What I Liked

Video Quality

The BOTSLAB G980H dash cam truly impressed me with its video quality. The front camera captures buttery smooth 4K resolution, producing rich and vibrant colors that accurately represent true-to-life images. Thanks to the Sony Starvis IMX 415 sensor with a 1.5 aperture and six-layer lens, the level of detail is phenomenal.

Even at high freeway speeds, there’s no blurriness or distortion, ensuring all details come across nicely. The rear camera, while only 1080P, still delivers a clear and reliable image. I’m particularly impressed by how well the dash cam performs in different lighting conditions.

With WDR technology, the recordings are automatically optimized whether it’s bright sunlight or dim night settings. Daytime footage is crisp and accurate, and nighttime performance is just as strong, offering enhanced low-light capabilities.

Even when facing direct sunlight, the camera captures clear imagery without losing focus or creating unwanted glare. This consistent clarity and color accuracy make the BOTSLAB G980H dash cam a great choice for those who don’t want to compromise video quality.

BOTSLAB App

I must say, I really enjoy using the BOTSLAB app. It connects to the dash cam and allows you to wirelessly control and transmit recorded footage to your phone with minimal wait time. Having the ability to tweak settings, upgrade firmware, and access all recordings without the need to physically touch or remove the dash cam from your window is a god send.

The app is laid out nicely and does not crash or become problematic with continued use. In the 4 weeks that I’ve spent using it, I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my experience using the BOTSLAB app. Well done!

Wide Angle Coverage

From the get-go, I was impressed by the wide-angle coverage of the BOTSLAB G980H dash cam. The front camera boasts a 170-degree field of view, while the rear camera captures 150 degrees. Together, they deliver an expansive perspective that’s hard to beat.

This wide-angle coverage means you can see left to right without needing to meticulously adjust the cameras, which can be a hassle with other models.

One of the standout features is how well it captures multiple lanes. Not only does it cover the lane you’re driving in, but it also includes the lanes to your left and right. This thorough view is incredibly useful for capturing critical moments, like sudden lane changes or side collisions, that might otherwise go unnoticed with a narrower field of view.

I’ve found that this broad coverage greatly enhances my peace of mind while driving. It’s reassuring to know that I’m consistently recording everything happening around me, not just directly in front or behind.

With this wide angle coverage, the BOTSLAB G980H effectively eliminates blind spots, making it a reliable companion on any journey. If ample coverage is a priority for you, this dash cam will surely impress.

24/7 Parking Mode

Parking Mode is one feature that genuinely impressed me with its practicality and safeguarding capabilities. Even when you’re away from your parked vehicle, the BOTSLAB G980H Dash Cam guarantees continuous protection against potential thieves and mischievous behavior. This feature requires the optional hardwire kit, but the investment is worthwhile for the added security.

What really stood out to me was the dash cam’s ability to automatically record whenever it detects motion, movement, or bumps. This means that even the slightest disturbance around your car is captured, providing invaluable evidence should any incidents occur while you’re not around. The motion detection is sensitive enough to pick up on subtle activities, guaranteeing thorough coverage without draining the car battery excessively.

I found the setup straightforward, and once installed, the Parking Mode seamlessly integrated into the overall functionality of the dash cam. Knowing that my vehicle is under constant surveillance gave me peace of mind, especially in areas where parking security is a concern.

GPS Integration

As I explored the impressive wide-angle coverage of the BOTSLAB G980H, I couldn’t help but appreciate its built-in GPS integration. This feature truly stands out, as it records your exact coordinates and tracks where each recording takes place. It even logs your speed, providing a thorough account of your journey. This isn’t just a cool tech feature; it’s incredibly practical.

Imagine you’re pulled over for speeding, and you’re confident you were within the speed limit. The dash cam’s GPS feature can serve as your digital alibi, proving you were traveling at an acceptable speed. It’s like having an unbiased witness riding shotgun with you. I found this especially reassuring because it adds a layer of transparency and accountability to my driving.

Additionally, the GPS data integrates seamlessly with the video recordings, overlaying the speed and location information on playback. This makes it easy to review your routes and speeds without any extra hassle.

ADAS Features

One aspect that particularly captured my attention was the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features. The BOTSLAB G980H dash cam includes real-time alerts for pedestrian collisions, vehicle movement ahead, lane departure, and headway monitoring.

These features are powered by a 1.5TOPS AI NPU chip and BOTSLAB’s latest AI algorithm, which really impressed me with their accuracy and reliability. During my test drives, the system consistently delivered timely alerts without any false alarms, a significant advantage over other dash cams I’ve tried.

What I particularly liked was the smart integration of these features and the audible “real voice” that emits when an alert is necessary. For instance, the pedestrian collision alert gave me an extra sense of security, especially in crowded city driving conditions. Lane departure alerts were precise and not overly sensitive, which is a common pain point with similar systems.

Also, the headway monitoring helped maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.

The inclusion of such advanced ADAS features in the BOTSLAB G980H is a wonderful aspect. It’s not something you often find in dash cams, and it adds a significant layer of safety and peace of mind for drivers.

What I Didn’t Like

Somewhat Complex Installation

Installing the BOTSLAB G980H Dash Cam can be more of a chore than you’d expect. While the package comes with everything you need, including static stickers for residue-free mounting and an installation pry bar, setting up both the front and rear cameras can be tricky – especially for the inexperienced.

The process involves running wires through your vehicle, which isn’t always straightforward. If you’re not comfortable with car wiring, this can be an intimidating task.

The fact that there are two separate cameras means you’ll need to route wires from the front to the rear of your vehicle. This can be particularly cumbersome if you have a larger car or limited experience with such installations. I found myself struggling with hiding the wires neatly and ensuring they wouldn’t interfere with other car functions.

While BOTSLAB does advertise easy installation, the reality is that the dual-camera setup requires more effort than a single-camera system. If you’re not up for the challenge, you might want to think about professional installation.

Fingerprint Magnet

I must say, the shiny exterior of the dash cam looks nice, but it definitely attracts fingerprints. Although it’s easy to wipe clean, I found that no matter how clean my hands were, the exterior attracts and tiny amount of grime.

You’ll need to handle it carefully if you’re not a fan of fingerprints, and meticulously clean it in the event that you need to manually adjust it with your hands.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, the BOTSLAB G980H Dash Cam truly impressed me with its stunning 4K video quality, extensive wide-angle coverage, and useful GPS integration. The 24/7 parking mode and ADAS features are great for added safety. Best of all, the included app works perfectly, without any issues, whatsoever.

However, you may need to spend some extra time planning out your installation, for best results. In addition, keep in mind that the exterior of the dash cam is a definite fingerprint magnet. Not a big deal but worth pointing out.

Overall, despite these minor issues, the dash cam’s exceptional video clarity and useful features make it a worthwhile investment for safer driving.