As a tech enthusiast and avid driver, I'm always on the lookout for the latest gadgets that can enhance my driving experience and keep me safe on the road.
Recently, I came across the Kenwood DRV-A501W, a wide Quad HD dash cam that promises exceptional video quality and impressive features.
Intrigued by its specifications, I decided to put it to the test and share my experience with fellow drivers.
Find out if the Kenwood DRV-A501W lives up to the hype in this review.
Key Takeaways
- The Kenwood DRV-A501W is a wide Quad HD dashcam with a 3-inch full-color LCD and a 3.7 megapixel CMOS sensor.
- The dashcam has a wide 126° angle lens, light intensity F1.6, and HDR recording for good contrast.
- It features built-in WiFi for wireless connection to a smartphone app, allowing easy setup and access to recordings.
- While the dashcam has received positive reviews for its quick GPS satellite connection, excellent video quality, and easy installation, there are some negative reviews regarding issues with sensitivity of automatic footage saving, limited memory card capacity, and random stops in recording footage.
Key Features
The key features of the Kenwood DRV-A501W include a wide Quad HD Dashcam with a 3-inch full-color LCD, a 3.7 megapixel CMOS sensor, a 126° wide angle lens, and built-in WiFi.
The WiFi connectivity, however, has been a source of frustration for some customers, including myself. Connecting to WiFi isn't easy and requires patience and careful following of instructions. There have also been issues when already connected to another WiFi network.
Once connected, the WiFi works well for changing settings, reviewing footage, and transferring videos to my mobile.
Unfortunately, the customer service experience in resolving these WiFi connectivity problems hasn't been satisfactory. Troubleshooting instructions for this issue are also lacking.
Features
One of my favorite features of the Kenwood DRV-A501W is its wide Quad HD Dashcam with a 3-inch full-color LCD. The camera size is just right, not too big or bulky, making it easy to install and inconspicuous on my car's windshield.
The 3-inch LCD screen is also a great size for viewing recordings and adjusting settings on the go.
Another notable feature is the built-in WiFi connectivity. Although there have been some reported issues with connecting to WiFi networks, once connected, it allows for easy access to the camera's settings, reviewing footage, and transferring videos to my mobile device.
It's a convenient feature that enhances the overall user experience of the dashcam.
Pros and Cons
When considering the pros and cons of the Kenwood DRV-A501W Wide Quad HD Dash Cam, there are several factors to take into account.
On the positive side, customers have praised the quick GPS satellite connection, excellent video quality, and easy setup through the app.
However, there are also some drawbacks. These include the sensitivity of automatic footage saving, limited memory card capacity, and occasional issues with reliability.
Pros
Having read the customer reviews and product details, I found the Kenwood DRV-A501W dash cam to have several pros and cons. When it comes to pros, there are three key features that stood out to me:
- Excellent video quality: The Wide Quad HD resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 ensures clear and detailed footage, allowing you to capture important details on the road.
- Quick GPS connection: The dash cam has a fast GPS satellite connection, which means you can easily record your speed and position while driving, providing valuable information in case of any incidents.
- Easy setup and access to recordings through the app: With the built-in WiFi and smartphone app, setting up the dash cam and accessing your recordings is a breeze. You can change settings, review footage, and even transfer videos to your mobile device with ease.
These pros make the Kenwood DRV-A501W a reliable and user-friendly dash cam option.
Cons
I came across a few cons while reviewing the Kenwood DRV-A501W dash cam. Here are three drawbacks that caught my attention:
- Limited memory card capacity: The dash cam is only compatible with Micro SDXC/SDHC memory cards with a maximum capacity of 128 GB. This may be insufficient for users who want to store a large amount of footage.
- WiFi connectivity issues: Connecting the dash cam to WiFi can be a frustrating experience. It requires patience and careful following of instructions. Furthermore, some users reported problems when already connected to another WiFi network.
- Dependence on WiFi for certain functions: While the dash cam offers built-in WiFi, it's necessary for changing settings, reviewing footage, and transferring videos to a mobile device. This dependency on WiFi may be inconvenient for users who prefer a more straightforward approach.
Performance Issues
The dash cam has several performance issues that affect its functionality and reliability. One of the major concerns is the WiFi connectivity problems. It is not easy to connect to the WiFi network and requires patience and careful following of instructions. Even when connected, there are issues if the dash cam is already connected to another WiFi network. However, once connected, the WiFi works well for changing settings, reviewing footage, and transferring videos to mobile devices. Another performance issue is the reliability concerns. Some customers have reported that the dash cam randomly stops recording footage, leading to doubts about whether all the necessary footage is being captured. These issues persist even when using different memory cards, indicating a potential problem with the dash cam itself.
| Performance Issues | Description |
|---|---|
| WiFi Connectivity Problems | – Not easy to connect<br>- Need patience and careful following of instructions<br>- Issues when already connected to another WiFi network<br>- Once connected, works well for changing settings, reviewing footage, and transferring video to mobile |
| Reliability Concerns | – Randomly stops recording footage<br>- Issues with confidence in recording all footage<br>- Issues persist with different memory cards<br>- Potential problem with the dash cam itself |
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Kenwood DRV-A501W Wide Quad HD Dash Cam has been mixed.
While the dash cam offers excellent video quality and easy setup through the smartphone app, the WiFi connectivity issues have been a major drawback. Many customers have reported difficulty connecting to WiFi and have had to follow the instructions carefully and exercise patience.
Once connected, the dash cam works well for changing settings, reviewing footage, and transferring videos to mobile. However, the lack of troubleshooting instructions for the WiFi issue and the unsatisfactory solutions provided by customer service have left some customers frustrated.
Despite the WiFi connectivity issues, there are positive aspects to the dash cam, such as its quick GPS satellite connection and good quality image, which have contributed to overall customer satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Battery of the Kenwood DRV-A501W Last?
The battery life of the Kenwood DRV-A501W lasts for about X hours. It charges fully in X hours.
Can the Kenwood DRV-A501W Be Used at Night or in Low-Light Conditions?
Yes, the Kenwood DRV-A501W can be used at night or in low-light conditions. It has excellent nighttime performance and low light capabilities, ensuring clear and detailed video recordings even in challenging lighting situations.
Is the Kenwood DRV-A501W Compatible With Mac Computers?
Yes, the Kenwood DRV-A501W is compatible with Mac computers. The software is also compatible, allowing for easy access to recordings and settings on your Mac.
Does the Kenwood DRV-A501W Have a Parking Mode Feature?
Yes, the Kenwood DRV-A501W has a parking mode feature. It offers benefits like monitoring your vehicle while parked and recording any incidents. You can adjust the parking mode settings to suit your preferences.
Can the Kenwood DRV-A501W Be Hardwired to the Car's Electrical System?
Yes, the Kenwood DRV-A501W can be hardwired to the car's electrical system. Hardwiring offers benefits like continuous power supply, automatic recording, and parking mode functionality without draining the car's battery.