Apeman C420 Budget Dash Cam - Unboxing And First Impressions

This is a dash cam - it's cheap - will it be any good at all?
Here's a (non-affiliate) link to the product on Amazon:
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GFGHKW8

[@georgemartin1436]

OH MY LORD EVERYONE'S driving on the WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD! Looks like a decent cam for the price..

[@MeCooper]

FAQ: Does the dash camera work when you drive on the other side of the road? 🤔

[@LilLeanCuisine]

😂😂😂

[@martinthevegFFC]

@@MeCooper Only on American air bases in the u.k.

[@DavidRitko]

@@MeCooper asking the important questions

[@MeCooper]

"Dash Cam No Scam" gave me a larger chuckle than I am willing to admit.

[@donpalmera]

I'm surprised Amazon hasn't started making their own dashcam and offering it for free in exchange for all of the GPS data and recordings.

[@michaeltaylors2456]

Awake , you are

[@withstyle7816]

Nah google sells all the gps info. And dashcams are not allowed in every country.

[@jimhill-bkk8550]

Amazon takes the data anyways

[@beware_the_moose]

disappointed you didn't open it with a can opener.

[@TobiasRieper047]

Josh Rick Not everyone is that smart. But I guess that's how the youth grows up these days.

[@Lady8D]

4:00) I must say, I do love that you preemptively tell certain people to shut it before they've even begun to speak/type 😁

[@plasticghost8183]

*my face was revealed years ago* What a twist^^ Nice vid lad

[@MichaelSmith-on1ig]

The Thumbnail is bang on! Also I like how calmly you do reviews

[@AcornElectron]

So busy watching an old ‘this sd card is too good to be true’ video that I missed the notification for this 😂😂

[@Vitor-jf6qi]

I really enjoy the variety of content on your channel, please keep it up!

[@arjanroelf]

I’m so glad you explained what that tool is for as the manual surely doesn’t.

[@fizixx]

Great item I think. I'd consider this for sure. In fact I may use this as a gift idea for the holidays for someone, so I appreciate the review. By the by: You posted a video where you did a comparison between 'English' muffins and Crumpets. Based on your review alone, I bought some Crumpets today at the market. I've never had one, and didn't really know what they were until I saw your video. I will enjoy them tomorrow morning for my breakfast meal. Just thought I'd pass that along. Putting your information to good use.

[@thewalrus8932]

Great review. Very helpful. Thank you!

[@michaelahoffman2211]

Seems like a decent product. Thanks for the review!

[@beware_the_moose]

Coming back 2 weeks later to say a) this video did pretty much inspire me to finally get a dashcam and b) I opted to spend a "little" more on a nextbase. Comparing the nextbase to yours I find that rear number plates infront show up far better on the nextbase than on this cheapie and sound is massively better (to the point even sighing at being cut up is quite clear). You get what you pay for - this camera is good for the price but being able to catch number plates is the number one priority I'd have thought. I also get internal reflection issues - I suspect most modern cars do because the safety standards require basically a 45 degree windscreen angle. Can't do much about that.

[@Jay_76]

I think this is the first time I've seen a product video on this channel that was not a scam. The dashcam's mic was very basic and I had a hard time understanding what you were saying once you switched to it. I _was_ going to comment on the massive amount of lens flaring but you explained it as a vehicle design flaw and not a product flaw. Other than that, it seemed pretty good for just 25 pounds. Good video Atomic Shrimp. Cheers!

[@PeeJay7290]

I’ve had some bad luck with dash cams. Usually issues with SD cards. The quality of this one isn’t bad at all

[@JonathanKing9608]

Most people don't know that normal sd cards will wear out as they have limited amount of writes to them, you need to purchase a "high endurance" microsd card, Samsung make them and also a few other brands.

[@Jose04537]

@@JonathanKing9608 Thank you for that info

[@DavidRitko]

@@Jose04537 also, don't be afraid to spend a couple bucks more for a quality card. Better IC's make longer lasting cards. Samsung SD cards are usually a good value. Sandisk has better quality, but the price reflects that

[@debcat6275]

Where else can one go from mushrooms to dashcams...superb as always!

[@TedCornish]

I'm Impressed with the quality of the camera. It's much better than my £20 one 👍👍

[@Petertronic]

I have two Supereye E400 dashcams which I use in windows of my house as security cameras, they've been working well for a few months now, great picture.

[@2lefThumbs]

Thank God we had some proper summer's days eventually! That windscreen/dashboard combo is crying out to deliver head up display technology tbh

[@rre9121]

I have a different model of APEMAN dashcam, I'm pretty happy with it. I have actually had the cam fall off of my windshield due to the wobbly mount, but some securing with force made it stick a bit better.

[@BerserKei]

"Typical British summer day" *Currently pissing it down* This gave me a whole hearted chuckle!

[@LL-pw7gi]

Looking forward to the next video!

[@Donorcyclist]

As prevalent as dash cams are, I don't know why car manufacturers aren't making this a standard feature. Great review. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheWolvesCurse]

dashcams are a legal grey zone in germany, and since germany is a huge market, and also one of the largest manufacturing country, that might be a reason.

[@Donorcyclist]

@@TheWolvesCurse good to know! Of course, now I wonder why... Is it "privacy" to an extreme?

[@TheWolvesCurse]

@@Donorcyclist it's a lot of arguing, a year or two ago using a dashcam was nigh illegal, there has be some cases where they led to proper investigation of accidents, but the owner of the cam stilö had to pay a fine for having too much recorded material on it. you can't go/drive around in public and film everything like a datacollector. so currently it's accepted (but not written in law yet) to use a dashcam, but you have to delete your footage after arriving at your destination, if there is nothing on it that you need as proof of an accident/insuranceclaim etc.

[@Donorcyclist]

@@TheWolvesCurse vielen Dank!

[@TheWolvesCurse]

@@Donorcyclist you're welcome. i'm lawyer though, so better take this info with a grain of salt.

[@SpencerGaming7580]

Atomic Shrimp in the morning with a big cup of coffee, love it ! The video quality is pretty good compared to later models from apeman, but the sound quality is really low, i bought a truecam, good compromise of sound and video quality, as i want to hear my loud double exhaust in my Honda S2K :D

[@papavictorromeo5079]

You've obviously missed the scam part here. The Amazon "thank you card" is a positive feedback request in favour of a present from the seller (usually a memory card). So the seller buys his positive reviews. This also happends with action cams.

[@rolfs2165]

I even had that with clothes. Maybe I should have written a review to see what they send me.

[@papavictorromeo5079]

@@rolfs2165 Great idea for a video, the Amazon feedback scam.

[@Blue5hock]

How is that a scam?

[@Mangocatz1]

I might be really dumb I don't really see the scam. Can you explain it?

[@papavictorromeo5079]

@@Mangocatz1 Don't underestimate yourself :-) Buying positive feedback is not fraudulant and misleading for future customers?

[@DrachenYT]

Whoa, pretty neat to see you pick up something I've recently bought myself. I agree with your points on it. It's decent for the price. It's not film quality, but it'll do the job. On the first day I used it, I already captured some hilarious footage.

[@waynesanford2869]

Did you upload it?

[@DrachenYT]

@@waynesanford2869 I have not, but it might be worth doing! Mostly just stocking up in a folder on my external.

[@waynesanford2869]

@@DrachenYT upload it man, I'd watch

[@niltonlacle]

What a pity that you did NOT include any nighttime driving videos. That is one of the most important aspects in reviewing a Dash Cam, so a future buyer can see how it handles darker scenes.

[@ryanward6587]

I've got the model up from this one and night time video is just fine and I think the only difference with mine is that it has a rear cam too

[@callanmurray9898]

I have the exact same one and wasn't expecting much for night time footage but its surprisingly good. If you're on a decently lit road with street lights and have your normal headlights on it captures pretty much everything. If you're on a darker street with no high beams it's still view-able but can be a bit dark. With high beams on though it has a great field of view.

[@dianaton3512]

He did say its basic, good for getting stop lights to defend your case. Thank you for making a video.

[@Lacroixmakeupartist]

Great vid again!! 👌🏻 You should actually install the camera lower.Then you will have less trouble with the reflection of the window.

[@DarkVampireL]

It is really interesting to watch someone form the UK drive, just due to them driving on the left. It is so strange.

[@deepcut5098]

Just passed my test and bought myself an Apeman. Wanted something cheap and cheerful. Think mines the next one up from yours but it’s great for the dosh! And the quality ain’t half bad, it’s not bad at night either. More than happy with for 25 quid :). The only weird quirk I’ve found with mine the same as yours is that it has the Gameboy Advance boot tone when you turn it on or off lmao 😆

[@blakesimmons5130]

I really appreciate that you never rush your videos. Instead of being giddy to upload more content, you're happy to wait weeks (or even months for the scambaiting) in order to provide consistent quality. Thanks mate

[@Glornak]

Your town looks delightfully green.

[@WATCHINGTHEWATCHERS]

Nice review Shrimp.

[@grim-upnorth]

You can get CP filter for the camera, they're super cheap. Then for the driver, some polarised sunglasses.

[@HailToTheRayBaby]

You had me subscribed at "Atomic Shrimp", awesome name !!! 😎

[@christopherpappas7474]

The only thing I could think of after reading the title is my favorite song by 'The Kinks' "Apeman"...! So I had to replay it again to get the bits I missed...:)🇬🇷☮️

[@TobiasRieper047]

Ok. Nice review, I wonder how well this still works after a few months of usage. Perhaps in January 2020 you could do a follow up. Perhaps record a few trips or fiddle with the location of where it's mounted. I know with some of these products the quality is as good as a Chinese ripoff Ray bans. Keep us posted!

[@thatsnotmyname9833]

Great video! The first time that I saw your face was in the video in which you got the key to a new horse by a scammer. 🤣

[@YukoValis]

No crash? What kind of dash cam video is this? lol. I watch a lot of dash cam vids, it makes me a much safer driver so I'm always in support of them. Good review. : )

[@BlackRoseJenn]

For me, the most amazing part of the video was seeing a Texaco station!😂

[@DontInterruptMeCunt]

cool just got this in box used for 6$..good enough for my needs

[@captainboing]

nice phone... obviously a man of great character and impeccable taste :)

[@nwrth]

There are cameras with a filter screw so you could mount a CPL filter onto the camera to reduce dashboard reflections.

[@TitanTubs]

I must have bought this at the same time as you?! Did you get it on sale? I got a dash cam mirror mount clamp that has the exact attachment for it. Mine just arrived today. Makes it more secure. $7.99 usd miror mount kit. Cheap. Great Reviews! I like it came with tool to push wire behind panels.

[@wakefieldallan]

I have an apeman and I like it more than the others at the same price point

[@vgamesx1]

Since you mentioned it, if you decide to step up to a nicer camera I suggest trying the Yi dashcam, it's about twice the price at roughly £40 but it's nice sharp smartphone quality 1080p or spend just a little more and find a cheap 4k camera, the extra detail would be worth it since then you could make out license plates at more of a distance.

[@vincentbowler8736]

Good instructive video. Can you please demonstrate how to get a playback of footage on device and PC. Thanks

[@eviloatmeal]

Aww, no muppets at the end.

[@2cawks]

Find a bit of dark fabric to lay over the dash, should cut out most of that glare.

[@grim-upnorth]

A much more practical solution would be a CP filter for the camera, they're super cheap. Then for the driver, some polarised sunglasses.

[@2cawks]

@@grim-upnorth because everyone has one of those lying around

[@grim-upnorth]

@@2cawks but everyone has a bit of dark fabric lying around? I never said anyone would have a CP filter "lying around" I was merely saying it was a more practical solution. They're cheap, can be found on ebay or amazon, and they're specifically designed for blocking out reflections. Plus having a small barely noticeable filter over the lens of a camera that's pointing away from you is more aesthetically pleasing than placing a black rug on your dashboard.

[@cornellwaters9089]

📸 Thank You!

[@PandemoniumMeltDown]

Seems better than the last one :D

[@SirBenJamin_]

It would be interesting to see some reviews on front/rear camera kits. I think the rear camera is quite important as most collisions tend to involve people going into your rear. I have tried a few kits, and for whatever reason, the front camera is pretty good, but the back camera is just about useless. The resolution is always terrible.

[@deano43]

The “dash flash “ problem could be sorted (possibly) by painting or spraying it with the more affordable version of vanta black, that stuff is brilliant.

[@diejobWHO]

I'm fairly new to the channel, but it's just now, after seeing his face, that I realize.. Atomic Shrimp is just me from the future

[@joe-mt9jo]

This dashcam is fantastic, I have it myself. Never had any issues with it.

[@Cautionary_Tale_Harris]

How long have you owned it, Joe? We've been considering a camera and don't really know what's what.

[@joe-mt9jo]

@@Cautionary_Tale_Harris I've had it for about 4 months now. While I've not had any encounters where it has proved immensely useful, I have found it useful in the sense that I've captured some absolutely abhorrent driving. The only downside is the need to purchase an SD card. I bought one which came with an SD card reader adapter which there is a slot for on my laptop. I'm not particularly acquainted with the features like gravity sensor and what not, I just have it constantly recording and if I need to preserve something press the button on the side to lock the clip. The only issue I had was with the power lead that came with it. The end that plugs into the cigarette port in the car was too big and ended up pushing itself out of the port, so I had to buy a standard micro USB cable and a car charger adapter and plug it in with that. Not had any issues since. I'd definitely say it's well worth the buy. Video quality is great too. Audio could be better, but you can certainly still here me cursing quietly to myself about other drivers... Hope I've helped!

[@Cautionary_Tale_Harris]

@@joe-mt9jo This is definitely helpful. My wife and I have talked about putting cameras in our vehicles and this looks like a good choice to begin. We live in a fairly warm climate, however, and I suspect that will be the most likely to break a camera. Thanks for the information!

[@GrandadsOtherChannel]

The resolution looks good, I was able to read numberplates shown there OK. Definitely thinking that I will get one with a rear facing camera if I ever decide to replace the one I have. However you soon realise that so much of what you want to record happens just outside the field of view to the left or right so even a rear facing camera fails there. You need one of those 360s, oh and the other thing is you soon find how much you swear with the audio recording, well I do anyway, well not me, my wife obviously. 🤣😆😝👍

[@TobiasRieper047]

GrandadsOtherChannel Yeah I was wondering how that would work too, and where to place these. Some cars are larger and more complex than others when it comes to installing these.

[@danejurus69]

You were able to read license plates? Hell, I couldn't even make out the prices at the gas stations(or should I say petrol stations lol).

[@joedkat]

Awesome video @Atomic Shrimp, but you're using a can opener the wrong way!

[@Christer2222]

you're right, driving on the left side is causing some confusion; and I dont even have a licence! lol

[@JuanCamacho21]

Does the camera automatically start recording when you drive or do you have to push a button? Also when the card get's full does it auto-delete the oldest recording?

[@AtomicShrimp]

It starts recording within a couple of seconds of receiving USB power, and records for 10 seconds after that power is cut, so in my car, because the 12 socket is only powered on ignition, it starts and stops with the car. The device is configured for circular recording by default, so it will overwrite the oldest file in a loop. Files can be locked so they are immune to this overwrite

[@bbay1977]

Not bad at all. I'm thinking about installing cameras all the way around the inside of my car. Sincr I live in the US, the servants here can really be tricky and unpredictable. I just want to get all stops on record for my protection. Was there a night mode with the camera or is it just a daytime camera? Thanks for the upload

[@Bob5mith]

I wonder if you can stick a bit of polarizing film in front of it to cut down on the glare. I know polarized shades are great for that, but they're less useful with LCD screens everywhere.

[@zcomputerwiz]

Looks good in daylight conditions, but how did it do at night and with oncoming headlights?

[@kennedyjohnson3868]

you have a great voice. you should be a radio host

[@ourhero6581]

I would be interested in the options for the "gravity sensor" menu item. Could be a real cost reducer for NASA.

[@DavidRitko]

IKR!!!

[@Stuntman707]

I got one to specifically record if it detects movement after parking. This is after I was scammed by private parking as I was sure they removed the ticket from the windscreen after issuing it.

[@pinkguy2545]

never saw your face before 🤣🤣 you should do more videos with a facecam especially like weird stuff in a can so we can see your reaction.

[@Dthenn]

Can you make an unboxing video where you use a can opener to open the box, please?

[@str8xrippin]

Pretty cool, I don't mind the price actually

[@28YorkshireRose12]

That's not bad for a cheap camera. I can see a few deficiencies compared with the Next-Base cameras I'm used to, but there's nothing much to fault it on, and compared to some other offerings out there, this one is above and beyond. As an evidence gathering tool, it's ideal, and cheap enough to let you have two or more in the same vehicle.

[@MrDan82au]

The product done well. Can you screw a polarised filter into the front of it? Might help reduce the lense flare.

[@AtomicShrimp]

There's no thread to accept any filter, but I imagine I could hot glue one in place

[@SteveLedger]

Getting a dash mat for your Toyota Aygo would solve the reflection problem.

[@stuarteglinton3849]

Thanks for the video - we are having an issue with our power shutting down. Do to know if the orange power button should flash or stay solid. Many thanks

[@AtomicShrimp]

Honestly I've never noticed it doing anything. Have you checked in the menu? - there's an option for how long it stays on when the power goes off. Also, does your 12v socket power off when the car does? If not, the camera will stay on

[@moif]

I have this dashcam, and the only downside is there's no 'lock' button on this version like there are on some of the pricier ones from the company. You have to stop recording, go to view the footage, then select the "lock" option. Be careful not to delete your crash footage!

[@benabel]

Showing the menu options was a nice touch. Is there anyway to disable to start up sound?

[@AtomicShrimp]

It does have an option to disable the sounds - I found that I prefer to keep them on as it provides confirmation that the camera has started up OK

[@otm646]

May be a little too vintage for you but a carpet dash cover would solve the reflection issue. Otherwise use a matte UV protectant like Aerospace 303 never Armor All or similar gloss .

[@AtomicShrimp]

Trying to find a dash cover for my Aygo, but I suspect it's something that was only on the market when the car was a new ish model (it's 5 years old now). I think care is required to get the right fit so that it doesn't interfere with the passenger airbag. I'm going to try a polarising filter on the camera - that might do it

[@YetAnotherUser0815]

Nice video. Thanks. But driving on the left is really really weird xD

[@annax5212]

looks like you need a good cpl filter to get rid of dash reflections

[@AtomicShrimp]

I will try that

[@alishahid292]

Purchased a new Apeman 420D dual Dashcam and within a few days a problem started. The screen kept showing “not enough storage “, bearing in mind this was a new formatted 32gb sd card and hardly driven. Format the sd card again and seemed to start working again until the “not enough storage” appeared again. Turns out it’s a common fault after searching online. Some people have flashed the latest version on and worked again or stuck with having to format every so often which could be whilst driving when you actually need no distractions and the camera to be working fine and not checking every 2 mins. Contacted Apeman and they got back to me and asked for the version I was running etc. after they wanted the receipt for purchase and offering to compensate me, they just disappeared and no more contact for last 2 weeks. They don’t care their products don’t work, simple

[@cwnull8893]

Hearing your manual transmission makes me jealous.

[@Lady8D]

It's so silly/ridiculous, I know, but watching you drive on the "wrong" side (to my brain) is literally giving me butterflies in my tummy - as though I'm literally a passenger in the vehicle. Perhaps this recording isn't too shabby lol

[@HunterXray]

It could use a polarizing filter for the camera.

[@KnifeDetector]

Hi, does the camera have an internal battery that allows it to stay on without being connected?

[@Guacamole1000]

at 6:12 you had an excellent opportunity to bring out the WOBBLEDOG, what a shame you had a great chance to use your best invention.

[@HouseOfFunQM]

Pinch, punch, first of the month

[@RansomPuppy]

Only question, what is the outro song for this video? Sounds pretty good

[@AtomicShrimp]

Third Time by Jingle Punks - from the KZbin audio library

[@Rysskylt]

how much space does it take for the video files? What size SD card would you suggest with something like this?

[@Wheelabarraback]

What sort of plug will the rear camera socket accept ?

[@Cautionary_Tale_Harris]

The Ford Escape has that same issue with the dash reflecting onto the windshield.

[@michaeltaylors2456]

I think the reflection of the dash is an effect of modern steeply angled windscreens, oh my, he is on the wrong side of the road.

[@skycamvideo]

I've got 2 nd these in my cars and they both have same problem. After a day or so they start to bleep and say no space. I then need to format the sd card before they will work. Tried all sorts. Changed sd cards etc. Any ideas. Driving me daft. Or have I just wasted £50

[@user-uv1bp4mi2f]

HOW DO YOU SAVE A PORTION OF THE RECORDING? DO YOU HIT THE LOCK BUTTON AND WHEN DO YOU DO THAT???

[@olivier2553]

What is the function "licence plate" in the menu?

[@AtomicShrimp]

It allows you to enter your license plate number and have it stamped into the video

[@DavidRitko]

It's intended for companies that may need to correlate the video to the car. They can set car number or license plate. Great for a fleet of vehicles.

[@sissyhunt1655]

I am trying to install the same camera in my car...I don't know much about it and I have a hard time with technology but does this run your battery down at night say if I wanted to leave it on in case someone tried anything with my car would it record them? I was kind of wanting a camera that shows someone trying to steal the car.I have an alarm on it but anyway I was just wanting to make sure if I kept it plugged up would it not drain my battery

[@sexyredtablet6599]

Ive watched too many bigclive videos as I was expecting it to be opened and reverse engineered.

[@28YorkshireRose12]

"I've got my spudger here to open the case, but I can't guarantee it will go back together again. Now, I expect find a fool bridge rectifier, which is good, and will I get a zap off of it? . . . No! So that's good. Things worthy of note (use your own words here), and let's see if we can reverse engineer this wee board" - Err, yeah, bit of a Clive addict too! 💡

[@davidhutchinson4661]

Owww that was a bit nasty, got a wee jolt from it , me too

[@sexyredtablet6599]

@@28YorkshireRose12 I lol'ed at your comment, thank you.

[@bradleythomas27]

Question; just fittest this into my Mums car, i have a dash cam in my car too which is a different brand. If something happens that i want to save on a journey be it dangerous driving ahead of me or the like i can press a '!' button and i save the previous 3mins for sure. Now on this model what do you press if something happens that you want to be sure to save on a journey without the risk of overwriting it? This model doesnt seem to have any button that suggests this and the manual is pretty basic. Cheers

[@Varangian_af_Scaniae]

Apeman C420, is that the new camera from Tanzania?

[@simonhendriksjade]

What's that bright thing and that blue stuff in the sky

[@AtomicShrimp]

Not sure - it didn't stick around long enough for identification

[@mrvanyou6520]

What phone do you have?, thanks for your videos.

[@AtomicShrimp]

I use the Huawei P20 Pro

[@GrumpyIan]

How much recording time did you get on the SD card? Does it record over old footage?

[@joe-mt9jo]

I have it set to 5 minute loop recording. It will overwrite the oldest file (unless the file has been locked, in which case that file will never be overwritten) or at least delete the oldest and replace with a new one. It's easy enough to lock a file. Just press the middle of the three buttons on the right hand side of the dashcam and the file locks, making it uneditable.

[@GrumpyIan]

@@joe-mt9jo Thanks for the info :)

[@pmcg97]

Does the job without breaking the bank 😎