Transcend DrivePro DP 220 Review Footage

One of the best Transcend car dash cameras finally reviewed - DrivePro 220. Hope you will enjoy watching the video as much as I enjoyed making it. Granted not without challenges but it is finally here. Enjoy!
To help you out - here's the contents of this video:
01:14 Packaging overview / contents
03:45 Dashcam overview
05:27 Powering on dashcam / menus
10:24 Daytime testing
15:17 Nighttime testing
19:30 Feature testing (Lane Departure Warning System/Forward Collision Warning System/Speed Alarm)
22:20 Summary
Don't forget to check my other reviews of Transcend DrivePro 100, DrivePro 200 and latest DrivePro 520. Can't believe I actually covered them all to date :)
More on Transcend DrivePro 220 Car Video Recorder can be found on manufacturer's website here:
www.transcend-i...
Pricing can be found on:
www.amazon.co.u...
Note - if you do notice stutter in camera samples this may be due to recording with main camera being 24fps and encoded same while dashcam ran at 30fps.

[@MarkPatten]

I liked the review. Bought the 200 for a friend and the 220 for our car, (my wife and myself). They both are excellent dash cams at the price range. I am thrilled with the 220. I see the 520 pitched at Taxi's to have that extra evidence on a rowdy passenger(s). Thanks for taking the time to share your review.

[@14j0seph91]

+Mark Patten hi mark, how is the audio quality of the 220?

[@MarkPatten]

There it falls down a bit. If you have a road rage coming at you on foot using language you would not use around Mom, then it is necessary to be more geeky - like me - and take the film into either FCPX or PPro and boost the gain without making it distort. Hope that helps. Cheers, Mark

[@Edsdrafts]

+14j0seph91 audio is good but not excellent. After all it is dashcam and does not have dedicated properly shielded microphone. Have a good look at video samples, I did include audio in the review.

[@kevinyuan7503]

+Mark Patten wow.... that makes me wanna get one myself too.

[@Edsdrafts]

I would recommend to avoid audio feature. While having audio is beneficial for your own use it might not work well for you in insurance claim case e.g. no indication audible leading to conclusion you did not indicate etc. Best to leave video only unless you make no mistakes. Ever.

[@NishanSaliya]

Very Good review. I basically got an idea about how it's going to work. You basically covered everything (and more) that I hoped to view before I operate my 220 (So I don't have to search for another video for 220). Keep up the good work. Thanks a lot !!!

[@Edsdrafts]

You are welcome, glad you found it useful. All the best with your device, hopefully you will never need to really use it.

[@cinemaniac482]

Well done: an interesting video review. Greetings from Rome (where we're all supposed to use a dash cam due to the crazy traffic).

[@jpsangalang]

How do you solve or go around the part where the time stamp keeps resetting? It may give the wrong impression when presented for addressing legal issues/disputes.

[@terryweaver4064]

Ive got the 220 its a fantastic product great value

[@Edsdrafts]

+Terry Weaver I agree on that. This is my go to dashcam at the moment.

[@Edsdrafts]

***** it sure is and will be for foreseeable future. Unless 4k 60p with great low light capability comes out in a tiny body for €100 or less I am in no mad rush to upgrade. I am very happy with my one.

[@KenNanthapisal]

Thanks for detail review. It helps me a lot to make decision to purchase one for my wife.

[@Edsdrafts]

You are welcome. I'm sure it will become handy.

[@losmeets98]

Hi, nice review, I also have this camera. I'm having some troubles with viewing and editibg the files on my PC. Did it al work well for you?

[@Edsdrafts]

+louis smeets all good for me. Make sure you use the right software. VideoLAN will work great on viewing files. You can even slow down or speed up if your PC is fast enough. As for editing you need to chose the software you want to work with first. I am sure there are tons of free options as well.

[@losmeets98]

+Eds drafts Thank you very much! I will be checking out VideoLAN soon, although I haven't found the right editing software yet. I'm very bad with editing and stuff, so maybe I should just leave that ;)

[@abdullaamin12]

hello friend, iam using transcend520 dashcam, if downloading the file and share it with whatsapp the sound is mute mode. could u help me? thanks

[@offshore1987]

MorningI have a nextbase 101 in my car at the moment and the power cable is routed all over, I have just got the transcend 220, can I use the nextbase 101 power lead for the transcend 220 or should I tear the car apart and use the proper transcend 220 power lead? Many thanks great review

[@Edsdrafts]

+Daniel I depends. What type of power were you getting? Was it 5V? Check the specs of both to be sure. If they are both mini USB you are half way there.

[@offshore1987]

+Eds drafts Hi thanks for the reply i had a spare hour yesturday so removed the nextbase wire and refitted the transcend, the transcend has a way fatter wire as thought id be safer than sorry. My 220 came with the suction mount which seems to have already fallen off a few times, thinking of buying the m3 sticky mount to see if it holds better. cheers for the reply

[@Edsdrafts]

Strange yours fell off. I never had this issue. I would recommend to wash the suction cup base with some soap and rinse with warm water after. Also clean your windscreen with decent cleaner and wipe it clean. After this you will have no issues I am sure. I did the same and no worries afterwards.

[@offshore1987]

Will give this ago :) Many thanks and great reviews

[@gilean6179]

Can the hanging power cords be nicely tuck away? I will definitely get annoyed if something is hanging down. Great review anyways. Thank you.

[@Edsdrafts]

+kRx md sure can be. I only hung them like this to have both recording. I now have the cable nicely hidden behind roof lining and side pillar.

[@Edsdrafts]

If you need to get one from your current one, check USB A to Mini USB B. Do not go for micro as this camera needs mini. One thing to consider is as good quality cable as you can get as long and cheap cable might not only be not enough to power the camera but might even heat up, melt or even burn.

[@spinaway]

Great review, just to note i purchased the 220 for use as a rear cam, as my car is a company car i purchased a suction mount seperately, unfortunately i drive an insignia estate and due to the bulbous shape of the rear window the cup will not stick.

[@Edsdrafts]

You can get some DIY onto that. Get a round plastic (or any shape really) and use some type of resin glue or one of 3M double sided pads and stick it onto the rear window. Then just use suction cup to mount onto the very plastic pad. Tip - make sure the plastic pad is a good surface to use before mounting.

[@kencook2438]

Very good review and info, thank you. Could I suggest that a view of the recorded files shown on a TV, monitor or smartphone would be interesting. Also, do you think it possible to wire the device permanently into the vehicle fuse box rather than have to use the lighter socket?

[@Edsdrafts]

+Ken Cook thanks for the tips. I can incorporate that in my next review, sure. Regarding fuse box - yes you can. I am not electrician myself but I have seen this done with various devices that should connect to power socket in the car. Sorry I can't advice further on this, you would need to know how to provide the same Amps and Volts that device is currently getting via adapter but built in instead. You would also need to know where / how to wire correctly.

[@kencook2438]

+Eds drafts Thanks for considering it, I think a view from a monitor/TV/smartphone would be beneficial to show whether number plates etc can be seen (not exactly clear in the review). Yes, sorry didn't mean to put you on the spot regarding wiring... logical advice to ask a elec tech. Thanks again.

[@tommyfrost2013]

I found that the Camera Drive Pro 220 gets warm while operating. This is what the Transcend technical support told me.It is normal that the camera gets warm while operating it.This is because of the backlight of the built in display and the permanent writing on the SD-card.The camera is designed to work as a dashcam in a car.Because of this it should be able to operate it as mentioned without any restrictions (even when it is warm).If the camera works as propagated you should have no worries about the warming of it.Anyway, if you are not satisfied with the product you can send it back to us within a fortnight for a refund.

[@Edsdrafts]

Fair enough. Any camera gets warm, and not just because of LCD backlight and writing to the card but also due to the fact that sensor information has to be encoded into video file. I have never had any issues though, even in very hot weather.

[@hbp9114]

Hi Eds drafts, can you tell me how to transfer the video files in my computer? Is it possible? I can't seem to figure it out. Thanks a lot!

[@Edsdrafts]

+Harold Paño you can simply copy over video files from the card. Take out SD card, insert it into PC and check N-Video folder for regular files and P-Video folder for protected ones. All can be simply copied over.

[@malinharshanath8247]

How many days of Video Clips will it get last for 16GB under 220 Pro? Will it be automatically deleted the previous recordings or what?

[@Edsdrafts]

+Malin Harshanath it just loops over. Say you have 3min per clip and you will the card, it just erases first 3min clip and replaces with new data. You never have to worry about size unless you keep protecting your files. But then you can simply take them off once you have what you need.

[@calvinw6095]

Nice review. I can get the Transcend DP200 for $120 vs the DP220 for $180 ... worth the extra price?

[@Edsdrafts]

+Calvin Wang both are very capable and worth the price. However, it all depends on what you require. If all you need is video recording and you don't really need the extra features - go for DP200.

[@marilyncarpenter3121]

I'm surprised that you can't read the number plates, I would definitely want to be able to see them!

[@Edsdrafts]

+Marilyn Carpenter once you are insured there would be no real need for that. As long as you can prove you were not at fault. As for reg plates you should be able to see them should anyone sideswipe your car or you have a front collision as at that moment you will be very close to the other vehicle anyway. There could be an odd event where you might want to be able to record the reg but... I myself would not worry about that.

[@tharindrahathurusinghe7807]

Few Questions. 1. Plugin the 220 Unit to Cigarate Car Adapter continuously when the car is switched off is it harmful for the Transcend device? 2. Since 220 comes with a battery continuous plugin will be get effect to 220 Unit battery? 3. For what we can use GPS feature? I mean what is the purpose it comes with in built?

[@Edsdrafts]

+Tharindra Hathurusinghe when car is off most cars would not provide any power via the power socket. Battery wise I would not worry unless you intend recording when car is off which I found myself not doing. If you really want to in some cases - just plug it into power bank like I did. Once it runs of juice it won't affect your car. Drained car battery will. As for GPS - you can use Transcend software to view video and map side by side showing where were you and what speed were you traveling at. Very handy and decent information in case of claim.

[@tharindrahathurusinghe7807]

+Eds drafts I mean in continuous plugin & not using the parking mode (30min back up) feature & using the unit only for when the car runs, will the in built battery will get over charge?

[@Edsdrafts]

I doubt. Modern electronics work with batteries so when the battery is charged they stop until battery discharges a bit. Kid of like your laptop. I would expect the unit to last at least few years until you notice anything about the battery. Especially in your use scenario.

[@tharindrahathurusinghe7807]

+Eds drafts Thanks. Your info is very helpful. 1.How to hide the vehicle speed in recorded video file in the chip. Which option i should disable? 2.Also the i just need to know before fixing the Windscreen Black Holder, do i have remove the white strip on the sticker or with that i have to fix in to Windscreen?

[@Edsdrafts]

To disable speed you would need to disable GPS to my best knowledge. This disables coordinates and speed calculations. As for fitting it yes, you do need to remove the strip to glue it on. Just be sure you have position right before you do.

[@1RobertD]

This may be a silly question but I'm wondering if these cameras have to be positioned in a certain way/area so not to obstruct your view as s driver? I know even a chip in your windscreen in the wrong area is classed as an obstruction and so needs replacing. Laws of nothing to he hung from rear view mirrors etc. Did you feel your view was being obstructed at all?

[@Edsdrafts]

+Rob D that is a very good question and very relevant one to anything you are going to mount on the windscreen. The camera in my opinion is designed to be positioned at the top near windscreen (just like in the footage). It does not obstruct my view much, no. The view you are talking about would be a circle 50cm or so diameter in front of the driver. Your mobile phone holder or GPS on windscreen would do more than this. Also, in real use I have it set to power screen off after a minute and you barely notice it at all. In this video I filmed with camera set below my view, roughly chest height. Hope that answers your question.

[@1RobertD]

+Eds drafts Yes that's great - thank you for responding. I'm just going to decide for when I get a camera if to out up with the cable of do as you mentioned in a reply and reroute the cable. Seems a bit of a hassle though. Just because I've no idea with these things :) it would have to go via the roof, pillow, then floor.

[@Edsdrafts]

It is easier than you think. You route via back of glove compartment (might use cable ties to clip onto something to hold just above foot rest), then via rubber strip that goes all around the door and does allow some cable to be slipped in on inside. Followed by lifting corner of pillar cover (careful if yours have airbag), up and then same way on roof lining. Usually you don't even need to remove anything. Have some plastic pry tools handy.

[@1RobertD]

+Eds drafts thank you for your time and help

[@Edsdrafts]

No worries at all. Best of luck.

[@morosso1968]

i have some issues here; i can't view/transfer my files into my PC. my PC cannot see the files saved on the sd card using my card reader. same with USB connection, the drivepro just keep turning on and recording every time i plugged it to my PC. drive pro didn't appear on the windows explorer same with the disk management tool. tried it with drivepro apps and VLC as well but to no avail. am i missing any thing here? nice video and review btw

[@Edsdrafts]

+morosso1968 it seems that you are using either USB cable that only provides power or your USB port is not working right. I have mini USB that only provide power and when plugged to PC, device is not recognised. This is because it is not wired to work for data (cable that is). As for card reader that is unusual because if Transcend device can read the card then the reader should as well. Are you trying SD slot via SD adapter or microSD on your reader? Try using card on your phone.

[@morosso1968]

+Eds drafts thanks for the speedy reply Eds. I will try to find another USB cable then, the micro SD card was inserted directly with the card reader without any adapter. i will try the card with my phone. will keep you posted, cheers! =)

[@morosso1968]

+Eds drafts hey Eds! you got it right! it was my USB cable whose the culprit. yes it turned out that it doesn't support data transmission, i tried the one i'm using with my external HDD for my movies and everything goes fine as it should. and for sure my USB card reader gone bad either that's why. i really appreciated your help. needless to say,,, i've already sent an email to Transcend and waited days for an answer but what they asked me was to send it back where i bought my dash cam then ask for repair or a replacement which is somewhat a hassle on my part. just keep those quality videos coming and more people could benefit with ilike the way i did. thank you! =)

[@Edsdrafts]

Glad all worked out. Unfortunately most companies opt for straight replacement or repair without giving much thought. At the same time quite often people give one description and when product is in repair the opposite is found. Maybe that's why. Either way - glad you got back on track. Will do, as long as I have something to review :)

[@222ultra]

I'm interested in either the 200 or the 220, I know the 220 has the added GPS which would be handy for speed and location etc... However is there much difference in the quality of the video between the 200 and 220? (I'm not interested in sound)

[@Edsdrafts]

+222ultra no there is not. Video is excellent on both units. As for sound I am not sure as I would not need it. Why would you require sound quality if you don't mind me asking?

[@222ultra]

+Eds drafts Thanks, I don't need sound. :)

[@pamst-pierre9117]

instead of the Suction Mount mine had an Adhesive mount which I am not happy with.

[@shanakafern3997]

hello video starting from 11.07 so laggy? at 30 FPS it should be smoother than that?

[@Edsdrafts]

Hi. I destroyed the quality during encoding. By mistake I have incorrectly joined two different fps video streams - one from dashcam one from my camera. And then finished it off with incorrect encoding setting. In reality video is butter smooth, never skips a frame.

[@oibal60]

Excellent review! (I'm from Dundrum).

[@Edsdrafts]

Oh hey there! Thanks :) Some videos on your channel. Did you film yourself?

[@oibal60]

Yup, but not with a 'dedicated' cam, just the video mode on an old 4MP digital camera on a suction mount.

[@oibal60]

Eds drafts Yup. The most recent ones using my Samsung S4, but the majority using 'video mode' on an old 4MP Canon Powershot digital camera.

[@Edsdrafts]

Well done. Unusual footage, in a good way.

[@super73glasgow]

Nice video. When you view the playback footage, does it show the speed?

[@Edsdrafts]

+Graeme Wilson yes it does, you get N and W coordinates and speed. You can turn that off as well as sound if you wish for your own privacy. Mind you, GPS fetches most accurate time and date and locks in only 20sec after starting the unit. Also, if GPS is on you can use their software to map your trip and view your location "real time" on the map - handy.

[@reynaldol.deguzman3039]

You are absolutely right!

[@ramthej]

hi..does it have any heating problems ? because of the battery ..

[@Edsdrafts]

+Ram thej battery should not cause any heat problems as most of the time it is unused. In general I had no issues with the device. I use it everyday.

[@LA-qs1ut]

About parking mode, since the device only has 470 mAh good for 30 minutes, can I connect the dashcam to a power bank when I leave the vehicle so I can record more footage while parked? But the dashcam would essentially be on because of the power bank. I guess the better question would be: will the parking mode still work even if the dash cam is on?

[@Edsdrafts]

You could but I wouldn't rely on it as this is more of a secondary battery option than anything else.

[@LA-qs1ut]

Eds drafts Alright, thank you!

[@j-waken2rem905]

Eds drafts will the parking mode operates only whenever there's a collision? Or it will just record continuously for 30mins right after you park? ...i was wondering what if you get hit and run after 2hours and u dont have battery any more.

[@Edsdrafts]

Depends what you are looking for. If you need this constantly recording regardless - wire it up so it would use your car's battery when engine is off. Mind you, ask yourself this - will the camera get all angles around the car? If you don't, is a shake in camera and passing car enough for your insurance? Even if you get this on camera and the reg is not 100% clear, will it work for you? Some countries have vague laws on this, some have none.

[@bjornoudolf804]

I've an issue with Lane Departure setting. The DrivePro 220 is mounted about above 2 m above the ground on a truck windscreen. On a two lane road, edges marked with a continuous line on either side and a broken center line, the cam reacted as if I was biased to one side of the road. It highlighted the lines on both sides of the road and ignored the center line even though in was in center of my lane. Anybody experienced this ?

[@Edsdrafts]

+Bjorn Oudolf This is "normal". Considering the cost they could not have put in last or similar system. The feature is based on image captured by camera. When viewpoint is low, eg. standard car, the system works provided lanes are well marked and straight. It would not work well on turns, badly marked roads or gravel, even shadows or bright light can affect it. I would not use it in real world driving scenario. It's ok as a test.

[@h.fulton]

Good informative product review

[@EbenEbenezerfabianomends]

what's your recommendation for a double lense dash cam for a mining terrian in a hot and high humidity climate such as in africa

[@Edsdrafts]

None, get a witness :) All jokes aside the temperature range and humidity will render most if not all consumer dashcams useless. Try to see military applications and maybe modify yours. Eg. get some sort of shell for it to keep it cool. Like a thermos principle.

[@MinecraftHero01]

so its records full 16gb (2hours or somting) and when its full its delete files and starts again?

[@Edsdrafts]

+MinecraftHero01 does not delete all files, just the oldest one. Works a bit like a tape - when full, rewinds and starts over.

[@MinecraftHero01]

ah thx!

[@atoopuk]

Thank you for the great review..

[@ostn8iv]

I am noticing a little skipping in the video...like no smooth flow. Is that normal or can it be fixed?

[@Edsdrafts]

Sorry but as per video description and comments below this is entirely due to my own fault. I have recorded using few different cameras and different frame rates. I have not noticed this until too late that after encoding video became like this.

[@ostn8iv]

So are you saying the original doesn't skip, or it only starts to skip when uploaded to computer or KZbin? I want to buy one but I am still watching and reading reviews. Thanks !

[@Edsdrafts]

Not quite, it is a bit more technical than that when using multiple cameras with different frame rates. Simply put if you just film with Transcend and upload it's footage - it will be smooth without any stutter every time. I am using my one for a while now - never an issue with recorded video.

[@ostn8iv]

Nice!! Thanks, I'll keep that in mind!

[@djblackot4801]

can you switch warning tones off ??

[@Edsdrafts]

+Dj BlackoT yes you can.

[@bokz4482]

Does it come with a suction cup? or separate?

[@Edsdrafts]

Both. I got mine with a cup but you can also opt for permanent one. You can also buy spare suction cups for little money and have spares if you changing your vehicle.

[@veemacks7255]

Shame. I watched this clip to see how the GPS appears on the video (as speed in mph/kmh or just coordinates) and it wasn't mentioned at all :( Hoping to upgrade my 200 to 220.

[@genie0390]

Why do so many reviewers talk so much about manuals, guarantee slips, boxes, packaging? people are interested in performance, ease of use, features, up sides, down sides

[@Edsdrafts]

I see your point but manuals are important and I would not like to skip that part. It is easy enough to figure out most things without one but some tips are only found in manuals. As for ease of use - it is as easy as it gets, no major downsides.

[@hereistand2008]

Is that UK road?

[@Edsdrafts]

+hereistand2008 Hi. No, that's in Ireland.

[@datsme888]

Can it be used when car engine is off?

[@Edsdrafts]

Yes but you need to purchase 3rd party accessories for that, otherwise your battery will be drained over time and you won't be able to start your car.

[@datsme888]

+Eds drafts I have 10000 mah battery for my mobile phone. Can that be used? Else please suggest an economical solution. Thanks

[@Edsdrafts]

datsme888 yes it can. The only thing you will need to do is unplug the dashcam from the car power and plug it into the battery bank. It is good idea to try it out first before looking for other options. I wonder how long would it last. Also, you might want to cover the blinking red led on dashcam and make sure the LED is off.

[@datsme888]

Thanks!!

[@chachanandfriends]

can you run the dashcam using powerbank?

[@Edsdrafts]

+chachanandfriends sure can.

[@chachanandfriends]

its just the box didn't show any USB accessories. have you tested it to see how big the power bank is and how long it would last? since im think of getting same dashcam as front and rear rather than getting a dual dashcam with poor quality rear.

[@Edsdrafts]

chachanandfriends it is not meant to be used as battery powered recorder. If you want to have a proper setup have a look for a battery backup for dashcam. There are third parties providing these tools.

[@TaylorLocksmithsKirbyCross]

the footage looks a bit jumpy?

[@Edsdrafts]

+Joe Taylor Locksmith & Home Security it does look that way due to encoding error on my side. See video description for more.

[@TaylorLocksmithsKirbyCross]

+Eds drafts what class sd was used?

[@Edsdrafts]

Car recorder was equipped with SDHC Class 10 memory card. No speed restrictions this way. Especially since the card is bundled with the recorder. Also, while I was working on the videos the quality was flawless. The issue was in the encoding settings I used.

[@RonPaulTRUTH]

Wait, do you need to have those cables hanging down the whole time? That is annoying.

[@Edsdrafts]

Of course you don't. You hide it just like a bluetooth kit.

[@ASTActionCam]

Ah good old Marlay park!

[@nguyentanvinhquang918]

Origin of product ?

[@Edsdrafts]

+Bounen Nguyen I believe it Taiwanese company. Used them a while back for their memory cards.

[@henryallenstreet3911]

Alguién que pueda leer y sepa español en todo este planeta esfera, sería tan amable subir un vídeo de la configuración en lo posible de la cam Drive pro 220 o similar pero la misma marca en idioma español por supuesto, ya que en éste a la fecha no encotrado ninguno hasta ahora… desde ya gracias...😂😂😂😒

[@mrman8516]

Wow England is dump compared to ROI... BTW I just bought this cam today