SQ8 mini dashcam

A $15 camera that doesn't suck.
Product page (Banggood): goo.gl/JbZSoR
It seems like a lifetime ago that I had to take a roll of film into a shop to have 24 photos developed - and doing a couple of rolls would cost as much as this camera.

[@RViscara]

Finally you are the only guy out of about 20 videos out there about this camera that finally shows the night vision sample footage. Good job.

[@n7565j]

It never ceases to amaze me how spoiled we are... in the 90's we carried around huge tape recorders on our shoulder to capture events... now we moan about something that doesn't do 1080 60fps... Not dissing your review, just really amazed how far we've come in such a short time... Excellent review :-)

[@any1alive]

i know right

[@user-lo9si5dx8t]

Brian W That is exactly my sentiment, I remember in the mid 80s, I used to carry a very heavy box on my shoulders, trying to capture moments of my wedding and my friends' weddings, and we were so grateful that we could actually do it, now like you said, people are complaining because it's not 1080p or 4k etc... The first lightest camcorder I had, was in the mid 90s, it was a Sony from which I got hours of pleasure. You're absolutely right, we have become a plagued by consumerism and never satisfied or grateful with what we have.

[@chilynbaldwin8898]

So sad

[@mzodiditutuka]

Excellent review, all the way from South Africa.

[@bonniej2609]

This Is By Far the Most DETAILED Awesome vid I've found for this camera Operation & Performance.

[@rimes3719]

Your review is fun and has a good Info about the product

[@SteveAB4EL]

The record time for the internal battery is close to what they claim. Hint: If you are charging the internal battery via a USB charger, REMOVE the microSD card _otherwise_ the camera will simultaneously be *recording* in auto(mobile) DVR mode. The heat generated from video processing chip _plus_ the heat generated charging the battery inside that no-heatsink no-ventilation metal camera container will kill the camera. (BangGood graciously gave a refund ... and I bought another one because for such a low price, this camera's 720p mode _definitely_ has its uses.)

[@iforce2d]

+SteveAB4EL I don't quite follow what you're saying. Isn't the intended purpose of this camera to be charging from the car while it is recording? That's what I did for a couple of hours at a time and it got warm but had no problems.

[@PixlRainbow]

+iforce2d I think he had placed his in an area with higher ambient temperature so it got warmer than yours, warm enough to stop working.

[@DickGibson]

Great job making this video man, very way kool!

[@bridgendesar]

Something completely missed in cameras instructions is how this camera works as a car dvr. As you say, quite simple really, supplying power via the usb automatically starts the camera recording. It would be interesting to know if the camera remembers it's last mode when pulling the usb, i.e. wanting a car dvr with the infra red on for recording passengers

[@markfisher8549]

Hard to charge with out burning up. Get hot quick on charging. Had mine for around 3 months so at least its still working I Took mine apart to mount on my quad

[@Mk98788]

video quality is surprisingly good...

[@alanhennesy2145]

my runcam hd works perfectly as a card reader... i even used it to read the card of video from my syma fpv kit camera.

[@SagePatrynXX]

TF Cards work too. I didn't know what they were and they are different however an actual tf card likely won't work in a slot actually marked for micro sd. TF's are as good as well. Trying to egg on dad who really doesn't want much on is "dash" even though it often goes on the windshield. Wire can be hidden but I'm lazy..

[@PlasmaStar9]

Driving on the wrong side of the road!! Ha. Ha. Great video. Best overall instruction with good video examples. Paid $17 US for 2 and was going to send them back but maybe I'll keep em now for porch pirates/ package thieves.

[@photoSIMPA]

Very interesting video... Thanks...

[@bridgendesar]

The off colours remind me of a camera without an infrared cut filter

[@ihhf2566]

I've seen it described as a mini webcam on some sites selling it. Is it actually possible to use this as a USB webcam, or was something lost in translation?

[@yurigagarin4974]

good vid about dash cam use thanks

[@jameslamb4573]

For a $20 camera it doesn't do a bad job. If you want to use it as a dashcam only perhaps you could open it up and remove the IR filter from the lens elements, if there is one. I think an IR filter colours the image and robs 1/2 an F-stop of light sensitivity from the camera, could be I'm thinking of a UV filter, but it's probably worth trying.

[@3dprint-tech787]

looks very chitty I Have to say, but when less money goes to estetics more money goes to electronics I gues, love your video's and you inspired me to make a 250 size fpv quad, thanks a lot for that!:-)

[@ChrisFredriksson]

We're using a GoPro Hero 3 black as the front dashcam in our car, works perfectly although quite expensive for being a dashcam, but while I've learned to fly a quad yet I don't have a use for the GoPro, so its quite ok. However, for a rear "dash" camera this might be "ok" I guess, kind of the same situation though perhaps with car headlights as with the sun, not sure how that would work. Also, we're going to tint the windows in the back when the weather allows.. its like -10-20 degrees right now so its not a very fun place to be when installing tints ;) But what do you think about tint, that should be like night time for the camera even during daytime.. right? Any thoughts on the above? Your video was great and the camera certainly seems to perform alright overall.. even in the car at night.. feels like the image is sharper actually than on a GoPro Hero 3 during bad light conditions.. Its so cheap, so it might be possible to just test it and throw it in a storage bin if it doesn't work out for us.. Oh well, let me know if you have time and the interest =)

[@iforce2d]

I really don't know sorry. I get the feeling that tinted windows at night would severely reduced the picture outcome.

[@robertcollins6170]

I think it is enough to protect yourself from other drivers. we are not looking for movie quality. at least it looks like you can record during night and day driving. I just got this. i will see what i get out of it. thank you for the input.

[@TheKetsa]

Bought this one a few months ago on Aliexpress, I also had problems with the video out cable : it never worked for me. The camera is 26 grams, but 20 of those are for the metallic the case. God, you look scary in IR light :) (or was it UV?)

[@titajsoekanda5627]

cukup jelas panduannya tentang cara pengoperasiaN sq8

[@youeladamas7840]

that tree might be passing soon you should make some seeds sprout and grow inside so your ready. great review the creepy seen was good. it needs a slow blinking light when recording

[@drumtimer]

I found that the prices have a direct relationship to the quality of the chipset that is in the camera. I have been doing my own comparison and found this to be true. You will get what you pay for. The more expensive prices usually have a better chipset. Be careful that you don't get ripped off. Some companies will sell you the more expensive and don't tell you that they are selling you a cheaper chipset. Gear Best Company seems to be more honest. Although they do not have good customer service. Being that they are from China there will be a communication challenge. :)

[@arturobel1992]

Good music😁👍🏻 "Faded" - Alan Walker

[@kennieMusicLovers]

comes with a stand and clip on ? right so can use it on your body...clip on belt , tees etc., and stand on to video something going on secretly but for what duration ? &...how reliable is this mini spy camera ?

[@mazham786]

Please let me know how to put it into motion detection mode

[@olasoderlind5685]

chold have a display to conect whit when you nead to set it ( or have ther all time )

[@davidb.8662]

Can you use it as a webcam?

[@livesteam]

Hello iforce2d …. I loved your video about the SQ8 mini cam. … I am worried about Something though and that's the rechargeing of the battery. Iguess I must plug the USB cable iton my PC or a 5volts supply. … How do I know that the battery is actually chargeing and when it is fully charged … the instructions Leaflet if not clear about it (if mentioning it at all) … If you could enlighten me about this I would be grateful … All the best !

[@CTROCK]

Hey when I recoding on the 1080 mode it record but no pictures or view! I only can heard my voice or any noise that the camera have recorded and pickup! Why is that no pictures or view but u can only hear sounds?

[@vickyvanderbilt875]

Can i buy a larger micro sd instead of using the 8gb?. My new mini camera have 2 lights ..a red and blinking blue...is it oin with the blue orr the red? Just got it 2hrs ago

[@JosephMelia]

looks good to me

[@zorilaz]

i have to buy the memory card ? it doesn't work without it?

[@TheDefpom]

Your camera was facing up too high, you should only have about 1/3 sky, not 2/3, this causes the issue you show with brightness

[@georgeaura]

the leds are for night vision

[@magendavid22]

The camera on the night vision mode Hahaha

[@user-lo9si5dx8t]

To be fair it is not designed to be used as a dash camera.

[@Mohairp53]

I received my camera. I followed the instruction charged it for an hour. I then followed the instruction to long press the power (3 seconds), I did see the light flashes (red/b;ue) and expected it to STAY ON blue. Unfortunately, it DID NOT stay on and NO light at all. I tried a few times with the same result. I also tried pressing the record button nothing happe in spite I already have a mucro SD inserted. Wonder if you have any suggestion or it is a broken camera ?

[@campingoutlandersassociati2844]

Can you watch the recorded video using your smart phone?

[@olasoderlind5685]

by the way can you probram a raspbery pi or arduino to do the same?

[@waiyan-lb5sd]

when charging my SQ8 so hot...how to fit...

[@Sky1]

functions like the watch cameras

[@Jan07362]

My sq8 for some reason only records for 5 min then shots off i reset it but same thing happen

[@goobisoft4873]

in my country it costs around 55$

[@TheRauldxb]

kindly let me know is there any function or mode to set for recording videos continuously more than 5 minutes

[@iforce2d]

As I mentioned in the video, mine recorded continuously, and looped over replacing old files when the disk got full. I don't think I needed to change any settings.

[@patriciamcnamara3970]

Ok this guy just made up for me not having boyfriend for min!!!!!every boyfriend has ALWAYS scared the shite outta me LOL that was AWSOME !!!

[@amzarnacht6710]

For $15 you get what you paid for... and then some, as this thing is actually usable for some seriously limited applications. This is essentially a police body cam. Only expected to have any sort of fidelity within about 30 feet, which is the typical expected engagement range for contact between two individuals in an outside setting. Compare this footage to vintage 'Cops' camera work - and those were full sized media rigs back in the 90s that some poor soul had to slog around running after the cop. I would NOT, however, want to rely on this squib as a dashcam. As a cabin-cam it might work, but that'd be it.

[@fabianstaudt870]

THE SQ 8 is not even shown up. Only in the hardware manager u can find it as unknown usb device (error request device description ) . in computer administration its not shown only my HDDs . no removable usb port . tryed to update drivers of all usb ports in the hardwaremanager and the unknown sq8 .... not works . IF I PULL OUT THE SD CARD OUT OF THE CAMERA AND PUT IT INTO AN SD CARD READER I CAN GET MY FOTOS AND VIDEOS BUT I WANT 2 GET THEM OVER THE USB CHARGING DATA VIDEO CABLE. HAVE U GOT AN IDEA OR DRIVER THAT WORKS ? BEST REGARDS

[@JoniJohirul]

How is this camera for in car cabin recording at night time? I want to use this camera for recording for in car rear seat recording. Can you provide some night footage of in car rear seat recording day and night shot?

[@iforce2d]

??? There is some night footage in this video already, check 18:49 (outside walking with flashlight, indoors with no light at all) and 24:21 (driving at night, car headlights)

[@apassionfortangling3671]

I thought Red and Blue made Purple?

[@PixlRainbow]

damn, if that video out worked it could have been used as a very cheap "disposable fpv cam"

[@nikaalba8730]

does it only record for a certain amount of time? it looks as if it shut off

[@iforce2d]

If you keep it powered by USB, it should record indefinitely, and cycle around to delete the oldest file.

[@josephososkie3029]

“Lemon tree very pretty....”.

[@jane-BKK]

The audio from that tiny camera ... sucks

[@George-gz5zm]

It makes you sound like you have a lisp on the video audio :)) can't expect too much for $10

[@7Earthsky]

In Back to the Future (1985) Marty Mcfly carried a big ass camcorder with tape cassette inside. That was state of the art JVC back then.....Now we complain because camera the size of a coin isn't up to HD specs....Sweet jeebus....It will do the job just fine if you only want it as a body cam for security while riding your bike or as a dash cam...... You don't need cinema quality.

[@iforce2d]

And before that we used to make fire with flint and dry tinder. I appreciate your point but there is also context to take into account. Both the fact that it's not 1985 any more, and also that part of the routine when doing reviews like this is to niggle over all the little details :)

[@lloydprunier4415]

If it lasts, the price is right.

[@nikaalba8730]

how can i playback what I recorded

[@iforce2d]

Put the SD card in your computer.

[@shukurkhaidr9854]

Hi iforce2d how ru hope all well i have a ? if we connect this to a car as a dash cam then how can we reduce the power as it rated 5v and the car Cigarette Lighter is 12v will it be OK or the magic smoke will occur i wanted to be safe as i can not afford to do so and if i have to reduce as a mobile charger with step-down circuit then it will be safe i just wanted to know True answer form you do not be diplomatic in Answering the ? please.Thankyou

[@iforce2d]

goo.gl/kiHMfX

[@shukurkhaidr9854]

Thank you very much

[@NonymousPoulssRetroGaming59600]

sur wish a 9euros bonne article je l'es commander pour filmé a bord d'avion modélisme rien a dire c au top pour 10ball :)

[@MaxHogendijk]

To bad the detection mode switch off after 1 minute and the camera shuts down :(

[@andreizaharia2312]

how many minutes films without external power?

[@nikaalba8730]

n how do you know when its fully charged

[@iforce2d]

You don't.

[@nikaalba8730]

Thanks

[@expansiongames]

its a shame that there is no IR filter it makes the blacks purple

[@superdau]

Just rip one out of an old web cam and stick it in front of the lens.

[@expansiongames]

jou could i think

[@Coolkeys2009]

Filming from inside the car the colours seemed OK(thanks to the windscreen). With an IR filter the night time performance and IR performance would be even worse. Seems good value for the money he paid

[@TheRauldxb]

its video recording for maximum five minutes only i am looking continuous video recording at least 30 minutes

[@renzevenir4853]

Can you use it for FPV camera and connect it to vtx?

[@noweare1]

Definitely worth $12 bucks

[@alanhennesy2145]

thit that woth thcary...

[@nikaalba8730]

how do you delete the videos

[@iforce2d]

Put the SD card in your computer.

[@nikaalba8730]

I put the usb in conputer but how do uou erase the footage i recorded

[@nikaalba8730]

*computer

[@nikaalba8730]

*you

[@iforce2d]

Put the SD card in your computer: goo.gl/CaZ8gg

[@samocooper9070]

cameras shit, your blair witch clip was awesome!. get a proper dashcam man the one time you want/need it you will really regret it, I'd suggest the Xiaomi yi dashcam

[@iforce2d]

I have a feeling you are right...

[@TheDruidKing]

I'm currently torn between the Xiaomi Yi and the Z-Edge Z1Plus. There's nothing between the prices. Any experience of the Z1?

[@Hooverdarnit]

I was thinking about buying one of these so I've been watching some SQ8 KZbin videos to help me decide. One thing I kept seeing in these SQ8 videos and that is...... the color SUCKS. Green looks like yellow and everything looks dull. The price is good but the picture isn't. Think I'll pass on the SQ8.

[@iforce2d]

The point is to record who brake-checked or pulled out in front of you, not to have an aesthetically pleasing or accurate color map. It wasn't that long ago we had to take rolls of film to a shop for developing, video cameras were for movie studios and news companies... and they certainly were not $15 and the size of a sugar cube.

[@Hooverdarnit]

I've been checking out videos on the SQ9. It looks like a better camera than the SQ8 and it's only a few dollars more.

[@iforce2d]

Cool, I will check it out. I think if you want a decent reliable dashcam though, you're probably looking at more like around the $80 range.

[@xtrariceplease]

The crappy color was caused by having no infrared filter. I guess they couldn't fit a mechanism that will place the filter above the CCD.

[@herbertneal8723]

Here just 10.09 dollars www.gearbest.com/car-dvr/pp_314031.html?wid=21&lkid=10418257 Sweet kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmTGh6GQnNRpl80

[@ChuupawMIVERGA]

Any idea how wide is the lens?

[@jempolcctv]

Mohon infonya mas bro.., Belinya dimana? Brp hrgnya? Saya baru beli SQ8 via OL tapi begini hasil videonya kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIm2XnqFoLmKgrM Sebelumnya saya beli SQ11 via OL juga sama begini hasil videonya kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2TCmqB-d7KMaqM Hasil tidak sesuai spek, blur, tidak HD, resolusi kotak, pokoknya buruk...

[@thekaduu]

It is dangerous to drive on the wrong side of the street ;)

[@mankdemes676]

thekaduu he lives in australia xD then people drive the other side of the road. in england they drive on the left side too.

[@thekaduu]

Thanks. I was born yesterday and I know nothing.

[@jenisurem804]

Prevedi na hrvatski

[@charlesmaine7387]

made in China is waste of money, i bouht 1 but wouldnt work.

[@renzevenir4853]

Can you use it for FPV camera and connect it to vtx?

[@renzevenir4853]

Can you use it for FPV camera and connect it to vtx?

[@renzevenir4853]

Can you use it for FPV camera and connect it to vtx?

[@renzevenir4853]

Can you use it for FPV camera and connect it to vtx?