TaoTronics TT-CD02 2.5" TFT LCD HD Car Dash Camera DVR Camera Recorder Black Box with 6 IR LED Nigh

I just purchased this model from another vendor. First, this is in no way an HD recorder. The video is 640x480 AVI at 30fps. I've been through every menu I can find and there are no HD settings. The instruction pamphlet says it is only 640x480.

What do I like about this: It was only $30. The video is acceptable if you want to document incidents while you drive. Each 2 minute video is about 100 Meg in size and it is pretty easy to find the clip you need. You can turn the audio on or off. The motion detect is good. Just get in the car, listen for the start up chirp when you start the car and go. You can put a date & time on the image.

What's not so great: The video. The resolution almost guarantees you cannot make out signs & license plates. If the sun is in view, you'll see a red spot where the sensor is overloaded. This hasn't caused a problem yet, but I don't think it's a good thing.The mount is not that sturdy, but is adequate. It hangs down from a suction cup on the windshield. I may make a block to sit it on the dashboard for a less conspicuous look. But that may be a bit dodgy as you next the flip down display to aim the camera or look at the menu settings. You have to be careful when handling the camera as the general construction isn't that sturdy. It has 6 IR LEDs on the front. They do pretty much nothing.

Overall: It's a decent little camera for the money. Emphasis is on "for the money". It is not a particularly well built or high performing unit, but I think I will have some fun with it. If I had to guess, within 6 months I'll buy a legitimate 1080 resolution camera and move up to that.

Update: 12/27/12. I have spent much more time with the camera and have stumbled upon the high def settings. But, They are not actually hi def.It is the original 640x480 interpolated (extrapolated?) to hi def. The video is still only so-so, but I like the camera more as time goes by. I am planning on getting something better in the spring when road trip season returns. So far the Sony AS10 is looking pretty good to me.

I've opened the pack and appears be good, the finish is raw plastic, so don't wait glossy surfaces, recommend only VGA mode in video, others is too noisy, good supply in wires and the suction base is good, for the price is good value.

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