The OMBAR T1 4K dash cam is designed to cover a range of scenarios, from showcasing those precious moments with your children during road trips to providing essential evidence in the event of an accident. I recently had the opportunity to extensively test this 3-channel dash cam to evaluate its performance and features.
This content is sponsored by OMBAR, and while the insights and opinions expressed here represent my independent view, I acknowledge the sponsorship.
Exceptional Features and Capabilities
Right from the outset, I was captivated by the robust suite of features that the OMBAR T1 4K offers. Its triple-camera system provides high-resolution video across all lenses. Notable features include:
- Front camera offering up to 5K resolution (4K when used with other channels)
- 1080p resolution for both rear and interior cameras
- Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 sensor in the front
- STARVIS IMX307 sensors for the rear and cabin cameras
- Full-color night vision performance
- Automatic video locking upon collision detection
- Consistent 5GHz Wi-Fi connection for seamless app access
Hassle-Free Installation and Setup
The installation process for the OMBAR T1 4K dash cam was remarkably straightforward, aided by clear instructions. The guide walks you through everything from connecting the front and rear cameras to initializing settings using the included 128GB SD card.
All necessary items for installation are part of the package, including static stickers and adhesives for camera mounting, as well as alcohol prep pads. I appreciated the inclusion of a “Smile! You are on camera” sticker as a thoughtful alert for other drivers.
Completing the installation involved securing any excess wiring, which the tool provided made easy. The generous length of the cables ensures compatibility with various vehicle types, including SUVs, allowing me to get up and running within approximately ten minutes.
For those keen on utilizing the parking sensor, please note that a separate hardwire kit is required. I did not have this equipment for this review, but should you acquire it, the dash cam can maintain 24/7 monitoring with the vehicle’s engine off.
Menu Navigation Challenges
The OMBAR T1 4K dash cam lacks a touch screen interface, relying instead on physical buttons located beneath the device. I found this placement less than ideal, as it makes the buttons harder to access and identify while operating the cam.
Initially, I struggled to become accustomed to the button layout, quickly hitting the wrong options. For instance, I frequently activated the video lock feature instead of capturing a photo. However, the video locking function operates effectively when needed.
Navigation through extensive menu options can prove tedious, as switching options requires repeatedly pressing arrow buttons. With 28 settings scattered across multiple pages, this can be cumbersome.
I also encountered issues with the picture-taking feature, as the manual suggests using the left arrow, while, for me, the right arrow seemed to be the only functional choice—and even that only worked sporadically.
Simplified Management with the App
Managing settings through the RoadRec app proved significantly easier. After enabling the dash cam’s 5GHz Wi-Fi and connecting my device, I was able to view the live feed, take photographs, and efficiently download videos and images directly to my smartphone.
The app exceeded my expectations by maintaining the camera’s Wi-Fi connection until I opted to turn it off, eliminating the hassle of constantly re-establishing a connection. It even includes video replay features driving data like location and speed, alongside simple camera view switching options.
Additionally, the OMBAR T1 integrates a quad-mode GPS system, utilizing BeiDou, GLONASS, GPS, and Galileo for precise location tracking embedded in recorded footage.
Tailored Monitoring for Every Driver
The versatility of the OMBAR T1 4K lies in its capacity to monitor both the interior and exterior of a vehicle. Drivers can customize their view to focus solely on what they deem most important, eliminating unnecessary footage.
Here are the available combinations:
- 4K Front (3840 x 2160p at 30fps), 1080p Interior (1920 x 1080p at 30fps), and 1080p Rear (1920 x 1080p at 30fps)
- 4K Front (3840 x 2160p at 30fps) and 1080p Rear (1920 x 1080p at 30fps)
- 5K Front at 25fps (alternative modes: 4K or 2K available for storage saving)
No matter the selected configuration, videos maintain clarity, allowing easy identification of license plates and details in both bright and dim lighting situations.
Outstanding Clarity in All Conditions
The front camera is equipped with a Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 sensor, optimized for various lighting conditions without compromising video fidelity. For both the rear and interior, the dash cam uses the STARVIS IMX307, with the cabin lens featuring a wide f/1.8 aperture for enhanced visibility.
The resulting footage is vivid and colored, maintaining quality whether in daylight or nighttime conditions. The rear-facing camera also performs competently at night, although complete darkness may obstruct visibility entirely.
Features You’ll Appreciate
Several dash cams struggle in extreme weather conditions, but I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the OMBAR T1 during a recent heatwave, where temperatures soared above 100°F. Thanks to its supercapacitor, the camera endured the heat flawlessly while safeguarding against too much cold or heat automatically shutting it down.
In the event of a collision, important footage is automatically locked, ensuring it isn’t overwritten by loop recording. Interestingly, hitting bumps like potholes will trigger this lock as well.
Additionally, I found the headlight reminder feature invaluable. If you often forget to turn on your headlights dusk, this dash cam will provide a timely alert.
Compact Design for Comprehensive Monitoring
The compact size of both the front and rear cameras ensures they do not obstruct your view while maintaining optimal monitoring capabilities. With a 3-channel configuration, you’re always equipped to capture what matters most.
In conclusion, the OMBAR T1 4K dash cam not only met but exceeded my expectations, despite a few minor drawbacks. You can purchase the OMBAR T1 4K dash cam for the competitive price of $139.99, with further discounts available using the code 7BBUL3NP.
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