BlackVue DR650GW / DR650S Dual Camera

Not happy – I’ve had this camera for years, so why has the app keeps changing? It now says incorrect password which is a lie, I was only in it about 4 days ago. Show details

Great after sales help! Ill will be upgrading my next car with BlackVue – I purchased my car with 8 kilometres on the clock. The first mod was this dash cam. Originally professionally installed in October 2016 by someone in NSW. I thought the included SD card was a little small, so I got another larger one. The replacement SD card was easy to install. Later in Dec 2020 I found the front camera was recording an image… Read more ·  1

with hot pink and green and yellows, you could see things happening just only in these colours … Very trippy. I contacted Black Vue in Perth, Mark McGowanstan (formerly Western Australia), to request their assistance in getting this fixed and I found the process was very simple and straightforward. I appreciated that BlackVue team made an effort to get the camera fixed up and returned quickly. Gold Star!

Great camera, slick design – In my experience, the camera worked well. I bought it in Sep, 2016. So far, I was driven with this camera for over 70000 km (almost 4 years) and who knows of how many hours of parking mode. I kept the genuine SD card and it still works as well. The main point for me is that the camera worked for the purpose I bought (which is recording). It was… Read more

always recording without any issues, especially with that hot weather in QLD.

It also the best-looking camera on the market. Cables the thinnest of any other cameras which makes them easy to hide behind interior panels. Night-time recording is awesome. Parking mode (connected to a battery pack) works great. It ticks all the boxes for me. A bit pricey, but I got almost 4 years out of it and I am looking forward to another 4 years. It the long run, it ended up good value for money for me.

I had some non-critical issues with the speaker (out of warranty period). However, the Aus Warranty team from Blackbox fixed it for me. No complaints here.

If I am upgrading, I will buy Blackvue again. I paid for bundle with the parking mode battery pack.

The product doesn't last long – Good customer service. I sent it to BlackBox in Perth to repair, the team had a prompt response and good communication for the issue, so everything was fixed very professionally also came back with a free tracking post. Show details ·  3

Didn't last a year – Purchased in June 2018 and hardwired with optional Power Magic Pro at $500+. I'm an account manager so on the road all day everyday. Had too many near misses and also a couple of carpark hit and runs so decided to upgrade my basic Garmin dashcam (which had worked flawlessly for a couple of years) with the BlackVue DR650S-2CH. The BlackVue seemed… Read more

like a quality unit, and by all accounts ticked all the boxes but very quickly had issues. Did not last one summer! Less than 9 months later the housing on the front camera had completely buckled and warped so the unit would no longer sit in the mount, and would constantly restart itself (with the genuine BlackVue memory card, another annoying feature that the unit will not work if you use anything else!). Sent back for warranty repair which took about 4 weeks (with no dashcam in the meantime...).

Eventually got it back and only lasted about another 4-5 months, now out of warranty. The voice alerts no longer worked, all I could hear was a very faint but indistinguishable muffled noise - took me a couple of weeks to work out it wasn't a new squeak in the car but the BlackVue. Constantly restarts itself for no apparent reason, multiple times per day. Then not long after I couldn't get wifi to work, so no connectivity without unplugging the unit and removing the microSD card. Now at about 18 months since new the unit is basically inoperable. Only records occasionally when it feels like it, other times both lights are on solid and its doing nothing at all. Oh and did I mention it constantly restarts itself multiple times per day? Annoying as you're losing footage each time. On the odd occasion the unit has recorded something of value the GPS doesn't seem to work, therefore no location/speed etc. On the iPhone app and on my computer just shows a nice map of North America - pretty useless when you live in Australia....

Very disappointing experience overall - could not possibly recommend based on my experience.

Second time it's faulty! – This is the second time this camera is playing up. First time only GPS light was lighting up so it was fixed free of charge and chip replaced. Now the camera runs for a while then the GPS light stay alight and red recording light turns off. Also camera makes a funny noise. Unplug it and restart camera and same thing happens all over again. Not happy! Show details

Great when it worked – My dash cam was purchased and installed by a reputable dealer just over two years ago. It has been replaced because it kept restarting and the replacement unit was repaired under warranty because the internal power in the front camera was faulty. The dealer has sent it off again today because the front camera won't power up. I'm very… Read more

disappointed- I was assured this was a very good brand and I seem to have had nothing but trouble with it. I drive approximately 1000 kms a week and need a good, reliable unit for peace of mind on the road.

Only Dash cam to Have – Needed to be hard wired but well worth the effort. So impressed will keep it for whatever car i drive even though costly to have hardwired. Havent needed to update software after 2 years of wear. Costly to buy but so much better than cheaper dash cams. Before buying a dashcam its worthwhile doing the research. This product is worth the money.....  Show 2 replies

Avoid – I wouldn’t recommend this camera at all, it’s been nothing but trouble. The WiFi connection is hopeless, it only works if you sit in the car right next to the unit. So it’s pointless. It takes several attempts to login once you do get the WiFi connection, the unit keeps saying “wrong password” even though it is the right password that has been… Read more

saved on my phone from the previous log in. Contacted BlackVue and was told to download the new firmware, which is a complicated process with little instruction. That changed nothing. Issue remains. The camera also interferes with my cars DAB radio making it pretty much impossible to listen to the radio at all because it keeps dropping out. I have put noise suppression choke ferrite core clips on the cables which didn’t help either. To watch a video back takes ages to download when watching on your phone, but does work well if you can be bothered removing the card to plug into your computer. I also got the power pack for constant recording. The motion detection is a load of rubbish, I have the settings on the lowest possible detection and it just constantly records. So in the garage at night with zero movement the camera just keeps making new files with nothing happening. It should only start recording and create a new file once some movement is detected. So if I did have an accident I’d have about a day to get the vision before it would be recorded over with files containing nothing. I would expect these issues from a cheap $100 camera but not from a expensive “top of the line” camera like this. Would definitely NOT recommend.

Avoid this unit – The dash cam worked very well for a while then stopped working without any warning. Changing the SD card, rebooting, downloading and installing firmware are all complicated and time consuming. Theres a constant “invalid settings” warning. I’ll be looking to get my money back and get a more reliable dash cam.

Expensive Popular Camera and Pretty Reliable – I bought this about 12 months ago when I picked up my new car got it installed a week later after picking up the car, the camera was all setup and functioning a few months later upgraded the SD card to the black box 128gb card. All working for about 8 months then the battery seem to be an issue because it was not holding the settings would of have… Read more ·  4

to reset the camera once a month due to time and date was incorrect. I went back to the dealer to get it assessed been advised it just needed a firmware update. The camera was up to date prior, didn’t believe it and got in contact with Auto black box and they had for it replaced with a new one. I would of given it a lower rating but auto blackbox restored my faith in reliability of blackvue brand. I was at first upset as I bought the latest dash cam and a month later the newer edition came out and couldn’t return it.

ALL THE SEARCHES SHOW THAT THE REAR CAMERA IS TERRIBLE – I have a fleet of cars, and one Blackvue 650 2 ch, nothing but issues from day on, cable to rear renewed, rear camera stopped no power now, multiple issues with the upgrades, and cloud etc, I think the rear camera is better than the front on video, but it never works, so thats in the bin. No more Blackvue for me.

Not worth the money – Purchased this unit 18 months ago. Had it fitted by an auto electrician complete with the power magic pro. This unit worked well for the first 6 months but then came daily issues, ranging from, loss of audio, no recordings, turning on and off at random times. Seriously every couple of weeks something would go wrong. I contacted blackvue support… Read more

and with there assistance via email over a 6 month period, it was diagnosed as having a broken NAND memory??

Anyhow since it was outside the warranty period they were not prepared to fix it at there cost.

Not happy with the product, will be removing and throwing in the bin over the weekend.

Save your money.

Customer Service from Autoblackbox WA (Aust Supplier) – In a previous review in regards to the BlackVue cameras, we had problems with reliability and problems with SD cards. Tom from Auto BlackBox contacted me personally to discuss the problems. After sending items back I was kept informed. I would note the DR650GW dual camera, 64gb card, tinted lens were the items sent. Although the DR650GW was… Read more ·  1

just over 2 years old the expectation from me is that I should get more than 2 years usage. The rear camera lens ended up being replaced, 64gb card (Blackvue) was also replaced (less than 12 months old which was a previous replacement) and the tinted lens cover which had started crazing was also replaced.

In a previous post, I also indicated cards should last more than 12 months due to the cost. Auto BlackBox also supplied a spare 32gb Blackvue card at no cost so thanks for that.

I would say the customer service was excellent from Tom and also Chaim.

As it stands we now disconnect all cameras at night or when the cars aren't being used when parked at home to help with the SD cards lasting longer.

We also carry a spare SD card in our cars (Driving School Cars) so if we have a "card issue" (card saying please check SD card) we can simply swap the card over to maintain the cameras operating whilst on driving lessons.

After using these cameras for a few years overall they work quite well but you do need to monitor your SD cards. By that, I mean regularly view the videos on a computer to ensure they are recording properly and the time zones don't change and there is no disruption to continuous recording. Broken recordings can mean you may need a new card. (Card formatting and checking firmware should be checked first)

Due to having dual cameras, the cards can rewrite quite quickly (when set at higher resolution) so a larger capacity card should be used especially if you leave your car in public car park. (Magic Pro required for operation when engine not running or parked for long period)

It's a shame they don't have a pivot so the camera can be turned to the sides when needed rather than fixed straight ahead or behind and maybe a "time-lapse" recording for parking as some other brands do.

At least it's good to see that the customer service is great and resolved our issues.

Well done to Autoblackboz in WA.

Geoff

Penrith Driving School

Good, but not cheap – This is not actually what I wanted. I wanted one with a screen because I have a Bull motor body on the back and it would be good to be able to see what is directly behind me as I am driving. Ultimately the rear camera was the clincher for getting this unit over any other, it was the only one in Australia at the time with an all weather rear… Read more ·  1

camera. I also opted for the BlackVue SD card, they are expensive but I watched a Youtube reviewer who had issues with a non BlackVue SD card so I figured I would forego that pain and get one straight from the start. The stupid pricing on the SD card is what prompted me to give 4 stars, not 5.

There were a couple of issues in the first month or so, that ended up being caused by the SD card failing.

Claiming warranty was totaly painless though. Black box in Perth were a pleasure to deal with.

The front camera is unobtrusive and it has performed well since a firmware update in March.

I do like that it will record while parked too.

Not happy – I purchased the 650GW 2ch some time ago. I was fine for about 13 months then the SD card problem started. I tried various SD cards including the one from Blackvue. I kept getting the "Please check the SD card" message. I'd re format the card once a week and kept getting the error message. I disconnected the rear camera and the problem stopped. I… Read more

payed for a 2ch dash cam but I've ended up with a 1 channel cam. Never again will i buy a Blackvue dash cam.

motion sensor warnings are flooding in post firmware upgrade – Hi, Today I upgraded the firmware of my dashcam. Post the upgrade, the sensor warnings are flooding in despite the fact that I have put the impact sensor to 20. I have tried multiple numbers ranging from 20 to 100 and not seen a change. Surely I can't set it to too low so wonder what the ideal number. Has anyone seen this issue? regards, JB

Can’t trust this camera, I purchased it to safe guard any claims against me in an accident. It has f – How many words does it take to let you know that I feel very dissatisfied with the purchase of this unreliable dash cam, I thought I was buying the best but maybe a cheap one would have served better. It is obviously a bad unit as you have discontinued it that’s the best thing for it.

Best dash cam and best customer care – I upgraded from the 650w to the 650S 2CH. The cameras are fantastic. Prior to upgrade, the service and actual customer care from Auto Blackbox was exceptional. I strongly recommend anyone experiencing technical issues to contact them for solutions and guidance first. They know the product and will have the best option for you. They truely care… Read more ·  1

about their customers. I can’t recommend them enough.

A little story about the first difference i noticed in the upgraded cameras.

I had an evening meeting to attend and I arrived early. I turned the ignition off and sat in my car going through emails for about 15 minutes. I went to the meeting and when it’s finished i get back into my car and turn the ignition on, the camera turns on as usual then i hear “an impact was detected in parking mode”

I drive home and start walking around my car checking for damage. I see none.

I jump in the car and look at the footage recorded whilst i was in the meeting. Nothing.

I check the event on the camera and there I see a woman walking past the front of my car carrying a hand bag. I think, she must have hit my car with her bag. I get out and check the front of my car again but can’t see any damage. I go back inside my car and check the footage again. I notice this woman is walking towards the same building i was in. Who is she? I take a closer look and it suddenly dawns on me... it’s me.

Because i turned the ignition off and sat in my the camera went into park mode.closing my door after this registered as an impact.

Love this camera!

Perfect tools – I have this due camera for more than 2 years, and it's still perfect. I have installed 64gb as card in it and I have no issues at all. Highly recommended. Rear and front camera. It's has nice options and I can use it with clouds as well. All good Thanks.  Show reply

Piece of mind – Bought it 2 years ago for my new 4x4, really good quality and pay what you get for. Tucks well behind the rear view mirror. Only problem with it, it’s slow for download a video and SD card is too low at 16gb (2hrs usage before it rewrite over), Would love to have a 64 or 128gb.  Show reply

The most irritating distracting unintelligible voice ever – Four days after installation I emailed Blackvue about the helium assisted voice they now have on the dashcam. Their response was - just turn it off!! I have paid a substantial amount for this system and find the voice SO irritating and additionally almost incomprehensible when the car is running. As it is installed just behind the rearview… Read more

mirror having the announcement is my indication that the system is working.

I have an older model that just plugs into the lighter socket and the voice is clear and van be understood.

I have just had it checked and the 'fix' was to turn up the volume so I can hear helium girl slightly louder. Was informed that they are all like that.

The camera etc is probably ok but the distraction level when you are driving is unacceptable.

Won't power up after upgrade to v1.008 – Installed with Power Magic Pro. Worked perfectly until I upgraded the firmware to v1.008. It started continually powered on and off by itself when I was driving for a whole day, and it didn't power up at all the next day. Does the firmware v1.008 has a big issue? Because I saw your website released a newer firmware v1.009 immediately. But as I… Read more

can't power up the unit I can't upgrade it to the latest version. Very disappointed as I just used it for two weeks.

Best Dashcan – After doing a lot of research I bought this dashcam about 18months ago (and talked my 2 sons into buying one) prior to driving to central Australia. Recorded and downloaded the whole driving as i also bought additional 128gb sd cards.. Went back this year and whilst in Alice Springs it kept rebooting. As i was taking it out of cradle dashcam fell… Read more ·  1

onto centre console and stopped working. Would like to get it repaired or if too expensive happy to buy updated version where i can still use the same rear camera. Just need to know if there is any repair centre in Melbourne that can give me a quote for repairs. Thanks Pete M

Works well, paid for itself, wireless no longer works – I received the two channel camera for my 60th birthday two years ago and it has worked very well, except now the wireless function has stopped working so I can no longer check the recordings from my phone, which is a small inconvenience as I have to take the SD card out and view the footage on my computer. Apart from that, it has worked well and… Read more ·  4

paid for itself. Not long after installing it (fairly easily I found), I was waiting at a traffic light to turn right when the car in front of me suddenly reversed into me. The driver insisted I had hit him, but I quickly showed him the footage from my camera revealing his reversing lights coming on and my velocity as zero which convinced him of the error of his ways.

Thinking of getting one for my wife's car too. Great product

Worked For A Total Of 4 Months Of True Time (Driving Equiv) Then Gps / Speed Failed – The camera was fine until blackvue started issuing firmware updates. It was updated to last v2.008 and speed read capture eventually stopped at some point. During the support trials of keep putting re formats of same firmware and then one attempt to do it via phone which the last method now has rendered it useless. Won't restart at all even the… Read more

the last instruct after the upload from the iphone app was to re boot it now sits all day with red/green alternating flashing light plus the blue blinker. The update via sd in pc won't save it either now. Reading all reviews google wide its a common fault over time. Why else was it superseded. No confidence in blackvue product line now on.

It might suit your vehicle, but I regret this purchase – I did a lot of research to find a dual-channel camera suitable for a convertible. Ultimately chose this one. It is a good camera, with good video and audio quality, but you'd expect that for a $558 (+extra for essential 'accessories' like a cable and polarising filter) camera! My main complaint is that the front-facing camera image is… Read more

upside-down. Because of the rain sensor on my windscreen, I have to mount it in a particular position (to keep my view unobstructed). While the rear camera has an option to invert its image, the front one does not have this option. It cannot be that hard to add a feature that already exists for one camera to the other camera! We're not asking them to invent anything new.

Many customers have requested this option from the manufacturer on their support forum. Their response was for us to just invert the image in their viewer software - but that then makes the date, time, speed, etc, text all appear upside-down! And with the rear camera view displayed picture-in-picture, the rear camera image then becomes upside-down. This is not a valid solution.

If you export the video from their software (i.e. to give to law enforcement or court as evidence), the image is upside-down regardless of the settings in the viewer.

The advertising stated 360 degree rotation, which is misleading when only 180 of it is usable to result in an upright image.

On their forum, the manufacturer has stated that they are considering our 'suggestion', but now - a year later - they still have not included this feature in any firmware updates while they keep releasing 'new' products.

While I was researching, the other camera that made the shortlist was the MiVue 850 Dual. I should have gone with that one. I regret purchasing the BlackVue - it is not fit for my vehicle (despite their false advertising) and the after-purchase support is lacking.

BlackVue DR650GW-2CH – Its a little late with my review of the DR650GW as it has been superseded however I'm sure this review would cover the latest model as well. I was very impressed with this dashcam camera and the quality of it. Very easy to use and setup and the fact I can look at the footage wirelessly without removing the SD card was a real bonus. Picture… Read more ·  1

quality is superb.

Initially I had it installed in my Honda Accord and because I parked in the City and City car parks I wanted to incorporate the PowerMagic option to keep an eye out if someone bumped into my car.

This was a big mistake.

Once installed and the PowerMagic set for the higher voltage and lower timeout I found my battery was continually going flat in spite of the battery being only 1 year old.

I had NRMA check the battery state thinking it was the battery but on each occasion (had it checked twice) the battery came up good.

Even had the installer recheck all the settings.

I have since had the DR650GW installed in my new car without the PowerMagic as I no longer park in the City.

I do recommend the Blackvue however if you want to keep an eye out on the car when parked I would suggest paying the extra for the Cellink-B battery pack.

I bought the unit from http://www.sportgps.com.au who have great customer service. Would recommend them if you are looking to buy a dashcam of whatever persuasion.