The ‘Wedge’ A118 / B40 Dashcam Review with Sample Footage
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ต.ค. 2014
- The dash-cam I'm currently using in my car (Oct 2014).
Quick buying links ebay goo.gl/Ih3Asr (US) goo.gl/eWLlEf (UK)
Downloadable Samples & FULL BUYING LINKS HERE: goo.gl/QlJgJm
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This is the camera I use in my car. I have been using it for about 6 months now with no problems at all!
I've just bought one of these and fitted it (the new battery-less capacitor version) and until I received it, I didn't realise how actually tiny it was ! Had to put my reading glasses on to read the menus! Coming from a G1W I hope it's as good, as that has been excellent.
Thanks for your reviews Matt.
I just bought one of these based solely on your review, Have to say it is an excellent little cam and I'm pleased with the purchase!
Thanks for the vid, I found it extremely informative and helpful making the choice between this and the G1W.
In the end the thing that swung it for me was the compactness and discreet nature of this cam when compared to the G1w.
You really dont notice it as much when fitted, especially as it does'nt have a great big suction cup stuck to the windscreen like the G1w.
I have the A118C capacitor model, the only downside for it is the inability to view settings or record when it is not connected to power. *But* the trade off is there is no battery that could cause potential problems....
Another great review as always and made a little better by seeing you've had a trip over the Pennines to Gods county and the lovely Scarborough! Hope you enjoyed it.
Hey Mr. Techmoan... Really wanted to just say thank you for reviewing all the dash cams you've done, and particularly for this one. I was using an app on an old IPod Touch and it was just not really working well anymore so I was in the market for a dash cam when I found that you had reviewed a slew of them. It came down to this one and the little cylinder one - I think the 0806 it's called - and I really liked the shape of this camera. Being more or less a triangle allowed me to tuck it at the top of the windshield more or less behind the mirror. It's out of the way and I've got a black band that GM put at the top of my windshield so it's more or less hidden from outside prying eyes...
My model is slightly different than yours, the buttons are a bit bigger and the center button was shifted downwards. The power socket has also been relocated. I think the only real complaint I have is I do a lot of night driving and the thing blinks a soft red to show that it's working. It's a necessary annoyance as I want to know that it's working, but sometimes it stands out at the edge of my vision blinking ever so slowly. Otherwise it's proven to be a wonderful little camera!
I like your puppet!
Thanks Matt for great videos. After much deliberation chose this over the 0806.
Couple of points 1) Took a while but I eventually twigged you can only enter the menu option, if you switch off record. Mine (a capacitor model) will start to record as soon as it powered up .
2) The interference on FM from the cigarette socket plug provided was crazy. I invested in an Add a circuit double fuse, a 12vto 5v DC converter, and a quality new usb to mini usb cable, Perfect.
Hardwire every time. If a duffer like me can manage it anyone can.
had a car crash 2 weeks ago and bought the same dash cam, it saved me a lot as not fault crash and my car was written off, this dash cam saved my back and held togeather during the crash and sd card was still working how ever the dash cam broke and won't work anymore but I'm away to buy another one there very reliable thanks techmoan
I have been using this camera for a few months now, got one to replace my mini 0801, the audio buzz is on mine as well, think its on them all.
So far it's been a very reliable wee camera, always starts recording each time and has so far never locked up, unlike my old mini 0801 that at the end was locking up all the time and killed three SD cards.
5:40 lol yea I work in the automotive field and I have learned quite a few different names for things involving cars...
We (I live in the mountains of North Carolina, USA) do call the box in the dash a "glove box" sometimes we might just say "in the dash"
The dash is the "dashboard" we say it both ways interchangeably, that might be the same everywhere, not sure.
The rear part under the rear window we technically call the "rear deck-lid" but sometimes people call it the "back dash"
we call the compartment in the center "center console" or just "console" or just "center"
up front you have the "hood" instead of bonnet (although we might call it a bonnet on an old school car where the hood lifts from the side)
out back you have the "trunk" instead of boot (in an SUV or van we would probably just say something is "in the back" or sometimes "in the hatch")
we say "windshield" instead of windscreen but sometimes we call it a windscreen on things like motorcycles.
we call them trucks and they have beds in the back. Not sure who all calls them lorries but I know the Scottish do.
The battery is "dead" when it has ran out of charge. (although since having a New Zealand fella in my old shop I've taken a liking to calling it "flat" ha ha because that is actually what we in the south say when we are referring to a soda pop that has lost it's carbonation, so it makes sense to me)
I am sure there are lots of different terminology and it is also a regional/dialect type thing.
I worked with a guy from Pennsylvania and he called the heat exchanger for the anti-freeze coolant a "RAD-E-ATER"
while most people call it a "RADE-E-ATOR" like you would say in the word radiate... radiator.
I have always been fascinated by dialects and languages in general.
These terms actually get even more complicated with parts and stuff like "sway bar" in the USA, I believe they usually call it an "anti-roll bar" across the pond. We understand both but usually call it sway bar and it is attached with the "sway bar end links" and "sway bar mounts"
Hi techmoan. I finally took a gamble and purchased the a118 (wedge) from watching all of your reviews. i would have really liked the k1s but the a118 (wedge) is a little more in my price range at the moment.
I must say what a great budget cam it is. it is well within the range of the more expensive ones out there and doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.
on a side note it looks like the firmware has improved the sd card entitlement as I am using a Samsung class 10 64gb absolutely fine and it is running like a dream.
just ordered the GPS add on (because like you I love my gadgets) and for a little over a fiver I thought why not.
a big thanks for your reviews which saved me wasting money and pick exactly what I needed.
a happy subscriber.
I love the tutorials that you present...a job very well done! I am still waiting for the right one to come up...and you deserve the link to be pressed - Thank you
I bought the 'Wedge' thanks to this review. Fits perfectly in my E46.
Hi Matt.Ever since I saw your review of this camera last year,I thought it was the best compromise,small,discrete,reasonable quality,fair price.Since then I've been watching all your dashcam reviews,along with others,but decided to bite the bullet and go for the WedgeCam! I got the current capacitor version and after a few days testing am quite impressed. It's fitted in an Audi A3 and the power doesn't go off the 12volt socket when ignition off. So it's a pain constantly putting in and taking out the power plug. Am going to wire it to the fuse box when I get time though. OK, re your review. I find the sound quality excellent with no sign of humming or buzzing etc. I also think that sound is important for the following reasons. I can hear the sound of the indicator going tick tick and also any conversation with the person who denies cutting me up etc. I'm one of those who find the windscreen/windshield reflections annoying. You mentioned in your review that you were looking to find a polarizing filter for this dashcam. Did you have any luck? I, and many others, I'm sure, would like to know how you got on. Keep up the good work.
+Terry C the polarising filter I bought didn't fit. This has a very prominent lens. I haven't used it since making the review.
I might just order this one. Been looking for a dashcam for a while, but I find design really important. This looks pretty neat, and the price seems really reasonable.
Thanks again. I have a older car, but still very small. 1984 Pontiac Fiero SE. This cam looks like it would do well, mounted in the same manner as you have mounted it in your Smart Roadster. Plus, it is in my price-range, or cheaper when I do get the car back out of storage. Wonderful videos, keep 'em coming.
Hi Matt, Thanks for a cracking channel, I always look forward to getting the email that you have a new vid on line. Back to the reason for the message, I'm still using the wedge, in fact the first one was so good I bought another 2. One for the rear and one for a second car. Only issue I have had is in certain light, I get quite a bit of reflection from dash on my Volvo. I recall in one vid you were going to have a play with polarized filters. Did anything ever come of that. Cheers Andy
Very nice review, I found it right after buying a "Levin Dash Cam" online a short 3-years after your review. (Not exactly an early adapter!) It appears identical in every way to your version. I'm in the U-S and have a couple of notes that might help on this side of the pond, Initially, I changed 'TV Mode' in the setup menu to NTSC and 60hz because I thought it would be more friendly to my North American gear. Afterward, my video recorded fine but played back at very high speed! When I set the cam back to default, the recording and playback now appears normally. It's now set for PAL and 50hz. I don't know enough to be able to explain that but it might help someone else along the way. Thumbs up, Thank you!
If you didn't know this already. You've got a great voice for voice over projects or radio. Something tells me that you are already involved in one of the above already. Aside from these TH-cam videos of course.
Couldn't help but see the resembalance of this camera to a whistle when viewed from the side!
Thanks for this review. I installed one of these about a year ago in my Golf on the basis of your review. It allows for a very neat, discrete install. I've used a small 12v to 5v convertor connected to the power in the roof so no trailing wires. Has worked great every day since then. Picture quality is generally very good although registration's can't always be read.
Got CPL filter from China via Amazon. Said it was only for Mini 0806 dashcam, but with black double sided sponge tape managed to fit it and it works well, 90% reflections gone.
Bloody great review mate. The best at reviewing dash cams in my opinion.
excellent review as usual - I bought a G1W Novatek 2.7" Car Dashcamera based on one of your reviews in the past - been excellent and still using it to this day - think I will replace with this one :-)
I just got this cam for $70. This is the best dash car cam so far. GPS antenna is included. Great quality. and fits perfect in the car. Cant beat tha price quality. If anyone knows better cam for the same money or less..please tell me:) $60 without gps antenna.
(SJCAM M10 could be a big competitor, but it has different purposes, not only indash cam)
Thanks you for the great reviews. Always watching them. Cheers
I've had the Wedge for 2 years and it works great. Though I bought one for the back window and it stopped working the 2nd day I had it. It took me 3 months, multiple emails, and getting both eBay and Paypal involved before the seller finally sent me an RMA and reimbursed me. So, the Black Wedge A118 is a good item, AS LONG as you get one from a good seller.
define a good seller? hahah
We have three of these cameras in our family group. They do a good job, and are unobtrusive hidden behind the rear vision mirror.
Thank you so much for your dashcam reviews, they are very helpful! I can't decided between this one and the Mini 0803. I do have one question, does the dashcam automatically lock segments when there has been an accident/collision?
Oh dear the mighty Mobius has met it's match. As a dashcam at least.
Just a suggestion, rather than using a polarising lens to cure the mirroring effect you could try cutting a foam ring to go around the lens to block the stray light. Having said that, a polarising lens may also help with the exposure into brightly lit cloud as well.
Another typically high quality Techmoan review. been subbed for some time now.
i bought this dash cam 2 weeks ago. so far so good. i like the mounting system of the dash cam and from what i can tell, this is a true 170 degree wide angle lens. i just wish it came with an extra adhesive mount and a polarizing lens. i would have paid more.
I big thumbs up for the Roadster! I really miss the one I once had.
I actually thought the audio quality was rather good.
I could hear you very well, I've seen some reviews of you where it was a ton worse but where the camera was a lot more pricey.
Great review nonetheless, keep 'em coming Mat!
Actually looking forward more to old tech reviews, like the TNT Dynamite patch-up you did, somehow it makes me happy inside.
I hope to get back to doing some things like that myself. Unfortunately I've a stack of other more recent gadgets that I need to get to first. If I list them then I'll just get emails asking when the video will be ready, but suffice it to say that I've already got all the gadgets that people keep asking me to review lined up for future reviews.
Ah, you're getting to that stage of being popular on TH-cam... getting more work than you want.
Hope it won't get to your head, that's what made a lot of TH-camrs quit :)
At least you won't be out of content any time soon, which is positive ;)
Manny Calavera It's my own fault - a lot of new gadgets came out at the same time....it's just the time of year, this happened last year too.
Haha some people never learn ;)
Don't start rushing your videos because of this though, not only will it lower the quality of the videos, it also will make you have less fun doing the reviews, and that's why you're doing them in the first place.
Manny Calavera Good advise, thanks.
Just bought one of these! Best around for compact size!👍🏻
A solution to the light issue is to face the camera downwards a bit more so less sky shows. This means there's less of a change of light in each frame so less of a change in exposure.
Thank you So much for the time to making this video. I just received it, and wondering about the ;mounting of it. I couldn’t figure out the wedge plastic piece. But alas, like you said, really don’t need it . One question, the only place I can see for a memory card is on the side where it say TP or something. Mine came with a tiny card in it. Is that what the memory chip is? Thanks again for your great review. David South Georgia (USA)
Just watched this review, brilliant as always.
I noticed that form the menus screen and the sounds is it possible this has the same internals as the sj4000?
So surely you could change the contrast to stop the blackout issue?
Either way, looks the best one I've seen so far, I'll probably get one of these.
Look forward to seeing more reviews.
I liked the look and installation of this dashcam, as well. It is the configuration I've been looking for... I don't like the dashcams with the suction cup dangly things as they waste lots of space. I'll seriously consider this one. Also, I like your batmobile car. Never saw anything like it here in CT, USA.
The audio whistle is likely the electrical noise from the car alternator bleeding through the camera power supply. I get the same problem with my after-market mp3 player. Impossible to fix, even with filters on the 12v.
Thanks for all the reviews. I'm deciding on a dash cam an your reviews are most helpful. The real big problem is KNOCK OFFS on Amazon & Ebay ! How can I order direct from the "real manufacturer". I note your reviews are noted on Amazon under EFrance Mini 1081 listing. It notes your review and knock offs available w/ a comment credited to you noting you may have also been duped by a knockoff in this case. Thanks in advance !
Great video - Good presentation. Excellent little demo - Thanks.
Very cool. Great video review. I recently found your channel and love it. 👍
This is the best dash cam I have ever used. Maybe not the best quality build or image, but for price vs image quality vs fit this thing is unbeatable. I sold my $300 blackvue DR450 and replaced it with this. No fancy gimmicks but it gets the job done and is perfectly designed. Attracts no attention from the outside when mounted and the image is great. People inside or outside don't even know it's there which is what I want from a dash cam.
Wow your car is really nice! It's the first time I see it in full. I thought it was a fiat from other videos were you show the inside roof area, none the less great review! :)
I love your videos. Thank you. Will buy one of your reviewed cameras soon.
the high pitch noise should be able to be pulled out easily by any half decent program, its a steady frequency and thats alot easier to take out than wind (white noise).
I like the design of the "wedge" and the not so great A8 dash cam because they are so small and easy to hide. One thing I liked about the A8 is the yellow RCA video out wire, which would be great for my in dash screen. Are there any other decent cameras with a video out wire that you can think of off the top of your head?
Do you think you can do an in depth review on the Smart Roadster?
Seems like an interesting car.Managed to recognize it in the beginning of the video .Dont no if you threw it in there like the bond on a budget watch.
lol Thanks
Very informative review! I'm buying my first dashcam and I'm at a toss-up between the G1WC and the B40-C. Which of the two would you recommend?
thanks for the great review. this fitted exactly what i wanted. i got one and i have to say its great. only got it as your review was so good. many thanks
I used the GPS attachment and on the Mac I got it to work in the viewer software. It doesn't show the speedometer view but it does show the speed (just above the graph). Brilliant.
I've really appreciated all your reviews! I've got a question about the night footage, while it was decent, it only seemed to pickup in the direction of the headlights, almost like a tunnel vision effect. Are you still keeping it in the Roadster due to its compactness, or have you moved on to something better?
I just bought one of these and there is a sentence on the second page of the manual which says "In playback mode, press and hold the button for five MINUTES to switch the current interface to the recording interface." I haven't tried it, but I like your method of turning off the unit instead.
Hey Techmoan, I purchased this exact dash camera and I am very pleased. Would you recommend a anti-glare lens for this wedge dash cam.
GPS: Is the information embedded in the video clip so that if it's uploaded to TH-cam, that position information is accessible through that? That has pros and cons depending on the situation, if so-
hi, thanks for sharing this impressive video. Could you tell me which brand of A118C is better ? I plan to get one on Amazon
Excellent instruction and in a language that I understand!
Thank you
yes I want to see the review of the A119
outstanding review. what's the software to look for GPS data/ info?
Thanks for the great review. How many hours could you get of continuous recording on a 32GB card? Thank you.
Hi Techmoan, I was wondering if you can review the A119. Not sure if its released yet but I thought you might get a review sample. Thanks in advance.
Have been using one of these for a couple of months now and it's been very good. Found this review today and was pleasantly surprised to see some of your footage was taken around various areas in Wigan. You're not a Pie Eater are you? :-)
Going blind watching other reviews, yours are easy to follow so thanks for that - just wanted to ask if there is such a thing as a dash cam that is for the DASH BOARD and not the windscreen, and if so have you used one?
Great review, do you think it's worth upgrading from the sj1000? Can I ask will the wedge continually record or does it cut off after a certain amount of time? Cheers
Mr Techmoan I enjoy trying to guess what part of Wigan your driving through
Hello Techmoan. What is the MotionDetection? Does that mean that the camera begins to record automatically when it senses movement around the car when parked/turned off and the driver/owner is away?
You should review the Vixia mini x by canon
Won't be long before you reach 100k subs. Well deserved too
Agreed. Long time subscriber, but I still don't own a dashcam and/or budget action camera :-)
Yeah same I don't even drive a car. The videos are still interesting to watch though.
Liam McFarlane Now you've got me wondering what I should be making vids about...
Just gadgets new and old.
Techmoan do the video on something from your hifi collection!
Did you get around to fitting the polarising lens that you said you had ordered to see if it helped with the reflection off your dash?
What settings to brighten it up a bit? Very dark and VERY dark at night.
Thanks for the video.
You covered a few miles in the video, I recognised the area ;-)
Very discretely mounted, but why not power it from the overhead lights? You can buy a cheapo 12v to 5v linear regulator and simplify wiring. That's my plan at least :)
in my prediction you were going to Scarborough when doing your sample clips.
Mr. Moan - Do you happen to know where I would be able to buy a separate/additional windscreen mount for this camera? I have 2 vehicles, and really don't want to have a separate camera for each car.
Most importantly - thanks for all these reviews!
Hi Techmoan, I purchased one of these devices, easily set up and installed after watching your video. My question is how to review the footage on my PC? I connect it to my laptop via the USB and nothing happens. I've tried taking the Micro SD card out of the camera and putting it directly into the memory card reader and still nothing. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
Hi, I recently purchased a "wedge" has anyone mentioned that, it seems very fussy about microsd cards, I could only get one out of 4 to work. But my main problem seems to be that the "stop start technology" of my car turns the dashcam on & off.
Techmoan Firstly great review - Did you have any luck with the Polarizing filter?
Could you do a video summarising the top 5 dashcams of 2014?
Thanks for review. can you tell, can you easy connect mini usb original straight power plug( not angle) ti camera, and original gps unit aux plug and get camera in screen holder? my camera has power and gps connectors with angle, that not allow to attach camera without bending plugs, that even without mentioning that plastic cable channel, as with that need to bend even more. Really easy to damage plugs.
Wonder if pointing the camera down just a little bit more might help the brightness adjustment issue. Unless of course you you are worried about things like space ships crashing into you. :)
I bought two of these-dash cam it works fine in the day but at night it stop recording. any idea ? Thanks
I am interested to know, does this A118C camera retain the date/time and settings if I did not use my vehicle for a few weeks, Eg going on holiday
I noticed you were driving up and down the A64. Were you off to Scarborough by any chance? Great vid too BTW, i always enjoy your dashcam reviews!
For an aesthetic PSU purposes, please consider ebay item: 361087136998. Very reliable units and they will leave your 12 socket free. For a fast on/off - you could drill a tiny hole on one of the panels and fit 261513977084
Could you explain how a jib works and recommend some good but not inexpensive ones for aspiring film makers? Thanks in advance.
Have you ever considered installing a hidden Power socket?
I installed a 2 Port ACC /2 USB under the drivers side kick panel. make it looks a lot more professional and helps with the whole "set and forget" idea of dash cams.
The Camera is good (for price), but there are better cameras, still it makes up for it by being a great shape... The one thing I found was an issue is they all look ugly or are massive and cant be hidden.
I got the Mini 0801 with GPS that you reviewed (because of your review).. small cameras make more scene.
How do you get the screen to go off right away? I just bought one of these cameras, and I can't seem to find out how to make the screen turn off automatically.
I bought a A118/b40 with capacitor and GPS about a year ago,which I like a lot. When I got it I changed it from KPH to MPH because I live in the US. Somehow it's reverted back to KPH and I can't seem to find a way of setting it back to MPH. Any help please? Also thanks for having such a great site. Mike in Indiana.
Can this be mounted reverse as shown in this video?...with the LCD facing up and the mounting side facing down? I want to attach it on top of my dashboard with some double sided velcro tape. Will the video recording be upside down when viewed on my computer? Thanks.
Are there any other dash cams of similar format as this one? Because like you said, even if it's not an awesome performer, it's the physical design of it that makes it a winner. I have considered getting a dash cam, but they all have seemed to be so unnecessarily big and bulky.
I have a blackvue dr650gw 2 channel. I want a camera inside the cab that is discreet, any suggestions?
I have a A118c version and am having problems getting my desktop PC to recognise the SD card from this device. Can anyone help please ?
I have installed the Registrator Viewer which works when the Wedge is connected directly to the PC via a USB lead
Hi techmoan , I have I quiz !
Those AV out put realtime ? Or only for playback . What I want is to use my DVD playerd screen for live view or play back . Its NTSC !
That map looked like the default 'Mapnik' rendering from OpenStreetMap, not Google Maps. It's nice to see OSM get some usage.
It probably is. According to the Registrator Viewer website, it can use Google Maps, Open Street Maps, Bing Maps, Yahoo Maps, Nokia OVI (HERE) Maps, ArcGIS, Baidu, ...- for full information on the capabilities of Registrator Viewer - visit the website www.registratorviewer.com/features_en.html
Great video, I recently purchase a model such as this except it is the capacitor version. The GPS and camera unit both work great, but is there a way to turn the GPS units from km/hr to miles/hr. I live in the US and we don't use Kilometers. I can't seem to find any settings that change that. Thanks
Nice to see the Roadie again.
Hi Mr Techmoan. Just bought 3 Transcend cameras in last month for family, now I'm wishing that I had waited!
btw. Have you any plans to review GPS speedo apps? There are some great ones that bike club use. Speedview, Ulysse, digiHUD. Ulysse has a HUD build in.
Great site!
I have a G1W-C and was wondering what differences there were functionally with this.
With the Blueskysea version I have, I can view the video on the unit fast forwarding at 2x, 4x, and 8x, which is invaluable compared to another clone that only plays back at 1x. It think it was mentioned that this unit crashes when playing at fast forward; is that correct? That'd be a deal breaker if so. I don't have a problem with crashing on playback, so it wouldn't be worth getting this having that problem, just to get a marginally better size and mounting arrangement.
Also, with the ball mount on the G1W-C, I can swivel the camera left and right if necessary; but I'm not sure how it could be done on this one when it's mounted with the permanent tape. I thought I read a description that it could swivel left and right somewhere, but based on what I could tell in the video, that's not possible; only adjustment is up and down.
The form factor seems nice that it could be more easily tucked behind the mirror than with the ball mount, but it also seems to have its drawbacks too.
Also, is the video output on this any improvement over the G1W-C?
Firstly, this is the best $50 small dash cam I believe: I've been using the wedge for about a year here in Colorado. It's main benefit is obviously it's size although where I live people don't steal things from cars (here in the USA we just like to shoot each other :) ) AND the little button to save the clip is nice. Video is so, so for an HD camera and they are all going to be like that unless you mount a nice DSLR onto your windshield or buy one of those $350 high end Korean jobs. A 4k camera can have worse pricier that a good 720p one - remember that.
My 2c from doing the dash cam thing for the past 3 years.
Liked and subscribed.
For this camera what is the best motion detection setting?
Tnx for the review, could you please review the Street Guardian SG9665GC v2? Tnx.
I think I like this one the best because when installed it doesn't look like a normal dash cam. It could be mistaken for some sort of collision avoidance camera.
One idea for you videos particularly for this camera is to maybe measure them because it looks like this is more of integrated fit than other cameras.
Oh and though I'm from the US I speak metric though it sounds like you don't always speak it. :)
I bought this camera just different name brand "black box" been using for 2 months and some how it sometimes turns off out of the nowhere and I have to unplug it from the energy source and plug it back in and it works just fine. what would the reason be for this little issue?