Hi and welcome to our Thinkware X700 dash cam review. This is a dash cam that is suitable for any user. It’s great for the first-time or seasoned user, especially if you are looking for a reasonably priced and easy to use dash cam. Thinkware is one of the most trusted name in the dashcam industry. Added to that, their award-winning products offer some of the best features on the market.
The X700 dash cam belongs to Thinkware’s x-series line of LCD dash cams that come with upgrades and improvements, and this dash cam does not disappoint. Some of the functions include buffered parking mode, loop recording, motion detection, as well as impact detection. If you prefer a dash cam with a screen, then this one is actually one of the top recommended.
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Thinkware X700 Dash Cam Review
This dash cam is available as a single front facing camera or a dual camera set up. Both the front and the back camera records in full HD at 30 frames/second. It also has automatic emergency recording in the event of a collision.
It has a 2.7 inch LCD screen and it’s small size makes it great for placing on your windshield, as it won’t obscure your view of the road. In terms of usability, the responsive touchscreen makes a big difference. A touch screen means you won’t have to be fumbling with any small buttons, that most LCD dash cams use.
The Thinkware X700 provides a140 degree field of vision. Added to that, the wide dynamic range technology allows the camera to automatically adjust to any changes in light conditions. The goal is to enhance the video footage of the dash cam by minimizing glare or providing more light in dark conditions. So sudden light changes won’t make a difference, as the color and light balance, work to make your footage more functional.
Super night vision
This dash cam uses the Sony STARVIS image sensor. This sensor provides crystal-clear high-quality footage. It also comes with night time video enhancing technology, which reduces noise and enhances image quality. However, you need to keep in mind that this feature only works in parking mode.
Safe driving and warning system
Many users have found the video quality of the X700 to be better than other LCD model dash cams, including Garmin and Nextbase. Thinkware is also big on safe driving. That’s why they have included road safety warning systems in many of their dash cams, including the X700.
However, to access the built-in road safety features, the optional GPS antenna is needed. While the GPS is included in the dual camera package, it is not included in the front only camera option. But the system includes the lane departure warning and front collision warning.
Having these features are like having an extra pair of eyes on the road with you. And the system will initiate only when you are driving faster than a certain speed. However, the GPS facilitates the function of this particular feature. So if you want this feature then you have to add the GPS.
Alerts
The X700 can also alert you to upcoming speed and red-light cameras. Exceptional parking surveillance capabilities are also included. Truth be told, this dash cam has all of the features that people have come to expect from Thinkware products.
Similar to all the other dash cams on the market, you’ll need hardwire installation, if you want to use the parking surveillance mode. So don’t forget to add the hardwire kit to your order before checkout. As an alternative, you can fit an external battery pack into your dash cam setup. That way you’ll have a power supply for your dash cam even when your vehicle ignition is off.
Including a dash cam battery pack as part of your installation, would provide more hours of recording time. The X700 can be set up to record in specific parking modes by default. An external dash cam battery pack, such as the Cellink Neo, can provide up to 30 hours of extra recording.
Motion and impact detection
Once the X700 dash cam detects any motion or impact, it will automatically record and save the incident footage. The footage file is buffered. That means that the dash cam would save 10 seconds leading up to any detected impact. This provides a more comprehensive protection feature.
This dash cam uses a supercapacitor so it keeps the camera powered for a few seconds after you’ve shut down your engine or in the case of a power cut in the event of a serious collision.
The X 700 has an optimal operating temperature range of -10 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius. With that said, you can confidently keep the camera on in a hot vehicle without having to worry about it being damaged, or malfunctioning.
Accessing footage files
You can access your footage files on the touchscreen display or you can download Thinkware’s free viewer software, which is available on their website. The viewer allows you to review or delete any of your unneeded recordings and it is available in both Windows and Mac OS. You can also use the viewer software to configure your dash cam settings.
Similar to other dash cams, if you want to transfer your footage files to your computer, you’ll need to remove the micro SD card from the dash cam and insert it into the computer, using the included micro SD card reader.
The X700 Thinkware dash cam does not have built-in Wi-Fi. That means you will not be able to connect your dash cam using a mobile viewer app on your smart phone, to view footage files.
What’s included in the package?
The dual package includes:
- Front and rear cameras
- External GPS
- 12-volt cigarette lighter power cable
- User manual
- 16 gigabyte Thinkware micro SD card and Card reader
While the GPS module comes with the dual camera package, it is optional for the front only camera package.
An adhesive mount and adhesive tapes are also included inside the dual camera package. The user manual comes with multiple language options, including English. Other languages include, Korean Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Italian.
Summary – Thinkware X700 Dash Cam Review
Overall, the X700 is easy to use and it is a reliable dash cam that delivers straightforward but comprehensive features at an affordable price. It is well constructed and delivers the quality performance you expect from a Thinkware dash cam. So if you are looking for a dash cam that provides the convenience of a touchscreen and top of the line performance, from a reliable and trusted brand, then the X700 is definitely worth it.
The THINKWARE X700 records at 1080P, 30 FPS, so they say. The well known electronics company we purchase the camera from boasts the ability to read license plates in the recorded footage. In no footage from my X700 or any other X700 footage on-line has a license plate been readable. Maybe in perfect conditions IE the vehicle in front is motionless, within 10 feet of the camera and on a very clear day. The resolution is simply not there. Either 1080P and or 30FPS is not capable of catching clear enough motion to read license plates or the PC viewer software does not match the cameras ability. In this day of congestion coupled with some totally stupid driving I believe that the ability to record what is happening around you is the only way you can have any real tangible evidence of whats happening. A license plate number is required for any police agency to act.
Hi Rob,
Thanks for dropping by. I absolutely agree with you that you need to record what’s going on around you. No doubt about that. Most dash cams that “read” or pick up license plate, you’ll notice that it’s on a clear day, really good lighting at night, or the vehicle is close enough for that to happen. It’s unlikely that a license plate would be clearly picked up when the conditions are not right; dismal, and gloomy, etc.