Beginning with the fact that a single lens dashcam is a compromise you agree to prior to purchasing it, and to its credit, the AMYET L8 does not pretend to offer something it doesn't. Single lens, 1080p recording, Parking Mode, wi-fi connectivity, and a memory card are included. Check the price of the AMYET L8 on amazon if you feel this trade-off is acceptable, since there is definitely a market for products such as these.
Before we proceed to discuss the rest of this review, worth noting (before we discuss anything else): this listing is disorganized, and i believe the initial rating accurately reflects that. Only Four customers have reviewed this product thus far, and their overall average rating is slightly above 2.5 stars. Although that is a very small sample size, it is not insignificant. In addition to reading through the entire listing, everything else discussed in this article will assume that you read the listing much like you would read a contract before making a purchase.
Specifications & Construction Quality
Below are the specifications that the AMYET L8 offers, according to the manufacturer's website and/or the description provided on the product's listing:
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camera has a single lens. records in 1080p quality. has a 130° angle of view.
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memory card of 64 GB capacity is included. therefore, the system will begin recording immediately upon installation.
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since the system uses capacitors rather than rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, it is referred to as "battery-free" and is claimed to be "explosion proof".
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has a Parking Mode that activates recording when the vehicle is disturbed while parked.
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has an ip65 level of protection against moisture from water. therefore, the system can withstand spraying water from any direction and occasional contact with liquid.
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provides wi-fi connectivity. thereby allowing users to access and download recorded footage via a mobile application running on their smartphone.
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designed to fit on vehicles including motorcycles, tricycles, and electric bicycles.
Battery-free design is probably the aspect of the system that requires the greatest amount of attention. Because lithium ion batteries do not fare well in extreme temperatures , specifically warm temperatures during the summer months , they can swell. Swollen batteries are one of the primary causes of premature failures in dashboard cameras mounted to motor vehicles. Capacitor-based designs reduce post-power-loss recording times in exchange for preventing overheating. Given the fact that many motorcyclists park their vehicles outdoors during the winter months and store them in garages during warmer weather, a capacitor-based design provides a reasonable trade-off for this particular application.
" While i think that terminology may be overly dramatic given the nature of the design element, i do believe that the reasoning behind selecting this design element was logical.
In terms of build material quality, the typical construction components used in many other motorcycle camera systems are utilized. Therefore, there is nothing that stands out about the construction quality of the system. However, because of its relatively lightweight mass, it is highly probable that the system will not experience excessive vibration-induced movement once mounted on a motorcycle. As previously stated, there is no information available regarding how durable this product is going to be, and since there are not even enough ratings to provide sufficient statistical relevance, there is no historical data available to base a determination of durability.
Issues with Listing
As previously mentioned in the opening paragraph, this listing contains inaccuracies. Specifically, although the title of the listing states that it produces 2K images, subsequent sections state that it produces 1080p images. These statements represent conflicting resolutions. and therefore, assuming that 1080p represents the lower number -- i.e., that this product is capable of producing 1080p images -- is advisable. In addition to resolving this issue related to image resolution, AMYET must resolve this issue regardless of whether you choose to purchase this product or another similar product.
With regard to memory cards, one section lists that it includes a 128 GB memory card whereas another section indicates that it includes a 64 GB memory card. Regardless of which number is correct, it affects how long it takes for the memory card to fill with video recordings -- specifically whether or not you will need to perform additional tasks (such as removing old recordings) or simply allow older recordings to be overwritten when the newer ones have taken precedence. Regardless of which method you ultimately employ for managing your memory cards. you must know the actual size of each memory card.
The Trade-offs for Using a Single-lens System
One lens captures one area. That is the entirety of the situation.
At 130° wide-angle view, forward visibility captures what lies ahead in your lane, what comes from across traffic at intersections and what comes from behind you when someone cuts you off. What it cannot capture are events happening behind you. Rear-end collisions are responsible for more motorcycle crashes in traffic than any other type of collision. The purpose of dual-camera systems is primarily due to capturing both angles. especially capturing the rear angle where most evidence exists.
Even though a single lens camera is unable to capture your rear angle. it can still provide better results than having no camera at all. In addition to license plates captured by drivers attempting to flee after hitting you, single-lens systems capture what happened in front of you. which tends to be where liability disputes arise when other drivers claim you swerved into them. This is why single-lens systems are suitable for capturing evidence of most at-fault disputes.
Placement decisions can also make differences based on how you mount your camera. If mounted to your helmet then you capture whatever you see. This allows for greater flexibility than mounting it on your bike and using a fixed reference frame as seen by insurers and law enforcement. Additionally, mounting methods offered by AMYET support both helmet mounts and bike mounts.
Parking Mode & WiFi Connectivity & Battery-free Design
Parking Mode is the best justification for connecting anything to your bike. Once your parked motorcycle senses motion or disturbance. the L8 will activate recording. There are few advantages for parking lot tip-overs and deliberate vandalism than having a camera record evidence while your motorcycle is parked. Power usage is always a problem for Parking Mode operation on all dash cams. and as such a reliable power source such as an external battery pack or a switched bike power circuit is required for extended periods of time beyond a few hours. Unfortunately, the listing does not include either a hard wire kit or an external battery pack. and therefore users will require to find alternative solutions to obtain extended power.
Wi-fi connectivity and the companion application provide the day-to-day user interface. By accessing your clips on your smartphone at a gas station instead of having to pull out your SD card at home. you save yourself time and effort. Furthermore, by being able to download important clip files and continue driving. you maximize your productivity.
Additionally, if you've ever pulled an SD card out of a camera mount wearing gloves. then you'll understand the utility of an application-based workflow.
Loop recording continuously replaces older recordings with new ones when memory becomes exhausted. however, in reality this is simply normal behavior. Prioritize locking incident files or utilizing g-sensors (if applicable) to prevent accidental deletion of important recordings.
Lastly, battery-free design directly relates to everything described in this section. Without batteries, you eliminate the risk of thermal runaway caused by high summer temperatures in a parking lot, eliminates potential problems associated with charging, and removes one additional possible point-of-failure in year-two. Also note that battery-free designs typically mean continuous bike power, which requires proper cabling.
Which Riders Should Avoid Purchasing This Product & Why
You shouldn't consider purchasing this product if you need coverage of events occurring behind your vehicle. Dual-camera rigs solve this problem and increase the chances of capturing crucial evidence at a minimal cost. Most motorcycle accidents occur as a result of rear-end collisions. and therefore dual-camera rigs capture both angles for evidence purposes.
You should also avoid purchasing this product if you're looking for proven reliability. Only Four reviewers have posted comments thus far. and their overall rating averages just above 2.5 stars. Riders seeking assurance will be forced to look elsewhere.
However, if you meet three criteria. then purchasing this product could be beneficial for you. first. you must be willing to settle for coverage only in front of your vehicle. Second. you must prioritize parking-mode functionality coupled with wi-fi capabilities along with the benefits provided by capacitor-style power design over rear camera video coverage. Thirdly. you must be comfortable accepting early adoption status on a listing that has already been inconsistent in describing its own features.
If all three criteria apply to you. then you can consider purchasing this product. If you are an ebike rider or trike rider storing your vehicle in a garage during warmer months and riding locally. then this calculus could work for you. Before deciding. check current pricing for the AMYET L8 on amazon. and read recent customer comments because they move rapidly in both positive and negative ways.
Comparison data for all dash cams can be found on our dash cam comparison chart. New riders can refer to our buying guides for basic knowledge concerning placement options as well as general information about powering dash cams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since readers researching the AMYET L8 motorcycle dash cam tend to ask many common questions. i am providing quick responses below.
Does the AMYET L8 Really Record Video in 2K?
Although i recommend treating this as a 1080p camera. based on my interpretation of contradictory information within the listing headlined as stating 2K images versus specified as 1080p images within body text. Until AMYET resolves the discrepancy between these descriptions. treat it conservatively as a 1080p camera.
How Many Hours Will My AMYET L8 Record During Parking Mode?
Unfortunately. i am unable to answer this question definitively as there appears to be insufficient information presented within the listing that describes the length of time that AMYET L8 will operate in Parking Mode without requiring additional input from a user. Given that AMYET chose to implement capacitor-style power. runtime is dependent solely upon your power supply. Reliable power supplies such as switched bike power circuits or external battery packs are necessary for longer-than-several-hour operations. Hardwire kits or external battery packs are needed for reliable long-duration parking surveillance. however neither were included in either packaging or listed separately on amazon.
Is My 64gb Memory Card Sufficient?
Based upon assumptions made by me relative to loop recording bitrates, approximately several hours' worth of 1080p-quality video will be stored prior to loop-overwrite behavior commencing on 64gb memory cards contained with this product. Based upon those estimates. i believe that 64gb memory cards provide ample storage space for routine riding activities. retaining incident-related content. or both.
However, if you regularly engage in extended touring days and wish to retain more detailed histories prior to loop-overwriting behavior commences. larger capacity memory cards should be considered as inexpensive upgrades. Please confirm with sellers maximum-supported memory-card sizes.
Is the Main Unit Water Resistant?
Yes. however limited! According to specification sheet documentation provided by AMYET. main unit receives an ip65 designation. indicating resistance against rain and water spray from various angles and limited exposure to liquids. Do not expose main unit to submersible conditions or attempt pressure-washing! Sensible mounting practices. avoiding direct sprays towards main unit housing. etc... Should prevent issues resulting from water exposure!
Long-term performance characteristics related to sealing remain undetermined for listing products so young.
Is the Value of an AMYET L8 Compared to a Dual-camera Rig Justified?
Yes! Provided that your risk profile accepts front-only coverage. Rear-end impacts account for more motorcycle accidents than any other accident type in traffic. therefore rear-coverage cameras offer additional opportunities to capture evidence supporting your case when accidents occur. Dual-rigs provide dual coverage at a low incremental-cost increase compared with single-lens rigs offering only front coverage. Users choosing an AMYET L8 select Parking Mode capability. wi-fi connectivity convenience. heat-resistant capacitor-style power design over rear video coverage capabilities.
Compare specs side by side in the comparison table.
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