When considering whether to invest in the Realdio dual front and rear motorcycle dash cam, you need to consider that it is the least expensive option available for obtaining two-angle coverage without overspending. While it is sufficient for the basic requirements of low-budget motorcyclists (providing a safety net for potential insurance claims), it sacrifices video clarity for economy. If your primary concern is being able to clearly identify a vehicle's license plate number at distances greater than 50 feet, then this may not be the camera for you.
Specs and Build
Each unit comes equipped with two separate cameras: one camera has a 120° front viewing angle. The other camera has a 90° rear viewing angle. It is equipped with a 3.0" wide-screen HD display that provides a split-view screen allowing you to view both camera feeds simultaneously. Included with each unit is a 64GB MicroSD memory card.
Therefore, you do not have to purchase additional memory immediately. Each camera also comes with its own universal mounting hardware for installation on various handlebars. Additionally, each unit contains a 12-24V to 5V step down adapter for attaching to your bike's battery via a single connection.
The units appear to be very ruggedly constructed. Each unit is rated as waterproof at an IP67 rating, and each unit is capable of operating within a temperature range of -20C to +50C. These ratings indicate that the Realdio dual dash cams are capable of surviving extreme weather conditions such as snow and ice during the winter months and extremely hot temperatures during the summer months. Most cheaper electronic devices will typically stop working when exposed to extreme cold temperatures. However, according to the manufacturer, these units were developed specifically for exposure to extreme temperatures.
If you wish to check the current prices of the latest versions of this hardware, you can find them on Amazon.
The 720P Tradeoff
In terms of actual footage viewed, you will notice that the practical effects of using a lower resolution camera will be evident. For example, a 720P camera in the front view area can capture a license plate number at close proximity. However, a 1080P camera would provide substantially more detail which enables clear identification of the license plate number even if the vehicle is several lengths behind you. Therefore, in addition to providing a visual representation of what occurred, the added detail provided by a 1080P rear view camera also serves as evidence in case of an accident.
However, the largest sacrifice made by using a lower-resolution camera is in terms of resolution. Most competitors have already transitioned to using 1080P cameras. As a result, continuing to produce 720P cameras represents a significant trade-off. In practice, this means that license plates captured at a distance are often going to be fuzzy. While it can provide some insight regarding the events surrounding an incident, it may not be enough information to determine fault in an incident involving a high speed collision.
To illustrate this concept further, think of watching tv through an older crt-style television set. You can easily identify the shape and color of objects displayed on the screen. However, the fine details become distorted due to the mesh pattern created by the screen itself. In relation to a dashcam, fine detail is crucial. If a vehicle strikes you from twenty meters away, and your 720P dashcam captures the scene, it is unlikely that you will be able to distinguish individual letters or numbers on the license plate.
While 720P cameras are far superior to analog cameras or no camera at all, they are quickly becoming the minimum acceptable standard in today's technology. To give you a sense of how well this camera performs compared to similar products, please refer to our dash cam comparison chart to compare this product against similar products in the same category.
Parking Mode and G-Sensor
Regarding Parking Mode functionality and g-sensors, this particular model employs a type of Parking Mode known as "always-on." with always-on enabled, when you turn off your ignition, the Realdio dash cam continues to operate continuously until you restart your bike. When Parking Mode is engaged with either an impact or motion being detected by the G-sensor, the dash cam records a short period of time that can be locked into place rather than being subject to continuous looping.
Because the camera operates on battery power alone when parked and the G-sensor determines when something has impacted or come near your bike, Parking Mode can potentially cause your bike's battery to slowly drain over extended periods of non-operation.
That being said, the inclusion of 24/7 Parking Mode and an integrated hardwiring kit stands out as particularly beneficial. At this price point, hardwiring kits and parking modes are usually optional upgrades. The G-sensor automatically locks recorded footage in response to an impact or motion around your bike when Parking Mode is activated. Also when your bike is left unattended in public spaces, motion detection will wake-up the camera and begin recording when someone walks up to or touches your bike. Hardwired operation also eliminates concerns related to draining your bike's battery.
Installation and Wiring
As indicated previously, installing this camera system was relatively easy due to the universal nature of its mounting hardware. One simply installs the front facing camera on his/her standard handle bar and attaches the rear facing camera below his/her tail section utilizing an existing hole or attachment point. Once installed and wired properly, operation becomes virtually automatic. Due to its compact design, once installed and connected properly, the entire system will remain concealed from view while riding.
Wiring considerations include running the rear-facing camera wire along side of the tail pipe. Fortunately, the wiring provided appears to be more than sufficient for most applications.
Mounting options are listed on the product page.
What Reviewers Say
At present, there are thirty-one customer reviews for this device on amazon with an average rating of 3.8 stars. Customer opinions regarding this product vary widely depending on their specific expectations and experiences with regard to performance. Some customers feel that it is excellent value for its price and offer glowing recommendations based upon their experience with its ease-of-use and reliability. Conversely, others feel that it represents poor-quality images and/or suffers from software-related issues (i.e., freezes etc.). Such variability in consumer opinion is consistent with prior trends observed among consumers reviewing competing products.
A few reviewers noted that user interfaces are somewhat clumsy in terms of navigation. However, many reviewers have commented positively regarding brightness levels of screens visible under full sun conditions. And although many users felt that image quality represented a major limitation (due primarily to limited pixel density), many have found it adequate for their purposes given its affordability.
Who Should Buy This Camera. An ideal candidate for purchasing this camera system is an individual seeking a basic dual-camera solution at an affordable price-point. An ideal candidate would also appreciate basic dual-camera protection without requiring ultra-high definition (uhd) level quality for capturing license plates at great distances. Ultimately, this system is intended for individuals who desire basic protection as opposed to advanced quality.
Ultimately, individuals desiring higher-than-average quality uhd level quality cameras should seek alternative solutions offering higher image resolutions (e.g., 1080P). Beyond that, drivers who leave their vehicles parked overnight in public areas receive perhaps the greatest benefit possible from this camera system as it allows them to record impacts or tampering activity occurring while their vehicle remains stationary.
Overall, Realdio presents an attractive entry-level solution for individuals seeking basic dual-camera protection at a reasonable price-point.
Compare it against the rest of the dash cam table and the intercom picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Realdio dual cam include storage?
Yes. A 64GB MicroSD card ships in the box, and loop recording overwrites the oldest unprotected files when it fills.
Is parking mode built in?
The parking mode works through the included hardwire kit. The G-sensor locks a clip when it detects an impact, and motion detection starts recording when someone approaches the bike.
Will 720P capture license plates?
At close range, usually. Past roughly one car length, the extra detail a 1080P camera records is what keeps a plate readable, and this camera does not have it.
Does it fit my bike?
The bracket adjusts to any standard handlebar, and the 12-24V to 5V step-down cable covers most motorcycle electrical systems, including scooters.