The first time that we saw the X-series of dash cams from Blackvue, we knew we needed to try them out. That’s because these are among the most stylish and discreet cameras we have ever seen, and BlackVue has a reputation for offering high-resolution and key features that are actually useful. We were not disappointed, and these two cameras are among the very best we have ever used. This BlackVue DR770X vs DR970X comparison will show you the differences between these camera packages and we will show you why we think the BlackVue DR970X should be your top pick. >>> See the Current Price on Amazon
BlackVue DR770X vs. DR970X: Specs at a Glance
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| BlackVue DR770X | BlackVue DR970X | |
| Channels | 2CH | 2CH |
| Resolution | Front: Full HD (1920 x 1080) @ 60 fps Rear: Full HD (1920 x 1080) @ 30 fps | Front: 4K (3840 x 2160) @ 30 fps Rear: Full HD (1920 x 1080) @ 30 fps |
| Viewing angle | Front: Diagonal 139°, Horizontal 116°, Vertical 61° Rear: Diagonal 139°, Horizontal 116°, Vertical 61° | Front: Diagonal 155°, Horizontal 130°, Vertical 70° Rear: Diagonal 139°, Horizontal 116°, Vertical 61° |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes, Built-in (802.11 b.g.n) | Yes, Built-in (802.11 b.g.n) |
| Built-in GPS | Built-in (Dual Band : GPS, GLONASS) | Built-in (Dual Band : GPS, GLONASS) |
| Parking mode | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum capacity | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
BlackVue DR770X-2CH Dash Camera
The BlackVue DR770X offers Full HD front resolution at 1080p and a blazing-fast 60 frames per second. Both front and rear cameras use a Sony STARVIS Exmor R sensor that provides 2.1 mp image quality and does a good job of capturing images clearly in low light. That is because of the sensor’s backlighting. We tested it, and it works better than expected, even when you are in a dark parking lot.
Built-in Wi-Fi means you won’t have to remove the MicroSD card every time you want to view a video file. Instead, you’ll log on through the BlackVue app to access videos remotely. The app also provides numerous settings, including a battery tender for parking mode, voice or tone alerts, and numerous other ways to make the DR770X work best for your lifestyle.
Unlike lower-cost devices, this mid-range camera includes a built-in GPS antenna, so you won’t have to run an extra cable. The GPS is capable of geo-tagging video files and will even allow you to display the vehicle speed embedded in the video file.
We’ve found that one of the most valuable modes any dash cam can have is parking mode. The DR770X has native parking mode support, so you can simply hook up the included hardwiring kit (which is very easy to do), and then you’ll have motion and impact detection recordings even when you are not in the car. The camera has a battery tender that prevents the car battery from discharging due to the camera’s power demands. Find our full review of the DR770X here.
Pros & Cons of the BlackVue DR770X
Pros
- One of the best-looking and most-discreet designs on the market
- Simple setup through the BlackVue app
Cons
- Lower resolution than desired
BlackVue DR970X-2CH 4K Cloud Dashcam
The BlackVue DR970X is a front and rear camera system that offers stunning 4K video quality (front) and Full HD rear image quality. It uses an 8 MP CMOS sensor with backlighting for low-light image capture that actually works. Both front and rear cameras are limited to 30 FPS.
The BlackVue app can connect to the DR970X over the built-in dual-band Wi-Fi for fast file transfers on 5g networks. User settings through the app include motion detection and parking mode settings, batter minder settings, and settings for controlling how files are saved.
Built-in GPS provides geotagging that can be used with the video file to show exactly where the vehicle was and how fast it was traveling when an accident occurred. Drivers can also use the camera’s built-in cloud connectivity to access remote live view and monitor their car when they are away. The cloud is the easiest way to access video files, too.
Pros & Cons of the BlackVue DR970X
Pros
- The best image quality on the market in a dash cam that we think is the best looking
- Very reliable performance with few resets or missed videos
Cons
- Lacks Advanced Driver Safety Alerts which are common on competitor models
- Cloud storage costs can add up
Most Important Features Compared Between DR770X and DR970X
Design & Mounting
At a glance, the DR770X and the DR970X look nearly identical. Both are cylindrical camera designs without display screens. Both packages also include a rear camera, also a cylindrical design that is small enough to practically disappear when it’s installed. The cameras have all the cables routed to one side for a tidy installation. They use the same mounting apparatus which happens to be one of our all-time favorites. The mount completely encircles the camera and allows for ratcheting adjustment of the vertical angle of the lens. An optional security mount is also available that uses a set screw to make it more difficult for thieves to steal the camera -not a bad idea considering the price of these devices.
Connectivity
Beyond the basic appearances, the two systems also share technology. Both are equipped with GPS through a built-in antenna, both offer Wi-Fi connectivity, and both have the option to use the cloud for video storage and special features. The DR770X offers only 2.4 gHz Wi-Fi, while the DR970X is a dual-band design.
The DR770X and DR970X use an accelerometer for impact detection and a motion detector. They offer parking mode for 24-hour surveillance and even include the hardwire kit you need to hook it up. Most companies force you to buy the hardwire kit separately. You can also use a remote battery pack such as the BlackVue B-112 (you can find it on Amazon) rather than connecting the camera to your fuse panel.
Video Storage
Video files are stored on an included MicroSD card. The cameras can accept up to a 256 GB card, and we highly recommend getting the largest card possible, particularly with the DR970X that creates huge files. Video files are stored in specific ways by these cameras. Normal mode is a continuous recording with 1 frame per second to compress file size. Any time that the G-Sensor detects an impact, the camera automatically stores the file in a secure format so that it won’t overwrite. The driver can also use the touch spot on the side of the front camera to manually record, which also saves as a locked file. Parking mode files are saved separate and are not overwritten.
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is sort of free. By that, we mean that BlackVue offers a free cloud storage plan that offers limited views of videos. In order to access the camera through the cloud, you’ll eventually need to purchase storage. Cloud storage offers some benefits, including push notifications and remote live-view, features we think are nice to have, even if the cost of the monthly cloud storage is annoying.
Camera Differences
The most important difference between the DR 770X and the DR970X is the quality of the cameras. The DR770X uses an industry-standard Sony STARVIS sensor with 2.1 mp capabilities and a processor that provides 1080p resolution -the same resolution as almost any mid-price dash cam.
The DR970X takes advantage of the latest OmniVision 8 mp sensor that gives the front dash cam 4K resolution. The camera uses an advanced SigmaStar CPU to get crystal-clear images and incredible levels of detail. This is the highest-quality lens and CPU combo on the market today and one of the reasons that the BlackVue DR970X is considered to be one of the top dash cams available.
Conclusion
The DR970X is only slightly more expensive than the DR770X, but the improvement in video quality is more than worth the extra coin. We spent quite a bit of time with both of these cameras and at the end of the day, the DR970X was clearly better. It offers better video quality and otherwise has the same features, so it only makes sense to go with the best. >>> Don’t Miss Out! See Current Price on Amazon