Dash cams come in all shapes and sizes these days and at a wide range of prices. While some consumers are looking for a dash camera package that offers the latest and greatest technology and a seamless interface, others are only interested in a good quality image and don’t need fancy bells and whistles.
The Redtiger F7N is a low-cost option that is capable of capturing high-resolution images. This package includes both a front and rear-facing camera and includes some of the more useful technology around without overloading the camera with features. We’ve installed and tested dozens of dash cameras ranging from the most expensive models on the market to budget offerings like this one. If capturing video is your most prominent concern, the Redtiger F7N review shows it is a good option but it does have a few quirks you should be aware of before deciding to purchase (>>> Find the current price on Amazon).
REDTIGER F7N Review of Main Specs:
 | |
|---|---|
| REDTIGER F7N | |
| Resolution (front) | 3840x2160 |
| Resolution (rear) | 1920x1080 |
| View angle | 170° |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Built-in GPS | Yes |
| Maximum capacity | 256GB |
| Price | Find on Amazon |
The front camera uses a windshield mount that includes a GPS antenna. The camera is powered by either a 12v power cable that plugs into your cigarette lighter or you can purchase an optional hardwire kit. Alternatively, the camera can also be powered by a rechargeable power bank battery to allow for parking mode if you don’t want to risk damaging the electronics in your car by hardwiring the power cable.
Front Camera Specifications
The front camera captures 4k video when it is used alone. You can switch the camera to capture images at 2k for smoother video with less detail. It offers a 170-degree field of view that effectively captures the entire road in front of you. The camera uses a Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor that is designed to improve low-light image capture. The front camera features a 3.16-inch display screen that is not a touchscreen. Physical buttons allow you to cycle through menu settings and view videos.
Rear Camera Specifications
The rear camera is a fairly basic design that captures video at an advertised 1080p and only works when connected to the front camera and used together. The rear camera can flip images horizontally and vertically to compensate for variations in where the camera is mounted. It uses a 140-degree viewing angle that captures details well.
Pros
- Low-cost way to get decent image capture
- Simple device that doesn’t require a lot of adjustment or settings to get i tup and running
Cons
- Loop recording is often buggy
- App control is practically useless
- Doesn’t include everything you need to get started
Accessing Video Files
Most dash cameras use loop-recording to ensure that the camera continues to work even after the MicroSD card storage is full and that is the case with the Redtiger F7N. Video files are saved in several ways. Primarily, the camera records continuously in segments ranging from one to five minutes. Incident videos, such as when a sudden motion is detected while driving, a collision occurs, or video files captured in parking mode are locked, preventing the files from being overwritten. Learn more: How Does a Dash Camera Work?
Many buyers have pointed out that this camera tends to store a lot of locked video files rather quickly and once the storage is full, these files don’t overwrite, forcing the driver to delete videos to clear storage space or to reformat the MicroSD card.
The display screen is intended for viewing video files and it does work well, though the dimensions of the screen prevent the full video from being displayed. You’ll miss some areas of the image, particularly along the top and sides due to the difference in screen size and video dimensions.
An alternative method of viewing files is to remove the camera from the mount and connect it to your PC. This is the best way to view files and gives you options for saving, storing, and deleting files along with uploading firmware updates. This is also the primary way you’ll view GPS data stored by the antenna.
Finally, the Redtiger F7N has built-in Wi-Fi that allows the user to wirelessly retrieve video files. The camera must be on and a connection must be made with the compatible phone in order to download video files and view them on your phone.
Using the Camera
Front camera resolution is decent when used alone and gives good images that are easily readable and can be blown up to enhance details. When used in conjunction with the rear camera, the image quality is noticeable less clear. The rear camera is functional, but doesn’t produce great images.
There are a number of small and somewhat irritating things this camera does that can be deal-breakers for some people. The most important one is that it tends to lock too many files, even when settings are reduced. This leads to the card filling up quickly.
Many buyers pointed out that the display screen viewing is limited and often is unable to play more than one video without being restarted. Generally, you’ll need to pull the SD card to view front and rear files together after downloading the files to your computer.
The free app this camera uses is noticeably buggy and limited in function. Numerous features either don’t work at all or don’t give you the results you’d expect.
Final Thoughts
Low cost dash cameras are a good way to affordably add a level of protection to your vehicle so that if an accident happens, you can prove what happened. The Redtiger F7N is an all-around decent product that doesn’t try to do too much (>>> Check on Amazon). The front camera is better than anticipated on its own, but is just average when used in conjunction witht he rear camera. Overall, this is a good product.