The BlackVue DR900X-2CH is one of the top dash cams from BlackVue, a leader in dash cam technology. This premium dual channel dash cam records crystal clear 4K video from both the front and rear cameras to capture all the action on the road in stunning quality.
BlackVue has been making high-end dash cams for years and is known for its reliable performance and innovative features. The DR900X-2CH is its newest flagship model that pushes the boundaries of video quality and connectivity in a compact, sleek package.
If you want a no-compromise dual camera dash cam that delivers excellent imaging and smart WiFi features, keep reading to see why the BlackVue DR900X-2CH should be at the top of your list. We’ll cover all the key details on this dash cam’s standout features, video quality, design, apps, and more so you can decide if it’s worth the premium price.
Key Features
The BlackVue DR900X-2CH comes loaded with top-tier features you would expect from a high-end dash cam in 2023. Here are some of the main highlights:
- Dual 4K cameras – The front camera records stunning 4K Ultra HD video at 30fps while the rear records in 2K QHD at 30fps. This allows you to capture all angles in excellent detail.
- Improved night vision – Both cameras have been upgraded with improved Starvis sensor technology for superior low light and night time recording.
- WiFi and Cloud connectivity – Built-in WiFi lets you connect the dash cam directly to your smartphone. It also supports BlackVue Cloud for live remote monitoring.
- GPS tracking – The dash cam includes a GPS module to track your driving routes and speed. This data is overlayed onto recordings.
- Parking Mode – When parked, it can monitor motion and impacts to record hit-and-runs or vandalism.
- Small and sleek design – Despite its powerful performance, the DR900X-2CH maintains a slim, modern aesthetic that blends nicely into any car.
- Over-the-air updates – Firmware can be updated remotely over WiFi to improve features and functionality over time.
Image and Video Quality
With its upgraded 8MP Sony Starvis sensors, the BlackVue DR900X-2CH delivers its best image quality yet in both day and night recordings.
The front camera records gorgeous 4K Ultra HD video at 30fps with superb colors and clarity. Small details like license plates are easier to read even from far away vehicles. Dynamic range is also improved to avoid areas being too dark or washed out.
At night, the higher light sensitivity allows the front camera to continue producing sharp, balanced footage with less noise. Thanks to the improved near-infrared performance, night time recordings look almost as good as daytime since more light can reach the sensor.
The rear camera also sees a nice bump up in quality with 2K QHD resolution at 30fps. That’s over 4 times more pixels than 1080p Full HD! So all the action behind will be recorded in better detail. Low light performance is also better thanks to the new Starvis technology shared with the front camera.
Another benefit of the Sony Starvis sensors is that they perform better in low visibility conditions like fog, rain, or snow. So your recordings will hold up better in poor weather where normal cameras struggle.
Design and Build
While the video quality has improved greatly, BlackVue managed to keep the DR900X-2CH dash cam design compact and discreet.
The main front camera unit is pretty small at just 4.3″ x 2.4″ x 1.6″ without the mount. It looks like a tiny camera lens with subtle BlackVue branding underneath.
The metal/plastic exterior feels well-built and durable while the all black color profile blends into car interiors seamlessly. There are just two buttons on the side to switch WiFi on/off and format the microSD card.
The rear camera is even more compact at just 1.6” x 1.4” x 0.7” to stay out of sight. It connects to the front via a long 16.4ft coaxial cable that is neatly tucked away for a clean install.
In the box, you get everything needed for mounting including cables, velcro stickers, and wire covers to hide away any visible wiring. Setup is easy thanks to the small footprint and discrete dual camera design.
Installation
Installing the BlackVue DR900X-2CH is straightforward thanks to the slim, compact footprint of both cameras.
The main front camera comes with an integrated mount that clicks into any standard dash cam mount. Most people stick it center behind the rearview mirror for the best forward view.
Run the power cable neatly around the trim and plug it into your vehicle’s 12V lighter outlet or OBD-II port, making sure it won’t obstruct driving controls.
The small rear camera can be placed on the rear windshield with the included 3M sticker mount. Make sure you thoroughly clean the window before applying for maximum hold.
Then run the rear camera’s coaxial cable from the back and plug it into the front camera’s rear input. Use the cable clips and wire covers to hide the cables along the trim for a clean look.
The whole process usually takes less than 30 minutes. Just take your time routing the cables neatly and use the cable management accessories to hide visible wires.
App Connectivity and Features
Like other premium dash cams, the DR900X-2CH has built-in WiFi for connecting to your smartphone and cloud features for real-time monitoring.
Using the BlackVue app (for iOS and Android), you can do things like view live footage, change settings, format the memory card, check the dash cam status and GPS driving info, and more.
The dash cam also supports BlackVue Cloud, a subscription service ($5-15/month) that enables live remote monitoring from anywhere. It can push notifications to your phone if it detects impacts or motion.
With Cloud connectivity, you can also track the GPS location of your car, monitor speed history and driving habits, and backup recordings to the cloud. Firmware updates can also be pushed over-the-air to the dash cam.
Additional DR900X-2CH accessories like the Power Magic Battery Pack or 4G LTE Module further expand the capabilities and possibilities for connectivity and tracking.
Storage and Memory
The BlackVue DR900X-2CH needs a high capacity microSD card (sold separately) to store all that beautiful 4K video footage it records.
BlackVue recommends using an SD card with V30 speed rating and minimum 64GB capacity, but you’ll want to go bigger. A 128GB or 256GB card is ideal since 4K video consumes a lot of storage space.
Fortunately, the DR900X-2CH supports high capacity cards up to 512GB. With a 512GB microSD card, you can record over 24 hours of 4K footage before looping over. Lower quality settings give you even longer recording times.
You can manage recordings and storage settings in the BlackVue app. By default, it will automatically loop and overwrite oldest clips once full. You can also set it to stop recording when full to avoid losing any important clips.
Power and Battery
Dash cam battery life is always a concern since they need to run continuously whenever driving. The DR900X-2CH uses a super capacitor instead of a traditional battery for greater reliability.
The super capacitor powers shutdown procedures to save any recordings in progress if power is lost. It’s designed for extreme hot and cold weather where batteries can fail.
For full functionality, the DR900X-2CH needs to stay powered by your car’s 12V outlet. But optional accessories like the Power Magic Battery Pack ($129) can power the dash cam for hours without the car running.
This backup battery pack continuously trickle charges and will automatically take over if the car battery dies. It also supports Parking Mode monitoring when the car is off.
On a full charge, the Power Magic Battery Pack can add between 6-12 hours of recording time depending on settings and WiFi/cloud usage. So you get complete coverage even when parked.
Pros and Cons
To recap, here’s a quick pros and cons list of the major benefits and drawbacks of the BlackVue DR900X-2CH:
Pros:
- Stunning dual 4K video quality
- Improved night and low light recordings
- Small and discreet dual camera design
- Easy installation in under 30 mins
- WiFi and cloud connectivity features
- GPS and speed tracking overlays
- Parking Mode monitoring
- Capacity for up to 512GB memory cards
- Cloud backup and remote viewing
Cons:
- Very expensive ($500 MSRP for main unit)
- Many features require paid cloud subscription
- Significant impact on car battery when using Parking Mode
- No internal storage, requires large microSD card
- Rear view can be obscured by cargo/passengers
Comparison to Other Models
The DR900X-2CH sits at the top of BlackVue’s lineup above the DR750X-2CH and DR590X-2CH models. Here’s how the flagship specs compare:
- DR590X-2CH – 1080p Full HD front, 720p HD rear. Basic WiFi/cloud features.
- DR750X-2CH – Front camera records 4K UHD but rear is only Full HD 1080p. Lacks some new Starvis night vision capabilities.
- DR900X-2CH – Dual cameras with 4K UHD front and 2K QHD rear. Best-in-class night vision and advanced parking mode.
For the price, only the DR900X-2CH delivers the full premium feature set. But more budget-friendly options from BlackVue are available if you don’t need maxed out 4K/2K dual recording.
Compared to rival brands like Thinkware and Garmin, the DR900X-2CH competes well with top-end models like the Thinkware U1000 or Garmin Dash Cam Tandem in core features and performance.
Price and Value
With an MSRP around $499, the BlackVue DR900X-2CH sits at the higher end of the dash cam price spectrum. But for the stellar dual channel 4K recording and smart WiFi connectivity, it delivers excellent value.
You can often find it on sale for under $450 at retailers like Amazon and BestBuy when on promotion. Extra accessories like the cloud subscription, Power Battery Pack, and 4G LTE module will add to the cost as well.
Still, given BlackVue’s reputation for premium quality and the stellar performance of the DR900X-2CH, most users find it well worth the investment for complete front and rear coverage. The advanced night vision and parking mode features also add peace of mind.
For a set-it-and-forget-it dual dash cam that maintains performance day and night, the BlackVue DR900X-2CH is a top choice despite the high price tag. The 4K video and overall build quality help justify the cost for many drivers.
Conclusion
The BlackVue DR900X-2CH delivers virtually everything you could ask for in a top-tier dual channel dash cam system. You get superb 4K Ultra HD recording from the front paired with crisp 2K QHD video from the rear cam. Both cameras are discreetly designed for easy installation and use improved Sony Starvis sensors for superior night recordings.
With its integrated WiFi/cloud connectivity and GPS tracking, the DR900X-2CH also packs BlackVue’s latest smart features for real-time monitoring and access to your footage from anywhere. Small touches like the supercapacitor power system and flexible storage options further improve reliability and usability.
If you drive a nice vehicle or just want the confidence of complete front and rear footage protected at all times, the BlackVue DR900X-2CH is one of the best options available today. Despite the premium price, the stellar video quality, advanced night vision, and smart connectivity make this a worthwhile investment for any driver serious about dash cam protection.