iMars X5: A reliable dash cam that offers modern features at an affordable price is now essential for safe driving and recording unexpected events.
iMars X5: The new generation of on-board cameras
In recent years, the demand for dash cams has increased significantly. It is no coincidence, as they can provide crucial evidence in the event of an accident or parking incident. The development of car cameras is unbroken: from the initial simple recorders, we have reached advanced devices with G-sensors and parking guard functions.
The iMars brand is a relatively new player on the market, but in a short time it has managed to earn recognition for itself in the field of affordable yet reliable car accessories. The X5 model is the company's latest dash cam, which combines modern technology and a user-friendly design.
Night vision and wide viewing angles are particularly important in dash cams. The iMars X5 strives to meet user expectations in both areas: it has a 140-degree viewing angle and an advanced night recording mode.
Parking monitor functionality is a basic requirement for a dash cam these days. The iMars X5 provides 24-hour monitoring via the ACC cable, recording even events that occur while parking.
Smartphone connectivity is also key. With the GoLook app, you can not only easily adjust settings, but also easily review and save recorded footage.
In the following, we will examine in detail how the iMars X5 performs in everyday use and how well it holds its place in this price/value category.
Attractive appearance and well-thought-out controls – The design of the iMars X5 dash cam
The manufacturer based the iMars X5 on the 70mai M300 model: the device features a compact, display-free, metal cylindrical camera body. This clean design has several advantages: on the one hand, it can be easily hidden behind the rearview mirror, and on the other hand, the metal housing provides better heat dissipation and durability compared to its plastic-bodied counterparts.
The device is only indicated by a discreet blue LED, which is not distracting even when driving at night. At one end of the camera body we find the connectors: a USB-C port for power supply, an AV output for external display, and a microSD card slot. Next to the blue-green LED is a power button, and at the other end of the housing we find the speaker.
The camera is mounted using a bracket with double-sided adhesive, which is glued to the windshield. The camera's angle can be adjusted after installation, so you can always set the optimal viewing angle. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the iMars X5 is almost invisible behind the windshield, especially when placed behind the rearview mirror.
The device does not contain a battery, but instead uses a capacitor power supply. This means that it does not work without an external power supply, but it is much more resistant to extreme temperatures, thus ensuring a longer lifespan. There are three options for power supply: it can be connected via a cigarette lighter, directly to the car's fuse panel with an ACC cable, or if you have a central unit with a USB connector, then via it.
The package includes the camera, the mounting bracket and the ACC cable, but a cigarette lighter charger is not included. There are no cable ties or fasteners in the box to hide the wiring. The maximum usable memory card size is 128 GB, but this must be purchased separately.
The lack of a display may seem like a disadvantage at first glance, but the GoLook app makes it easy to adjust settings and review recordings. The app connects to the camera via WiFi, with the default network name HiDvr_8665B7 and password 12345678, which can be changed later.
Technical Data and Advanced Features – iMars X5 Specifications in Detail
The heart of the dash cam is a 1080p sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and a 140-degree field of view. The quality of the footage can be further improved with the WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) function, which is especially useful in high-contrast lighting conditions. The basic resolution can be changed to 2304×1296 pixels via software, and you can choose between H264 or H265 codecs.
The device does not contain a built-in battery, but instead uses a capacitor power supply, which significantly increases the service life and heat tolerance. The power supply can be 12V via the ACC cable, but it also works with 5V USB power. To use the parking guard function, the ACC cable connection is required, in which case the voltage level at which the camera turns off can be set in the application to avoid draining the battery.
Data recording can be done on a microSD card with a maximum capacity of 128 GB, which is recommended with a minimum Class 10 speed card. Loop recording can be set to 1, 3 or 5 minute intervals. The built-in G-sensor automatically locks the current recording in the event of an accident, preventing it from being deleted or overwritten.
The WiFi connection allows for smartphone control via the GoLook app. In the app, you can view live video, adjust settings, and review recorded footage. The camera operates its own WiFi network, the name and password of which can be changed.
A built-in microphone is used for audio recording, which can be turned off if desired. The speaker primarily broadcasts system messages, such as when the device initializes the SD card or starts recording. Sound signals can also be turned off in the application.
The device automatically starts recording when it receives power, so you don't have to worry about operating it. The date and time are set via WiFi, and this data appears as a watermark on the recordings, which can be useful for use as evidence.
The package includes the camera, the mounting bracket and the ACC cable for the parking guard function. The device does not have a GPS module, so it does not record speed data and route, which is an understandable compromise given the low price.
iMars X5 Control Center – Introducing the GoLook App
All the functions of the display-less camera can be accessed through the GoLook app, which is free to download for iOS and Android. To use the app, you must first connect to the camera's WiFi network, which by default is named HiDvr_8665B7 and the password is 12345678.
The application interface is clean and easy to navigate. On the main screen, you can follow the camera's image live, and here you can set the appropriate angle when installing it. You can also review recordings in this application, and you can also download videos to your device.
In the settings menu, you can change a number of parameters. Here you can turn audio recording on or off, set the resolution (1080p or 2304×1296), choose between H264 and H265 codecs, and set the loop recording length to 1, 3, or 5 minutes.
The G-sensor sensitivity can also be adjusted in the app, as can the parking guard mode and timed recording. In the parking guard mode, you can set the voltage level at which the camera turns off to protect the car battery. You can also format the SD card in the app, which you should definitely do before using it for the first time.
It is important to note that the application does not have a Hungarian interface, it is only available in English. The voice control that is mentioned in the descriptions does not actually work - no matter how hard we try to give voice commands to the camera, it will not respond to them.
You can also change the WiFi connection settings in the app: you can change the network name and password. The date and time are automatically synchronized when you connect to the app, and this data is then displayed as a watermark on the recordings.
Practical experiences with the iMars X5 dash cam – Based on user reviews and tests
The quality of the footage taken in daylight conditions meets expectations: thanks to the Full HD resolution, details are clearly visible. The readability of license plates is adequate, although you need to be relatively close to the other vehicle for this. The 140-degree viewing angle is sufficient to capture not only the car in front of you, but also the side of the road and the surroundings.
The quality of nighttime footage is understandably poorer than daytime footage. Although the manufacturer advertises night vision capability, in practice, the legibility of license plates deteriorates significantly. The image quality is still acceptable in areas illuminated by street lights, but details are blurred on darker road sections.
There are several options for connection. The simplest solution is to connect via a USB-C cable via the cigarette lighter or the car's USB port. The ACC cable connection requires more attention: when connecting to the fuse panel, you must be careful to connect it to the correct circuit. The cable comes with a 15A fuse as standard, which must be taken into account when choosing the connection point.
The parking guard function only works with ACC cable connection. According to user experience, continuous recording can drain the car battery in 2-3 days, so it is important to set the appropriate cut-off voltage in the application. Loop recording works reliably, and the G-sensor really locks the recordings in case of strong vibrations.
The GoLook app is easy to use, although some users missed the Hungarian-language interface. The WiFi connection is generally stable, connecting automatically after the initial pairing. The sound signals are incomprehensible to most users, so many prefer to turn them off.
Opinions are divided about the housing: some say it's too light and feels plasticky, while others are satisfied with its quality. Some users have experienced a contact error when connecting the cable, which causes the camera to restart. Users have not reported any problems with the stability of the recording.
An important note regarding the management of the memory card is that it must be formatted in the application before first use, otherwise the camera will not recognize it properly. Due to the loop recording, the card will not actually fill up, older recordings will be automatically overwritten by the system.
Overall, based on user feedback, the iMars X5 performs well for its price. The quality of daytime footage is good, while nighttime footage is weaker, but still usable. The parking attendant feature is useful, but needs to be set up carefully. The lack of a display is not a problem with the application, and the compact size and easy handling are advantageous features.
Final Verdict – Is the iMars X5 Dash Cam Worth It?
The iMars X5 is an entry-level dash cam that offers the most important features at a reasonable price. The quality of daytime footage is decent, but nighttime images are a compromise. The lack of a display is not a disadvantage, as the GoLook app provides all the necessary functions.
The parking guard function and the G-sensor are useful additions, although the former requires an ACC cable connection. The biggest advantage of the device is its compact size and easy handling, and the fact that it can withstand extreme temperatures better than its battery-powered counterparts due to its capacitor power supply.
The quality and functionality make this a reasonably priced product. There is no GPS module, the readability of license plates is limited, and there are a few minor flaws, such as a faulty cable connection or incomprehensible audio signals.
The iMars X5 may be a good choice for those who are just getting acquainted with dash cams or are simply looking for a reliable, basic device at a reasonable price. For those who drive 10-15 thousand kilometers per month or who park a lot in public areas, it may be more worthwhile to choose a more advanced model.
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iMars X5 dash cam
Frequently Asked Questions about iMars X5 Dash Cam
Q: What size memory card does the iMars X5 support?
A: It accepts a microSD card with a maximum capacity of 128 GB and a Class 10 speed.
Q: Does the iMars X5 have a built-in battery?
A: No, it uses a capacitor power supply, so an external power supply is required to operate.
Q: What resolution does the iMars X5 record in?
A: By default it is 1080p, but can be increased to 2304×1296 pixels in software.
Q: How to review recordings on iMars X5?
A: You can view and download recordings via the GoLook mobile app via WiFi connection.
Q: Does the iMars X5 work as a parking attendant?
A: Yes, using the ACC cable allows for 24-hour parking attendant functionality.
Q: Does the iMars X5 have GPS?
A: No, the device does not have a GPS module.
Q: What is the viewing angle of the iMars X5 camera?
A: With a 140-degree angle of view and an aperture of f/1.8.
Q: Is the iMars X5 application in Hungarian?
A: No, the GoLook app is only available in English.
Q: How to connect iMars X5?
A: In three ways: via cigarette lighter, with ACC cable to the fuse panel, or to the car's USB port.
Q: What does the iMars X5 package include?
A: The camera, the mounting bracket and the ACC cable, but not the cigarette lighter charger.
