Z-Edge Z3D Dual Lens Dash Cam Review 2020 Latest Updated Review
The Z-Edge Z3D Dual Lens Dash Cam is, as it sounds, a dashcam with two cameras. What makes this dash cam different than some of the other dual-camera dash cams is that its second camera is able to be remotely mounted and it includes a GPS feature.
Design and features
The Z-Edge Z3D is a dual-lens dash cam that can record in Full HD (1920x1080p) at 30fps when using both cameras, and 2560×1440 at 30fps when using only the front camera.
Both cameras have a 150-degree wide-angle view. The front camera (the main unit) has a mount that includes a GPS antenna, something not normally seen in a dashcam.
The cameras also utilize Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology that compensates for light/dark spots and balances the exposure.
The mount holds very securely and is a bit easier to install than most other suction cup mounts. The rear camera uses 3M tape to mount to the window.
Performance
The Z-Edge Z3D system has the capability to record at [email protected], but only if a single camera is in use – not ideal when you’ve just bought a two-camera setup.
The built-in processor simply isn’t strong enough to record two separate streams of 1440p footage, so those who use the two-camera setup (aka most people)will be capped at [email protected] across both cameras.
It’s certainly a shame, but it’s understandable for a dual-camera setup at this price point.
Like a host of other dash cams on the market, the Z3D offers GPS support and features a built-in G-Sensor for collision detection alongside a dedicated parking mode that can monitor your car and record impacts when your car isn’t in use.
Daytime Performance
The good news is that, despite the drop from 1440p to 1080p when both cameras are in use, the quality of video produced by both cameras is more than enough to be used in an insurance claim or to help the police.
The front-facing camera offers impressive detail with stationary objects, like a queue of cars at a junction, although some of that is lost when on the move.
You can still clearly make out key information like license plates though, even with the sun shining on the reflective surface.
It’s a similar story with the rear-facing camera, although images do look a little softer than what’s on offer from the front-facing camera.
But, again, it’s more than clear enough to capture important details like license plates, as the below image shows.
Installing The Rear Cam
If you opt for the secondary cam, prepare yourself to route the cabling through the furnishings and panels of your car.
Above the door, below the door, perhaps under the carpet. How successful this is will depend on the design and size of your car.
Z-EDGE Z3D Dashcam rear camera
The rear cam comes with a data cable which should be long enough to connect to the primary camera. Once hooked up, it can be used to simply record events at the back of the car, or even act as a parking monitor.
It’s wise to measure out cable length first; at 26 foot long, it could prove to be far more than you need. One option is to store excess cable within the car’s upholstery or paneling.
For example, the MPV used to install the Z3D Dashcam has a removable panel around the rear window. I used this to store the spare eight feet of USB data cabling.
With the rear cam routed to the main dashcam and the system powered on, you should see instant results.
The secondary cam will appear by default in picture-in-picture mode.
Physical Construction – Smaller Than Average
Z-Edge Z3D Dual Lens Dash Cam
From a physical standpoint, the Z3D is fairly small. This thing measures around 1.3 x 2 x 3.8″, or at least, that’s for the front device.
The rear camera is actually even smaller, as though someone took the front device and sliced off a piece of it.
That’s because the rear camera doesn’t need to host a user interface or a display, only the lens. And in either case, the main body is pretty small, so its not hard to keep it out of your line of sight while driving.
That makes setting up the camera basically a plug and play process.
You’re also going to have to spend a few minutes clipping that cable out of the way. But past that, the setup is almost as simple as turning the thing on.
Added Features – Run of the Mill
The Z-Edge Z3D Dual Lens Dash Cam also makes use of a pretty powerful GPS feature.
And pairing a GPS with a dash cam really makes a lot of sense. It allows the camera to record not only the present location of your vehicle, but also its speed, and the route that you’ve decided to take.
Anytime you might need to make an insurance claim, that can be invaluable information.
The GPS interactions can be handled on both Mac and Windows platforms. And actually viewing where your vehicle is goes through a regular Google Maps I/O, allowing everything to remain pretty intuitive and friendly.
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