The 70mai Dash Cam Pro (also known as the MiDrive D02) is a popular low priced camera with very impressive video quality. The camera uses a Huawei HiSilicon Hi3556 V100 processor and Sony Starvis IMX335 CMOS. This is the same sensor used in the highly rated VIOFO A119 V3.
Video Quality
The 70mai Dash Cam Pro records 2592 x 1944p video at 30 fps using a bitrate of 19.2 Mbps. Note that this resolution uses a 4:3 aspect ratio which is unusual. We suggest using the 2560 x 1440p resolution which uses the more common 16:9 aspect ration. Both of these resolutions use the H.265 video codec. If you prefer using the more common H.264 video codec, you will need to choose a resolution of 1080p or lower.
Where the 70mai Dash Cam Pro excels is video quality for the low price point. Video quality is very good during the day and good at night. It most likely has the best video quality for a $60 camera available today and compares well with much higher priced cameras.
Features
The 70mai Dash Cam Pro has a wedge shaped design and is small at 87.5 x 53 x 19 mm. The camera comes with 2″ Screen, WiFi (with Android and iOS apps), G-sensor and optional GPS.
With firmware versions 1.0.5 or later, real-time speed and GPS location is included in the videos when viewed on the camera or in the 70mai app. If the video files are downloaded and viewed in a different app, speed and location are not shown. The GPS module also allows you to activate ADAS functions in the camera. Like most dash cams with this function, ADAS does not work well and we suggest turning it off.
The 70mai Dash Cam Pro can be mounted directly to the windshield or on a provided electrostatic sticker. The electrostatic sticker allows you to remove the camera from the windshield without leaving any residue. Sticking directly to the windshield without the electrostatic sticker will provide a firmer mount.
While we are impressed with the video quality for the price, there are a few drawbacks with the 70mai Dash Cam Pro. The camera offers a parking mode option however this mode is not buffered. The camera also uses a 500 mAh Li-Ion battery rather than a super capacitor making it not ideal for very high temperature environments.
A unique feature for this dash cam is voice control (only available in English and Chinese). The camera has 4 voice commands available:
- Take picture
- Record video Records a 30s-long emergency video
- Turn off screen
- Turn on screen
Known problems
Helicopter Noise
Some owners have complained of a helicopter noise from the camera. This typically occurs when WiFi is turned on. Turning the WiFi off generally solves the problem. Note that 70mai has also replaced cameras with this problem.
Replacing the Battery
While we typically recommend dash cams with capacitors, the 70mai battery works well and has had not the swelling / expansion issues as cameras with cheaper batteries. That being said, after a couple of years the battery may no longer hold a charge. Replacing the battery is not that difficult and the process can be seen in the following video. No soldering is required if you purchase a direct replacement battery such as this one on Aliexpress.
Sample Videos
Day Video
Night Video
Should I Purchase?
If you are looking for a budget dash camera with a screen, the 70mai Dash Cam Pro is an excellent deal. This camera is one of the most popular in Russia given the video quality provided at the $60 price point. Reliability and build quality have proven to be good for a low price camera.
Be aware that there are a number of drawbacks to consider. The 70mai Dash Cam Pro also uses a battery instead of a super capacitor and does not have buffered parking mode. Overall a great value given the excellent video quality at this price point.
See what other owners say about the 70mai Dash Cam Pro on our forum.
Where to purchase for lowest price
The 70mai Dash Cam Pro can be found on Amazon but is usually cheaper on the 70mai Official store on Aliexpress.
Note: Links to vendors are affiliate links that support our website. Read our affiliate disclosure here.
Firmware
WARNING! MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR FIRMWARE ARE PERFORMED AT YOUR OWN RISK. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR DASH CAM AS A RESULT OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Firmware Update Instructions
There are 2 methods to update the firmware: via the app (follow the instructions in the app) or manually (follow the instructions below).
Note that there are no hardware differences between the International (English), Chinese and Russian versions of this camera. Any language firmware can be flashed to the camera.
Updating Firmware Manually Steps
- Turn off parking mode in the camera
- Turn off the camera and remove external power
- Download and unzip the file
- Format the memory card in FAT32
- Copy the update folder from the zip file to the root of the memory card
- Insert the MicroSD card in the camera
- Attach the external power
- Hold down the rightmost button and turn on the camera by pressing the large long button in the middle of the camera. Hold the right button until the update message appears, and then release it.
- Wait until the screen goes blank (usually no more than 15-20 seconds)
- Turn on the camera with the large button and firmware should be updated
Latest Firmware
Previous Firmware
- OTA_41_FULL_70mai_d05_v1.0.9na_20200311_2036_full.zip
- OTA_38_FULL_70mai_d05_v1.0.8na_20200226_1828_full.zip
- OTA_34_FULL_70mai_d05_v1.0.7na_20191113_1535_full.zip
- OTA_35_FULL_70mai_d05_v1.0.6na_20191101_1805_full.zip
- OTA_23_FULL_70mai_d05_v1.0.5na_20190605_1641_full_with_ssh_gps.7z
- OTA_10_FULL_70mai_d05_v1.0.4na_20181015_1101_full.zip
Custom Firmware
Some owners have created custom Firmware for the Dash Cam Pro to improve video quality. You can learn more about the custom firmware here.
User Manual
The English User Manual can be downloaded here.
Specifications
Detailed Specifications
| Read Review |  |
| Camera Type | Single Channel |
| Form Factor | Wedge |
| Country | China |
| Processor | Huawei HiSilicon Hi3556 V100 |
| CMOS Front | Sony STARVIS IMX335 |
| CMOS Rear | N/A |
| Channels | 1 |
| Screen | 2" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| GPS | Optional |
| G-Sensor | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Parking Mode | Non-Buffered |
| Lock Files | Auto or Button |
| Max Resolution Front | 2560×1440p (Quad HD) |
| Front Frames Per Second | 30 |
| Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) | 19.2 |
| Max Resolution Rear | N/A |
| Rear Frames Per Second | N/A |
| Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) | N/A |
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Compression | H.264 or H.265 |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Front | 140° |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear | N/A |
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Size (Spec) | 64GB |
| Max Size (User) | 64GB |
| Size Front (mm) | 87.5 x 53 x 19 |
| Size Rear (mm) | N/A |
| Mount | Adhesive |
| Power Supply | 5V |
| Operating Temp | -10°C to 60°C |
| Battery | 500mAh |
| Error Notification | Audio and Screen |
| Swivel (To Record Side Windows) | No |
| Apps | Android, iOS |
| Cloud Connectivity | No |
| Release Date | Jan 2019 |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Unique Features | None |
| Advantages | Excellent price Good video quality Good reliability |
| Disadvantages | GPS speed and location only in app Battery instead of a capacitor Not buffered parking mode |
| Final Word | Excellent deal for a budget dash camera with a screen. Best video quality for $60 and good reliability |
Published: Feb 3, 2020
Updated: Oct 27, 2020
70mai Dash Cam Pro - DashCamTalk
The 70mai Dash Cam Pro is an excellent deal for a budget dash camera with a screen. Best video quality for $60 and good reliability.
Product SKU: 70mai Dash Cam Pro
Product Brand: 70mai
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 60
Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
7.3