Transcend DrivePro 200

Transcend DrivePro 200

The Transcend DrivePro 200 is an affordable WiFi capable dashboard camera sold by Transcend, the well known Taiwanese memory card manufacturer (a 16GB Micro SD card is included with the device).   While this might be branded as a Transcend camera, Transcend is likely not the manufacturer of this product.  Its squarish shape is quite similar to many other “Taiwanese” dash cams like the HP F210.

The camera records 1080p at 30 frames per second and has a bit rate of 15 Mbps.  The DrivePro 200 has very good video quality during the day and good video quality at night.

The camera comes with a G-sensor and 2.4″ screen but no GPS.  Overall build quality is quite good as well.  This is a medium sized camera at 67mm × 72mm × 34.3mm but the squarish form factor is not the most discreet.  Also there is a shiny silver ring around the lens which makes the camera more noticeable when installed.

The main feature is the Wi-Fi capability this camera offers which allows for live streaming, transferring of video files and configuring the device.

We are big fans of WiFi capability due to the following reasons:

  • Recordings can be viewed on a smartphone (Android Phone or iPhone), inside the car or even nearby
  • Can backup any interesting video files to a smartphone (i.e. if you need to give the Micro SD card to the police, you will have a backup)
  • Could delete any video files from the camera using a smartphone
  • Can configure any setting for the camera using a smartphone

We recommend using 1 minute clip size for this camera if you plan on using the WiFi function to transfer select clips to your smartphone.  A 1 minute clip is about 300MB and will take a few minutes to transfer to your phone.

Known problems

Date and Time Resets

Many owners have indicated that the date and time resets if the camera is not used for a few days and you will need to enter the setup procedure again.  Transcend indicates the date and time settings are maintained for about 4 days without external power.

This is likely due to a low capacity super capacitor used in this camera. There is no resolution unless you are willing to replace the capacitor with a bigger one.

Does not start recording

A few owners have indicated that the DrivePro 200 occasionally does not start recording when the ignition is turned on.  You will need to manually press the on button in these cases.  This appears to be a rare problem and there is no known resolution.

Mounting the Camera

Transcend DrivePro 200 Mount 1
Transcend DrivePro 200 Mount 2

Sample Videos

Day

Night

Should I Purchase?

If you are looking for a WiFi enabled dash cam, the Transcend DrivePro 200 is a good value.  Video quality is good (but not the greatest) and build quality is good.  Unfortunately the form factor is not as discreet as we would like and GPS is not included.

For the money this is a good buy if you want WiFi.  If WiFi is not important, consider a smaller, more discreet camera.

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

Via MicroSD

  1.  After downloading firmware, unzip it and then put “DP200.bin” in the root folder in microSD memory card.
  2. Insert the microSD memory card that contains a newer version of firmware.
  3. Select  Upgrade  Firmware  from  the  “Settings”  menu  and  press “OK” to  start  the  firmware detection process. The DrivePro will automatically find the new firmware file.
  4. Select Upgrade firmware and wait for firmware to upgrade.

Via WiFi

  1. Connect the camera to a power source. Either connect the camera to your car 12v socket or even just via a micro USB to USB cable connection to a computer.
  2. Ensure the WiFi adapter on the camera is turned on.
  3. Ensure the latest version of the Drive Pro app is installed on your iPhone/iPad/Android phone or tablet.
  4. Go into your wifi settings on your mobile device and connect to the DrivePro wifi network.
  5. Open the app and you should then be prompted to update the firmware.
  6. Go through the prompts and make sure the device is not disconnected during the process.
  7. After a minute or so, a message will appear to state the update is complete.

Latest Firmware

The latest firmware can be found on the Transcend site.

Previous Firmware

DrivePro_DP200_firmware_v1.20.zip

User Manual

The English user manual can be downloaded here.

Specifications

Detailed Specifications

Read Review
Camera Type Single Channel
Form Factor Hanging - Rectangular
Country Taiwan
Processor Unknown
CMOS Front Unknown
CMOS Rear N/A
Channels 1
Screen 2.4"
GPS No
G-Sensor Yes
Wi-Fi Yes
Parking Mode No
Lock Files Auto or Button
Max Resolution Front 1920×1080p
Front Frames Per Second 30
Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) 15
Max Resolution Rear N/A
Rear Frames Per Second N/A
Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) N/A
Video Format MOV
Compression H.264
Diagonal Viewing Angle Front 160°
Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear N/A
SD Card Type MicroSD
Max Size (Spec) 32GB
Max Size (User) 32GB
Size Front (mm) 67 x 72 x 34.3
Size Rear (mm) N/A
Mount Adhesive
Power Supply 5V
Operating Temp -30°C to 65°C
Battery Capacitor
Error Notification No
Swivel (To Record Side Windows) Yes
Apps PC
Cloud Connectivity No
Release Date Dec 2013
Unique Features None
Advantages WiFi
Good quality for price
Disadvantages Not discreet
No GPS
Capacitor causes date / time reset issues
Final Word For the money this is a good buy if you want WiFi. If WiFi is not important, consider a smaller, more discreet camera.

Published: July 1, 2014

Updated: January 1, 2015

Transcend DrivePro 200 - DashCamTalk
Transcend DrivePro 200

The Transcend DrivePro 200 is a good buy if you want WiFi. If WiFi is not important, consider a smaller, more discreet camera.

Product SKU: Transcend DrivePro 200

Product Brand: Transcend

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 170

Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01

Product In-Stock: SoldOut

Editor's Rating:
5.7