BlackVue Dash Cam Comparison: DR970X-2CH vs DR770X-2CH
Our 2024 Dash Cam Recommendations and Top Picks can be found by clicking here
Considering purchasing a BlackVue Dash Cam?
Tossing up between the BlackVue DR970X-2CH vs the BlackVue DR770X-2CH Dash Cam?
What are the major differences between them?
1. Firstly, what is the same?
If you are looking to purchase the front and rear versions, the rear cameras are identical so no need to compare these.
The rear cameras on both DR970X and DR770X Dash Cam systems record at 1080P FULL HD, have the Sony Starvis sensor, same angle of view and same 30FPS frame rate.
The BlackVue DR970X and DR770X Dash Cams come with an included 64GB genuine BlackVue Micro SD card for the base price.
Both models can take a maximum 256GB genuine BlackVue Micro SD card.
The BlackVue smartphone app and BlackVue PC software is the same.
The parking mode feature is the same. Choose between motion & impact detection or time lapse park mode recording. The hardwire cable is included with both models.
The overall design and size is the same.
Both models have a touch pad on the side of the unit to manually create “event” files which are locked in a dedicated folder on the Micro SD card.
Both BlackVue Dash Cam models can be connected to the BlackVue cloud for remote viewing, live tracking and push notifications while parked (additional costs/accessories required to run the BlackVue cloud feature)
The BlackVue DR970X and DR770X Dash Cams both come with a 3-year Dash Cam warranty when purchased through us. After purchase, the Dash Cam must be registered with BlackVue Australia for the extra 3rd year warranty (12 month warranty on accessories and Micro SD card).
Functionally and physically, the DR970X and DR770X are pretty much the the same.
2. Front Dash Cam resolution
The major differences are in the front camera video quality.
The DR970X-2CH front Dash Cam records at 4K UHD resolution and has an 8.1MP lens.
The DR770X-2CH front Dash cam records at a lower 1080P FULL HD resolution and has a 2.1MP lens.
Therefore, the DR970X front Dash Cam footage is clearer and crisper. The higher resolution and higher megapixel lens does give you a better chance at making out finer details, like number plates.
However, recording at 4K UHD and having a 8.1MP lens still does not guarantee you make out all number plates. No Dash Cam model or brand guarantee number plate recognition.
4K UHD resolution/8.1MP lens should produce less pixelated number plates when zooming in on cars at a distance.
3. Front Dash Cam sensor + Frame Rate
One of the most notable differences between the DR970X front camera and the DR770X front camera is the sensor.
The DR770X front camera uses the SONY STARVIS sensor. This sensor provides a step up in nighttime quality.
The DR770X front camera records at a higher 60FPS frame rate. The DR970X records at 30FPS.
The higher 60FPS produces videos that are smoother and more natural, with less “motion blur”.
Here are some independent road test sample videos which sample the day/night video quality and also number plate recognition. Please increase the youtube video to the maximum resolution. Click the cog wheel in the bottom right and select the maximum resoltuion under the “quality” tab.
Our thoughts
If number plate recognition and video quality is of highest importance, then the DR970X-2CH Dash Cam will give you a better “chance” at making out number plates.
The BlackVue DR970X is a beautiful unit and is the best that BlackVue currently offers.
If you want a more cost effective all-rounder, with good day and night performance, the DR770X-2CH is the way to go.
Both models will show you what happens on the road, for example if a red car cuts in front of you and forces you to brake hard, both BlackVue models will show that.
Check out the BlackVue DR970X-2CH Dash Cam by clicking here
Check out the BlackVue DR770X-2CH Dash Cam by clicking here
