BlackVue DR970X vs Elite Series – Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Two generations of premium BlackVue dash cams sit side by side in our store right now — the well-proven DR970X range and the newer ELITE series (Elite 8, Elite 9, and Elite 10).
Both produce excellent footage. Both are BlackVue, with the build quality, app, and cloud ecosystem you would expect. Both come with a 3-year warranty from us as an authorised Australian dealer.
So why are there still two? And which one should you actually buy?
The Quick Answer
- The ELITE series is BlackVue’s newest generation and represents where the brand is heading.
- The DR970X is still an excellent camera and continues to be popular, particularly for buyers who specifically want built-in LTE (the DR970X-2CH LTE Plus II is the only BlackVue with the LTE modem built directly into the camera).
- For most new buyers in 2026, the ELITE series offers better value thanks to the supercapacitor design, dual HDR, ultra-low parking mode, and improved sensors.
What All These Cameras Share
- Sony STARVIS imaging technology
- 4K UHD front camera capability (on DR970X and Elite 9/10)
- Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
- BlackVue Cloud compatibility
- Parking mode support
- Up to 1TB microSD support
- 3-year Australian warranty (on registration)
DR970X-2CH Plus II vs Elite 10 2CH
This is the most direct comparison — both flagship 4K models.
| Feature | DR970X-2CH Plus II | Elite 10 2CH |
| Front Resolution | 4K UHD | 4K UHD |
| Rear Resolution | 1080p Full HD | 4K UHD |
| Front Sensor | Sony STARVIS 2 | 8MP Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 |
| Rear Sensor | Sony STARVIS (gen 1) | Sony STARVIS 2 |
| 12-bit Imaging | ❌ | ✅ Front and rear |
| Dual HDR | Front only | ✅ Both cameras |
| Power Design | Standard | Supercapacitor |
| Parking Mode | Pre-buffered 5 sec | Under 1mA, pre-buffered 10 sec |
| Built-in LTE | ✅ Available (LTE Plus II) | ❌ Via CM100GLTE |
Verdict:
The Elite 10 2CH wins on almost every spec — particularly on the rear camera, which jumps from 1080p to 4K with a Sony STARVIS 2 sensor. The DR970X-2CH Plus II still wins on one thing: built-in LTE. If you specifically want a BlackVue with no external accessory needed for always-on cloud, the DR970X-2CH LTE Plus II still has its place. For everyone else, the Elite 10 2CH is the stronger camera.
| 👉 Shop BlackVue Elite 10 2CH Authorised dealer • 3-year warranty • Price beat guarantee |
DR970X-2CH Plus II vs Elite 9 2CH
| Feature | DR970X-2CH Plus II | Elite 9 2CH |
| Front Resolution | 4K UHD | 4K UHD |
| Rear Resolution | 1080p Full HD | 2K QHD |
| Front Sensor | Sony STARVIS 2 | 8MP Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 |
| Rear Sensor | Sony STARVIS (gen 1) | 5MP Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 |
| 12-bit Front | ❌ | ✅ |
| Dual HDR | Front only | ✅ Both cameras |
| Supercapacitor | ❌ | ✅ |
| Parking Mode | Pre-buffered 5 sec | Under 1mA, pre-buffered 10 sec |
Verdict:
For most buyers, the Elite 9 2CH is the better choice. You get a meaningfully better rear camera (2K vs 1080p), dual HDR, supercapacitor heat resistance, and the new parking mode platform — all at a similar price point.
DR770X-2CH II vs Elite 8 2CH
| Feature | DR770X-2CH II | Elite 8 2CH |
| Front Resolution | 1080p Full HD | 2K QHD |
| Rear Resolution | 1080p Full HD | 2K QHD |
| Sensors | Sony STARVIS | Sony STARVIS 2 |
| Dual HDR | Limited | ✅ Both cameras |
| Supercapacitor | ❌ | ✅ |
| Parking Mode | Standard | Under 1mA, advanced power saving |
Verdict:
If you are choosing between these two, the Elite 8 2CH is the more modern and capable camera. Both step up to 2K QHD, sensors are newer Sony STARVIS 2, dual HDR is included, and supercapacitor design adds heat reliability.
When the DR970X Is Still the Right Choice
- You want all-in-one built-in LTE. The DR970X-2CH LTE Plus II has the 4G modem inside the camera.
- You are continuing an existing BlackVue setup. Sticking with the same generation can make sense.
- The price difference matters and you want 4K front. When on sale, the DR970X-2CH Plus II can hit attractive pricing.
Quick Recommendation Summary
| If you want… | Choose… |
| The absolute best — dual 4K, 12-bit | Elite 10 2CH |
| 4K front + great 2K rear at a fair price | Elite 9 2CH |
| Best entry to ELITE platform — dual 2K | Elite 8 2CH |
| Built-in LTE without an external module | DR970X-2CH LTE Plus II |
| Proven 4K with strong value | DR970X-2CH Plus II |
| Solid Full HD dual-channel at lower price | DR770X-2CH II |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the BlackVue Elite 10 better than the DR970X?
A: For most aspects — rear camera resolution, HDR, parking mode, heat resistance — yes. The Elite 10 represents a meaningful technology step up. The DR970X-2CH LTE Plus II still has an edge on built-in LTE.
Q: Will the DR970X be discontinued?
A: BlackVue is gradually transitioning its lineup to the ELITE generation. The DR970X range is still actively available, but the ELITE series represents BlackVue’s current and future direction.
Q: Does the Elite series have a supercapacitor?
A: Yes — every model in the BlackVue ELITE range uses supercapacitor power design instead of lithium-ion batteries.
Q: Where can I buy BlackVue in Australia with a real warranty?
A: As an authorised BlackVue dealer since 2012, every BlackVue model purchased from Dash Cams Australia qualifies for the exclusive 3-year manufacturer warranty (requires registration with BlackVue Australia after purchase).