Reviews
Is The Blackvue DR900X-2CH Worth it? In Depth Review
Blackvue, a well-known South Korean manufacturer, debuted their most advanced dashcam in 2020, the DR900X 2CH. This model replaces the previous generation of DR900S and comes loaded with new features. The main selling point being it now has cloud integration built into the unit. So with the proper setup, you can monitor your vehicle 24/7 so long as there’s an internet connection.
Worth reading: See our of the iRoad X10 4K UDH Dashcam
Choosing 1 or 2 channels
If you don’t think you’ll ever need a rear camera, choosing one channel is fine. However, if you ever plan to add a rear camera later, you’ll need to buy the two channels instead. The one-channel model isn’t compatible with a rear camera and is missing the actual port to plug in a rear camera. If you want dual channels and have front and rear cameras, you’ll need to make that decision upfront.
What’s in The Box?
Everything comes in what seems like suitable and compact packaging. Both the front and rear cameras, accessories, and wires are well packaged, and there’s no unnecessary packaging. We appreciate it when companies are environmentally conscious.
Inside the box is everything you’d expect and some more. There’s an abundance of cables and wires that you’ll need later for installation. One thing I noticed that Blackvue does that other manufacturer’s neglect is included installation tools. The pry tool was a lifesaver for me when installing, as it helped prevent damages that I otherwise would’ve had if I had used whatever tools I had.
Installation
If this is your first time installing a dashcam, I recommend checking out the following Youtubers. They’ve done a great job walking through the installation process, especially the hardwiring bit.
Some things to keep in mind when installing…
- Download the app first: Make sure you set the dashcam with the app first. Then test the mount in different positions and see how it appears on your phone. The included 3M tape sticks once you place it down, so you won’t be able to make any adjustments. Make sure to try different placements and adjust accordingly before permanently sticking the camera in place.
- Clean your windshield: The adhesive is strong but will slip off if the glass is dirty. Use a glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol to give the area a good wipe before mounting.
- Front & Rear end of the wire: The wire that connects the front and rear camera have a definite front and back end that’s labeled. Make sure you set up the front camera first, so you have it right.
- Accessibility to ports: When installing, ensure that all your ports and the microSD slot are accessible. Some vehicles (like mine) have a large center console on the windshield that can block access to these ports.
- Install the CM100 LTE Module simultaneously: If you plan to use the CM100 LTE module for WIFI connectivity, make sure to install it at the same time. This way, you’ll only need to cable-manage once.
- Use the pry tool: Use the included pry tool. Don’t try to use a screwdriver or anything with sharp edges. You could damage your interior or the wires.
Hardwiring
Previous models needed to have the Power Magic Pro device keep the dashcam running when the engine is off. Thankfully, the DR900X has a built-in low-voltage cutoff and comes with the hardwiring tools to connect the unit directly to your car.
I don’t see many reasons why you’d use the included cigarette lighter socket adapter. However, if you’re spending this much on a dashcam, you may also spend the time to install it right to take advantage of all the features that come with it. Many of the idle parking and live-view features require the unit to be hardwired, so keep that in mind.
Front Camera
The DR900X’s 8mp CMOS sensor captures actual 4K UDH footages at 30fps. I say “actual” because I’ve tested other 4K dashcams that claim to record in 4K, but it’s not genuine 4K. Their smaller sensor records the footage at a lower resolution and then upscale to 4K. The front camera has a viewing angle of 162 degrees, which is more than enough real estate to see everything ahead and even a glimpse of the sides.
Video quality is excellent if this is your first dashcam or an upgrade from a lesser model. The resolution and pixel density produce sharp images at a distance, but it still lags behind VIOFO and Thinkware’s comparable dashcams. This is surprising given that Blackvue was the first manufacturer to roll out 4K on their devices. Blackvue’s devices have a competitive edge before, and I wish they’d kept improving their image quality.
Rear Camera
The rear camera equips a Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor capable of shooting full HD 1080P at 30fps. It’s a reliable rear setup that will give exceptional video quality day or night. The 139-degree viewing angle is standard and gets the job done. Video quality is clear, and the 1080p resolution can make out license plates within about 15-20 feet during daylight hours with decent lighting.
MicroSD Capacity
When purchasing, you can choose from 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB. These are NOT onboard storage, but instead of the size of microSD, they’ll ship with the unit. I would go with the 32GB and then purchase either the 128GB or 256GB microSD card separately to save some money.
The expandable storage can up to 256GB, which will give you about 21 hours of recording. That should be plenty for most use cases, including parking mode.
The microSD port is hidden behind a snap-on cover on the side of the front camera. This can be tricky and even frustrating if you frequently take your microSD card out to upload footage. I was not too fond of this because I find myself having to take the entire front camera off the mount to get the microSD card out. Hopefully, for the next iteration, Blackvue makes the microSD port more accessible.
Video Storage
Videos are saved on the microSD card and can also be uploaded to the cloud. Videos are optimized, and the file size is smaller than you’d expect, given it’s recording in full 4K UDH. This certainly helps to make the most out of your 256GB microSD capacity. Others have reported reduced video quality due to this optimization. However, it’s still lightyears better than 2K quality upscaled to 4K.
Cloud Integration
This is likely one of the main reasons you’re considering the DR900X, so let’s go over it in detail. There are a few requirements that you need to be aware of before buying this device.
Requirements for Cloud Integration
- Hardwire: You’ll need to use the hardwiring kit. A cigarette socket won’t do.
- CM100 LTE Module: You’ll need to purchase the $169 CM100 LTE module separately.
- Data plan: You’ll also need a sim card with a data plan to provide WIFI for the car.
- Blackvue Cloud subscription: Finally, you’ll need to have a subscription to Blackvue Cloud. Luckily, a free plan gives you up to 10 minutes of live view per day and 100 playbacks per month. If you need unlimited live view and playback, you can upgrade to the Smart Plan for $11.99/m.
Overall, this may seem daunting to first-time users, but it’s an essential requirement to get your vehicle set up for cloud recording. Blackvue isn’t making you do anything unnecessary.
Blackvue Cloud’s Subscription
Blackvue currently offers the best cloud-integrated dashcam on the market. Almost everything happens instantly. The real-time notifications are responsive. The live view also gives an actual live view with reasonably low latency, which is impressive. And whenever there are firmware updates, you can update directly from your phone.
Other manufacturers will try to make more money off their customers by offering a flimsy free plan lacking essential features. Then, they’ll force you to upgrade to a paid subscription at some point. As a consumer, we don’t appreciate these bait and switch schemes.
Fortunately, Blackvue’s free plan is also generous and gives plenty of value as-is. All the essentials you’ll need are included in the Free plan, including 5GB of storage (Smart plan also has 5GB). So you don’t need to upgrade unless you have a strong need for unlimited viewing, unlimited playback, and up to 365-day storage.
Robust App
Unlike the VIOFO, the Blackvue doesn’t have a screen. Instead, you’ll need to make all the adjustments via a paired Android/iOS app. Generally, these apps tend to be an afterthought and riddled with bugs (looking at you, Thinkware). Blackvue’s App, although barebone looking, is a breeze to use.
The branding was a bit sketchy since it didn’t look like a native app from the manufacturer. But once downloaded and connected, it works like a charm—no crashes, glitches, or features that don’t work.
When using a dashcam with an app interface, it’s important that the App works flawlessly and get constant updates. Otherwise, you’re stuck with a unit with tons of capabilities but no user interface to take advantage of them.
One thing I wish Blackvue had done was making the App look more polished and professional. Currently, iRoad dashcams have the best-looking and most robust App interface. Blackvue’s App experience is solid but only comes second.
Heat Tolerance
This is an area that the DR900X outshines its predecessor. The DR900S could only tolerate a temperature range from -20C (-4F) to 70C (158F). Meanwhile, the DR900X can withstand extremes from -20C (-4F) up to 80C (176F). This level of heat resistance puts the Blackvue on a comparable level of reliability as the iRoad X10 dashcam.
Philadelphia didn’t have the weather extremities needed to put this unit to the test, so we’ll have to take the manufacturer’s word for it.
Verdict
The Blackvue DR900X is one of the best dash cams you can buy in 2021. It has everything from 4k Resolution, Cloud-integration, high-temperature tolerance, a full suite of security and parked features, to an intuitive iOS/Android app. At $449, it’s certainly a premium, but you will get premium features for the price. Owner’s Mag highly recommends the Blackvue DR900X.
Air guns are used for pest control, small game hunting, recreational shooting or plinking, and competitive sports. There are several air rifles, but a bullpup weapon stands out. The overall length of the air gun can be significantly decreased without reducing the barrel length. This enables a bullpup weapon to be more easily maneuvered and concealed in tight spaces than a traditional weapon with a similar barrel length. Whether you are an avid air gun enthusiast or a newcomer looking for a versatile air rifle, the Ataman M2R Bullpup can be the best option. In this article, we will explore the unique features of the Ataman M2R Bullpup.
Ataman is a Russian brand known for manufacturing air guns. The company is famous for developing high-precision weapons for various shooting purposes, including target shooting and hunting. This includes the Ataman M2R Bullpup air rifle, Type 2 Walnut model.
Overview
With the legendary expertise of Russian gunsmiths, these guys bring distinct details out in this model. It features a Lothar Walther barrel and an ergonomic walnut stock. In addition, the adjustable trigger provides a personalized setup. Overall, the Ataman M2R Bullpup is an ultra-lightweight and versatile air rifle. Learn more about its specifications in the next section.
The M2R air rifles are a leading product of the Ataman factory. In producing M2R rifles, the company uses barrel blanks from the German brand Lothar Walther. In addition, the energy source of this PCP pneumatics rifle is a high-pressure tank with a volume of 250 cubic meters and a working pressure of 300. The design of the M2R air rifles allows for adjustments in stroke, force, and length.
Ataman M2R Bullpup Technical Specifications
The Ataman M2R Bullpup has advanced features, making it a popular choice for better performance and maneuverability. When Ataman designed this air rifle, they focused on creating a compact, maneuverable option for tight spaces. It’s noticeably smaller compared to other rifles we’ve checked out. The clockwork trigger is a standout feature for its easy customization, providing a match-grade experience, and the built-in pressure regulator ensures your shots stay consistently accurate.
Below are the technical specifications of Ataman M2R Bullpup:
Caliber: .22, .25, .357
Velocity: Up to 980 FPS
Barrel Style: Rifled
Barrel Length: 520 mm
Energy: Up to 55 foot-pounds
Safety: Manual
Loudness: 4-Medium-High
Shots Per Fill: 4
Weight: 3.8 kg.
Pros:
- Ambidextrous walnut stock
- Lothar Walther’s free-floating barrel
- Self-indexing magazine
- Integrated Picatinny rail
- Built-in air pressure gauge
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
Cons:
- Heavier than other brands
- Rather loud
What are the Other Leading Brands of Air Guns?
Here are some favorite options to help you choose the best air gun for your next hunting adventure.
1. AirForce Texan LSS Hunter Combo
One great feature of Airforce Texan LSS is its variety of options. Customers can choose among the .45, .357, and .30 caliber barrels depending on their preference and purpose. You also get a scope, air tank, bipod, and other goodies in the combo kit. Plus, it offers a lifetime limited warranty.
Features:
Caliber: .30, .357, .45
Velocity: Up to 1100 FPS
Barrel Style: Lothar Walther
Energy: Up to 600 foot-pounds
Safety: Automatic on cocking
Pros:
- Pressure relief device
- Adjustable power
- Two-stage, adjustable trigger
- Relatively quiet firing
- Low-effort, side-lever cocking
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
2. Seneca Wing Shot MKII Shotgun
This air rifle is customizable to suit the preferences of upland or bushy-tail hunters. Thanks to the weapon’s removable choke, which will reduce the inner barrel down to .486 feet from .494 feet. This feature will enable a consistent shot stream and a 12-foot spread at 20 yards out.
Features:
Caliber: .50
Velocity: Up to 1130 FPS
Barrel Style: Smooth Bore
Energy: 245 foot-pounds
Safety: Manual
Loudness: 5-High
Shots Per Fill: 5
Pros:
- Removable choke.
- Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP)
- Single air reservoir (244cc)
- Built-in manometer
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
Cons:
- This air rifle is very loud.
3. Hatsan Blitz
The Hatsan Blitz is a fully-automatic air gun with a pre-charged pneumatic tank. It is among the top choices for full-automatic PCP air rifles. This automatic feature makes it a thrilling experience at the range, providing a Rambo-esque feel. Likewise, it can be effective for hunting coyotes and other small vermin.
Features:
Caliber: .22, .25, .30
Velocity: Up to 1050 FPS
Barrel Style: Rifled
Energy: Up to 53 foot-pounds
Safety: Manual
Loudness: 3-Medium
Shots Per Fill: 130
Pros:
- Full or semi-automatic mode
- 1,000 rounds/minute cyclic rate
- Detachable SwingLoad Magazine
- Combo 11mm dovetail and 22mm Weaver optics rail
- Three Picatinny forearm accessory rails
- Built-in manometer
- Available in 1-Year Limited Warranty
Cons:
- Full auto mode consumes many pellets.
4. Benjamin Bulldog .357 Bullpup
If you are looking for the best big-bore air gun for hunting, consider this Benjamin Bulldog Bullpup air gun. It is a fine hunting weapon. However, the Ataman M2R Bullpup still stands out in accuracy and versatility.
Features:
Caliber: .357
Velocity: Up to 910 FPS
Barrel Style: Rifled
Energy: 200 foot-pounds
Safety: Manual
Loudness: 4-Medium-High
Pros:
- Rubber recoil pad
- 2-stage non-adjustable trigger
- Picatinny optics and accessory rails
- Ambidextrous synthetic camp stock
- 5-Year Limited Warranty
Cons:
- Loud
5. Umarex Hammer
Umarex Hammer is a .50 caliber big bore air rifle that fires pellets at 700 foot-pounds of energy. Airgun Depot considers it the most potent PCP big-bore air gun.
Features:
Caliber: .50
Velocity: Up to 1000 FPS
Barrel Style: Rifled
Energy: 700 foot-pounds
Safety: Manual
Loudness: 5-High
Shots Per Fill: 4
Pros:
- 2-round chamber magazine
- Built-in manometer
- Weaver/Picatinny optics rail
- AR Magpul-style grip
- Accept M-LOK®attachments
- 5-Year Limited Warranty
Cons:
- Requires 550-grain lead pellets for optimal power
99Designs is one of the go-to graphic design services online. It’s a platform full of professional designers that will make branding easier for you. Here’s an honest 99Designs review of the service from a non-designer.
99Designs: Overview
99Designs is a graphic design service that helps clients connect with various web and graphic designers worldwide. The platform offers the following design services:
- Logos
- Websites
- Stationary
- Business Cards
- Postcards
- Posters
- Clothing
- Brochures
How Does it Work
#1 Brief Your Requirements
First, you need to create a simple design brief to help graphic designers visualize your requirements.
#2 Connect with a Designer
Second, you need to choose how you’ll connect with a designer. In99Designs, you have two options:
- Work Directly
You can choose to work with a graphic designer directly.99Designs will help you find the designer that matches your preferred design style. This option allows you to review the portfolio and request the designer’s quotes.
- Start a Contest
For this option, you’ll open your design brief to the99Designs community. After that, designers will submit ideas to you, providing you multiple styles to choose from.
#3 Collaborate
Lastly, after choosing your preferred design process, you’ll collaborate with your graphic designer. Once satisfied with the output, you can release the payment securely to the designer. Take note that all copyright and ownership entirely belongs to you.
99Designs Review: The Pros and Cons
Pros of99Designs
- Built-in design process
It guides the non-designers to organize their design requirements. The platform provides questions that help clients define their requirements to help designers visualize what is needed. So if you also have a hard time translating the creative path you want your designer to take,99Designs’ platform will help.
- 100% Money-back warranty
99Designs offers a 100% guarantee within 60 days of payment. The warranty is available for all types of contests. However, it does not apply to contests with a guaranteed prize. When we say “guaranteed prize,” it means that the contest already proceeded to the final round.
- Estimated quantity of submissions
As you pick a package for your design requirement,99Designs will provide an estimated quantity based on the budget. Each bid will have a fixed amount of price. So, it’s safe to say there are no hidden fees.
- Large Marketplace
99Designs is one of the best graphic design services on the internet. Its popularity is evident by the number of bids a client receives on a single project. Although it’s a disadvantage for the designers, as the client, you have more gains.
Cons of99Designs
- Limited Options
As you scroll through several design proposals for your contest, you can’t research more about the designers. It’s impossible to dig deeper about the designer’s portfolio, resume or feedback from previous customers.
- Misleading Pricing
According to99Designs, “you can set your price.” However, there are minimum prices for each design category. Although the minimum fee is reasonable, the claim of setting your rate as a client is somewhat misleading.
- Newbie Designers
There are a handful of people who believe newbie designers often join design contests. For some, this claim is valid, but seniority is not an issue as long as they produce quality works.
- Unpaid Efforts
This is the advantage for designers when joining contests. Of course, designers are aware of this downside. However, they often take it as a learning experience.
99Designs Review: Monthly Plans
The following are the fixed pricing for contest packages. Using the contest option in99Designs, you’ll receive creative concepts from multiple designers around the world.
Logo Design
- Bronze, 30 designs at $299
- Silver, 60 designs at $499
- Gold, 90 designs at $899
- Platinum, 60 designs at $1,299 (Top-level designer entry requirement)
Web Page Design
- Bronze, 15 designs at $599
- Silver, 25 designs at $899
- Gold, 35 designs at $1,599
- Platinum, 25 designs at $2,499 (Top-level designer entry requirement)
Other Pricing Includes:
- 3D
- Album cover
- App design
- Banner ad
- Book cover
- Business card
- Car, truck, or van wrap
- Character or mascot
- Landing page design
- Merchandise design
- Graphic illustrations
- Other Branding assets
Maximizing Your Experience with 99Designs
Here are several expert tips to help you utilize 99Designs effectively:
- Define Your Vision Clearly: Begin with a comprehensive and clear design brief. The more details you provide about your vision, the better designers can align with your expectations.
- Choose the Right Engagement Model: Decide whether direct collaboration with a designer or launching a contest fits your project better. Each has its benefits, with direct hires offering personalized engagement and contests providing diverse creative options.
- Engage Actively with Designers: Whether you opt for a direct hire or a contest, actively engaging with the designers is crucial. Provide feedback promptly to refine designs closer to your vision.
Final Note
In the end, this99Designs review proved that the platform is one of the best graphic design services on the internet. If you’re still contemplating if you need their service, you can explore the99Designs website. However, if you’re searching for a design service that’s perfect for non-design,99Designs is worth considering.
Due to the increased demand for affordable graphic design, various unlimited graphic design services has been popping up online. The graphic design industry expanded, offering more options to clients.
We can say that the scene is more competitive now than ever. However, let’s focus on Graphics Zoo for this article. We weigh in on if their services can keep up with the fierce competition in the “unlimited” section of the industry.
What is Graphics Zoo?
Graphics Zoo is an unlimited graphic design service that allows users to request designs on a monthly subscription. All clients have to do is create a submission with full specifications of their design requirements.
It’s also best to attach references to help designers take the creative path towards the client’s preferences. The great thing about an online graphic design service is its flat monthly rate, with no added fees for revisions.
Graphics Zoo Business Model
Unlimited graphic design is a type of business model which allows clients to submit numerous requests per account. After presenting the design preference, expect a 24-hour turnaround or more before you can receive your output. If you receive a design output that’s far from expectations, you can point out the changes you want to make for the revision. Graphics Zoo has a flat monthly rate with no contracts involved. It means you can cancel your subscription anytime without having any legal worries.
You might also like: Design Pickle VS Penji Review
Graphics Zoo’s Market
The design service is excellent for startups, bloggers, and entrepreneurs. As long as the business needs a continuous supply of custom graphic design, Graphics Zoo is worth a shot. Here are a few examples of companies that worked with Graphics Zoo:
- Enicode
- Bread of Life Inc.
- Western Rockies Federal Credit Union
- Perfect Imprints
- Green Guard
According to their website, Graphics Zoo has more than 750 satisfied customers with at least 50,000 approved projects. It’s also highly rated by their customers, earning whopping 4.9-star reviews.
Pros and Cons of Graphics Zoo
Graphics Zoo Pros
- PROOF management system
Graphics Zoo offers a robust system that provides a collaborative space for designers and clients. It streamlines the whole submission and revision process. Using the tool, the clients can click on any submitted designs to pinpoint areas that need revision. It also allows users to leave a comment to provide more instructions to the designer.
- Graphics Zoo offers a stellar project management system that allows efficient communication between both parties.
- Brand profile features add accuracy and efficiency per design project. It quickly provides the design’s purpose to designers.
- Graphics Zoo offers a comprehensive design selection across various graphic design categories.
- The ability to share one account among multiple users is helpful for most businesses.
- Excellent customer support and design project management system
- A team of versatile designers that can provide designs for any business types
Graphics Zoo Cons
- It’s possible to encounter ill-paired designers that are not fit for other project requirements. It might consume time because of countless revisions.
- You can only have one ongoing project per day. So if you’re a business with a high design output demand, you should opt for a plan with more designers.
- Graphics Zoo’s system only allows you to chat with the designers. If you’re more inclined to video calls, it might be a problem for you.
Graphics Zoo’s Pricing Plan
Graphics Zoo offers three monthly plans with robust features:
Business Plan
- $349 per month
- All basic features
- One dedicated designer
- Additional $349 for additional designer
- Five brand profiles
- Three users
- 14-day guarantee
Business Unlimited Plan
- $449 per month
- Everything included in the business plan
- Unlimited brand profiles
- Unlimited users
- White-label platforms
- Customized web design service
- 14-day guarantee
Agency Plan
- $849 per month
- Everything included in previous plans
- Two dedicated designer
- 30-day guarantee
- When starting a project with GraphicsZoo, making the most of their streamlined and user-friendly platform is crucial. Here are some key strategies for a successful collaboration:
- Use Slack for direct communication with your designer. This allows for instant feedback and praise, ensuring clear and efficient revisions or approvals.
- Prioritize clear and detailed communication. Never assume your designer has implicit understanding of your needs. Be explicit in your project briefs, and don’t hesitate to share comprehensive information about your brand and objectives.
- Remember, effective communication is as vital with your design team as it is in any other part of your business. The clarity and detail of your interactions can significantly influence whether the final design meets your expectations or falls short.
- By following these guidelines, you can foster a more productive and satisfying partnership with GraphicsZoo, leading to designs that perfectly embody your vision.
Tips for GraphicsZoo Users
When starting a project with GraphicsZoo, making the most of their streamlined and user-friendly platform is crucial. Here are some key strategies for a successful collaboration:
- Use Slack for direct communication with your designer. This allows for instant feedback, ensuring clear and efficient revisions.
- Prioritize clear and detailed communication. Never assume your designer has implicit understanding of your needs. Be explicit in your project briefs, and don’t hesitate to share comprehensive information about your brand and objectives.
Other Unlimited Graphic Design Companies
If you’re looking for more options with a similar business model as Graphics Zoo, we did the work for you. Here is our full list of unlimited graphic design services.
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Christopher
October 1, 2022 at 9:25 am
This review is rubbish, the camera is flawed with unstable performance, the wifi is glitchy at best and the app is rubbish. Don’t waste your money on this camera. I did and I feel very ripped off.