With the driving experience today becoming filled with uncertainty, the ability to provide documentation of road events is becoming more critical than ever. Dash cams have evolved from being a niche gadget to essential equipment for safekeeping, providing immediate evidence after an accident, and ensuring insurance coverage.
One of their key advantages is capturing real-time footage, free from bias, which can be critical when disputes arise and protects drivers from fraudulent claims. Adopted initially to help reduce fraud in the insurance industry and to provide witnesses in out-of-the-way places, the use of dash mounted cameras has grown into a range of potential benefits for drivers of various needs and situations.
In this review, we look at the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam, a dual-camera setup that monitors what’s going on around your vehicle. This system comes with a high-resolution 4K front-facing camera along with a rear-facing one, all designed for you to see every detail of your adventures.
The inclusion of front tip rear recording options immediately positions the Ombar DC42 as a strong solution for drivers looking to both improve their security and provide evidence. And of course, the Ombar DC42 is winner of a Red Dot design award, so it’s pretty clear that some consideration has gone into the aesthetics as well as the functionality.
Ideal For A Wide Range Of Drivers The Ombar DC42 suits a wide range of drivers However, it will be useful for everyday commuters to record incidents that can serve as evidence in the event of an accident.
The front and rear slash cam setup included in Vonvo Car Dash Cam Pro is ideal for rideshare drivers, providing a way to document the events outside the car while also recording actions inside the vehicle for safety and added protection against false claims.
Also, road trip lovers can enjoy high-definition video and integrated GPS tracking, so they can relive their drives with accurate location and speed information. Although priced higher than the Ombar DC42 in the budget category, user feedback ranges from ‘the Ombar DC42 is a good value for the money’ bringing high reliability and performance to a wide variety of users.
Taking a Closer Look at Design and Build Quality
The Ombar DC42 has a compact, slimline, landscape-orientated design that sits neatly on the windshield without obstructing the driver’s view. This clean design can be a notable benefit to drivers who want an unobtrusive dash cam.
The device feels exceptionally well-built, utilising a grey heavy-duty plastic that exhibits durability and a wide operating temperature range of -4 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. And the Red Dot design award also speaks towards design aesthetics and engineering considerations of the device.
Ombar DC42 – Reported to be Easy to Install and Use Sticky pads are used to mount the mounting plates on the windshield and the back window. The front camera comes equipped with a sliding mount, so you can quickly and easily take off the main unit whenever you want. Notably, only two main wires are involved in the installation: a power wire and a wire to connect the rear camera to the front unit. This simplified wiring is part of why it takes a bit less time to set up than systems requiring multiple separate modules.
The included electrostatic stickers for both cameras were a helpful addition, making it easy for you to remove them from the glass without leaving residue. You can also even tilt the base of the front cam, granting you means to refine the angle of recording to get the best angle. Customer reviews confirm ease of installation, noting clear instructions and a user-friendly interface.
One of the most notable design decisions would be no rear screen on the main camera body. A trade-off was made for an elegant design with a slim body and a body that curves slightly, but this may not be practical for those who would like to check a clip directly on the device. This has not (yet) managed to erode the popularity of the well-regarded Ombar ‘Kacam’ smartphone application, which provides the main interface for capturing, configuring settings and managing files.
A red LED shows recording mode, while a green LED lights up when GPS is working, right on the front-facing camera unit — handy and clear. There are also microphone and reset pinholes very conveniently located on the unit. The smartphone application provides a picture-in-picture live view of both cameras, and users can use a front-camera-only view for accurate placement. Settings are accessed by stopping the recording and tapping a gear icon within the app — suggesting a unified approach to device control.
As the Ombar DC42 is a dual-camera, it requires cable management to link the front and rear units. A long cable to make this connection comes in the box. Though hiding the additional cabling behind the vehicle’s trim panels for a clean installation takes a little effort, Ombar provides a prying tool to help with the task.
The rear camera cable is routed to the front unit mainly along the headliner, which can be done using the accompanying cable clips and the prying tool to hide the wire from view. While the extra cable is a consideration—just like with any dual-camera system—the Ombar DC42 comes with useful (and perfectly sized) tools and accessories to help neatly stow away this part.
Shooting the Road: Camera Specs & Image/Vid Quality
The Ombar DC42 features high-quality camera specs meant to record high-quality video in different driving scenarios. Utilizing an F1. 8 device with an impressive 170-degree field of view. Such high resolution allows for sharp and detailed footage with great detail, which is essential to be able to read crucial aspects like license plates and road indications. The front camera resolution can also be set to 2K or 1080p as per storage needed by the user.
The rear-facing camera shoots [email protected] (1920x1080p) at 30fps with a 150-degree field of view. So even though the rear camera footage has been described as merely “serviceable” by one source, it is still of enough value to give you a full picture of things that happen back there. Real-life video shows strong quality, sharpness, saturation and detail, including the ability to read the license plates of surrounding traffic with little glare, even when driving directly into the sun. Customer reviews tend to match these professional evaluations, with good video quality in 1080p and 4K, good enough to read license plates.
Low-light camera performance is an important area of any dash cam and the Ombar DC42 does very well in this regard. Including WDR technology and Super Night Vision ability, the camera is able to improve high-definition videos and photos in low-light environments. These features help the dash cam capture sharp license plates and road signs even in the dark.
The real-world night performance highlights the excellent quality, with images still remaining sharp and clear, despite a somewhat cloudy windshield, while license plates are easily readable as seen from the front and rear cameras. Providing capabilities like this strong night vision adds a ton of value, especially for those who drive often during nighttime hours.
With wide lenses on both, both cameras cover large areas of the surroundings. The front camera has a field of view of 170 degrees, and the rear one has 150 degrees, reducing blind spots and increasing the chances of capturing relevant details in case something goes wrong. The dual-camera recording capability from both the front and rear offers a clearer view of events, making the entire system much more useful.
The Ombar DC4272 video quality is consistently commented upon, including from night recordings e when e trade mar was not so clear (HBR 12) . The front camera captures smooth and clear 4K UHD video with solid audio, while the rear has a lower resolution video on say slightly, though users prefer to have the video deemed useful for incident recording. In practical tests, the cameras do well in different light scenarios, including difficult situations, such as driving towards bright sunlight, retaining clarity and detail. User experiences support this, customers reporting great picture quality, indoor and outdoor, particularly when driving at night.
The Ombar DC42’s dual-camera system is particularly beneficial because it allows for full coverage of the front and back of the vehicle at the same time. This “do-it-all appeal” is one of the great selling points for people who are looking to get the most coverage. But as mentioned, installing two cameras does require a bit more complicated cable management..
The DC42: Features and Functionality
So, there are plenty of features like Ombar DC42 that will not only make it more usual but also provide a full recording solution for your CCTV cameras. Loop recording is a common but vital feature, enabling constant recording by deleting previous, unlocked video files when the included 64GB SD card (expandable up to 512GB) runs out of space. It also means that the camera will not stop recording because of a lack of storage. Integrated G-sensor (gravity sensor) — When a collision or sudden impact is detected, the corresponding video file is immediately locked, preventing it from being overwritten, and preserving important evidence.
To provide more peace of mind, the Ombar DC42 features a 24-hour parking mode which can monitor the vehicle in case it’s parked and left alone. For this feature to work, and to provide constant power to the device, it would need the optional hardwire kit (sold separately). Once paired, parking mode can keep a time-lapse shot on the verge of impact detection ensures some degree of security for your car if you are not around.
With built-in GPS functionality, the Ombar DC42 records travel information such as date, time, speed, and geographic coordinates. This data is encoded within the video footage and can be crucial in corroborating the nuances of an incident. Please keep in mind that the GPS is for tracking and logging purposes only; it is not a navigation system. This camera has a tiny green LED on the front that lights up when the GPS is turned on.
With the added feature of voice guidance, the Ombar DC42 provides audible prompts and confirmations. The dash cam comes with built-in along with Dual-band (2.4GHz & 5.0GHz) 5G Wifi for seamless file transfer and connectivity. This allows video files sent to your smartphone via dedicated “Kacam” mobile application at the same time as the transfer speed. The app makes it easy to control the dash cam, view Live Footage, and manage recorded videos for download and sharing on both iOS and Android devices. The actual WiFi signal range is about 25 feet.
Storage is usefully solved by the inclusion of a 64GB microSD card, pre-inserted into the device and ready for action. The dash cam supports, at a maximum, microSD cards with a capacity of 512GB, which allows for a large amount of video data. Formatting the SD card before first use is also a good idea for some devices. Ombar DC42 uses a super capacitor instead of a battery, so it will work reliably in more extreme temperatures (-4° to 158°F or -20℃ to 70℃). Although the camera can get a bit warm during operation, that is the intended behavior for all devices that use super capacitors.
User Experience: Day to Day with the Ombar DC42
According popular reports setting up the Ombar DC42 is nice and smooth process. The initial setup is primarily done using the “Kacam” smartphone app, which makes it very easy to get everything configured. Only two wires need to be connected for installation which frees up much of your real estate. The installation process is pretty straightforward and hassle-free, and it’s a breeze according to most of the customers, who have used their provided double-sided tape to mount the board. Though A detailed User Manual is also offered that covers everything from features to how-tos.
The user interface is very simplistic to use, mostly using the “Kacam” app. You can swipe back and forth between front and rear camera views, and access settings with a button clearly marked with a gear icon. Users receive positive feedback regarding the app layout and usability, which indicate a light-weight and effective way of controlling the different features and configurations of the dash cam.
The Ombar DC42 is a connected product that features a mobile app called “Kacam” which allows users to interact with the device. The service is fully functional for managing files and enables users to view, download and share recorded videos right from their smartphones. It helps in instantly performing these tasks with ease due to its user-friendly interface. And with its integration of fast 5GHz Wi-Fi for rapid 4K file access, it’s easier than ever to transfer files to a mobile device.
Though the provided material does not explicitly cover regular firmware updates for the Ombar DC42, the 12-month assurance implies some level of support from manufacturer. Also, the fact that there is a downloadable manual available at the official Ombar website shows that there are resources provided in case users have any questions or issues they face.
Performance Evaluation in the Real World: On the Road
The Ombar DC42 delivers predictable performance and low-cost operation in real world driving conditions. The camera is very simple to operate — once it has been mounted on the windshield and the power cord is plugged into the car’s 12V accessory connection, recordings begin immediately without the driver needing to push any buttons. This is super convenient, especially for everyday driving. Camera is now powered: The device will give audible alerts on the next vehicle start up and will light up only with diode indicators, confirming to the user that the camera is fully on. Even user experiences over the long haul, like this customer who had used it consistently for seven months, prove reliable.
The Ombar DC42 features have quite impressive responsiveness of the sensors. The G-sensor also detects sudden impacts and automatically protects the relevant video footage, visible on the app through protected video files. When GPS tracking is up and running, a green LED indicator makes it easy to confirm that location and speed data is being captured as you’d expect.
The fast dual-band 5G Wi-Fi also makes transferring video files from the Ombar DC42 to a smartphone a speedy and hassle-free process. The content can be explored freely and downloaded from the “Kacam” app, so that the video can easily be reviewed and shared quickly when required. File transfer is also relatively simple as you now won’t need to deal with high-resolution 4K videos zipping through your connection without complications.
Pros and Cons: Ombar DC42 Verdict
With impressive performance and a compelling combination of features, Ombar’s DC42 Dash Cam is a leading candidate for anyone looking for a dual dash cam solution. Notable highlights include great video quality from both the 4K front and decent 2K/1080p rear cameras, excellent night vision, and a really easy to use setup and mobile app. Other impressive features of this device are GPS Tracking, Reputed G-sensor, Loop recording, voice guidance and 5G-Wi-Fi devices. One notable benefit is the supplied 64GB SD card, meaning you’ll be recording right out of the box. The thin and compact footprint combined with outstanding build quality and a Red Dot design award only enhances it’s overall profile. Considering its performance and feature set, quite a few users also deem it value for money.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to bear in mind. With no rear screen on the main unit it may be inconvenient for some users who are looking for immediate on-device review of footage. To enable the parking monitoring function, users need to buy and install an additional hardwire kit, increasing the overall cost and complexity. Like any dual-camera system, however, the additional cabling needed to connect the front- and rear-mounted units is a little awkward to deal with during installation (although tools are supplied to help). Lastly, some slight discrepancies exist in the resolution of the rear camera (2K according to some sources, 1080p according to others), which could be aided by clarification on the official specs.
Competitive Landscape: Where Does the Ombar DC42 Stand?
The Ombar DC42 has a competitive position, especially in the budget to middle price ranges of the dash cam market. Reviews indicate that it has a strong feature set for the price, often seen at just over $100/£100. It is often mentioned alongside well-respected brand names such as Viofo, especially with regard to video quality and value for money. By comparison, the Ombar DC42 emerges as a contender against some more mainstream brands, showcasing how easy it is to get setup, its high-resolution front and rear cameras and a comprehensive list of features for the price. The Ombar DC four-channel dash camera appears to provide many features typically associated with higher-end models, with few direct comparisons with particular models from Viofo, Vantrue and Nexar to be found in the snippets posted.
The Bottom Line: Is the Ombar DC42 Right for You?
The Ombar DC42 Dash Cam offers a good overall value proposition with a wealth of features and solid performance for an affordable price. Its superb video quality, especially from the 4K front-facing camera, plus strong night vision and front and rear coverage, make it a great witness on the road. Its appeal is enhanced by the ease of setup and user-friendly mobile application, making it accessible even to those who are less familiar with tech gadgets.
Owning the Ombar DC42 is perfect for the everyday commuter looking for a solid dash cam for peace of mind and potential insurance claim help; rideshare drivers who would benefit greatly from the dual-camera footage; and travelers who want a better way of preserving their trips with high-quality footage and GPS. As a general user that likes seamless integration with their smartphone and ease of use, users will still enjoy the Ombar DC42.
Rating: Overall Recommendation
Overall, we can highly recommend the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam system, as it delivers excellent- performance, features and ease of use at such an affordable price for the dual-camera system. Although a built-in screen would have been an upgrade, and the parking mode requires a hardwire kit, these are shrinking considerations when compared with the strengths of the camera, namely its video quality and the experience of use. Based on professional reviews of the Ombar DC42 as well as customer feedback that highly praise the new release, it seems that the Ombar DC42 is a good case of great value vs performance, so it is a good product if you want to improve your driving safety and security.
Ombar DC42 Dash Cam: one-minute review
It’s easy to stick with the big name best dash cams, but if you’re not fussed about brand then the low-key Ombar and its DC42 Dash Cam might be an alternative route to take. The Ombar DC42 Dash Cam I’ve been testing comes supplied as a bundle, which means there are two cameras inside the box. First up, the front-facing unit features a slender design that sits in landscape orientation well out of the way on a vehicle screen. It boasts 4K video capture too, plus very acceptable levels of audio, although there’s no rear screen, which might be a turn-off to some.
This is augmented by a second, rear-facing dashcam that shoots 2K. Instead of utilizing the same old barrel design that is seen in many dash cam bundles, this unit is a small rectangular design and can be easily mounted in the rear window of the majority of vehicles. Everything works via a series of cables, with one going to the power and the other connecting the cameras together. In this respect, it’s worth remembering that there is quite a lot of cable to feed in behind trim panels during the installation process. Both cameras are held in place by supplied sticky pads that adhere to the mounting plates and screen glass.
The Ombar DC42 Dash Cam has to be one of the easiest models to setup and configure, with much of this needing to be done via the supplementary app. The front camera unit also hosts some handy LEDs, one in red to tell you it’s recording neighbored by a small green LED that indicates GPS is activated. Microphone and camera reset holes sit immediately adjacent to them. Another benefit is down to the design, which alongside being super svelte offers a sliding mount that enables quick and easy removal of the front-facing camera if and when it is needed.
Adding to the appeal is the specification, which includes 170-degree field of vision for the front camera, 5G Wi-Fi, voice guidance, night vision, 64GB of storage and parking monitoring. The latter functionality requires an optional hardwire kit. Indeed, the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam comes with a dazzling array of features and functions given the fact that it retails for just over the $100/£100 mark, which makes it a great option for anyone on a budget. There’s a supporting Ombar ‘Kacam’ app too. This takes the place of a rear screen on the main unit and provides all of the tools needed for file management, as well as initial setup.
Another bonus with this bundle is that the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam comes with a supplied 64GB microSD card, which slots into the end of the front camera. Everything else needed is in the box too, with all wires and fixings supplied. However, it’s worth remembering that the Ombar DC42 Dash Cam is just like the majority of other models in that it will need permanent fixing in your vehicle using an optional hardwire kit if all of the static parking and 24-hour monitoring tools are required. Nevertheless, this is a straightforward fitment job for any qualified individual and can even be attempted by novices if time and care are taken.
