⚡️ Quick Verdict - ANKER Roav Dash Cam C1 (2017)
- Best For: Drivers seeking reliable, no-frills incident recording.
- Strengths: Dependable recording, compact design, clear daytime video.
- Drawbacks: Limited advanced features, night vision performance, potential for suction cup issues.
- Verdict: A solid, entry-level dash cam for core recording needs.
⚖️ Pros & Cons Explained
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Video Quality | Users report clear and sharp video quality during daylight hours, capturing license plates and road details effectively. | Some users note that night recording quality is less detailed, making it harder to discern specific features in low light conditions. |
| Reliability | Many found it to be a reliable device that consistently records without major issues once set up. | A minority of users experienced intermittent power issues or freezing after extended use, requiring resets. |
| Ease of Use & Setup | The dash cam is generally considered straightforward to install and operate, with intuitive controls for basic functions. | Some feedback points to the menu navigation being slightly cumbersome, especially for accessing less common settings. |
| Mounting & Design | Its compact size allows for discreet placement, and the suction cup mount provides a secure attachment initially. | A number of users reported that the suction cup mount can lose its grip over time, especially in varying temperatures, leading to the camera falling. |
🔧 What’s Included? & Why It Matters
| Component/Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Roav Dash Cam C1 Unit | The core recording device. Essential for capturing footage. |
| Suction Mount | Allows for easy attachment to the windshield and quick removal. Critical for stable video capture. |
| Single-Port Car Charger | Powers the dash cam. |
| Micro USB Cable | Connects the dash cam to the car charger for power, and to a computer for data transfer. |
| Trim Removal Tool | A small plastic tool designed to help tuck the power cable neatly into car trim, for a cleaner installation. |
💰 Is It Worth It? – Value & Cost Efficiency
| Aspect | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Core Functionality | Provides dependable 1080p recording and essential features like G-sensor for accident detection, delivering good value for its primary purpose. | Lacks advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS, or parking monitoring that are common in newer, albeit often more expensive, dash cams, which some users might find limiting. |
| Durability & Longevity | Many users report the device being robust and continuing to function reliably for several years with proper care. | The included suction cup mount can degrade over time, leading to replacement needs, which adds a minor hidden cost or inconvenience. |
| User Experience | Its straightforward nature makes it cost-efficient in terms of user effort and potential troubleshooting. | The screen size is relatively small, and menu navigation isn't always intuitive, potentially leading to a less premium user experience compared to models with larger touchscreens. |
💡 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Does the ANKER Roav Dash Cam C1 require an SD card?Yes, the dash cam requires a Micro SD card (Class 10 or higher, up to 32GB supported) to store recorded footage. It is not included with the camera.
- Does it have a screen to view footage?Yes, it features a 2.4-inch LCD screen that allows users to view live footage and playback recorded videos directly on the device.
- Does it have a parking monitoring feature?The Roav Dash Cam C1 includes a G-sensor that can detect impacts and automatically record. For continuous parking surveillance, it would typically require a hardwire kit to ensure constant power, which is not included.
- What is the resolution of the video?The dash cam records video in Full HD 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second.
- How is it powered?It is powered by connecting to your vehicle's 12V power outlet (cigarette lighter socket) using the included car charger and USB cable.
👍 Positive Reviews - What Users Love
- The video quality during the day is surprisingly clear, making it easy to see license plates and road signs.
- It's very simple to set up and start recording, pretty much plug and play.
- The compact design means it doesn't obstruct my view or draw too much attention.
- I've had it for a while, and it has reliably recorded every time I've driven, which gives me peace of mind.
- The loop recording works well, so I don't have to worry about manually clearing space on the SD card.
👎 Negative Reviews - What Could Be Better
- Night vision really struggles; details become very blurry and hard to distinguish, especially without good street lighting.
- The suction cup mount started to lose its grip after a few months, especially when it got hot, causing the camera to fall.
- The menu system is a bit clunky and not very intuitive, making it a hassle to change settings.
- It occasionally freezes or stops recording, requiring a manual restart, which is concerning for a device meant for continuous recording.
- The screen is quite small, making it difficult to review footage in detail without transferring it to a computer.
📋 Key Details & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 1080p Full HD @ 30fps |
| Field of View | 140° wide-angle lens |
| Display | 2.4-inch LCD Screen |
| Storage Support | Micro SD card (Class 10 or higher) up to 32GB (not included) |
| Sensor | G-Sensor (Emergency Recording) |
| Power Source | Car charger (included) |
| Battery | Built-in (primarily for emergency recording power, not continuous operation) |
| Connectivity | Mini USB for power/data |
| Operating Temperature | Typically -4°F to 149°F (-20°C to 65°C) |
🔚 Summary – Is This the Right Choice for You?
- The ANKER Roav Dash Cam C1 (2017) serves as a functional and reliable dash camera for drivers prioritizing core recording capabilities without unnecessary frills.
- Its strengths lie in its ease of use, compact design, and consistent daytime video clarity, making it a solid choice for everyday incident documentation.
- However, users should be aware of its limitations, particularly in low-light recording performance and the potential for the suction cup mount to lose adhesion over time.
- While it may lack advanced features found in newer models, its straightforward operation and dependable main function make it a suitable option for those seeking an entry-level dash cam primarily for peace of mind on the road.
