Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam Front Camera – 1440p QHD, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth – Emergency SOS, 3" HD Touchscreen – Built-in Polarising Filter – Loop Recording, Intelligent Parking Mode

I did A LOT of research on dashcams before choosing one. Even this one had some bad reviews but given the 70%+ 5 stars, I decided to go for it. Overall it's great. Its better than my previous full HD and 2K should be the minimum these days. So far I've only driven in bright sunshine so can't comment on night or rain picture quality. I just reviewed the videos on my PC and you have to be quite close to the car in front to make out the reg plate - stopping distance close. The picture is good enough for accidents but it won't pick up say facial features unless they're very close. If the 622 was more affordable I would have got this for the 4K. Image was stable and not jerky/ washed out/ reflective etc. It stores files in 1min files but it is all continuous. The 1min files are easier to email/ save etc rather than downloading a whole hour of video to find one moment for example. Set up was easy - my USB port is below my radio so I just plug that in and don't bother with hardwire or hiding the cables. I bought a 128GB Scandisk U3 card because it was so much cheaper than the Nextbase one. Formatted it straight away after reading all the reviews - works perfectly. Downloaded the android app to set it up which I did in the house and this was easy. When I'm parked up somewhere and want to use the app, it does struggle to connect over WiFi. Sometimes it looks like it hasn't connected but when you press 'back' you're suddenly connected. Its fine because I plug the camera into my PC (downloaded the Nextbase Player for PC) and it works great - really great. Has speed info and a little map that shows you where you were. Would definitely recommend but if you have the funds, get the 4K.

My old camera packed up after 6 years ( not nextbase) so this time I decided to go for front and back cameras. Nextbase seems to be regarded as the market leader so I went for this. Once installed it’s very easy to set up and I’ve had it about 5 weeks and I’m very pleased with it. The picture quality is very good both night and day and it’s so far performed perfectly. What’s really nice feature is when it saves footage from front and back it names the files in a format that the free PC software recognises as linked and you view front and back footage playing simultaneously in split screen. The only difficulty I had was mounting. The front camera is kind of offset due to its shape and in my car the mirror assembly is really bulky so the camera ends up a fair bit off centre in the windscreen when mounted on the passenger side of the mirror. I deliberated for ages but that was the best spot I could find. The rear camera is easy to mount but difficult to tidy the cable in a hatchback and as it’s on a magnetic ball mount if you are not careful dangling cable will move the camera when you open and close the boot. I have a Range Rover. All in all very good though and I would recommend

I spent nearly a week with Nextbase customer support (who were brilliant and very patient) but could not get this to work properly. Connection with the GPS module in the mount was intermittent, so sometimes you had speed and lat/long data on the recording, and sometimes it wasn’t there. Sometimes the screen saver works, sometimes not. Sometimes it freezes and can’t be turned off (reset button in frequent use). Sometimes it records the rear camera, sometimes it pretends it isn’t there. We tried an new Nextbase-branded SD card (quite expensive) and even moving the camera to the corner of the screen away from the rain sensor, but next day it was back to its old tricks. It’s a shame, because when it’s working it’s a great bit of kit, but I ended up sending it back. As an accident can happen *at any time*, your dashcam needs to be working *all the time*. If it doesn’t, it’s no use really. To be fair, Amazon refunded without question.

The box came with all the needed parts camera, cable and a tool to assist pushing the cable into your cars headlining and routing down the front door pillar. Hiding the wire is a different story and your ease of doing this will vary with each vehicle. I completed mine in about thirty minutes after working out the routing. The camera has some great fetures and is linked using the Nextbase app on your smartphone and bluetooth to keep the two connected. This enables you to download any footage to your phone without having to remove the camera from the car. This can also be done relatively easily as it is connected to the mount by a magnetic fitting. It is a very strong fitting and you will change the angle of your mount each time you remove it, meaning you will want to reset the view when you then replace it. On the side of the unit is a connector similar looking to an HDMI port and this is used to add additional camera modules such as the rear view camera. The camer resolution is a great 1440p at 30fps, but if you prefer you can use it to get 60fps at 1080p. This also can vary when you add a rear camera where the resolution of the rear camera will be either 720p or 1080p. I initially had problems setting up the 522GW awith Alexa, but deleted both the Alexa and NextBase apps from my device, forgot the nextbase in bluetooth and restarted my phone. Now after restarting installed apps again and when accessing the Alexa via the nextbase app setup, it correctly opened and found my nextbase 522GW. After adding it to Alexas devices, it worked. Now, the dashcam microphones pick up the Alexa wake word that connects to your phone by bluetooth to control the Alexa app. Works really well but very reliant on a good mobile signal! The camer powers up when starting my car as I have not hardwired it. I have therefore turned off the parking mode that leaves the camera in standby on its internal battery. I found I did not travel enough to recharge the battery but if this changes I can easily reenable the option. The device is controlled via the touch screen which works well and gives access to the menu and even adds an Alexa button to the screen once set up. Lots of menu options to change to your liking or just leave relatively alone. I am a techie person and understand the more involved settings with no difficulty. Overall a great camera, great quality and the bonus that may be good for you is a potential discount on your car insurance when using the Nextbase!

I brought this as a replacement to a 312. I was able to route the power cable in the same manor and lilacs add the previous cable. However I removed the ferrite to do so. I refitted this after the cable was in place, but put it at the other end of the cable so it didn't put strain on the micro USB. I placed it under the passenger seat. The cigarette charger is slightly longer than the previous model. The camera works well, however, I had to upgrade the micro SD card as the Sandisk endurance from the previous camera was not compatible, even though it should have been (was U1 bagged but camera didn't think so). So I had to purchase the SanDisk high endurance (U3) and all worked well. The clip length is only a minute. Need to find out how to lengthen this, as I often miss the incident I wish to record (by pressing the button) as it takes a little while to compose yourself enough after you've had a near miss to remember to less the button. I've not had time to look at the app in detail, but it was handy in positioning the camera initially. The magnetic mount or great. I was able to Quickly remove the camera and phone it at am idiot that cut me up due to texting in his phone..... I could then replace it in the mount very easily without taking my eyes off the road. All in all. Well worth the upgrade. Since buying the original camera in August 2014, I have covered 155,000 miles (review date September 2019), so it has seen a lot of use. I hope this one is as reliable.

My second Nextbase dashcam. Bought this one as I wanted the quick release magnetic mount and easy cannection of a rearview camera while still retaining the polariser lens. The recorded quality is extremely good. I haven't used the 4k settings as I prefer the 1080pfor both front & back camera setting. The desktop application has improved a lot with the ability to join several clips and also able to clip 'dead' footage from the beginning and end makes for easy & simple editing. Not very keen on the constantly shwing a red screen reminding you the mobile phone isn't connected though it's not really noticeable due to being hidden from the drivers view by the rearview mirror. It can be annoying for passengers though. I don't rate the touchscreen highly as for me the screen is too small to warrant a touchscreen. Great if your fingers are 2mm diameter, not so great with normal sized fingers. Easy to install with a hardwire kit, even easier if you just want to use the supplied 12v aux plug connector. Remember to research the legal requirements for placing a dashcam. I see so many people driving with the camera showing the footage continuously in full view of the driver. This practice is a road traffic offense and you can be stopped by the police which will likely cost you money & points.

UPDATE: I've had to downgrade my review to 1 star as the unit has completely stopped working when plugged into the car. I've not even had it one month and it's barely been used due to the global coronavirus lock-up. I have sent Nextbase support a message about it via their website so I will see what they say. Hopefully they will provide the necessary assistance to enable me to re-instate my original rating... ORIGINAL REVIEW: The build quality and packaging/presentation of this dash cam is excellent. Everything has a premium feel to it. The camera itself is very easy to use, but I feel like the quality should be better. This brand / cam is pretty much top of the range and yet the video quality simply is not good enough. The main purpose of these cameras is to capture bad driving - so what good is it if you can't clearly identify the driver and number plate? It's possible to see the number plates of cars that are passing you on the motorway, but unless you are tailgating the car in front, the number plate cannot be made out from the video. I suppose if you needed the reg of the car in front, you could read it out loud for the camera microphone, but it should be visible on the video itself (and yes, I have tried the zoom feature of the MyNextBase Player Mac app and it is still blurry). Another nice feature of this camera is that it tracks your journey and speed via GPS. This information can be seen when you connect the camera to computer and open the MyNextBase Player app (free) - I use the Google Maps option which displays the map along with the current location of my car. The app also has other features like a video editing tool. If, like me, you want to cover yourself while driving, I'd definitely recommend this camera. There are far too many lunatics and insurance scammers on the roads these days. I will be adding the rear window camera to my setup in due course.

Had this for ages prior to fitting, then I witnessed an accident and that prompted me to do it (as would have made life, and their claim much easier). Easy to fit and link with the phone to download clips, comes with a tool to hide the cable around the window. It comes with a suppressor on the supply cable close to the device that is quite chunky, so just move that down the cable so you can hide it under the drop down part beneath the glove box out the way. This is a good piece ok kit from a well known brand and worth the investment.

Very happy with the price and with the postage. Arrived in a few days, well packed. Thanks

Nextbase ist sicherlich mit die beste Dashcam auf dem Europäischen Markt. Was auch der Grund ist weshalb ich mir im November 2019 eine Nextbase 522GW gekauft habe. In erster Line nutze ich diese Dashcam zur Reisedokumentation aber auch im normalen Kurzverkehr ist sie sicherlich eine große Hilfe, wenn man Situationen Dokumentieren möchte. Nun nach knapp einem Jahr habe ich einiges an Erfahrung mit dieser Dash Cam gesammelt. Dieser Bericht soll Helfen das Produkt noch attraktiver zu gestalten und Informationen zu geben wie normale Benutzer mit der Handhabung und den Möglichkeiten umgehen. Meine Dashcams 522GW ist in einem VW Golf Variant Baujahr 2018 montiert. Ich benutze die Halterung mit dem Saugnapf, die im Übrigen sehr gut ist. Gerne würden wir natürlich die Klick & Go Halterung nutzen aber das ist wegen der umständlichen Handhabung keine gute Idee. Natürlich ist die Dashcam immer mit der neusten Firmware ausgestattet und auch die Software MyNextbase Player ist immer auf den neusten Versions Stand. Wie ich bereits erwähnte Dokumentiere ich in erster Linie damit längere Reisen. Bei dieser Gelegenheit habe ich die Erfahrung gemacht das die Lage des Micro-SD Karten Slots auf der linken Seite eine sehr unpraktische Lösung ist, da die Dashcam rechts in Nähe des Rückspiegels montiert ist. Für Fahrzeuge die ihr Lenkrad auf der linken Seite haben ein echtes Handicap. Jedes Mal, wenn man die Micro-SD Karte wechseln muss ist es notwendig die Dashcam mit Saugnapf zu demontieren um die Karte zu wechseln. Besonders bei Nacht ohne Licht ein Problematisches unterfangen. Aber auch am Tage ist es äußerst schwierig die Karte zu wechseln. Fahrzeuge die ihr Lenkrad auf der rechten Seite haben sind hier klar im Vorteil. Schön wäre es, wenn man den Kartenslot nach unten auf die rechte Seite oder in die Mitte verlegen könnte. So wäre es völlig egal auf welcher Seite das Lenkrad ist. Da ich aber, wenn ich auf Reisen bin sehr lange Strecken fahre und oft zwischen 12 und 17 Stunden unterwegs bin wünschte ich mir eine Unterstützung größerer Micro-SD Karten wie etwa 256GB oder 512GB. So bräuchte man wenigstens die Karte während der Reise nicht zu wechseln. Besonders bei einer höheren Video Auflösung ein echter Mangel. Die Geschwindigkeit als Bildschirmschoner anzuzeigen ist wirklich ein schönes Feature. Aber könnte man nicht noch eine gut sichtbare Anzeige hinzufügen welche den noch vorhandenen Speicherplatz auf der SD Karte anzeigt? Und vielleicht nur dann zur Anzeige bringt wenn der Speicherplatz auf der SD-Karte recht knapp wird bevor die ersten Videos wieder überschrieben werden. Soviel zur Handhabung der Dashcam. Für den normalen Stadt Betrieb sicherlich ausreichend. Für eine Reisedokumentation kann man noch einiges besser gestalten. Die Video-Bild-Qualität ist eigentlich schon recht ansprechend. Doch bei Nachtfahrten wird es schwierig. Besonders bei schlechtem Wetter wie starken Regen. Einzelheiten in einer schwierigen Situation zu erkennen ist faktisch unmöglich. Hier wünschte ich mir schon noch etwas bessere Technik. Um eine Verbindung zwischen Handy (z.B. iPhone) und Dashcam aufzubauen um eventuelle Einstellungen zu verändern erfordert viel Zeit und Geduld. Was den eingebauten Akku betrifft, so ist dieser sehr schwach. Selbst bei sehr langen Fahrten wird der Akku nie auf 100% aufgeladen. Nun etwas zur Software dem MyNextbase Player. Im Grunde ein Player mit einem recht guten Ansatz. Doch auch hier gibt es noch einiges zu verbessern. Die Version 4.7.6 hat sich zwar gegenüber der Vorgängerversion gesteigert, aber es gibt noch Luft nach oben. Immerhin laufen die Videos mit 1080p endlich flüssig. Bei 4K Videos welche die 622GW aufnimmt ruckelt es hingegen heftig. Videos mit MyNextbase Player zu bearbeiten erweist sich als sehr aufwendig. Hier wünschte ich mir eine schnellere und bessere Handhabung der Videos. Merkwürdig ist die Anzeige von zwei verschieden Uhrzeiten in der MyNextbase Player Videoliste. Der Versuch die korrekte Uhrzeit in den Einstellungen zu korrigieren schlug fehl da es dazu keine Möglichkeit gibt. Als Fazit kann ich aber sagen das die Nextbase Dashcam ein gelungenes Produkt ist welches ich jederzeit weiterempfehlen kann oder selbst wiederkaufen würde. Deshalb fällt es mir nicht schwer diesem Produkt fünf Sterne zu vergeben. Lobenswert ist der Support. Eine Kontaktaufnahme wird sofort beantwortet. Interessanterweise mal in Englisch, mal ich Deutsch. Ich überlege dann immer wieder sollte ich Englisch oder Deutsch schreiben. Ich glaube aber man versteht auch Deutsch sehr gut. Dies ist ein Erfahrungsbericht und sollte keinesfalls als Kritik wahrgenommen werden. Ich sehe eher die Chance darin das Nextbase seine Dashcams noch innovativer, kreativer und Zukunftsorientierter gestallten kann.

Great product

Easy to setup and use (waiting for the USB-C) version.

I have been a fan of this camera since the version 222. That was a great product and they just continue to add better and better features. I trust the company and brand because I've had 3 of their cameras in the past and have just upgraded to the next level when it comes out. The pictures are incredibly clear and the videos are just as crisp. I love the magnet removal system it really makes removing the camera quick and easy. And the 3m self adhesive is unbelievably strong. So here's a tip. Make sure you have the camera positioned on the Window in the right place before adding the 3m self adhesive. Because once it's on its like a miracle getting it off. I live in Florida and leave it in my car all the time. And the heat has never bothered it. It always runs and I never have to worry about it. Like many many many other cameras out there. The motion detection works well. I have it hooked up to power all the time for the parking protection and my battery hasn't suffered at all. It's very user friendly and the customer service is amazing if you need them. Like I said I can't say enough good things about this camera. You have to see it to really believe how nice the pictures are. I would and have recommended this camera to my friends. It's great.