ge5606056714246787484
Matt Brogan14 Jun 2014
FEATURE

Review: Transcend DrivePro 200

Compact, but with full HD resolution, the Transcend DrivePro 200 dash cam offers big-picture quality without the big-ticket pricetag

The popularity of in-car video recorders, or dash cams as they’ve come to be known, is on the rise. You’ve only got to spend a few minutes on YouTube to see some of the incredible moments these handy devices can capture, which in the worst-case scenario may be useful in protesting your innocence to the authorities, or your insurance company.

The idea of a dependable eyewitness is one an increasing number of drivers are prepared to pay for and, with models like the Transcend DrivePro 200 available from as little as $249.00 (RRP including GST), it’s peace of mind well worth the outlay.

Transcend’s DrivePro 200 is a compact unit measuring just 67mm long by 72mm wide and 34.3mm high, yet offers full 1080P HD recording at 30FPS. With built-in Wi-Fi, the unit can connect via a downloadable app with compatible Apple and Android devices, but also features its own 2.4-inch colour LCD screen for instant play-back in 960x240 resolution.

The Drive Pro 200 uses a seven-glass 160-degree wide-angle lens, which its manufacturer says serves to eliminate blind-spots (most dash cams use a 120-degree lens), while its F2.0 aperture setting improves detail in low-light conditions (see video below). It also has a built-in microphone to capture sound and arrives with a self-adhesive mounting bracket, 12-volt power cable and 3.5mm to RCA video cable.

Transcend also supplies the DrivePro 200 with a 16GB Class 10 Micro SD card which it says should store up to two hours and 28 minutes of footage. The device enables ‘loop’ recording so that footage isn’t missed when the SD card is full, and uses a G-sensor to protect files in the even a collision is detected. You can also trigger file protection yourself by tapping the prominent red button on the side of the unit.

We sampled the DrivePro 200 through a regular week’s commute between Carsales HQ in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond to the outer south-eastern suburbs. The unit itself proved exceptionally easy to set-up and operate – you might say it's fool-proof. The menu settings are intuitive and, with just four buttons across the bottom of the screen, it’s pretty hard to go wrong.

The unit’s compact size is welcome in that it doesn’t obstruct vision across the windscreen and, in the test vehicle used (a 2014 Skoda Octavia), it fitted behind the rear-view mirror quite neatly.

We found the image quality to be excellent on the whole, though at night it naturally loses a little resolution as the available light drops away. The sound quality is acceptable, though it’s debateable just how relevant recording the sound of an incident really is.

Retrieving files from the Micro SD card is straightforward, though it’s worth pointing out that those files recorded in an emergency are locked – meaning they can’t be edited to show only the other driver’s wrong-doing.

On the downside, the slot that houses the Micro SD felt a little tight initially, and we did have some issues ejecting the card after use. The mechanism freed up after a couple of tries; otherwise we’re pleased to say that the unit functioned as promised.

If there was one other negative to the DrivePro 200 it’s that the G-sensor, although adjustable, is very sensitive. Driving at a brisk pace through a roundabout or series of fast direction changes is enough to instigate emergency recording, as is harder than average braking; though in retrospect, this is probably a good thing knowing how expensive a small ‘tap’ can be.

As a user-friendly and easy-to-operate unit, the DrivePro 200 is one of the best. It offers easy playback capability, is a cinch to set up and operate, and consumes very little real estate on your windscreen – and when it comes to having an unbiased eyewitness, there’s really little more you could ask for.

For more information on the Transcend DrivePro 200, or to find your nearest stockist, please contact support@adeal.com.au or 1300 723 001.

What we liked:
>> User-friendly set-up and operation
>> High image quality
>> Physical size


Not so much:

>> Sticky micro SD card slot
>> Self-adhesive mount only*
>> Sensitive emergency record function

*A suction cap mount is now offered separately from Transcend for $24.99 (RRP).

Share this article
Written byMatt Brogan
See all articles
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Looking for a family car?Get the latest advice and reviews on family car that's right for you.
Explore the Family Hub
Family
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.

If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.