RAC 225 S Dash Cam Review
Super HD Dash Cam with GPS and Speed Camera Alerts
DASH CAM OVERVIEW
The RAC 225 is a forward-facing Dash Cam packed full of features, records in Super HD 1296p video with a 130-degree wide angle lens and has built-in GPS to record your speed and location at all times.
The Dash Cam is supplied with an 8GB Micro SD card, allowing for 8 minutes of video for each 1GB of space on the supplied card. It records in three segments but can be adjusted using the simple menu functions of the camera.
When the SD card is full, the RAC 225 S operates on a loop recording system and will overwrite the oldest recording and continue without the need to erase or download any data.
The RAC 225 S Dash Cam is supplied with an 8GB Micro SD card, a 12-volt charging lead and a 360-degree swivel windscreen mount.
Speed Camera Alerts are available with the 12 months package, offering outstanding value for money and convenience with Super HD 1296p video recording and still photo capability.
RAC 225 S DASH CAM FEATURES
Recording – The camera display screen turns off after a short time so that it is not distracting to the driver. In the background, however, the camera is still recording everything on the road ahead.
Photo Mode– Captures still images as well as video, which could be very useful in the event of an accident or incident.
Microphone and Speaker– Sounds and conversations can be recorded, if required. If not, a simple one-touch button will mute the microphone.
Emergency Button – When pressed, the current sector of your recording becomes protected and will not be lost when the camera continues recording.
360º Revolving Cradle– Position your camera in different directions with the rotating mount enclosed in the box.
Power Options – The RAC 225 S can be powered using the supplied power cable connected to a vehicle’s 12-volt power socket or hard-wired to the vehicle electrical system.
RAC 225 S DASH CAM OPERATION & SUMMARY
A brand new addition to the mid-range region of the Dash Cam market is the RAC 225 S, which at £185 (with a Memory Card) is affordable to ensure that any motoring mishaps are recorded and Speeding Fines are reduced.
The RAC 225 S performed well in comparison to similar, previously reviewed Dash Cams, and was incredibly easy to initially set up. Once plugged in through the cigarette lighter/auxiliary socket, the unit instantly powered up and was operational in very little time.
A very useful feature to mention is the built-in battery life, which is very handy to operate the camera while away from a power source. This feature may be useful to take still pictures or review footage in the event of vehicle power failure following an accident. Switching the ignition on or running the engine will power the unit up and will immediately start recording.
Once operational, the camera was set into position on the windscreen. With the compact size of the RAC 225 S, it was relatively easy to locate it anywhere on the screen without it being too much of a distraction or obscuring vision. It is important to note that a Dash Cam must not be placed in the swept area of the windscreen (drivers’ side windscreen wiper zone) or anywhere which can obstruct the drivers’ view. It is also a good idea to hide excess power cable behind any loose trim surrounding the dashboard or pillar trim.
Because the RAC 225 S records using ‘loop’ technology, when the SD card is full, this will automatically overwrite the oldest files and continue recording indefinitely. The timeframe for the ‘loop’ can be adjusted quite easily through the menu system. If you wish to set the time or adjust any menu settings, simply press the ‘OK’ button, which will stop the RAC 225 S recording, and then the ‘MENU’ button to display the available options.
The function buttons worked well and it is usually best to set the camera up before fitting to the windscreen. Fortunately, there is no real need to touch the device once it is in position and operating as normal. However, it is recommended that you check the Dash Cam for at least once a month to make sure it is operating and recording properly. The RAC 225 S has a screen-saver setting so that after a short period of time the screen will turn off. This setting can be adjusted by accessing the relevant menu setting.
If you wish to view the footage recorded by the RAC 225 S you can do this in two ways: a) remove the SD card from the RAC 225 S and, using the supplied SD card reader, insert into a computer. Files can then be viewed in the same way as a digital camera. b) connect the camera to a computer using a sync cable (not supplied). Files can then be viewed in the same way as a digital camera.
The footage captured with the available light during the early morning journey resulted in more than adequate images with number plate definition reaching an acceptable standard of clarity.
Sound recording works well and is a useful feature but generally, is best switched off if you are hyper-critical about other motorists’ driving and wish to voice your opinion.
Overall, the RAC 225 S is a compact and capable Dash Cam with a retail price that is priced in the mid-range region of the market but is more than adequate for anyone wanting to equip their car with a quality Dash Cam without spending excessive money.
To sum up, the RAC 225 S works straight away from when the ignition is first switched on and gets you up and running in just a few seconds.
A very solid and good quality Dash Cam and certainly worth the money…think how much you’ll save on Speeding Fines alone!
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 3.0” Lens: Glass
Field of Vision: 130˚ Recording Definition: Super HD1296p
Micro SD Included: 8GB Micro SD
Memory Card Support: Micro SD card, from class 10 – Up to 32GB
Photo Mode: Yes Video Format: MOV
SOS Data Protection: Yes SOS Recording: Yes
G-Sensor: Yes Motion Detection: Yes
GPS: Yes 360º Revolving Cradle: Yes
File Locking: Yes Loop Recording Technology: Yes
Auto Screen Saver: Yes Mute Function: Yes
RAC 225 S Dash Cam RRP: £185.00
Optional extras: RAC 225 S 12 Months Speed Camera Updates £60.00
Edited by The Motorists Guide