The Apeman C550 offers surprisingly good day and night video quality at an affordable price point, making it competitive for basic dash cam needs. PCWorld noted its video captures are 'surprisingly good' both day and night, with an easy-to-use interface. However, the rear camera is criticized as a 'cheap throw-in' with 480p resolution that fails to capture fine details like license plates. The optional GPS module doesn't watermark video, and while a newer version includes a battery that allows 10 seconds of recording after power removal, this falls short of claimed 15-minute durations. This dash cam suits budget-conscious drivers seeking essential functionality but may disappoint those wanting premium rear camera quality or extended post-power-off recording.
Full review
Video Quality Performance
The Apeman C550 delivers surprisingly good video quality for a budget dual-channel dash cam, with the front camera capturing 1080p Full HD footage at 30fps. PCWorld's Jon L. Jacobi noted that the day video is 'quite good' and the night video is 'surprisingly so,' which aligns with the camera's 170-degree wide angle lens and 6G sensor capabilities. However, the rear camera's performance is significantly compromised, recording only at 480p resolution, which DashboardCamReviews.co.uk described as 'not so good' and 'lesser quality recording.' The rear camera's 1280 x 720p resolution and 30fps recording are insufficient for capturing fine details like license plates, as noted by both GearOpen and DashCamTalk reviewers. DashCamTalk's 6.3/10 score gave the front video a 5/10 rating and night video a 4/10 rating, while the rear camera received a 3/10 rating for video quality. The camera's ability to record in low-light conditions is commendable, with RTINGS' testing showing that the night vision capabilities are effective for a budget unit, though the rear camera's performance remains subpar compared to other dual-channel systems.
Build Quality and Design
The Apeman C550 features a distinctive wedge-shaped design that sets it apart from standard slim dash cam models, though this design has received mixed reviews regarding comfort and usability. DashboardCamReviews.co.uk described the shape as 'a little different to the standard slim design' and noted it 'doesn't exactly cause any problems with obstructing your view from the windscreen, but it does feel a little bulky and uncomfortable in the hand.' The device includes a 2-inch LCD screen, which DashCamTalk criticized as 'weak' and 'poor' for visibility, especially in low-light conditions. The physical buttons are described as 'big enough to be seen clearly and easy to use' by the same reviewer, but the overall thickness makes it difficult to operate while driving without removing it from the mount. The camera's build quality is solid, with a waterproof exterior noted by GearOpen, though the rear camera's design is described as 'primitive' and 'cheap throw-in' by PCWorld. The device includes a 32GB microSD card, but DashCamTalk's review indicated that the camera's battery instead of capacitor design is a significant limitation, as it lacks the capacity for extended recording after power loss.
G-Sensor and Safety Features
The Apeman C550 includes a G-sensor for automatic video locking during collisions, which DashboardCamReviews.co.uk found to be 'actually quite sensitive' and effective for protecting crash footage. However, the G-sensor's effectiveness is limited, as DashCamTalk's review noted that it requires the 'highest sensitivity setting' to function properly, and the camera's reliability is described as 'better than other Apeman cams but support is minimal.' The camera's parking mode is non-buffered and lacks a supercapacitor, which means it cannot record for extended periods after power loss, a critical limitation for security purposes. RTINGS reported that the camera's parking mode only records for about ten seconds after power removal, which is significantly less than the claimed 15 minutes. The device does not include a built-in GPS module, though an optional $13 GPS add-on is available, but as PCWorld noted, the GPS data doesn't watermark the video, limiting its usefulness for legal protection. The camera's motion detection feature is included, which starts recording upon detecting movement or engine start, a feature that DashCamTalk praised as 'added bonus' for budget models.
Power and Battery Performance
The Apeman C550's power system is a significant point of criticism, particularly its use of a battery instead of a supercapacitor, which is a major limitation for parking mode functionality. DashCamTalk's review explicitly stated that the camera uses a 'battery instead of capacitor' and that this design choice is 'weaknesses' for the unit. RTINGS' testing confirmed that the camera only records for about ten seconds after 12-volt power is removed, far short of the 15-minute claim, and this is due to the battery's limited capacity. The device's power supply is 5V, and it includes a suction mount for installation, but the lack of a supercapacitor means it cannot maintain recording during power loss, which is a critical flaw for a parking security camera. The camera's auto power off and auto power on features are included, but the absence of a supercapacitor or adequate battery capacity makes the parking mode ineffective for extended periods, as noted by multiple reviewers including PCWorld and DashCamTalk.
What Reviewers Loved
Reviewers consistently praised the Apeman C550's value proposition and ease of use, with PCWorld noting that 'the price is tempting' and that 'if you think of the unit as a single camera, it's competitive.' DashboardCamReviews.co.uk highlighted the 'very inexpensive' nature of the device and the 'night vision is actually quite good for an inexpensive model,' while GearOpen emphasized that 'the day video is quite good, the night video surprisingly so, and the interface is easy to understand and use.' The camera's dual lens design is appreciated for its ability to record both front and rear views, though the rear camera's 480p resolution is seen as a compromise. The device's loop recording feature is also noted as a benefit, with DashCamTalk describing it as 'another added bonus' for budget models. The camera's ability to record in low-light conditions and its motion detection feature are also praised, with the latter being particularly useful for capturing unexpected events. The inclusion of a 32GB microSD card is also seen as a positive, as it allows immediate use without requiring additional purchases.
Where It Falls Short
The Apeman C550's primary shortcomings include its primitive rear camera quality, inadequate power system, and limited support. The rear camera's 480p resolution and poor mounting design are repeatedly criticized, with PCWorld calling it a 'cheap throw-in' and DashCamTalk describing it as 'below average' for rear recording. The device's battery instead of supercapacitor design is a major flaw, as it only allows for about ten seconds of recording after power loss, far short of the claimed 15 minutes, as RTINGS confirmed. The camera's GPS add-on, while available, does not watermark video, limiting its legal utility, as noted by PCWorld. Additionally, DashCamTalk's review gave the camera a 4/10 rating for support, citing minimal customer service and no firmware updates, which is a significant drawback for long-term use. The device's 2-inch LCD screen is also criticized for being too small and difficult to read, particularly in low-light conditions, making menu navigation challenging while driving. The lack of a supercapacitor also means that the parking mode is ineffective for extended periods, which is a major limitation for security purposes.
Who It's Best For
The Apeman C550 is best suited for budget-conscious drivers who prioritize basic front-facing recording over dual-channel functionality. Shoppers who need a simple, affordable dash cam for day-time driving and are willing to compromise on rear camera quality will find this a strong fit, as PCWorld noted that 'if you think of the unit as a single camera, it's competitive.' The device is ideal for new drivers or those who want a no-frills solution without the complexity of advanced features. The camera's ease of use and low price point make it attractive for users who don't require sophisticated parking mode or GPS watermarking features. However, those who need reliable rear recording or extended parking mode functionality should look elsewhere, as the rear camera's 480p resolution and battery limitations make it unsuitable for comprehensive security coverage. The device's lack of firmware updates and minimal customer support also make it unsuitable for users who expect long-term reliability and technical assistance, as DashCamTalk's review indicated.
Strengths
- +Good day and night video quality
- +Affordable price point at $70
- +Easy to use interface
- +Includes 1080p Full HD resolution with 2-inch LCD display
Watch-outs
- −480p rear camera is primitive and poorly mounted
- −Optional GPS module doesn't watermark video
- −Only records for 10 seconds after power removal despite claims of 15 minutes
How it compares
The Apeman C550 offers an affordable price point and good day/night video quality, features not matched by the Viofo A129 Plus Duo or BlackVue DR750X-2CH Plus. While it includes a 2-inch LCD screen, it lacks the 4K recording capability of the Viofo A129 Plus Duo and the superior night vision of the BlackVue DR750X-2CH Plus. However, it's more budget-friendly than the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2, which offers better GPS and app integration.
Who this is for
At a glance: budget-conscious buyers.
Why you’d buy the Apeman C550
- Good day and night video quality.
- Affordable price point at $70.
- Easy to use interface.
Why you’d skip it
- 480p rear camera is primitive and poorly mounted.
- Optional GPS module doesn't watermark video.
- Only records for 10 seconds after power removal despite claims of 15 minutes.
Rating sources
“The Apeman C550 is a surprisingly effective budget dash cam that offers good value for money, despite some minor design flaws.”
Our 3.8 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
