Up front, we need to identify that this review is based on a pre-release version of the coming-to-market INNOVV K5 that is identified as a Dash Cam, but in reality, should be called an “Action Cam” as it designed for and is specifically focused on the powersports market.

DVR Module/Front Camera – in getting early insight into the K5 form, some initial concerns over the (potential) size and weight of the DVR module with an integrated front lens were expressed, along with (potential) placement issues. But the resultant form factor is small, light, and easy to work with although it does require more real estate and a strong mounting point. One could ask: (a) does a ‘dash cam’ really need this video resolution; and, (b) is the larger form-factor integration going to be as easily installable compared to the typical small lens component as used for the K2 and C5. Pass 1 – load this SD media card into the K5 DVR, power the system and let it run for two minutes or so, then turn the system off

Bit Rate – the (video) sampling Bit Rate (bits transmitted per second) is also selectable: Low, Normal, Height (High) and Maximum – the setting currently used. This setting has more of a resource bill, but (can) provide better overall video capture.

Cable lengths –in using three different styles of motorcycles for layout, working out median cable runs between (probable) positioning of the module that is both the front camera and the ‘go-to’ point for all component connections reveals that the current lengths can be just adequate or somewhat short, forcing installation compromises (see Change Summary below). Video Compression Mode settings – either H.264 (Advanced Video Coding) or H.265 or High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) are selectable; both have advantages and disadvantagesAdditional comments regarding settings and other amplifying information is also provided in the respective sections below. I had the space on my dash to have more than one component here. So, you can see where I’ve installed the rear-facing camera, just slightly at an angle so I get some of what’s going on the road around me as well as myself. I also put the GPS on top of the dash there. So that it would have a good clear view of the sky, and I’ve put the control button as well. Now, I was wondering if the lights on the control button would bother me being relatively directly in my line of sight, there they don’t at all, even when they’re flashing when they’re telling me my memory card is full. It’s nice just light enough led on there to let you know at a glance but it is not obnoxious or distracting. The adaptation or compensation differences between the WDR and EV features of the other system when viewing video recorded on both systems travelling over the same terrain in almost exactly the same weather condition is most telling; the other camera shows virtually no transitions whereas the K5 copes, but the video is darker. Rear Camera – the included bag of mounting pieces provides lots of options for securely mounting the lightweight rear camera using two main approaches, both well described and visualized under the Installation Guide section of the K5 foldable handout; these solutions work very well for C5 and K2 components and now, for the K5 installation.

Because what I found was, you know the odd bug here and there that would actually hit the lens would just kind of make a very tiny blurry spot, as the camera is focusing beyond that as opposed to the camera focusing on the bugs or having just a ton of grime right in front of that lens.

This is the fourth F850GS-based model in the home fleet since their release and along with their outstanding ADV travel versatility, they make great accessory platforms, especially for test purposes where change is indeed a constant; they have lots of usable space under the seat and a few minutes spent in removing the primary plastic pieces provides full access for installations. Something you do want to take into consideration when you’re deciding where to mount your camera and something that factored into the location of my camera and particularly the front camera is the memory card is actually stored inside the front camera, so you want to make sure that you put that somewhere where it’s going to be easy to access it’s going to be easy for you to get in there and replace that card clean the lens as needed. Rear Lens/Camera – a separate component, like the ones used with the current C5 and K2 systems and featuring a ruggedized waterproof housing with sealed lens and integrated connection cable with 6-pin (F) waterproof connector. Aerospace aluminum alloys used for less weight, better heat dissipation and better anti-electromagnetic interference capability D V R Dim e nsi o n 52 * 4 8 * 2 5 m m D V R Case A ll A l u m i nu m A ll o y S e n sor G - s en s o r ( A u t o m a t i c I n c i den t D e t e c t i on ) R A M 4 G S t o r a g e T F c a r d ( S uppo r t up t o 512 G B ) W i - F i D ua l - band t r an s m i ss i on