The recently released DR590 Series dashcams (the dual channel DR590-2CH and single channel DR590-1CH) are a simple and affordable, yet powerful choice for anyone thinking about adding some extra security to their vehicle. But with so many dashcam models, where does the BlackVue DR590 Series stand?

If you are familiar with the BlackVue dashcams lineup, you might notice significant similarities between the DR590 Series and older BlackVue dashcams from the “simple dashcams” series, such as the classic DR490-2CH and the DR450-1CH. What are the differences?

Simple dual channel dashcams: DR590-2CH vs. DR490-2CH

Lower power consumption*

The DR590-2CH consumes 290mA on average (3.60W at 12V). If an external GPS receiver is connected, the consumption increases to 310mA (3.84W at 12V). For the DR490-2CH these numbers were 320 mA (3.84 W at 12 V) and 350 mA (4.20 W at 12 V), respectively.

*Actual power consumption may vary depending on use conditions and environment.

Higher max bitrate

The DR590-2CH boasts up to 12Mbit/s for the front camera, compared to DR490-2CH’s 11Mbit/s.

Separate video files

The DR590-2CH offers separate front and rear video files in .mp4 format, compared to merged (front and rear camera footage merged into one file, viewable via the BlackVue Viewer) .avi files in the DR490-2CH.

Scheduled reboot

Electronic recording devices can benefit from restarting between long recording sessions. When hardwiring a dashcam for Parking Mode, it may stay on for days. In some extreme cases, unexpected errors can occur. To avoid this, the DR590 Series features the option to schedule a daily automatic reboot (by default in the middle of night) to minimize potential errors.

Simple single channel dashcams: DR590-1CH vs. DR450-1CH

Sony STARVIS sensor vs non Sony

Unlike the older single channel DR450-1CH, the DR590-1CH sports the Sony STARVIS image sensor for best image quality under any light.

60FPS vs 30FPS

The DR590-1CH lets you choose to record in either 60FPS or 30FPS.

Adaptive Format-Free file management system

The DR590-1CH comes equipped in the Adaptive Format-Free file management system. The DR590-1CH saves and organizes files on the microSD card in a highly efficient way. It reduces the need for formatting the card and prevents file corruption even after multiple write cycles.

Higher max bitrate

The highest bitrate in the DR590-1CH was increased to 12Mbit/s, compared to 10Mbit/s in the DR450-1CH.

Much lower power consumption

The DR590-1CH consumes much less power compared to the DR450-1CH, even when recording at 60FPS in full HD. It’s 160mA on average (2.04W at 12V). If an external GPS receiver is connected, the consumption increases to 180mA (2.28W at 12V).

*Actual power consumption may vary depending on use conditions and environment.

Mic ON/OFF

Holding and quickly releasing the format button on the side of the DR590-1CH turns the mic on and off.

Higher operating temperature

Operating (storage) temperature of the DR590-1CH increased to 80 degrees Celsius (176F), compared to 70 degrees Celsius in the older DR450-1CH (158F).

Wider view angle

Another thing that we increased in the DR590-1CH is the view angle: 139 degrees, 21 degrees more than its predecessor!

Scheduled reboot

Electronic recording devices can benefit from restarting between long recording sessions. When hardwiring a dashcam for Parking Mode, it may stay on for days. In some extreme cases, unexpected errors can occur. To avoid this, the DR590 Series features the option to schedule a daily automatic reboot (by default in the middle of night) to minimize potential errors.

For more details about the DR590 Series head to their respective product pages: for the DR590-2CH, and for the DR590-1CH.

The DR590 Series dashcams are available for purchase in our online store.