Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam Front and Rear Camera Wireless – 1440p/30fps In Car HD Recording – Dual 140° 6 lane wide Dashboard view – Mini & Wireless Rear cam, Parking Mode, Wifi, GPS, Voice Control
| Dimensions: | 27.1 x 20.8 x 10.4 cm; 610 Grams |
| Manufacture: | Nextbase |
| Origin: | China |
I’m using the 522GW with the rear facing plug in camera. First rear facing camera came dead on delivery. Amazon took back and refunded, so no quibbles here. I ordered another camera. This one arrived and worked. I also bought the hard wire kit.
Good Bits:
The hard wire kit is excellent. I was lucky by having my fuse box in the car below the dashboard. So this took about ten minutes just to route the cable. Excellent kit as no wires have to be broken to fit it. Cleaned windscreen with a dab of meths before sticking holder on windscreen. It stuck VERY well. Don’t worry too much if you get the camera placement not right, as they supply you with one spare sticky mounting pad. Also supplied is a plastic tool to help you hide your cable to the camera. The rear facing camera plugged in very easily and just worked well.
Bad bits:
Heat – The camera gets very hot when running. I switched off the ‘Give me high quality and low quality’ videos. This seems to help slightly. I also turned down the resolution a bit. This also seems to help. On hot days the camera gets very hot and stops recording. I always remove the camera when not in use. Even with all this, the camera still, but less frequently, stops recording. So I find my self often looking at the camera while driving to see if the red light is still flashing. No so good.
Overall:
This is nice piece of kit. It does seem to be a good quality, by video recorded and build, camera. The heat and recording freezing issues are a bit of a pain. I have to say that when it cools, it always works again. Would I buy one again? I might be tempted to try a different brand next time, only because my biggest expectation of a dash cam is that it always records when I need it to. The other features are excellent, but my number one requirement is the reliable recording.
I have the 622W got this as a back up or to fit to second car without physical changing unit. It’s seems fine only weird observation is the time it takes to shut down after you remove the power. On the 522W it seems around 15 seconds before it turn off. The 622W does it in around 6 seconds.. you can see the difference in the software of both but I have no complaints.. both camera will read reg plates under certain condition. Then again most dash cams have same issue so can’t fault these. The day quality is excellent and I’m impressed with the enhance night vision software and lense apitures. Over all this is a nice unit it share accesories with the 622w so yeah I like the 522w.
Easy install with the optional cable kit and simple to use via the touch screen interface.
This is my third Nextbase dash-cam and is even better than the older (and more expensive) I have owned.
The camera is great and recordings very clear but I would have liked more precise instructions, its a case of trial and error to set ut up. It needs to be positioned on the passenger side.
I did A LOT of research on dashcams before choosing one. Even this one had some bad reviews but given the 70%+ 5 stars, I decided to go for it. Overall it’s great. Its better than my previous full HD and 2K should be the minimum these days. So far I’ve only driven in bright sunshine so can’t comment on night or rain picture quality. I just reviewed the videos on my PC and you have to be quite close to the car in front to make out the reg plate – stopping distance close.
The picture is good enough for accidents but it won’t pick up say facial features unless they’re very close.
If the 622 was more affordable I would have got this for the 4K.
Image was stable and not jerky/ washed out/ reflective etc.
It stores files in 1min files but it is all continuous. The 1min files are easier to email/ save etc rather than downloading a whole hour of video to find one moment for example.
Set up was easy – my USB port is below my radio so I just plug that in and don’t bother with hardwire or hiding the cables.
I bought a 128GB Scandisk U3 card because it was so much cheaper than the Nextbase one. Formatted it straight away after reading all the reviews – works perfectly.
Downloaded the android app to set it up which I did in the house and this was easy. When I’m parked up somewhere and want to use the app, it does struggle to connect over WiFi. Sometimes it looks like it hasn’t connected but when you press ‘back’ you’re suddenly connected. Its fine because I plug the camera into my PC (downloaded the Nextbase Player for PC) and it works great – really great. Has speed info and a little map that shows you where you were.
Would definitely recommend but if you have the funds, get the 4K.
Nice piece of kit this. The cables are plenty long enough too to run around the trim and back into the cigarette lighter.
You will need a fast micro SD card card. I think it needs to be at least “Class 10 U3”. The card I stuck in after I installed the rear camera wasn’t quick enough. The dashcam told me and refused to record! No biggie. They’re cheap enough these days. Bought a 64GB one and it all seems to be working sweetly now.
I find the app a little clunky. But to be honest, I barely use it now. If I do get in a prang, I’m just going to take the SD card out of it and plug it into my PC.
So yeah, worth the extra cash against the cheaper no-name brands in my opinion.
I decided to install a dash cam after a protracted “he said, she said” insurance wrangle. Eventually, I was not found to be at fault and my excess was refunded. So I chose the Nextbase 522GW with 128GB Micro SD. I went through the on screen setup menu, essential but time consuming. Once installed I tried it out on my next commute to work, the record of the journey was excellent, as soon as I start the car the 522GW starts recording and continues for 3 minutes after I turn the ignition off.
Keypoints:
1. The 3 inch display is clear, I have also used the Nextbase App on my iPhone, but I only really review recorded video using a laptop.
2. High G Sensor Activity. The default Medium setting resulted in a number of false RED Exclamation marks on the 522GW display, these recordings are automatically protected. I have since set the sensor to high, particularly as all recordings are saved anyway.
3. Speed Awareness. All recordings constantly display vehicle speed, so it’s a wake up call on the way you drive.
To sum up, excellent camera quality and stable recordings, I’m glad I bought this dash cam.
Great seller, very good communication. If this is “good as new” I really don’t know what “brand new” is 🙂 Recommended:-)
Everything really good bought the rear camera also and Nextbase 128gb sd card.
The only problem I have is while using the park feature camera drained battery enough so I couldn’t start car.
Had my car years and had no problems with car battery.
Since installing dash cam had problems with weak or no car start.
I have now bought a bigger car battery nearly double Ah .
I use the car for work every week day which is 16 miles a day travelling.
I’m hoping new battery will solve car not starting because of dash cam .
Everything really good bought the rear camera also and Nextbase 128gb sd card.
The only problem I have is while using the park feature camera drained battery enough so I couldn’t start car.
Had my car years and had no problems with car battery.
Since installing dash cam had problems with weak or no car start.
I have now bought a bigger car battery nearly double Ah .
I use the car for work every week day which is 16 miles a day travelling.
I’m hoping new battery will solve car not starting because of dash cam .
One of those things that you expect to battle with and is an unexpected pleasant surprise when it works exactly as advertised. Including the addon rear camera.
Picture quality and clarity great, easily installed and handy download to phine
I bought this camera for my car. I got my wife a nextbase dash cam for last Christmas. When I seen the quality of recordings it took and how easy it is to use I bought one for my own car.
Great product and has 2 mounts. I use the device in 2 vehicles so very useful.
Easily connected to the Nextbase app to download clips or format sd card. Lots of features and options.
I bought a mirror cam last year with the recommended sd card. Partner had a accident and it didn’t record the incident and was very angry. For peace of mind I bought the lastest nextbase dashcam that I thought was over priced but I feel at ease if anything was too happen again since I can rely on this.
I bought a mirror cam last year with the recommended sd card. Partner had a accident and it didn’t record the incident and was very angry. For peace of mind I bought the lastest nextbase dashcam that I thought was over priced but I feel at ease if anything was too happen again since I can rely on this.
I had to buy this from another supplier in the end and not from amazon ( Mess up with delivery but no one to blame). I’ve had a Nextbase dash before and this one works just as good I just hope it lasts aslong too, but I’ll only know that in time to come.
Had it fixed in and hard wired and is grea
After disappointment with previous cheaper dashcams I hoped that I’d get what I paid for with the 522. I did. It wasn’t simple to set up but a call to their tech desk (answered Immediately) guided me through – set up perfectly in 3 minutes, the problems had been with my phone, not the dashcam. The quality is superb, it feels solid, unlike the cheaper plastic cams. Video is outstanding, wifi connection perfect. Worth every penny.
After disappointment with previous cheaper dashcams I hoped that I’d get what I paid for with the 522. I did. It wasn’t simple to set up but a call to their tech desk (answered Immediately) guided me through – set up perfectly in 3 minutes, the problems had been with my phone, not the dashcam. The quality is superb, it feels solid, unlike the cheaper plastic cams. Video is outstanding, wifi connection perfect. Worth every penny.
The camera is great. It came with the correct wires and attachments but there was no instruction manual and the dust cover on the camera was missing.
It works very well indeed. Video is pin sharp, Installation was not a problem following the comprehensive instructions provided. A little tricky but nothing a competent DIYer couldn’t handle. Only slight criticism: the camera attaches to the mount by magnets. The magnets are strong to prevent accidental separation, but this also makes for a rather difficult detachment; I haven’t managed to do so without changing the angle which always has to be slightly readjusted, although reattaching the camera is easy with the magnets. No other problems have troubled me. A great buy at a reasonable price for what you get.
It works very well indeed. Video is pin sharp, Installation was not a problem following the comprehensive instructions provided. A little tricky but nothing a competent DIYer couldn’t handle. Only slight criticism: the camera attaches to the mount by magnets. The magnets are strong to prevent accidental separation, but this also makes for a rather difficult detachment; I haven’t managed to do so without changing the angle which always has to be slightly readjusted, although reattaching the camera is easy with the magnets. No other problems have troubled me. A great buy at a reasonable price for what you get.
It works very well indeed. Video is pin sharp, Installation was not a problem following the comprehensive instructions provided. A little tricky but nothing a competent DIYer couldn’t handle. Only slight criticism: the camera attaches to the mount by magnets. The magnets are strong to prevent accidental separation, but this also makes for a rather difficult detachment; I haven’t managed to do so without changing the angle which always has to be slightly readjusted, although reattaching the camera is easy with the magnets. No other problems have troubled me. A great buy at a reasonable price for what you get.
It works very well indeed. Video is pin sharp, Installation was not a problem following the comprehensive instructions provided. A little tricky but nothing a competent DIYer couldn’t handle. Only slight criticism: the camera attaches to the mount by magnets. The magnets are strong to prevent accidental separation, but this also makes for a rather difficult detachment; I haven’t managed to do so without changing the angle which always has to be slightly readjusted, although reattaching the camera is easy with the magnets. No other problems have troubled me. A great buy at a reasonable price for what you get.
It works very well indeed. Video is pin sharp, Installation was not a problem following the comprehensive instructions provided. A little tricky but nothing a competent DIYer couldn’t handle. Only slight criticism: the camera attaches to the mount by magnets. The magnets are strong to prevent accidental separation, but this also makes for a rather difficult detachment; I haven’t managed to do so without changing the angle which always has to be slightly readjusted, although reattaching the camera is easy with the magnets. No other problems have troubled me. A great buy at a reasonable price for what you get.
Suitable for needs in my van.but Bluetooth conflicts with phone handsfree very slow pickup on voice.
I bought these for my wife’s car along with the matching hardwire kit. Took me a couple of hours to fit and set up correctly.
They have Alexa built in, which links through your phone to the car audio system and it seems to work quite well.
The picture quality of the cameras is excellent. Beware that you will need to fit the ferrite blocks on the cables near to the cameras – especially the rear if you have a DAB fin aerial, and it may still hamper the DAB signal a wee bit.
The app is reasonable, but is let down by the fact you can only have a single smartphone paired to the cameras. This is an issue when there are multiple drivers with their own phones (which is obviously very common). I’ve seen comments at online forums where Nextbase claim it’s under development, but that was over a year ago and nothing has changed so far.
I bought these for my wife’s car along with the matching hardwire kit. Took me a couple of hours to fit and set up correctly.
They have Alexa built in, which links through your phone to the car audio system and it seems to work quite well.
The picture quality of the cameras is excellent. Beware that you will need to fit the ferrite blocks on the cables near to the cameras – especially the rear if you have a DAB fin aerial, and it may still hamper the DAB signal a wee bit.
The app is reasonable, but is let down by the fact you can only have a single smartphone paired to the cameras. This is an issue when there are multiple drivers with their own phones (which is obviously very common). I’ve seen comments at online forums where Nextbase claim it’s under development, but that was over a year ago and nothing has changed so far.
This is the third NextBase dash cam that I have owned (and the best so far). Very easy to install with excellent clarity in the recordings. In this day of mad youngsters driving to fast and without due care and attention a dash cam is essential and the NextBase is an excellent choice.
I bought the 522gw nextbase dash cam I had it for a couple of weeks and the screen over heated its just a defective one because my parents one is fine and she has had it a lot longer. I return this one with no hassle and got a full refund within 3 working days
Would have given it 5 stars if an SD card was included. It’s like buying a torch and finding the batteries aren’t included.
…for the battery life. Which is essentially non existant. You want a parking function? Get a powerbank and just plug it into that so it can keep running for a while. The battery dies after around a minute of running off it.
Having been a Nextbase user for many years, I was expecting a good product but the ‘X22’ Series is excellent. Baulking at the cost of the 622GW, I opted for the 522 and the rear-view camera ‘bundle’ made sense. As I was replacing an older version in the front, it was 5-min job. The rear camera cable installation added probably an hour as I concealed the cable throughout its run using the vehicle cable conduits for the rear door; just fiddley, not difficult. The imagery produced is excellent, both front and rear and setting up using the touch-screen controls was intuitive and straightforward . Everything working so far so definitely 5-stars!
Having been a Nextbase user for many years, I was expecting a good product but the ‘X22’ Series is excellent. Baulking at the cost of the 622GW, I opted for the 522 and the rear-view camera ‘bundle’ made sense. As I was replacing an older version in the front, it was 5-min job. The rear camera cable installation added probably an hour as I concealed the cable throughout its run using the vehicle cable conduits for the rear door; just fiddley, not difficult. The imagery produced is excellent, both front and rear and setting up using the touch-screen controls was intuitive and straightforward . Everything working so far so definitely 5-stars!
Having been a Nextbase user for many years, I was expecting a good product but the ‘X22’ Series is excellent. Baulking at the cost of the 622GW, I opted for the 522 and the rear-view camera ‘bundle’ made sense. As I was replacing an older version in the front, it was 5-min job. The rear camera cable installation added probably an hour as I concealed the cable throughout its run using the vehicle cable conduits for the rear door; just fiddley, not difficult. The imagery produced is excellent, both front and rear and setting up using the touch-screen controls was intuitive and straightforward . Everything working so far so definitely 5-stars!
Having been a Nextbase user for many years, I was expecting a good product but the ‘X22’ Series is excellent. Baulking at the cost of the 622GW, I opted for the 522 and the rear-view camera ‘bundle’ made sense. As I was replacing an older version in the front, it was 5-min job. The rear camera cable installation added probably an hour as I concealed the cable throughout its run using the vehicle cable conduits for the rear door; just fiddley, not difficult. The imagery produced is excellent, both front and rear and setting up using the touch-screen controls was intuitive and straightforward . Everything working so far so definitely 5-stars!
Having been a Nextbase user for many years, I was expecting a good product but the ‘X22’ Series is excellent. Baulking at the cost of the 622GW, I opted for the 522 and the rear-view camera ‘bundle’ made sense. As I was replacing an older version in the front, it was 5-min job. The rear camera cable installation added probably an hour as I concealed the cable throughout its run using the vehicle cable conduits for the rear door; just fiddley, not difficult. The imagery produced is excellent, both front and rear and setting up using the touch-screen controls was intuitive and straightforward . Everything working so far so definitely 5-stars!
Nice easy to use dash camera had it for a while now and although its easy to use the app for the phone is slow and its quicker to remove the fidly sd card and put it into the laptop and do it manually than use the app.
This is the forth camera fitted to a few cars over the years – it is the best. This is working well and the inbuilt polarising filter is a bonus. Magnetic mount is rather too powerful and can take a lot of force to remove the camera from the powered screen mount.
I haven’t used it at night yet but picture is good, my old cable fit so i didn’t need the additional wiring i purchased for the rear camera as it came with its own cable so returning was easy, my only fault with it is the battery, everything morning it tells you to connect to charger as the battery is low, not sure why the battery doesn’t stay full
A few people have mentioned they are having problems with the unit not powering up and just staying stuck on the blue light. Mine was the same.
The solution seems to be in the way you power up the camera.
Previously, I was leaving the cigarette plug in and just pulling the unit on and off the mount. It doesn’t seem to like that.
Instead, I now make sure my cigarette plug in unplugged, then I mount the unit, then plug in the cigarette plug.
To power down, I remove the cigarette plug to remove power, then dismount the unit from the cradle.
I have had zero failures since then
Hope this helps
A few people have mentioned they are having problems with the unit not powering up and just staying stuck on the blue light. Mine was the same.
The solution seems to be in the way you power up the camera.
Previously, I was leaving the cigarette plug in and just pulling the unit on and off the mount. It doesn’t seem to like that.
Instead, I now make sure my cigarette plug in unplugged, then I mount the unit, then plug in the cigarette plug.
To power down, I remove the cigarette plug to remove power, then dismount the unit from the cradle.
I have had zero failures since then
Hope this helps
Had a couple issues, most annoying where I’ve had to take the dash cam out of the car and to my pc and try to reset it or something, turns out I had to format the SD card, which was a nextbase 64gb one
Also every so often it asks me to format the card for some reason, I wish I could turn this off as it overwrites anyway
Also you can’t take the “nextbase” text off of the recording
28th July 2022
I Have updated the review to 5 stars as since writing the previous review I’ve had 0 issues with freezes or anything like tha