Falcon Zero F-360 Review

4.8TOTAL SCOREFalcon Zero F-360Viddeo Quality8Ease Of Use8Features7.5Price9PROS

• Versatile positioning of front and rear cameras
• Exposure adjustments
• Mic can be switched on/off
• Screen Saver
• Large LCD screen
• Effortless setup
• Includes a 32GB, Class 10 memory card

CONS

• Low resolution
• Using the rear camera
• No Wi-Fi, no Parking Mode, no GPS and no Emergency/Event Recording Mode
• Loop recording can glitche
• Camera positioning compounding the narrow field of view
• LCD screen is dim during daylight driving
• Muffled audio
• Fit

User Rating: 0.7 (1 votes)CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON

Highlighted Components

Dual Cameras: The Falcon Zero F-360 joins the camp of dual-channel recording dashboard cameras with the introduction of their innovative, rearview mirror, all-in-one recording unit. Each of its two cameras swivel a full 180° and allow for custom placement according to driver preference—both can face forward, one front and one to the driver’s peripherals, or one front and one to the rear. While this is a twin camera system, the secondary rear camera was designed for in-cabin recording—ideal for use by couriers and taxi drivers alike—not recording through the rear window. Individually, each camera has a modest 120° viewing angle. However, if both cameras are positioned facing forward, drivers can achieve a wide 240° viewing angle. Recording resolution is 1080p at 30 fps, or full HD, when one camera is in use. When both cameras are in use, resolution drops to 720p. Night Vision automatically harnesses the power of 8 IR LEDs for improved recording when light is low. Both cameras can digitally zoom up to 4x.

Exposure Adjustments: The F-360 offers plenty of custom exposure settings to achieve optimal video recording and image clarity. Drivers can navigate through the user-friendly menu and adjust the dash cam’s ISO, auto-correct lighting by reducing or amplifying light levels through bracketing and even choose the white balance setting best-suited to current driving conditions. ISO can be set to auto, 100, 200 or 400 depending on the amount of ambient light available—brighter days call for lower ISOs, while cloudier days or nighttime driving demand a higher ISO to capture enough light to create clear images. Drivers can choose between five white balance settings: auto, daylight, cloudy, tungsten and fluorescent. Choosing a white balance setting that is better matched to driving conditions will highlight finer details and true coloring of objects.

Photo Mode: In the event of an accident, the F-360 can take photos for evidence to accompany insurance claims. Drivers can choose between 1.3, 3 or 5 megapixel resolution quality for still images.

Loop Recording: Once the memory card is full, Loop Recording records over the oldest file first. Loop Recording preserves space on memory cards and guarantees continuous recording sessions. A word of caution though, unlike most dash cams with Emergency or Event Recording Modes, no footage is locked or protected on the F-360. Drivers will have to lock and protect files from being overwritten manually through the settings menu, or download these files to a computer for safe storage.

Auto Power On/Off: Smart technology ensures the F-360 automatically activates when it detects the vehicle’s power source. The camera powers on and off with the ignition, saving drivers the additional step and freeing them from worry about driving without the camera recording.

Screen Saver Mode: Screen Saver Mode blacks out the display screen to minimize distraction while driving, particularly at night. The F-360’s display is set to black out after one minute by default, but drivers can adjust this timeframe according to preference.

LCD Screen: At nearly 9 cm, the F-360’s LCD preview and playback display is larger than many dash cams. The wider screen accommodates a split-screen view of both cameras (the default setting), or a wide single channel view from the camera of your choosing with minimal cropping of the peripheries.

Rearview Mirror Mount: The F-360 is unlike any other dash cam on the market. Instead of relying on traditional adhesive or suction mounts, Falcon Zero integrates the cameras with their own, proprietary rearview mirror. The rearview mirror slides onto most factory-installed rearview mirrors, maintaining a secure hold and guaranteeing effortless assembly. While the F-360 may seem larger than many dash cams, the sleek design and twofold benefit of its safety components deliver a seamless fit within vehicle interiors that is sure to impress.

Day and Night Footage

***credit to The Rideshare Guy channel for this video***

Pros

• Versatile positioning of front and rear cameras. This twin camera system offers versatile recording capability, for complete custom placement of each of its 180° rotating cameras. Unique to this dual-cam platform is its integration into a wide, rearview mirror that clamps onto factory-installed rearview mirrors. The twin cameras hang beneath the rearview mirror on the right side and can pivot so that both face forward (for an exceptionally wide 240° viewing angle), one faces forward and the other to the driver’s side or blind spot, or one forward and one facing the rear. Drivers can switch between which camera’s feeds they want to see on the display screen, either split screen displaying footage from both cameras’ perspectives, or a full-screen, single camera view. Both cameras even have digital zooming capability, up to 4x each.

• Exposure adjustments. The F-360 is packed with plenty of exposure options for drivers to achieve the best recorded footage possible. Drivers can toggle with the the dash cam’s ISO, bracket light levels with exposure compensation and even adjust the white balance according to the environment. Driving on bright, sunny days may call for less exposure to prevent a washed-out effect and loss of fine details; whereas, low light or nighttime driving may require a higher ISO and alternative white balance setting to ensure the camera’s sensor receives enough light and records coloring appropriately. Nighttime driving automatically triggers the built-in IR LEDs for enhanced in-cabin recording when the secondary camera faces the rear.
• Mic can be switched on/off. If drivers wish, audio recording can be switched off. Far from necessary, but the added option caters to personal preference. As always, disclose and receive full permission from passengers before recording any conversations.
• Screen Saver allows drivers to switch off the LCD display screen, eliminating extra light that may cause distraction while driving at night. In the settings menu, drivers can choose between 1, 2 or 3 minute intervals before Screen Saver activates. The default is set to blackout after 1 minute.
• Large LCD screen serves for easy menu navigation, setting adjustments, recording previews and instant video playback without straining eyes.
• Effortless setup. Unlike standard dash cams that employ suction or adhesive mounts, the F-360 clamps over the vehicle’s factory-installed rearview mirror. Plug it into the cigarette lighter and you’re good to go. Adhesive cord clips are included to secure the lengthy power cord, easily hiding it along the headliner and passenger side for a wire and distraction-free view.
• Includes a 32GB, Class 10 memory card for straight from the box, plug and play use on your drive home from the retailer. The memory card has approximately eight hours of video recording capacity. The microSD card includes an adapter for convenient playback on the device or the computer.

Cons

• Low resolution. Here’s where things get a bit tricky (“read the fine print” sort of tricky), where a casual window shopper browsing various dash cam model specs may get confused. While it is technicallycorrect that the F-360 supports full HD 1080p resolution, it does so only when one camera is in use. When both cameras are in use—the reason why anyone would ever consider a dual channel model in the first place—both cameras record in HD, or 720p at 30 fps. While twin camera recording at 720p resolution is noticeably lower than competing single channel dash cams that record in full HD, it is satisfactory during the daytime. Even with plenty of exposure setting options, the camera struggles to adjust quickly to variable lighting conditions, such as driving on a bright day through shaded areas where sunlight streaks in and out. At best, daytime driving footage can be described as having a tendency to be washed out and grainy depending on the level and consistency of ambient lighting.
• Using the rear camera. Many users have commented that when the second camera is positioned facing the rear, glare from the rear window makes it impossible to record drivers behind you, regardless of time of day. Oftentimes, this footage simply records white light. It is worth noting that the secondary camera, when positioned towards the rear, is intended for in-cabin recording and does so adequately.
• No Wi-Fi, no Parking Mode, no GPS and no Emergency/Event Recording Mode. While Wi-Fi and Parking Mode are not essential features and most can do without, GPS and especially Emergency Recording Mode are necessities and standard for most dash cams on today’s market. Ok, let’s even say you’re willing to forego GPS. Just realize you’re giving up travel speed information and coordinates—need-to-know details when dealing with the police or insurance companies in case of an accident. Falcon Zero has made a huge misstep by failing to incorporate a G-sensor to automatically trigger Emergency Recording on this device. In the unfortunate event of an accident, let’s hope that the F-360 performs and that you remember to lock or download the file to a computer for safe keeping. Because remember, without Emergency Mode functionality, no file is saved or protected from being overwritten by Loop Recording.
• Loop recording glitches. Many users have reported issues with loop recording as well as errors with recognizing and reading the microSD card. The most common complaint relates to random files being locked. Again, it is important to note that no files are protected from being overwritten by Loop Recording. In the event of an accident, drivers must manually lock, save or download the file to prevent overwrites.
• Camera positioning compounding the narrow field of view. While a structural novelty on the market, the F-360’s design itself could use another iteration or two in order to improve functionality. The placement of the two cameras side-by-side on the right of the rearview mirror impedes and partially obstructs each individual camera’s overall field of view. While Falcon Zero boasts each camera is capable of a wide 120° viewing angle (and, let’s remember that this is actually a quite narrow angle when compared to most dash cams on the market today), the cameras themselves hinder and block some of that viewing perspective. Additionally, users have reported that the unit itself tends to put added weight on factory-installed rearview mirrors, in turn displacing cameras from their original placement. At times, some users have even found that driving on uneven terrain caused increased shaking of the unit and excessive motion blur to recorded footage.
• LCD screen is dim during daylight driving. Users have reported that the preview and playback footage is hard to see during daytime driving on the LCD screen. Relatedly, some users have reported that the tinting of the rearview mirror is too dark.
• Muffled audio. Not a big loss—because let’s face it, you’re not likely going to be recording disjointed loops of Tarantino-caliber dialogue. Nonetheless, audio quality is mediocre and virtually useless as a secondary source of evidence in the event of an accident.
• May not fit. While the dash cam unit installs easily, clamping and securing onto factory-installed rearview mirrors, it may not fit every car’s mirror. Verify vehicle compatibility with Falconzero.com.

Our Verdict

Falcon Zero’s F-360 has introduced a new take to traditional dash cams by combining dual cameras with a rearview mirror to create an inclusive safety package. The twin cameras swivel a full 180° for custom placement according to driver preference and needs. On their own, each camera grants a subpar 120° viewing angle—one of the narrowest angles on the market today. When the secondary camera is used as a rear-facing camera, its purpose is to record in-cabin activity—not activity through the rear window. Recording through the rear window is a moot point, with glare and exterior light completely obstructing the view. The F-360 delivers a host of exposure adjustments to accommodate variable lighting and driving conditions, but these options do little to improve overall recording quality. Full HD recording, or 1080p resolution, is achieved when one camera is in use only. When both cameras are recording—the main advantage of purchasing a dual camera system—footage is recorded at a noticeably lower 720p quality.

While Falcon Zero has made every attempt to stay ahead of its competitors and hopped on the dual-cam bandwagon, they’ve definitely missed the mark with the F-360. Despite creating a dashboard camera that fits seamlessly within most vehicle interiors, they’ve eliminated quite a few essentials. The most glaring feature absent on the F-360 is Emergency/Event Recording. The F-360 is not equipped with a G-sensor, which means it fails to automatically detect force and impact from collisions and may or may not record at this most crucial incident. Moreover, because every recorded file is treated the same, recorded footage from an accident or event are not safeguarded from being overwritten. Loop Recording will treat these recorded files as any other and will record over them when space on the memory card runs out. Falcon Zero’s dash cam also neglects to include a GPS, therefore making it difficult to relay location and coordinates to emergency responders in the event of an accident or when filing reports and claims with the police and insurers.

Overall, Falcon Zero has created a unique product with major design and utility flaws. This, combined with a battery of user complaints about the dash cam’s performance reliability, make us err on the cautionary side, keeping our money in our wallets, despite the F-360’s budget-friendly price point.

Average Customer Rating: 4/5 stars (Amazon UK, based on 90 reviews)

Price: Low-mid range £READ MORE REVIEWS ON AMAZON HERE

Falcon Zero F-360 Product Details

Spec Name	Model Spec Details
Lens	120° wide angle (both cameras)
Image Sensor	–
Resolution/Frame Rate	720p at 30 fps (dual camera use) | 1080p or 720p at 30fps (single camera use) | 1.3; 3; 5 megapixels photos
Low Light Recording	Yes, 8x IR lights for low/nighttime driving conditions
Microphone/Speaker	Built-in (on/off capability)
GPS	No
G-Sensor	No
Wi-Fi	No
Date/Time Stamp	Yes
Parking Mode	No
Video Format	AVI
Video Output	HDMI mini 1.3
Power Source	6 amp USB in-vehicle charger
Memory	Up to 32GB microSD card, Class 6 or higher
Compatibility	PC (Microsoft Windows and Mac
Display Type/Size	LCD/8.89 cm
Dimensions	27.9 x 10.2 x 1.9 cm)
Weight	312 g

Falcon Zero F-360 Unboxed

• Falcon Zero Falcon F-360 HD rearview mirror car dash camera
• 6 amp, 3 port USB car charger
• miniUSB power cable (3.35 m)
• USB cable
• 32GB, Class 10 microSD memory card with adapter
• 6x adhesive cord clips
• Instruction manual
• Warranty card (5-year limited)

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Company History

Founded in 2012, Falcon Zero is an industry leader in dashboard camera technology and accessories. Falcon Zero makes it their mission to tailor premium, cutting-edge technology to meet the security and safety needs of today’s drivers on the road, guaranteeing reliable technology in the event of an emergency. The company’s motto of “Drive safe. Drive protected.” resonates right down to the fine details and sleek design of every product. Their innovative product line is engineered for smooth integration with standard vehicle interiors for an attractive appearance that affirms the peace of mind that comes with full coverage.

Other Reviews

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