BOBLOV KJ23PRO 2K review – A rugged, long-lasting choice for frontline workers

The KJ23PRO 2K is produced by BOBLOV, a well-known independent Chinese brand that has built a solid reputation when it comes to the best body cameras. This latest offering is a heavily upgraded model in their KJ product line, acting as a successor to the popular BOBLOV KJ21.

Previous models were focused on uniform wear, but the KJ23PRO 2K adopts a dual-purpose design by including a car bracket and suction mount, allowing it to seamlessly shift from a traditional wearable device to a fully functioning dashcam.

This new hybrid purpose addresses the need for continuous monitoring, making the product ideal for law enforcement, private security professionals, and outdoor workers who require a smooth transition between in-the-field recording and vehicular monitoring. That said, if you want a dedicated camera for your car or van, then one of the best dash cams will offer superior results.

Latest Videos From

Watch full video here:

The model I tested is the 2K version, although a 4K alternative is available. The huge 4000mAh internal battery is capable of 15 hours of continuous recording, which is more than enough to cover long work shifts. The KJ23PRO 2K is ultimately a solid offering in a crowded market.

BOBLOV KJ23PRO 2K: Specifications

BOBLOV KJ23PRO 2K: Price & Availability

The 128 GB model of the KJ23PRO costs a very reasonable $109 US / £99.99 / $170 AUS. Other storage options include the 256 GB model for $130 US / £129.99 / $210 AUS and the 64 GB alternative for $100 US / £79.99 / $140 AUS.

The KJ23PRO offers excellent value for money, sitting comfortably between budget-friendly and higher-end alternatives. The fact that you get 2K video with a massive 4000mAh battery that delivers up to 15 hours of continuous recording makes the device very good value for money.

That said, the lack of Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) or built-in GPS is disappointing. Alternatives to consider include the MIUFLY S2 Pro 2K which adds GPS and password protection but sacrifices video sharpness, as well as the Transcend DrivePro Body 40, which offers advanced features like Wi-Fi and superior build quality.

The bottom line is that the KJ23PRO undercuts higher-end options while offering better battery life and resolution than cheaper entry-level models.

Image 1 of 2

BOBLOV KJ23PRO 2K: Build and handling

The KJ23PRO is a utilitarian, industrial-looking blocky body camera featuring an ultra-compact and lightweight footprint, making it ideal for front-line deployment. In the hand it's pretty hefty, but when mounted to clothing, its weight is hardly noticeable. At just 90 grams there won't be any sign of physical fatigue during long shifts.

The unit is constructed primarily from composite plastic and will clearly survive heavy daily wear and tear. I hit the case against my solid wooden desk, and it didn't even leave a mark. The case also features a matte, textured finish which diffuses light to reduce tactical visibility and provides a non-slip surface for reliable gripping in wet environments.

Speaking of water, the KJ23PRO boasts an IP66 weatherproofing rating, making the body highly resistant to water and dust ingress. The charging and data transfer USB-C port is also sealed to protect the inner workings of the device.

The layout of the lens, lights, buttons, and display lends itself to a straightforward user experience. The front houses the camera and is flanked by high-intensity infrared (IR) LED emitters arranged symmetrically.

On the back is an integrated 2-inch LCD screen that lacks high-end quality but is sufficient enough for reviewing footage. The display is protected by thick bezels, although it still sits flush with the case and is therefore at risk of being damaged when knocked.

All operational buttons are generously separated and provide tactile feedback so you know when they've been pressed. The record button is also colored red so it can be found quickly.

The case includes a robust, heavy-duty shoe-style mounting point that enables the body camera to be mounted to shirts, jackets, uniform pockets, and vehicle windshields or dashboards. All of these mounts are shipped with the camera. All in, it's a well-built and well-designed unit.

BOBLOV KJ23PRO 2K: Performance

Let's get straight into what matters most, the video quality. The camera tops out at 2560x1440 px, although this can be reduced if you'd like to save disk space. All resolutions record at 30 fps, so there are no slow-mo capabilities. Cycling through resolutions as well as all other settings is super straightforward thanks to the simple color menu interface.

I can only describe the quality of the video as reasonable. It's fairly clear, although quite grainy, and blacks are heavily crunched. The lens and sensor had no problems during predictable lighting conditions, although it struggled to expose faces correctly when the sky was bright.

More positively, the wide-angle lens maximises the chances of evidence being captured, and the quality of footage, even at the edges of the picture, is clear enough. The lack of image stabilization and GPS tracking is disappointing, although at this price point, their absence is unsurprising.

Unfortunately, the photo quality is almost unusable even at the highest 38 MP resolution. Photos are grainy, lacking clarity, and struggle with motion blur. The image quality is marginally better towards the centre of the picture, but even this still suffers from heavy grain.

Image 1 of 3

The display is large enough and clear enough to review footage. It also works well in bright sunlight. The speaker is a little tinny, although dialog is recorded and played back with sufficient clarity.

One of the selling points of the KJ23PRO is its 15 hours of battery life (1080p resolution), which is more than enough to last an extended shift. Recharging the battery from empty to full takes four hours, which makes it possible to recharge in between shifts.

The KJ23PRO can be mounted on clothing and as a dashcam. Switching between these is simple and effortless thanks to the robust and well-engineered mounts. Spring-loaded clips are solid and dependable.

BOBLOV KJ23PRO 2K: Overall Verdict

The KJ23PRO is a rugged, budget-friendly hybrid camera that excels when it comes to versatility. It confidently fulfils a dual-purpose role, equally able to mount to clothing as it is to a windshield.

The standout feature for me is the massive 4000mAh battery, which served up around 15 hours of continuous recording, more than enough to comfortably power through an extended work shift.

The build quality is high with a composite plastic casing that is tough enough to withstand knocks. I also appreciated the IP66 weatherproofing and the matte, textured finish for extra grip in the rain.

Video quality is reasonable enough and absolutely usable for providing clear evidence of events. Unfortunately the camera struggles to capture clear images, with photos subject to heavy grain.

Ultimately, if you only plan on capturing video and can live without high-end bells and whistles, its unmatched battery life and rugged durability make it a solid choice.

You might also like...

The BOBLOV KJ23PRO 2K only points in the direction you are facing. If that's a problem, why not have a look at the small and lightweight Boblov A22? Featuring a rotating lens on a simple friction mount, there's a lot to like about this camera that features in our best body cam guide.

If you're looking less for a body camera and more for a helmet-mounted camera, then the Ordro EP8, featured in our best body cam guide, is well worth a look. Boasts 4K resolution

It's well worth checking our guide to the best body cameras, though if your needs tend more toward video quality than long battery life, perhaps check the best action cameras. Don't forget you might even save on your car insurance with one of the best dash cams.