Digital Camera World Verdict
The PD70 isn’t a device designed to capture amazing video, but one to protect against dishonesty. Given that, it captures more than adequate quality video, subject only to the vibrations imposed by the host. Given it is possible to spend significantly more on a body cam without gaining much in terms of features, we see this as good value.
Pros
- +
Sensible balance of battery life and weight
- +
Good quality menu
- +
Records good sound
- +
On-device playback option
- +
Night Vision
Cons
- -
Phone app
- -
Wi-Fi app didn’t work for us
- -
5 hours record not a full shift for some
- -
Body clip covers screen
Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.
Boblov offers body cameras for a broad range of users, from emergency services and security agents, through ride-share operators, to consumers looking to document their travels and adventures. The desire to avoid false accusations or frivolous litigation is a common bond, but there are also those who simply want to document their experiences.
The PD70 isn’t the highest resolution camera available, but it does sport all the key functions, putting it in the equivalent of a prosumer spot. It even adds a wi-fi download app and mini-HDMI socket, which definitely extends the offering beyond the basic, though the style and shape suggest a traditional uniform chest.
Whatever your use, is it up to the job?
Specification
Max resolution: 2304 x 1296 px
Battery life: 5 hours
Charging time: 3 hours
Microphone: Yes
Memory: 32GB built-in
Display: 2-inch
Charging socket: Mini USB
Dimensions: 80 x 58 x 32 mm (
Weight: 115g
Key features
The PD70 has a built-in 2-inch display and records video at 1296px 30 fps through a 170˚ lens. It is offered with 32 or 64GB of memory built in, which is downloaded via the Mini-USB socket.
In terms of physical features, there is a switchable laser light (projecting where the lens is looking) and an IR night mode with illumination.
The camera’s options include stealth mode (no recording indicator), adjustable video lengths (clips are recorded in sequence in case of a memory issue), and a car mode (to act as a dashcam).
Build & handling
The PD70 comes in a robust black plastic housing with buttons on the sides and below the screen on the rear. In the plastic moulding are shoe-like mounts, not for a flash but a pocket clip. When in place this obscures some of the screen, but it can be removed reasonably easily (untrue of all Boblov’s models!) Two clips – shoulder and pocket – are included.
The camera itself, surrounded by 6 IR lights for night vision, is plainly visible and built around a Sony IMX117 and ƒ/1.5 aperture which seems to get things about right. The charging and HDMI sockets are tucked under a rubber seal to ensure weatherproofing,
The nine buttons do seem like a lot (probably tricky for gloved fingers on a cold night), but record is well positioned on the top-left side too make it easy to find. The buttons are a bit plasticky, but do the job.
Performance
The video is a perfectly serviceable quality, picking up a surprising amount of detail given the bitrate hovers around 12kbps. Assuming that the lens is pointing where you want you should get usable material and the need for higher resolution is questionable.
Video samples: Shooting during the day, the video reveals every little shake. Here we’re using hands as a gimbal rather than the pocket clip! The after dark footage shows both the IR and standard night modes.
Non-professional users might be disappointed by the camera overlaying all clips with imprinted date and time. This isn’t just metadata (and it depends on the setting of the clock) – it can also be used to add an ID, like an officer number.
We tried installing the ZFXF app on iOS but it was not successfully able to pair with the device, and to be honest we didn’t like the fact it wanted to know our GPS location either. Instead we simply browsed files and transferred them over the Micro USB lead – it might be a retro connector now, but works on Mac and PC without issue.
Verdict
What this camera certainly is not is a budget action camera. Devices like the GoPro Hero 11 and DJI Osmo Action 3 are equipped with powerful EIS – Electronic Image Stabilization – as well as being able to shoot ‘clean’ video to swappable cards. If you’re thinking you’ve found a durable solution, you’re wrong.
Compared to a similar camera, though, we feel the PD70 has sensibly arranged controls (we like the separate photo button, for example) and produces good quality recordings night or day.
• Best dash cams
• Best helmet camera
• Best indoor security cameras
• Best outdoor security cameras
• Best PoE cameras
• Best doorbell cameras
• Best baby camera monitors
