Keep an eye on what’s going on around you, with this handy personal camera
We’ve covered a few of the Transcend DrivePro dash cameras in the past, each surpassing the other in terms of quality and features. However, the company has taken the DrivePro range to a new place with its recently released Body 10 camera.
As you may suspect, the Transcend DrivePro Body 10 is a dash cam for your person. With a tough crocodile clip on the back, you can clip the camera to your top pocket or, if you’re a security guard, clip it to your stab vest.
The 160º wide angle F2.8 lens can capture full HD video at 30fps and in low light conditions thanks to the automatic infrared mode. The two buttons on the front of the unit allow for power and taking still images as an added bonus.
First and foremost, the Body 10 is designed for personal safety and evidence collection in mind. It’s certainly tough enough for the task, made from an extremely hard wearing and durable plastic, while still remaining reasonably light, weighing just 108g.
It’s water resistant for full outdoor protection and has been rigorously tested to military drop test specifications. Even the clip on the reverse of the body has been tested thoroughly, as well as the rotating 360º arm to which it's fixed to the body of the camera with – all this in a remarkably compact unit that measures 88.4 x 52.2 x 19.6mm.
The battery life is reasonably good, lasting up to three and a half hours of continuous footage off a full charge, with around an hour and half left until it’s fully recharged again. Although taking lots of snapshots will eventually limit that time, that’s something that’ll only be used in the case of recording an incident.
Transcend includes a good sized 32GB micro-SD card with the DrivePro Body 10, which equates to roughly four hours’ worth of recording – more than the battery will last for off a full charge. Hooking it up to a PC is easy enough with the included USB adapter, and you’ll also get the DrivePro Body Toolbox with the package that allows you to manage the files stored on the card and alter the settings of the camera to your preferences.
Obviously, the Body 10 is leaning towards the professional market, but that’s not to say the average user can’t have one about their person. Walking the dog at night, going for a run in the evening or even nipping to the shops during the day are all times where we’ve seen someone approached or, worse, attacked. It’s not necessarily distilling fear in the population for stepping outside, it’s just using technology to help keep us a little safer.
Even if you decide to use the Body 10 as a static camera fixed to a door, it’s certainly a useful device. Security professionals will undoubtedly be intrigued, as it’s a little more durable than the standard action camera type device.
All in all, a good idea presented in a more than adequate device, with some good features for added measure. David Hayward
Ideal for security professionals or those needing peace of mind.