Botslab G980H Multi Channel: the dashcam with 4 cameras that really monitors the entire car

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Dashcams have become almost essential on the road. Between parking bumps, priority refusals, reckless drivers fleeing, or disputes with insurance companies, having video proof can clearly change the game. However, most models still only film the front and, more rarely, the back. The Botslab G980H Multi Channel aims to go much further.

Its idea is simple: cover the entire environment of the vehicle with four cameras. A high-definition front camera, a rear camera, and especially two adjustable side cameras capable of filming the sides of the vehicle or even the interior. On paper, it is probably one of the most complete solutions currently available in this price range, which has also earned it an award at the CES Awards earlier this year in Las Vegas.

After several days of road use, both day and night, here’s what it’s really worth.

Unboxing the Botslab G980H Multi Channel dashcam

The Botslab G980H Multi Channel arrives in a rather serious packaging, with particularly complete content.

In the box, in addition to the main camera, we also find:

the Full HD rear camera
the two side cameras
a microSD card (128 Go here)
the USB-C cigarette lighter power cable
a long cable to connect the rear camera
electrostatic adhesives
additional mounting stickers
a tool to pass cables through trims
the documentation

The manufacturer also provides a sticker indicating that the vehicle is equipped with a dashcam. A gadget for some, but potentially useful to deter aggressive behaviors or attempts at insurance fraud.

Upon opening, we discover the main camera, quite compact despite having multiple integrated optics. Its design allows it to remain relatively discreet once installed behind the rearview mirror.

The front camera is directly integrated into the main block, accompanied by two adjustable side modules. This is obviously the major feature of this model.

These two small cameras can pivot to film the sides of the vehicle, the side windows, or even the interior of the cabin. A real plus for VTCs, taxis, motorhomes, or simply to monitor blind spots.

The magnetic system of the side modules is very well thought out. It is impossible to install them incorrectly, as the modules automatically clip into the right position.

On the technical side, the specification is quite solid:

front camera up to 3K
three secondary cameras in Full HD
170° field of view at the front
integrated GPS
dual-band WiFi
parking mode
G-Sensor
voice commands
ADAS system
3.18 inch touchscreen
microSD compatibility up to 256 Go

All this is based on Sony Starvis sensors, known for their good night performance.

Installation and Configuration

The installation remains relatively simple, although the four-camera system naturally requires a bit more work than a standard dashcam.

The main camera sticks behind the rearview mirror thanks to a very powerful adhesive mount. The electrostatic films provided prevent sticking directly on the windshield, making future removal easier.

The power cable can then be hidden in the roof liner and door seals using the provided tool. The same goes for the rear cable, which is particularly long to easily cross the entire cabin, even in large vehicles.

A nice little detail: the side cameras are adjustable in almost all directions. Convenient for precisely adjusting the framing without having to detach the entire dashcam.

test botslab g980h multi channel 048 — The rear camera cable comes out here above the trunk.

Conveniently, the cigarette lighter adapter has another USB A port to charge a smartphone, for example.

On first startup, the configuration is quick. The camera directly offers the choice of language, time zone, GPS units, and formatting the memory card. The touchscreen makes it much more pleasant than many models that still use impractical physical buttons.

The Botslab mobile application also makes a good impression. The Bluetooth and then WiFi connection is quick, and the interface allows:

to view live video streams
to download sequences
to modify all settings
to update the firmware
to consult emergency videos
to manage GPS
to adjust video quality

The process of downloading videos to the smartphone is particularly simple and fast.

Video Quality: the Big Surprise

This is obviously the most important point for a dashcam. And here, the Botslab G980H performs extremely well.

The front camera delivers a very detailed image. License plates remain readable even at high speeds, and exposure management is effective.

Signs, road markings, and traffic details remain perfectly usable.

At night, the Sony Starvis sensors clearly do their job. Light changes are well managed, even when transitioning between dark areas and urban LED or sodium lighting.

The headlights of opposing vehicles do not completely burn the image as is the case with some entry-level models.

The rear camera is a little less impressive, especially in poorly lit areas, but it remains largely usable for identifying a vehicle or understanding an accident.

But what really changes the experience are the two side cameras.

And honestly, after a few days of use, one wonders why this system is not more widespread.

The sides of a vehicle are often the most problematic areas: priority refusals, cyclists emerging from a blind spot, parking scratches, assaults, door openings… Standard dashcams hardly ever capture these situations.

Here, everything is recorded. Intersections, sidewalks, side windows, vehicles passing a little too closely… It’s extremely reassuring.

For a VTC or taxi, the system becomes very relevant as it also allows filming the interior of the cabin if needed.

ADAS, GPS, and Intelligent Functions

The Botslab G980H does not just record. The system adds several assists: collision alert and fatigue reminder.

As often with these types of functions, the interest greatly depends on driving habits. Some will appreciate the alerts, while others will find them intrusive. Fortunately, everything can be disabled.

The integrated GPS adds speed, date, time, and coordinates to the recorded videos. Handy in case of a dispute. Just keep in mind that displaying the speed can also work against the driver in case of excess…

The parking mode deserves to be mentioned as well. With a standard cigarette lighter cable, the dashcam turns off when the ignition is off. To take advantage of 24/7 surveillance, one must add the permanently wiring kit sold separately.

Once installed, the system can automatically record:

during a collision
when someone approaches the vehicle
in timelapse

This brings it closer to the function of the onboard surveillance systems found in Tesla vehicles, which is really interesting for having video proof of any vandalism.

Daily Use

This is probably what surprised me the most about this dashcam: it knows how to be forgotten.

Once installed, it starts automatically with the ignition, begins recording on its own, and manages everything autonomously.

The screen can automatically turn off to avoid any distractions. Videos are intelligently organized on the memory card, and the mobile application greatly simplifies the retrieval of sequences.

The emergency backup system works well thanks to the integrated G-Sensor. In case of a shock, videos are immediately protected to prevent them from being overwritten by future recordings.

Even the audio is quite decent, with sound capture available on all video tracks, which is not always the case with multi-camera models.

However, a few flaws still remain.

The voice commands only work in English. And you clearly need to have a good accent for them to respond correctly. In itself, this is not prohibitive, as once in place it runs on its own, and I don’t really need to use the voice commands.

The parking mode, however, requires an additional kit, which slightly increases the final bill. I couldn’t test this part, as I don’t have the kit. But I am seriously considering getting it for the parking surveillance function, which I find really interesting.

Finally, the rear camera remains slightly behind compared to the excellent quality of the front camera.

Verdict: probably one of the most complete dashcams under €200

The Botslab G980H Multi Channel manages something quite rare: offering a truly useful innovation in a market that often goes around in circles.

The side cameras actually change the way to monitor a vehicle. Once you’ve tasted it, going back to a standard dashcam feels almost limited.

On top of that, it offers very good video quality, efficient GPS, a successful application, autonomous operation, and relatively simple installation, resulting in a particularly convincing dashcam.

It will obviously not replace a professional onboard video surveillance system, but for daily, family, VTC, or even motorhome use, it ticks a lot of boxes.

It is available on Amazon:

But you can take advantage of a much better price on the official store, with a 15% discount: