Hytera GC550 Mini Body-worn Camera Product Overview (2024)

By Niamh McManus 6 March 2024

Introducing the new Hytera GC550 2K mini-body cam. Body-worn cameras have taken the world by storm over the last year or so and have been successfully adopted into many markets such as retail, security and healthcare. Hytera had released the GC550 mini cam as a stand-alone device, designed with intense attention to ergonomics to promote workplace transparency, accountability and safety. In this article, we will review the main features of the GC550 and let you know our thoughts on this new body-cam!

What is a stand-alone body-worn camera?

There are two main types of body-worn cameras: Stand-alone cams and 4G smart cams.

Stand-alone body-worn cameras operate independently and record audio and video footage locally on the device. The footage and data are typically stored internally. To access the footage or manage settings, users often need to physically connect the camera to a computer. The main benefit of stand-alone cams is that they are simple and straightforward to use. These types of cameras are a more cost-effective solution if surveillance and evidence management are the only need for the device.

4G smart body-worn cameras have LTE/wi-fi capabilities. These devices typically have integrated push-to-talk functionalities which allow the body cam to double as a push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) two-way radio. This advanced connectivity also enables live video streaming from the devices to dispatch and remote access to device settings and footage. 4G smart cameras may also offer additional features such as GPS tracking, geofencing, and emergency features. Although 4G smart cameras are often more expensive than stand-alone cams they are more versatile and can combine two devices (body-worn camera and two-way radio) into one. This eliminates the need for staff to have and carry multiple devices and will be more cost-effective overall if surveillance, communication and evidence management are a top priority for your overall operations.

Hytera GC550

Quality and performance

2K resolution
wide-angled recording
Infrared night vision sensors
30-second pre-record feature.
9-hour battery life

The Hytera GC550 delivers crystal clear 2K videos at 30 FPS. This body-worn camera is designed to capture detailed evidence for a more transparent and accountable workforce. When we first saw the wide-angle recording we thought it looked a little strange at first, but having more of the frame in the shot can help add context to a situation, again providing more detailed and useful data.

The Infrared night vision sensors for enhanced video quality in low-light conditions.

The 30-second pre-record feature keeps up to 30 seconds of footage in the camera’s short-term memory before the record switch is activated. This feature captures events leading up to an incident, providing valuable evidence and context that may help in understanding the events and determining responsibility.

The GC550 body-worn camera has integrated smart low-power consumption technology that can last for up to 9 hours on a single charge. The high-capacity Lithium Battery ensures it can endure an entire shift without any issues.

Redundancy Features

Though this device is small it is packed full of redundancy features,

5-minute battery backup
Data airbag

The GC550 body-worn camera has a built-in battery backup which gives the user an additional 5 minutes to swap the main battery in the field, without interrupting recording. This feature is crucial in law enforcement, security, or emergencies where constant recording is essential. The battery backup allows for a seamless transition, maintaining the integrity of the recorded data without gaps or breaks. This contributes to the safety of the user and others involved, as well as ensuring accountability through comprehensive documentation.

The Data airbag ensures that recorded videos are automatically saved to the device. This feature helps preserve critical evidence and documentation. It also mitigates the risk of data being lost due to human error.

Ease of use

The Hytera GC550 has been designed so that it is small enough for effortless use on the go, but not too small that it compromises the performance of the device.

Weighs 115g
360-degree swivel clip
Slide to record
One-handed operation

Having a lightweight device is ideal for frontline staff members. The device’s small size means that it is more discreet than other body cameras on the market. A smaller and lighter body camera is generally more comfortable for users to wear throughout their shifts. Improved comfort contributes to better compliance with wearing the device consistently. A discreet body camera is less likely to draw attention, potentially reducing the risk of aggression or resistance from individuals being recorded.

The slide-to-record feature on the GC550 is quick and easy to use. It is presented by Hytera as being much easier than clicking a button, However, in our experience, they are very similar in terms of user experience.

The small size of the device enables the user to be able to operate the device using just one hand. A simple, one-handed operation design can reduce the learning curve for users. This is beneficial when deploying body cameras across different departments or when training resources are limited. Also, operating the body camera with one hand allows the user, to maintain control of their surroundings while still recording. This contributes to overall safety by enabling officers to keep a hand free for other essential duties.

Build and Durability

The GC550 has an IP67 durability rating and a drop resistance of 1.5m. This suggests that the device should be robust enough to withstand use in harsh environments. It also implies that the device will survive accidental drops, which can increase the longevity of the device.

Software

The Hytera GC550 comes with free evidence and device management software you can download – we will do a separate in-depth blog post on this but essentially the software allows you to:
Programme and manage bodycams – recording settings, timestamp information, pre-and post-record time, etc.
Manage evidence from one camera at a time.
Password protected with two levels of security (“Admin” and “User).

Our verdict

The Hytera GC550 64GB 2K mini cam has an RRP of £240. Compared to other body cameras on the market such as the Motorola VB400 which is around £700 including the management software, the Hytera bodycam is extremely competitively priced.

As this is a stand-alone body-camera this device is ideal for industries where surveillance and worker safety are the main functions of the device. The Hytera GC550 body-worn camera offers high-quality performance with its 2K resolution, wide-angled recording, infrared night vision sensors, 30-second pre-record feature, and a commendable 9-hour battery life. The wide-angle recording provides detailed and context-rich evidence, while the infrared night vision ensures enhanced video quality in low-light conditions. The device’s redundancy features, including a 5-minute battery backup and Data Airbag, contribute to continuous recording without interruptions, which can be crucial in law enforcement and security applications. The lightweight design, one-handed operation, and durability (IP67 rating and 1.5m drop resistance) enhance user comfort, ease of use, and longevity.

In conclusion, the Hytera GC550 stands out as a comprehensive body-worn camera solution, prioritizing quality, performance, ease of use, and durability, making it well-suited for various professional applications such as: