New Viofo Dash Cams

May.30, 2019 - Viofo A119 V3 1600p 1440p Sony 5-MP IMX335 Starvis Sensor Dash Cam.
The A119 Version 3 has upgraded hardware superior to V2 but uses the same camera body style. The F1.6 Aperture narrow field of view Lens is the same as A129. This new version supports Buffered Parking Auto Event Detection Mode even using Power Bank. More information in my A119 V3 Review. Retail price is $120 on Viofo's website, also available on Amazon.

Feb.15, 2019 - Viofo A129 Duo IR 1080p Camera.
A129 IR Camera bundle is available on Viofo's website marketed for Taxi Uber Lyft Drivers. This small IR camera has a wider field of view than original Rear Cam with more mounting possibilities. Retail price is $180 for A129 Front + IR Camera bundle, also sold separately $70 for upgrades on Viofo's website. More information is provided in Accessories section below. IR Camera Firmware Review

Aug.15, 2018 - Viofo A129 Duo 1080p Dual Channel 5GHz Wi-Fi Dash Cam.
The A129 Duo Dual Channel Wi-Fi Dash Cam is an excellent 1080P Front and Rear camera system with advanced features, options and WiFi control making it highly recommended. It was introduced in summer 2018 with new sleek professional design, solid build quality with improved stable four clip quick release mount and heavy duty power contacts for reliable connections. The Rear camera is small enough not to obscure Drivers view and produces the same image quality using the same Lens. I've created modified firmware for this Dashcam to boost Bitrate and adjust Sharpness. More information in my A129 Duo Review.


Jan.27, 2020 - Should I wait for Viofo to offer 4K resolution at 60 frames per second?
Good things come to those that wait, usually. Unknown if 1440p @ 60fps or 2160p @ 60fps will ever become standard and reliable. What is never revealed with 60fps at high 2K or 4K resolution is the damage to chipset and reduced lifespan of device when set at 60fps. Using any dashcam in hot regions especially in summer in closed parked vehicle will definitely reduce the lifespan of the CMOS battery and SuperCapacitors before damage to chipset and other components. This is shown by how frequently owners complain about dashcams not saving settings or shutting off instantly causing last file corruption. Doubling FPS from 30 to 60 increases processing load and file sizes which generates even more heat which is asking for trouble in some hot countries. Those in cooler climates can use 60fps with minimal heat stress.

Newer chipsets and improvements to thermal limits take time to reach the end users.  Thinkware is currently struggling with 4K overheating mostly caused by the always-on Wifi card generating massive internal heat. This is one area Viofo has an advantage since the A129 Pro 4K can be controlled with or without Wifi enabled.

I've also tested my GoPro Hero7 at max 4K 60fps attached beside A129 Pro in hot summer and GoPro always shuts off after 2-3 hours due to thermal limit detected. Looking into the future the only way dashcam manufacturers can create a stable and reliable 4K 60fps camera is to use a completely new chipset/processor and redesign the case for maximum cooling which none have done especially Thinkware.

Price and Resolution

Dash Cams are becoming a necessity driving today's roads. They come in different shapes and sizes, vary in image quality and price while offering useful accident evidence recording features. How to select the right Dash Camera for your needs can be confusing. Owners must understand the different terms, features, settings and options to make the best decision. Consider purchasing models with a proven track record of stability and reliability. Savvy Dashcam buyers know to wait a few months before purchasing new models, allowing time for kinks, bugs, flaws to be identified and fixed. Suggest privately recording new product 'unboxing' video not only for proof of condition, arrival date, but also contents and serial numbers for later reference. Avoid buying any Dashcam without downloadable firmware or online support. More information on features, options and accessories is below. This website covers Viofo Dash Cam models A129 , A119S , A119 Pro , A119.

Prices on these Viofo Dash Cams is actually very reasonable based on supported features for each model. The Viofo cameras sell for approximately $100 - $180 US. Lens and Sensor Resolutions are very important in determining maximum video image quality. The higher the Resolution the better the image. Always select the highest resolution supported in the settings. 2560x1440P (2K) will produce clearer smoother details than 1920x1080P. Before selecting your Dashcam consider how you'll be viewing the recorded footage. Most 1080P SmartTVs cannot display 2K video, computers usually resize all video resolutions to fit the screen.

$120approx - A119 V3 includes 1600P@30fps , 1440P@30fps Resolution camera, narrow angle FOV. This is an improved brighter 2560x1440p narrow angle camera for less side distortions. The single clip windshield mount requires foam stabilizing pad replaced annually. 🚦🚦🚦🚦

$180approx - A129 Duo IR includes Main Front + IR Camera 1080P 30fps Resolution cameras, 140 FOV. This advanced 2-Channel system with interior facing Infrared camera for Taxi Uber Lyft drivers is highly recommended. The 4-clip windshield mount is very stable. 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦

$180approx - A129 Duo includes Front + Rear 1080P 30fps Resolution cameras, narrow angle FOV. This advanced 2-Channel system is highly recommended. The windshield mount with 4-clips is very stable. 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦

$130approx - A129 includes Front 1080P 60/30fps Resolution camera, narrow angle FOV. This advanced 1920x1080P single camera is highly recommended. The windshield mount with 4-clips is very stable. 🚦🚦🚦🚦

$100approx - A119S includes 1080P 60/30fps Resolution camera, 130 FOV. This is an excellent 1920x1080P low light narrower angle camera for less side distortions. The single clip windshield mount requires foam stabilizing pad replaced annually.🚦🚦🚦

$100approx - A119 Pro includes 1440P 30fps , 1080P 60/30fps Resolution camera, narrow FOV. This is an excellent 2560x1440P narrower angle camera for less side distortions. The single clip windshield mount requires foam stabilizing pad replaced annually.🚦🚦🚦

$100approx - A119 includes 1440P 30fps , 1080P 60/30fps Resolution camera, 160 wide angle FOV. This is an excellent 2560x1440P wide angle camera at 160 degrees. The single clip windshield mount requires foam stabilizing pad replaced annually.🚦🚦🚦

Features

Viofo Dash Cam Features are very similar, the table below reveals the differences. Features such as Resolution, Field of View and Parking Mode are very important, others such as Lane Departure Warning System and Forward Collision Warning System are almost worthless. Matching your requirements to supported features can also include trade offs, such as wanting 1440P (2K) Front and Rear Resolution with WiFi control, neither are currently available (Jul2019).

Superior low light vision relies on the image sensor with Sony Exmor much brighter. Viofo is currently altering its Lens lineup, replacing the A129 & A119S wider angle with a narrower version.

Windshield Mount stability and reliability are extremely important for vibration free video footage. Here the A129 is far superior to the other models using old single clip design requiring additional EVA Foam pad replaced yearly to reduce mount vibration.


All Dashcams allow continuous Loop Recording as 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 minute clips to control video file sizes from exceeding 2 GB allowing error/corruption free memory card recording. A single 64 GB microSD card may contain hundreds of 350 MB clips before Looping feature starts to overwrite new clips over oldest. Viewing the clips in sequence produces seamless video without breaks.

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Parking Mode protection is becoming a very popular feature, it involves automatically detecting when the vehicle has parked with no movement enabling the preset recording option to activate. Never use vehicle interior windshield sunshades while Dashcam is mounted or in Parking Mode. The reflected extreme heat will damage and reduce component lifespan destroying dashcams.

 Repeated long duration Parking Protection using hardwire kit will reduce vehicle battery lifespan especially if battery is old with weak alternator. Vehicle batteries are designed for short duration engine startup, when long duration (hours) discharged by radio, lights or other accessories occurs with engine off sulfate crystals collect on plates after 33% power drain. Setting Hardwire kit power cutoff at 12.2 or safer 12.4volts can reduce some battery damage which is worst in extreme temperatures. There are risks using Hardwire kit connected to wrong circuit which can void new car warranty. There are risks using Power Banks especially in extreme temperatures for long duration.

The A119S + A119 Pro + A119V2 all support 1fps - 5fps - 15fps Parking Mode options. When 5fps selected (example) Camera will enter Parking Mode after the vehicle has stopped for 90 seconds determined by the G-sensor. If no visual motion near center of view is detected and no impact event is detected the camera will enter standby mode not recording anything lowering power consumption. When visual motion is triggered Cam will record 5fps Time Lapse clips without audio until motion has stopped. If an impact event is detected by G-sensor it records 60 seconds normal 30fps video clips with audio. A predictable issue occurs resulting in hundreds of false recordings from rain or strong wind. Parking Mode works using 2-wire hardwire kit connected to vehicle fuse box or from power bank. Watch my Power Bank Parking Mode video.

The A129 Parking Mode feature is very different requiring the new 3-wire hardwire kit set at 12.2v connected to camera side power port not GPS mount port to enable all 7 parking modes by monitoring ignition voltage levels. Low Bitrate Recording mode works from all power sources including power banks which records continuously at 1080P@30fps with 4Mb/s in Dual Cam setup or 8Mb/s in single.
Parking Auto Event Detection Mode is the most advanced feature and now available in A129 and A119V3 models. It continues to evolved with user input allowing multiple configurations with control over visual and impact sensitivity. Drivers wanted extended parking protection can now turn OFF visual event detection eliminating 100's of useless clips and turn on super sensitive G-sensor detection recording 45 second buffered impact events with audio.

The RO G-sensor clip folder has an undocumented folder limitation. The memory card may include this protected RO folder containing "read-only" MP4 clips created by G-sensor impact/vibration events. There are now two G-sensor Menu settings > Parking G-sensor + Driving G-sensor. When one or both have their sensitivity too high creating too many events or even a single recording the Dashcam tests for remaining card space.
The "All data will be erased" warning can occur in Parking Mode or while driving when algorithm calculates the 30% space remaining for protected G-sensor clips is reached. If the RO folder contains 100's of clips the warning will appear when 30% of card is empty, or appears when three RO files are saved with only 1.2 GB card space free.
To prevent this silly "All data will be erased" prompt always copy RO footage to PC then delete the RO folder. Now you know why Viofo's newest firmware has moved all Parking + G-sensor clips into main folder to prevent RO being created with 30% free space limit.

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WDR - Wide Dynamic Range feature improved greatly after August 2017. WDR image improvements are amazing with side effect of increased motion blur especially at night. The enhancements are only noticeable on scenes with both dark and bright areas. WDR does alter colors and brighten dark scenes which is great for recording accident evidence. Wide Dynamic Range color contrast adjustment combines multiple images at different exposure levels to brighten dark scenes or darken bright scenes. WDR enhances night scenes when both very dark and very bright areas occur at the same time. Watch my WDR Comparison video.

These models all use SuperCapacitors to supply power to the Dashcam long enough to save the last recorded clip after power is cut. These capacitors reduce internal heating and increase reliability in hot and cold extremes, unlike lithium-ion battery versions which fail quickly.

 

Features	A129 Duo	A129	A119S	A119 Pro	A119 V2	A119 V3
Resolution	1080P 60/30fps	1080P 60/30fps	1080P 60/30fps	1440P 30fps 1080P 60/30fps	1440P 30fps 1080P 60/30fps	1600P 30fps 1440P 30fps
Lens	F1.6 130-140 FOV	F1.6 130-140 FOV	F1.6 130-140 FOV	F1.8 130 FOV	F1.8 160 FOV	F1.6 130-140 FOV
Sensor	Sony IMX291 2MP	Sony IMX291 2MP	Sony IMX291 2MP	Aptina AR0521 5MP	OmniVision OV4689 4MP	Sony IMX335 5MP
Chipset	Novatek NT96663	Novatek NT96663	Novatek NT96660	Novatek NT96660	Novatek NT96660	Novatek NT96670
Rear Camera		optional
Wi-Fi Control
G-sensor
WDR
Parking Mode	7 Modes	7 Modes	3 Modes	3 Modes	3 Modes	7 Modes
SuperCapacitor
File Format	MP4 & TS	MP4 & TS	MP4 & TS	MP4 & TS	MP4 & TS	MP4 & TS
OPTIONAL Accessories
GPS Mount
CPL Filter
Hardwire Kit
Bluetooth Remote
IR Camera

Accessories

These Dash Cams support MicroSD Cards 16GB - 128GB class10 speed U1 or fast U3 write speed. The overwrite looping feature stresses memory cards reducing write cycle lifespan. Reasonably priced memory cards use TLC - triple 3bit cell NAND chips which have shorter lifespan than more expensive MLC - multi 2bit cell NAND chips which last longer. Don't make the mistake of spending more money purchasing superior MLC cards before confirming they are supported by the firmware. MLC cards handle more heat than TLC cards. Budget friendly option is to purchase 64 or 128 GB cheaper TLC chip based cards with U3 write speeds for a third of the price of MLC versions.
I no longer recommend LEXAR memory cards due to quality and reliability issues after Micron Technology sold Lexar memory card brand + trademark in August 31, 2017 to Longsys, a Shenzen, China-based flash memory company.

Always use Dashcam Menu to Format. Simple procedure = disconnect power cable to dashcam, insert memory card, connect power cable, if message appears to Format press Menu button (repeatedly for 64-256 GB) scroll down to select Format command. Format all new cards twice, disconnecting power between formats for best results. I keep 16-32 GB cards for firmware updates since they are already FAT32. Watch my Format 64/128GB Card video.

Tested and supported memory cards include:

32GB VIOFO HC MLC C10 U3

64GB VIOFO XC MLC C10 U3

128GB VIOFO XC MLC C10 U3

64GB Samsung EVO Plus C10 U3 (MB-MC64GA)

128GB Samsung EVO Plus C10 U3 (MB-MC128GA)

128GB SanDisk Ultra A1

64GB SanDisk Ultra A1 XC I

64GB SanDisk High Endurance Video Monitoring

128GB Hama microSDXC U3

64GB Lexar High Endurance

GPS Mounts attach to the windshield permanently using 3M adhesive pads and contain the GPS Logger circuitry and miniUSB power connector allowing neater cabling to Dashcam. Menu option allows disabling or adding GPS coordinates and speed stamp at bottom of video clips. Purchasing the GPS Mount is highly recommended even if you don't need the GPS coordinate/speed data but desire the GPS to sync Date and Time automatically. Watch my GPS Mount Installation video.

CPL Filter accessory is a must have item to reduce dash reflections and glare. The plastic frame holds a multi coated glass Lens which clips over the Dashcam Lens housing. Always attach the CPL filter with wide slot on top to prevent glass from dropping out as shown in photo. The glass filter can be removed or rotated for cleaning and alignment. It is currently available in two sizes original for narrow 130 FOV Lens and larger beveled version for wide angle 140-160 FOV Lens. Avoid use with heavy tinted windows. Test your CPL by mounting in vehicle and record test footage parked facing sun, then remove CPL for next clip and compare, notice reduced horizontal surface reflections. If no reduction is noticed CPL glass requires alignment. Alignment angles are different for each size. Suggest purchasing the larger CPL Filter when possible for future wide angle Lens applications since they fit all Lens types. Watch my Original size CPL Filter Alignment video.


Hardwire Kits connect to vehicle fuse box Ignition/ACC & GND providing power to Dash Cam without using a socket adapter. Hardwire Kits provide a convenient way of providing power when ignition is off for Parking Mode recording protection. All Kits will disconnect power once vehicle battery voltage drops below configured cutoff switch voltage level.


Bluetooth Remote Control for A129 models attach to dash console for quick easy access. Press once to save and lock current recorded clip with overwrite protection. Very useful accessory when witnessing important road side incidents or accidents.  

IR Camera day and night testing produced impressive results with the new IR Lens, sharp focus and infrared night vision. The new camera design includes a double clip mount, side cable port and 180 degree Lens rotation allowing Taxi, Uber and Lyft drivers to mount along top edge of windshield facing passengers using supplied short 55cm cable to record interior even in total darkness. The smaller coated Lens is approx 160 degree Field of View. When Infrared LEDs are activated and recording the power consumption is 0.62-0.78 Amps.Was asked to test the new IR Firmware. Watch my IR Camera Review.