Great stuff Chuck! A guard phrase for voice commands has real potential, we'll keep our ear to the ground as users get their hands on this unit. You should give yourself more credit than calling yourself a amateur :D!
Viofo a119 v3-gps vers soft: v.2.6-20220808 1: when it starts, in total it has a delay of approx. 15 seconds until it starts recording and whatever I tried through the menu, I couldn't convince it to move faster. 2: At shutdown, (this annoys me the most) that is, when the power is cut, it does not have any kind of sound signal, (if it is activated from the menu) only the "rec" LED flashes a few times and that's it .---meaning: If you move the cigarette lighter plug by mistake, it stops and you are left without the camera without being warned. It is interesting that, when I remove it from the PC connection, it has a shutdown sound, even the viofo logo appears. Personally, I am not very happy with the purchase... viofo mini 2 its same?
Thanks for watching. It sounds like your V3 is defective. I would open a support ticket at; support.viofo.com/support/tickets/new Maybe they can warranty, or offer a discount on a Mini 2. I just checked my Mini 2. It boots up, and starts recoding within 5 seconds. Upon shut down it plays the same welcome chime as start up. You may also want to consider the new; A229 Pro STARVIS 2 IMX678 4K A229 Plus STARVIS 2 IMX675 2K I’m currently testing them. viofo.com/content/104-A229-PRO-First-4K-HDR-with-Sony-Starvis-2-IMX678-Sensor-Voice-Control-Dash-Cam/ -Chuck
Your wish is my command. Viofo WM1; th-cam.com/video/xaLSHUkan-g/w-d-xo.html DDPAI Mini5 is junk; th-cam.com/video/eMDonJYFC8M/w-d-xo.html BlackVue DR970X is junk; th-cam.com/play/PLbKVJh3sDgn50rHpk7pEiZpCkoG2JCNCq.html BlackVue DR900X Plus is junk; th-cam.com/play/PLbKVJh3sDgn4HQcCA2igXc5LpLGVdjXLK.html -Chuck
Hello from UK, my ex has the A129 duo, must be close to 4 years and she's never had a problem with it. I'm not impressed by the A139 as all versions use a 1080p rear camera and it's pricey. I nearly went for the A229 duo as it is the only camera with rear 2k, however because I follow your reviews I decided on the Mini 2. I've been using the Mini2 with CPL and hardwire kit for about 5 days and I think I'll buy another for the rear. Really impressed with the quality of footage and the features for the price. Thanks for your detailed reviews.
@@weezy6076 Thank goodness. You dodged a bullet by not getting a Vantrue, (they are 1-2 years behind Viofo). I tested the Vantrue E1 last year, and I ended up sending the camera back because if I made a TH-cam review about it it would be mostly negative. -Chuck
Hi Chuck! I want to build a setup that allow me to have front and rear camera for driving/incidents, plus two lateral camera to prevent scratches in parking or something like that. Do you suggest a double A119 mini 2 DOUBLE setup? Or can you suggest another setup? (i dropped the idea of a 4g/5g connected to cloud camera cause i simply not believe that can upload videos while it's been stealed... so unnecessary money). Cause the mini2 is only 1 channel, and i need to install 2 A119 mini 2 plus 2 lateral dashcam... better ideas? Thanks a lot!
Yo Marco, Maybe wait for the A229 Pro in a couple months. Here's a video showing various POV's of cameras mounted in alternative locations; th-cam.com/video/QTRbd07NrC0/w-d-xo.html -Chuck
Hey panzer hope all is well hey I found the draw in my vic but need help I uploaded a video about the radio harness on a lx 07. Need help with figuring out why wires are jumped. Let me know thank u always
@@lit_cab Right on, Send me an email, and I'll send you the wiring diagram. Or you can look up the wiring diagram yourself with this; th-cam.com/video/cCxHk1PNBuo/w-d-xo.html -Chuck
Does anyone's Mini 2 say recording started every couple of minutes? I set the loop timer to 5 min. With my old 119 mini 1, it only says recording when I start the car but the 2 says it nonstop. I tried unplugging the power cable from the cigarette ligther and from the dashcam itself but still didn't fix the issue. Can someone help :(
Yo MIchael, Thanks for stopping in. 1.) What SD Card are you using? Viofo recommended SD Cards are here; support.viofo.com/support/solutions/articles/19000133471-what-memory-card-is-recommended-for-a-viofo-dashcam- 2.) What is the firmware in the camera? The current firmware is V1.0_0605. You can download the current firmware here; viofo.com/content/96-a119-mini-2-support/ 3.) How are you powering the camera, are you using the included Viofo USB Type-C power cable & Viofo Dual USB charger, or a different cable & charger? 4.) Try formatting the SD Card 5.) Try resetting the camera to default settings with the APP. 6.) Try resetting the camera by holing the reset button fro 5 seconds with a small pin tool. 7.) Try 1 Minute loop recording Check out this video for more troubleshooting tips; th-cam.com/video/7Y6RcwIkf2Y/w-d-xo.html If you have exhausted all diagnosis steps, and the camera still malfunctions it may be defective, and you should return it to your retailer. -Chuck
Hi, I want to buy 2 of these cameras and use them back and front. But the rear camera probably won't catch up with the parking cable. Can the cable be extended? How did you do it Thank you
Yo Faith, Glad you made it over. Yes, the Viofo 3-Wire Hardwire Cable can be extended to reach a "rear camera" location. You just need about 5' feet lenth of wire, (3 each red, black yellow). The Viofo hardwire kit uses 20AWG wire so you may want to increase in size maybe to 16-18AWG. -Chuck
Yo First Name Last Name, Thanks for coming back, and the great question. A119 V3; Current Price Amazon US: $90 (No CPL Filter) Released: June 2019 Processor: Novatek 96670 Image Sensor: STARVIS 1 (IMX335) LCD Screen: 2.0” inch Power Connection: Mini USB Smartphone APP: None Wi-Fi: None Optional Bluetooth Remote: No Voice Notifications: None Voice Commands: None Max SD Card Size: 256GB GPS Mount: 4 PIN A119 Mini 2; Current Price Amazon US: $112 (Free $15 CPL Filter) Released: June 2023 Processor: Novatek 96580 Image Sensor: STARVIS 2 (IMX675) LCD Screen: 1.5” inch Power Connection: USB Type-C Smartphone APP: Yes Wi-Fi: Dual Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz Optional Bluetooth Remote: Yes Voice Notifications: Yes Voice Commands: Yes Max SD Card Size: 512GB GPS Mount: 5 PIN (reduced power consumption in parking mode for longer operation). Choose wisely; th-cam.com/video/0zA9sAgudFo/w-d-xo.html -Chuck
Hilarious you mentioned the first thing support would ask you is what memory card you have. Literally that is what they asked me. I refuse to pay $40+ for a viofo branded SD card. Luckily the SanDisk Extreme 128 is only $13 on Amazon.
Yo H, Thanks for stopping in. How the heck did you make it to the end of the video? You must have skipped ahead to the Pros & Cons. lol Is this the card you're talking about? www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09X7BK27V -Chuck
Right on Tessie, Thanks for stopping in with the great question. That’s a terrific idea to simplify the wiring so you don’t have to run the included 12ft power cable across the headliner, down the A-pillar, and back over to the cigarette lighter output on the dash. However, this convenience may come at a cost. Some car’s USB outputs like the one on your rear view mirror; 1.) Do not provide enough current / power to run the dash cam. 2.) May only provide power when the engine is running, (this means you will never have parking mode surveillance). 3.) May provide power at all times, even when the car is off, and parked, (this means the dash cam will never shut off, and will drain the vehicle battery, and you won’t be able to start the car). 4.) May have power fluctuations that will cause the dash cam to malfunction like failing to record, or saving recorded footage to the memory card. Unfortunately, every car / application is different, and you will need to test it to figure out how your car works, and what works best for your specific application. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Thanks for your fast answer. I dont need parking mode and the power will switch off with the ignition, i tested it with my phone. I also got an answer from my car brand forum that the usb-c connection is made especially for dashcams . :)
Excellent review/comparison. Lots of good points raised, especially about the A139 Pro with a 4K sensor trying to fill all of its pixels. The Mini 2 with a Starvis 2 sensor is looking good to me. Just got to work out how to fix one on the rear window as well.
Right on Oscar, Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words. I’ve been running “main / front” dash cams on my rear windows to achieve the best possible image quality since 2020. It’s more expensive, more hassle, twice the SD Card maintenance, but you get the best image quality, system redundancy, (if one camera fails, the other will keep going), etc. I buy a 16’ USB cable off Amazon, for the rear because the included 12’ cable is too short. Just make sure you test the longer USB cable with the camera before installing it in your car to check for any power starvation issues like recording malfunctions, or endless boot up / shut downs. -Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Thanks Chuck, that's a plan for me then. Great timing too, Amazon are having a Prime day special tomorrow, might be able to get a discount. Either way, I agree with you, I want the best possible image front and back. The cameras could end up paying for themselves, and saving me a lot of hassle.
Yo Capn’ I was waiting for you to show up. Lol The reason Viofo keeps releasing class leading dash cams for the past 4 years in terms of image quality is because they’re not hindered by continually developing a cloud service. If Viofo ever adopts the cloud expect image quality to take a back seat just like it has with BlackVue & Thinkware. Vantrue should be releasing the S1 Pro in September along with their own cloud service. I have one of those coming for test & review. I might have a U3000 for test & review in a few weeks. I can’t wait to get it on my test rig along with the A139 Pro & A119 Mini 2. Believe me, I’m trying to get Viofo to replace the included USB Power Cable & Car Charger with the $18 Hardwire Kit. That way consumers will have access to parking mode right out of the box without any additional cost. Almost every home in America has a USB Type-C Cable & Car Charger lying around. lol -Chuck
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Great stuff Chuck! A guard phrase for voice commands has real potential, we'll keep our ear to the ground as users get their hands on this unit. You should give yourself more credit than calling yourself a amateur :D!
Well look what the cat dragged in. Lol
Thanks for stopping by.
-Chuck
Great review better review than most professional reviewers
Great review, sir. Very detailed info and no fluff.
Thanks for watching, and the kind words.
Don't buy this model just yet.
Viofo is releasing a new model in the coming weeks.
-Chuck
Viofo a119 v3-gps vers soft: v.2.6-20220808
1: when it starts, in total it has a delay of approx. 15 seconds until it starts recording and whatever I tried through the menu, I couldn't convince it to move faster.
2: At shutdown, (this annoys me the most) that is, when the power is cut, it does not have any kind of sound signal, (if it is activated from the menu) only the "rec" LED flashes a few times and that's it .---meaning: If you move the cigarette lighter plug by mistake, it stops and you are left without the camera without being warned. It is interesting that, when I remove it from the PC connection, it has a shutdown sound, even the viofo logo appears.
Personally, I am not very happy with the purchase...
viofo mini 2 its same?
Thanks for watching.
It sounds like your V3 is defective.
I would open a support ticket at;
support.viofo.com/support/tickets/new
Maybe they can warranty, or offer a discount on a Mini 2.
I just checked my Mini 2.
It boots up, and starts recoding within 5 seconds.
Upon shut down it plays the same welcome chime as start up.
You may also want to consider the new;
A229 Pro STARVIS 2 IMX678 4K
A229 Plus STARVIS 2 IMX675 2K
I’m currently testing them.
viofo.com/content/104-A229-PRO-First-4K-HDR-with-Sony-Starvis-2-IMX678-Sensor-Voice-Control-Dash-Cam/
-Chuck
Problem is it's so bulky. I don't need a screen or buttons. I wish for a form factor like DDPAI mini 5 or any of the blackvue's
Your wish is my command.
Viofo WM1; th-cam.com/video/xaLSHUkan-g/w-d-xo.html
DDPAI Mini5 is junk;
th-cam.com/video/eMDonJYFC8M/w-d-xo.html
BlackVue DR970X is junk;
th-cam.com/play/PLbKVJh3sDgn50rHpk7pEiZpCkoG2JCNCq.html
BlackVue DR900X Plus is junk;
th-cam.com/play/PLbKVJh3sDgn4HQcCA2igXc5LpLGVdjXLK.html
-Chuck
Hello from UK, my ex has the A129 duo, must be close to 4 years and she's never had a problem with it.
I'm not impressed by the A139 as all versions use a 1080p rear camera and it's pricey.
I nearly went for the A229 duo as it is the only camera with rear 2k, however because I follow your reviews I decided on the Mini 2. I've been using the Mini2 with CPL and hardwire kit for about 5 days and I think I'll buy another for the rear. Really impressed with the quality of footage and the features for the price.
Thanks for your detailed reviews.
Right on Dave,
Thanks for the support, and the kind words.
-Chuck
Wow, your video popped up right after I got my mini 2 today 😅
I don't regret the choice I made, solid camera for just 120 Euros 🎉
@@PanzerPlatform My first ever camera! I was struggling between the vantrue x4s and viofo a119 mini
Mini has the better camera from what I have seen
@@weezy6076
Thank goodness.
You dodged a bullet by not getting a Vantrue, (they are 1-2 years behind Viofo).
I tested the Vantrue E1 last year, and I ended up sending the camera back because if I made a TH-cam review about it it would be mostly negative.
-Chuck
Nice job Chuck!
Right on Robert,
Thanks for wasting your time. Lol
-Chuck
Hi Chuck! I want to build a setup that allow me to have front and rear camera for driving/incidents, plus two lateral camera to prevent scratches in parking or something like that. Do you suggest a double A119 mini 2 DOUBLE setup? Or can you suggest another setup? (i dropped the idea of a 4g/5g connected to cloud camera cause i simply not believe that can upload videos while it's been stealed... so unnecessary money). Cause the mini2 is only 1 channel, and i need to install 2 A119 mini 2 plus 2 lateral dashcam... better ideas? Thanks a lot!
Yo Marco,
Maybe wait for the A229 Pro in a couple months.
Here's a video showing various POV's of cameras mounted in alternative locations;
th-cam.com/video/QTRbd07NrC0/w-d-xo.html
-Chuck
I use a old cell phone with right settings it throws out good footage. Galaxy s10 is what I use.
Right on LC,
Any camera is better than no camera. Lol
-Chuck
Hey panzer hope all is well hey I found the draw in my vic but need help I uploaded a video about the radio harness on a lx 07. Need help with figuring out why wires are jumped. Let me know thank u always
@@lit_cab
Right on,
Send me an email, and I'll send you the wiring diagram.
Or you can look up the wiring diagram yourself with this;
th-cam.com/video/cCxHk1PNBuo/w-d-xo.html
-Chuck
I'm just here because the Texas Hamburglar said you were giving away free cheeseburgers
We gotta figure out a way to send cheeseburgers through the mail. Lol
Does anyone's Mini 2 say recording started every couple of minutes? I set the loop timer to 5 min. With my old 119 mini 1, it only says recording when I start the car but the 2 says it nonstop. I tried unplugging the power cable from the cigarette ligther and from the dashcam itself but still didn't fix the issue. Can someone help :(
Yo MIchael,
Thanks for stopping in.
1.) What SD Card are you using?
Viofo recommended SD Cards are here;
support.viofo.com/support/solutions/articles/19000133471-what-memory-card-is-recommended-for-a-viofo-dashcam-
2.) What is the firmware in the camera?
The current firmware is V1.0_0605.
You can download the current firmware here;
viofo.com/content/96-a119-mini-2-support/
3.) How are you powering the camera, are you using the included Viofo USB Type-C power cable & Viofo Dual USB charger, or a different cable & charger?
4.) Try formatting the SD Card
5.) Try resetting the camera to default settings with the APP.
6.) Try resetting the camera by holing the reset button fro 5 seconds with a small pin tool.
7.) Try 1 Minute loop recording
Check out this video for more troubleshooting tips;
th-cam.com/video/7Y6RcwIkf2Y/w-d-xo.html
If you have exhausted all diagnosis steps, and the camera still malfunctions it may be defective, and you should return it to your retailer.
-Chuck
Hi, I want to buy 2 of these cameras and use them back and front. But the rear camera probably won't catch up with the parking cable. Can the cable be extended? How did you do it Thank you
Yo Faith,
Glad you made it over.
Yes, the Viofo 3-Wire Hardwire Cable can be extended to reach a "rear camera" location.
You just need about 5' feet lenth of wire, (3 each red, black yellow).
The Viofo hardwire kit uses 20AWG wire so you may want to increase in size maybe to 16-18AWG.
-Chuck
Great job.
Right on Ben,
Thanks for letting me waste your time. lol
-Chuck
Which one would you buy between Mini2 and A119 V3? I would like to buy my first camera and I'm on the verge between those two.
Yo First Name Last Name,
Thanks for coming back, and the great question.
A119 V3;
Current Price Amazon US: $90 (No CPL Filter)
Released: June 2019
Processor: Novatek 96670
Image Sensor: STARVIS 1 (IMX335)
LCD Screen: 2.0” inch
Power Connection: Mini USB
Smartphone APP: None
Wi-Fi: None
Optional Bluetooth Remote: No
Voice Notifications: None
Voice Commands: None
Max SD Card Size: 256GB
GPS Mount: 4 PIN
A119 Mini 2;
Current Price Amazon US: $112 (Free $15 CPL Filter)
Released: June 2023
Processor: Novatek 96580
Image Sensor: STARVIS 2 (IMX675)
LCD Screen: 1.5” inch
Power Connection: USB Type-C
Smartphone APP: Yes
Wi-Fi: Dual Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Optional Bluetooth Remote: Yes
Voice Notifications: Yes
Voice Commands: Yes
Max SD Card Size: 512GB
GPS Mount: 5 PIN (reduced power consumption in parking mode for longer operation).
Choose wisely;
th-cam.com/video/0zA9sAgudFo/w-d-xo.html
-Chuck
I have had the V3 and have used it for years until today and still going strong but of course you would choose the newer one for obvious reasons.
Hilarious you mentioned the first thing support would ask you is what memory card you have. Literally that is what they asked me. I refuse to pay $40+ for a viofo branded SD card. Luckily the SanDisk Extreme 128 is only $13 on Amazon.
Yo H,
Thanks for stopping in.
How the heck did you make it to the end of the video?
You must have skipped ahead to the Pros & Cons. lol
Is this the card you're talking about?
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09X7BK27V
-Chuck
@PanzerPlatform ha I did skip around. Yep that is what I bought. Pretty good price.
any idea how to change km/h to mph?
Yo Mason,
You can change all the camera settings with the Viofo iOS, or Android APP.
Come on back if you need more help.
-Chuck
My car has a USB-C connector on the rear view mirror. Should it work when connected?
Right on Tessie,
Thanks for stopping in with the great question.
That’s a terrific idea to simplify the wiring so you don’t have to run the included 12ft power cable across the headliner, down the A-pillar, and back over to the cigarette lighter output on the dash.
However, this convenience may come at a cost.
Some car’s USB outputs like the one on your rear view mirror;
1.) Do not provide enough current / power to run the dash cam.
2.) May only provide power when the engine is running, (this means you will never have parking mode surveillance).
3.) May provide power at all times, even when the car is off, and parked, (this means the dash cam will never shut off, and will drain the vehicle battery, and you won’t be able to start the car).
4.) May have power fluctuations that will cause the dash cam to malfunction like failing to record, or saving recorded footage to the memory card.
Unfortunately, every car / application is different, and you will need to test it to figure out how your car works, and what works best for your specific application.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Thanks for your fast answer. I dont need parking mode and the power will switch off with the ignition, i tested it with my phone. I also got an answer from my car brand forum that the usb-c connection is made especially for dashcams . :)
Long time no see chuck
@@Saad-yk8qp
Do you know what the most popular brands are that can withstand the high heat of KSA?
@@PanzerPlatform they mostly use chinese brands
I see alot of xiaomi dashcams
Excellent review/comparison. Lots of good points raised, especially about the A139 Pro with a 4K sensor trying to fill all of its pixels. The Mini 2 with a Starvis 2 sensor is looking good to me. Just got to work out how to fix one on the rear window as well.
Right on Oscar,
Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words.
I’ve been running “main / front” dash cams on my rear windows to achieve the best possible image quality since 2020. It’s more expensive, more hassle, twice the SD Card maintenance, but you get the best image quality, system redundancy, (if one camera fails, the other will keep going), etc. I buy a 16’ USB cable off Amazon, for the rear because the included 12’ cable is too short.
Just make sure you test the longer USB cable with the camera before installing it in your car to check for any power starvation issues like recording malfunctions, or endless boot up / shut downs.
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Thanks Chuck, that's a plan for me then. Great timing too, Amazon are having a Prime day special tomorrow, might be able to get a discount. Either way, I agree with you, I want the best possible image front and back. The cameras could end up paying for themselves, and saving me a lot of hassle.
No cloud is a pro? That's a first
Sucks how almost all dashcams companies talk about parking mode but doesn't just toss in the hardwire cable for free
Yo Capn’
I was waiting for you to show up. Lol
The reason Viofo keeps releasing class leading dash cams for the past 4 years in terms of image quality is because they’re not hindered by continually developing a cloud service. If Viofo ever adopts the cloud expect image quality to take a back seat just like it has with BlackVue & Thinkware.
Vantrue should be releasing the S1 Pro in September along with their own cloud service. I have one of those coming for test & review.
I might have a U3000 for test & review in a few weeks. I can’t wait to get it on my test rig along with the A139 Pro & A119 Mini 2.
Believe me, I’m trying to get Viofo to replace the included USB Power Cable & Car Charger with the $18 Hardwire Kit. That way consumers will have access to parking mode right out of the box without any additional cost. Almost every home in America has a USB Type-C Cable & Car Charger lying around. lol
-Chuck