Key Takeaways
A compact design makes the Viofo VS1 an amazing alternative for small windshields.
The digicam is straightforward to put in and use, with first rate video high quality on supply.
Lacks rear display screen and shoots at a most of 2K with single view lens.
One challenge I steadily discover myself wrestling with when testing out the perfect dashcams is the quantity of area they take up on my windshield. That seems like a small factor, I do know, nevertheless it’s an essential consideration as a result of my favourite automobile has a small windshield. Sports activities vehicles are nice, and I really like mine, however by design, they often characteristic small display screen areas.
Enter the Viofo VS1 sprint cam, which I’ve been testing for some time. It is the proper resolution for me and, for that matter, anybody else who has a restricted display screen space on the entrance finish of their automobile. The VS1 is compact and, in some methods, a primary sprint cam. There’s no rear display screen and no standout options. Nonetheless, the VS1 greater than makes up for that with comfort.
Like most sprint cams, the VS1 will be hooked up to your automobile’s windshield utilizing self-adhesive pads. The digicam is powered by a cable that plugs into the 12V port present in most autos. It may also be hard-wired.
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Viofo VS1
Sprint cams don’t come a lot smaller than the Viofo VS1, which is an efficient factor when you’re confronted with becoming one on a small windshield. Positive, anticipate some compromises, together with the dearth of a rear display screen. Nonetheless, setup is straightforward, and the VS1 captures decent-quality video. There’s additionally help for hardwiring. A easy 12V energy plug connector makes removing and set up a cinch.
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Value, availability and specs
The Viofo VS1 has been out for some time now, so it is extensively obtainable at a bunch of on-line shops. In US market, the sprint cam will be purchased via the Viofo web site, the place it prices $120, due to a $30 low cost.
Variety of Cameras One
Entrance Digital camera Decision 2,560 x 1,440p
Area of View 140-degree
Emergency Energy No
Model Viofo
Design and construct
Compact attraction
For me, the primary attraction of the Viofo VS1 sprint cam is its tiny footprint, which implies it’s excellent for my sports activities automobile with its restricted windshield space. The digicam’s dimensions are available at simply 13 x 8 x 10 cm, making it one of many smallest models I’ve examined in my automobile. The VS1 additionally weighs simply over 400 grams, so it’s undoubtedly unobtrusive. The opposite upside is there’s not a lot cabling to attach, making the only energy line straightforward to get out of the best way.
The principle attraction of the Viofo VS1 sprint cam is its tiny footprint, which implies it’s excellent for my sports activities automobile with its restricted windshield space.
The development largely consists of black plastic, with the primary unit mounted on an angled joint with the self-adhesive mount. The VS1 got here with a sq. self-adhesive pad that allowed me stick the sprint cam on to my display screen. Viofo additionally offers consumers the choice of attaching the digicam to a static sheet too, which is a good suggestion when you don’t need the trouble of attempting to take away remnants of sticky pads out of your display screen.
I did discover that the absence of a rear display screen meant I needed to tinker with the angle of the dashcam as a way to make sure the street forward was being correctly captured. That course of was straightforward sufficient: I needed to set up the digicam, seize some video, after which test the footage and regulate the angle of the digicam physique to get it excellent. Even so, it took me a couple of minutes.
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Setup and set up
Simple to configure
Whereas I feel the compact design of the VS1 is its most interesting trait, the method of putting in the digicam comes as an in depth second. From taking the machine out of the field, inserting the included microSD card, plugging within the cable and mounting the unit, took all of about quarter-hour. Granted, I did then must make a couple of minor changes as a way to get the angle of the lens excellent, however that didn’t add a lot time to the set up course of.
For those who’re like me, you just like the comfort of a touchscreen. The VS1 doesn’t have one. This seems to not be a difficulty as there’s little or no setup to be executed, and the digicam is kind of intuitive too, so a variety of the onerous work is already executed. Formatting the reminiscence card, for instance, is straightforward as I solely needed to energy on the unit, press the microphone button momentarily and the digicam did the remaining for me.
Viofo features a first rate size energy cable for this mannequin, together with a small plastic software for pushing it behind trim contained in the automobile. That makes gentle work of the method and if I wish to set up it extra completely at a later date, there’s an elective hardwire package that removes the necessity to plug in and energy the VS1 utilizing a 12V socket. With all that out of the best way, it was then straightforward for me to maneuver on to utilizing the app for a extra complete array of management choices.
Working with the app
On the spot video monitoring
I’ve discovered that utilizing the VS1 requires little in the best way of day by day administration. The digicam merely chimes away on startup, then will get on with the job at hand, recording video to the microSD card in a loop like all different fashions. In that respect, I really like the fuss-free attraction, but when I must discover or handle footage any additional, there’s the Viofo app. The opposite massive bonus of this mannequin is voice management.
Properly executed to Viofo for holding the app interface simple and practical.
This greater than makes up for an absence of display screen, and it lets me begin and cease recording manually, flip Wi-Fi on and off as wanted, and snap a photograph utilizing the sprint cam. That is actually helpful if you wish to seize one thing you are witnessing. There’s a 5GHz Wi-Fi reference to this mannequin too, which allowed me to simply transfer video to extra everlasting storage and preview it on my laptop computer. An included USB Sort-C cable lets me plug my telephone into the digicam too, which I did a couple of instances. From there, the app allows you to decide via footage and set up it as wanted. Properly executed to Viofo for holding the app interface simple and practical.
Utilizing the machine
Versatile however compact
It is perhaps small, however the VS1 packs loads of punch within the specs and options division. Though I needed to do little or no to get it up and operating, I’ve been actually impressed with the sensible set of options discovered inside its diminutive design. The GPS recording of knowledge together with location, pace and time is invaluable, plus there’s additionally an clever parking mode that screens your automobile when you’re not there. Notice although, that this requires the VS1 to be hardwired.
I’m completely pleased with the standard of the video output from this mannequin too. It shoots very clear footage due to the Sony Starvis 2 5.12-megapixel, 1/2.8-type sensor. This implies I get 1440p video recording, which is greater than ample for many on a regular basis situations. I’ve additionally been impressed on the nighttime video high quality, with Evening Imaginative and prescient and 2K HDR which means the VS1 is constant when you want after darkish assist to learn license plates and the like.
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Must you purchase the Viofo VS1?
There are a variety of neat issues concerning the Viofo VS1 that make it a superb possibility. The principle attraction for me is the slender design, however I feel, for the cash, this mannequin additionally comes with nice specs and options. The voice controls are nice and work nicely, there’s a helpful USB port within the 12V connector that lets me cost my telephone and use the dashcam on the similar time. Plus, it may possibly file a variety of information due to the included GPS performance.
I’d say if a rear display screen is crucial, then this mannequin can be a non-starter, however the VS1 works completely nicely with out it. In any case, there’s a strong supporting app, which helped me out loads. What’s extra, that is such an intuitive little unit that after it’s up and operating there’s little or no work to be executed as a way to hold issues ticking over. And, there’s the backup comfort of these voice controls too. It is a formidable package deal.
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Viofo VS1