Viofo VS1 evaluation: Small however highly effective

One problem I continuously discover myself wrestling with when testing out the best dashcams is the quantity of area they take up on my windshield. That feels like a small factor, I do know, but it surely’s an vital consideration as a result of my favourite automotive has a small windshield. Sports activities vehicles are nice, and I like mine, however by design, they normally function small display screen areas.

Enter the Viofo VS1 sprint cam, which I’ve been testing for some time. It is the proper answer for me and, for that matter, anybody else who has a restricted display screen space on the entrance finish of their automotive. 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 connected to your automotive’s windshield utilizing self-adhesive pads. The digicam is powered by a cable that plugs into the 12V port present in most autos. It can be hard-wired.

Beneficial

Viofo VS1

Sprint cams don’t come a lot smaller than the Viofo VS1, which is an effective factor should you’re confronted with becoming one on a small windshield. Certain, count on some compromises, together with the dearth of a rear display screen. Nonetheless, setup is simple, and the VS1 captures decent-quality video. There’s additionally assist for hardwiring. A easy 12V energy plug connector makes elimination and set up a cinch.

Professionals

• Compact design is ideal for small windshields
• Surprisingly good video
• Simple to put in, setup and use

Cons

• Lack of display screen limits controls
• Video seize restricted to 1,440p
• Single-view lens with no cockpit or rear protection

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Value, availability and specs

The Viofo VS1 has been out for some time now, so it is extensively accessible at a number of on-line shops. In US market, the sprint cam will be purchased by way of the Viofo site, the place it prices $120, due to a $30 low cost.

Design and construct

Compact enchantment

For me, the primary enchantment of the Viofo VS1 sprint cam is its tiny footprint, which suggests it’s excellent for my sports activities automotive with its restricted windshield space. The digicam’s dimensions are available in at simply 13 x 8 x 10 cm, making it one of many smallest models I’ve examined in my automotive. The VS1 additionally weighs simply over 400 grams, so it’s positively unobtrusive. The opposite upside is there’s not a lot cabling to attach, making the only energy line straightforward to get out of the way in which.

The development largely consists of black plastic, with the primary unit fastened 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 should you don’t need the trouble of making an attempt 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 so as to make sure the highway 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 alter the angle of the digicam physique to get it good. 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 a detailed 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 have to make a number of minor changes so as to get the angle of the lens good, 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 finished, and the digicam is sort of intuitive too, so quite a lot of the onerous work is already finished. 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 respectable size energy cable for this mannequin, together with a small plastic software for pushing it behind trim contained in the automotive. That makes mild work of the method and if I wish to set up it extra completely at a later date, there’s an non-compulsory hardwire package that removes the necessity to plug in and energy the VS1 utilizing a 12V socket. With all that out of the way in which, 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

Instantaneous video monitoring

I’ve discovered that utilizing the VS1 requires little in the way in which 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 like the fuss-free enchantment, but when I have to discover or handle footage any additional, there’s the Viofo app. The opposite large bonus of this mannequin is voice management.

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 number of occasions. From there, the app permits you to decide by way of footage and set up it as wanted. Effectively finished to Viofo for retaining the app interface easy and purposeful.

Utilizing the machine

Versatile however compact

It could be 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, velocity and time is invaluable, plus there’s additionally an clever parking mode that displays your car whilst you’re not there. Observe although, that this requires the VS1 to be hardwired.

I’m completely proud of 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 satisfactory 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 that means the VS1 is constant should you want after darkish assist to learn license plates and the like.

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Must you purchase the Viofo VS1?

There are quite a lot of neat issues concerning the Viofo VS1 that make it a wonderful possibility. The principle enchantment 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 properly, there’s a helpful USB port within the 12V connector that lets me cost my telephone and use the dashcam on the identical time. Plus, it may document quite a lot of knowledge due to the included GPS performance.

I’d say if a rear display screen is important, then this mannequin will probably be a non-starter, however the VS1 works completely properly with out it. In any case, there’s a stable supporting app, which helped me out quite a bit. 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 finished so as to maintain issues ticking over. And, there’s the backup comfort of these voice controls too. It is a powerful package deal.

Beneficial

Viofo VS1