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Recently bought both the A229 (front & rear cam) and A119 mini for a family member per request and set it up for them. I have three of the A119 (regular, not mini) myself that I have used in 3 cars for years and they're great units. Helping the fam get these set up let me get hands on with these current models.
Size between the A229 and A119 mini should not be an overlooked detail. It may seem obvious because one is "mini" but it was a big difference. The 229 was a nice size - I never felt like it was too big or anything and I really liked it. When I went to install the 119 mini right after I actually had trouble with the set up and I struggled to read the screen. Yes, my aging eyes are a problem but I had no trouble with the 229 at all. I actually had to use my phone camera and enlarge the viewfinder to view the mini and navigate the menu. That being said, the mini is still solid and the smaller size may actually be exactly what people want.
Something else no one has endorsed yet is what you mentioned about buying a 2 channel unit (front and rear cam combined) vs buying 2 cameras. I am actually going with 2 cameras for my next set up. The two channel system has the benefit of a smaller camera in the rear (no screen), one memory card, joint video feed, and a single interface to set up options & date/time, etc.
But having two cameras is just an easier set up for me. Sure, I have to get an extra memory card and set the options up/make adjustments on a second screen but I set up the front unit very easily (tucked under the edge of the headliner, run along under the A-pillar cover and under the dash to the fuse box or the power port in the center console) and for the rear I kind of do the same and plug it into the power port in the back (SUV). I also feel a little better about having two recordings in the off chance one failed to capture. I was actually in an accident where I was T-boned and my car ended up it's side and I had this 2 camera set up already (put my older dash cam in the rear when I upgraded to a better one in the front). Both cams caught the accident, thankfully. Also, the guy who hit me claimed he had a green light but my recording (along with an eye witness) cleared that up. Get a dash cam, people.
So that's just my two cents. Currently driving a three row SUV and would absolutely opt for a two camera set up rather than trying to feed a cable attached to the front unit down the headliner and over 3 pillars to the back.
Had purchased one last week with that peomo code to get $25 off plus another 5% on the Amazon deals, but this is a better deal. For the 119 it was a 17.99 difference. I wish Amazon would just refund the difference on price drops vs making a purchase/return wasteful effort to recover our losses.
Hmm I just bought the #1 and #2 most bought dual cameras dashcams on Amazon, 10k and 5k purchases for last month. They were like MSRP $120 but both had coupons making them down $80
I was just typing the same thing lol. To be fair he tested model A119[amazon.com] and did not test quality of connectivity to wifi.
Correct, he tested a very old (and crappy IMO) cam, and all VIOFOs newer cams will do FAR BETTER than his A119.
I am buying 2 of these cams for my family, as they are decent.
Tempted as this brand is always highly recommended but wary of buying any dashcam since summer where I live is often months of 110+ F days and I worry that the unit or memory card will get fried
Only 110?
My A129 survived 5 years of 125+ days (with interior car temps reaching 150 plus) and the only Issue I ever had was the focus shifted a tiny bit on one of my cameras, and im not even sure if heat did it or something else.
But the heat never affected the memory cards, the camera working, or anything like that. Just the CHANCE that focus slipped a tiny bit leading to a slight focus on the dashboard instead of outside the car. I still haven't swapped the camera yet as it still records, just not perfect focus.
I've got 4 of the 119 mini. All work perfectly. I use 2 of them in my hot rod for rear capability. I just used the cig lighter as I don't need the parked option. The screens are tiny, but I don't use them. If I want to review footage, I don't bother with the wifi, I pop out the card and plug it into my phone. Done. Just be sure when mounting you leave space to get the card out. They fit nicely behind the mirror and you don't even noticie them.
Tempted as this brand is always highly recommended but wary of buying any dashcam since summer where I live is often months of 110+ F days and I worry that the unit or memory card will get fried
I live in the desert and it gets crazy hot. The sun essentially melted the adhesive and the camera fell off. Replaced adhesive...happened again. I had to add a drop of super glue to keep it mounted. The camera gets so hot you can't hardly touch it, but not a single camera failure or issue with the card.
I have viofo with that screen display. Initially, I thought that was essential to see where it's recording only to find out that you can see the display through your phone. You don't need it. Get the cheaper model w/o it.
One thing I have to say is that, it's quite painful to setup for your phone. You have to click some button and step through your phone.
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Only 110?
My A129 survived 5 years of 125+ days (with interior car temps reaching 150 plus) and the only Issue I ever had was the focus shifted a tiny bit on one of my cameras, and im not even sure if heat did it or something else.
But the heat never affected the memory cards, the camera working, or anything like that. Just the CHANCE that focus slipped a tiny bit leading to a slight focus on the dashboard instead of outside the car. I still haven't swapped the camera yet as it still records, just not perfect focus.
Before swapping id disassemble and loctite the lens when it is in focus. Disassmbled quite a few secuirty cams to swap lenses and it is pretty easy. Not sure the size they use on dashcam but probably similar.
Before swapping id disassemble and loctite the lens when it is in focus. Disassmbled quite a few secuirty cams to swap lenses and it is pretty easy. Not sure the size they use on dashcam but probably similar.
Hmmm. I have thought about taking it apart, but since it DOES work "OK" just slightly out of focus, but still records the scene and whatever action is happening, Im not sure I wanna risk it, knowing how chinese products are built to never be serviced, I'd probably break it beyond being able to realign everything to close the shell up.
I have viofo with that screen display. Initially, I thought that was essential to see where it's recording only to find out that you can see the display through your phone. You don't need it. Get the cheaper model w/o it.
One thing I have to say is that, it's quite painful to setup for your phone. You have to click some button and step through your phone.
Which cheaper model Viofo does *NOT* have a screen? The VS1 mini doesn't have a screen but it costs more than the A119 mini 2 which has a screen. Is there a cheaper one without a screen?
Last edited by BoastfulWren316 March 28, 2025 at 03:30 PM.
Which cheaper model Viofo does *NOT* have a screen? The VS1 mini doesn't have a screen but it costs more than the A119 mini 2 which has a screen. Is there a cheaper one without a screen?
The VS1 comes with a memory card, which may explain the higher price. I decided to go with the VS1 for that fact and because it looks to be small enough to not be noticable at all when installed.
How are you all getting these installed? I'd love to have these but the installation just keeps me from buying these. They say easy install but it doesn't look like it's remotely easy. Appreciate any tips for making the install smoother.
three installation method
1. 12v cigarrett ligher. just run the wire to 12v socket. it turns on when the car is on and turn off when ignition is off
2. hard wiring - run wires to fuse box. three wires 1. ground 2. always on 3. ACC
the dash cam in on 24/7 until battery drain to a threashhold.
3. tap to mirror. same as #1, but cleaner wiring. need a car with power mirror.
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Looking at installing this in a Honda Odyssey. I do have a plug in the trunk area. Would it be better and easier to just buy two cameras and install a separate one in the back as a rear facing camera rather than wiring it all the way to the back?
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLjGazI
Size between the A229 and A119 mini should not be an overlooked detail. It may seem obvious because one is "mini" but it was a big difference. The 229 was a nice size - I never felt like it was too big or anything and I really liked it. When I went to install the 119 mini right after I actually had trouble with the set up and I struggled to read the screen. Yes, my aging eyes are a problem but I had no trouble with the 229 at all. I actually had to use my phone camera and enlarge the viewfinder to view the mini and navigate the menu. That being said, the mini is still solid and the smaller size may actually be exactly what people want.
Something else no one has endorsed yet is what you mentioned about buying a 2 channel unit (front and rear cam combined) vs buying 2 cameras. I am actually going with 2 cameras for my next set up. The two channel system has the benefit of a smaller camera in the rear (no screen), one memory card, joint video feed, and a single interface to set up options & date/time, etc.
But having two cameras is just an easier set up for me. Sure, I have to get an extra memory card and set the options up/make adjustments on a second screen but I set up the front unit very easily (tucked under the edge of the headliner, run along under the A-pillar cover and under the dash to the fuse box or the power port in the center console) and for the rear I kind of do the same and plug it into the power port in the back (SUV). I also feel a little better about having two recordings in the off chance one failed to capture. I was actually in an accident where I was T-boned and my car ended up it's side and I had this 2 camera set up already (put my older dash cam in the rear when I upgraded to a better one in the front). Both cams caught the accident, thankfully. Also, the guy who hit me claimed he had a green light but my recording (along with an eye witness) cleared that up. Get a dash cam, people.
So that's just my two cents. Currently driving a three row SUV and would absolutely opt for a two camera set up rather than trying to feed a cable attached to the front unit down the headliner and over 3 pillars to the back.
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6J5B..._titl
Rove r2-4k
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098WVK..._titl
Redtiger f7np
I am buying 2 of these cams for my family, as they are decent.
My A129 survived 5 years of 125+ days (with interior car temps reaching 150 plus) and the only Issue I ever had was the focus shifted a tiny bit on one of my cameras, and im not even sure if heat did it or something else.
But the heat never affected the memory cards, the camera working, or anything like that. Just the CHANCE that focus slipped a tiny bit leading to a slight focus on the dashboard instead of outside the car. I still haven't swapped the camera yet as it still records, just not perfect focus.
One thing I have to say is that, it's quite painful to setup for your phone. You have to click some button and step through your phone.
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My A129 survived 5 years of 125+ days (with interior car temps reaching 150 plus) and the only Issue I ever had was the focus shifted a tiny bit on one of my cameras, and im not even sure if heat did it or something else.
But the heat never affected the memory cards, the camera working, or anything like that. Just the CHANCE that focus slipped a tiny bit leading to a slight focus on the dashboard instead of outside the car. I still haven't swapped the camera yet as it still records, just not perfect focus.
One thing I have to say is that, it's quite painful to setup for your phone. You have to click some button and step through your phone.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLjGazI
1. 12v cigarrett ligher. just run the wire to 12v socket. it turns on when the car is on and turn off when ignition is off
2. hard wiring - run wires to fuse box. three wires 1. ground 2. always on 3. ACC
the dash cam in on 24/7 until battery drain to a threashhold.
3. tap to mirror. same as #1, but cleaner wiring. need a car with power mirror.
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Join The Conversation
Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!