VIOFODash Cam A119 V3 2K 2560x1440P Quad HD+ 60FPS Front Car Dash Camera, 5MP STARVIS Sensor, 140-Degree Wide Angle, GPS Included, Buffered Parking Mode, True HDR, Motion Detection, Time Lapse

Overall, this is probably my number one choice for a dash cam. There are plenty of options and the overall functionality is worth the cost. The provided installation materials are actually enough to perform the installation without buying anything extra and the instructions make sense. Paired with a high-capacity, high-quality micro SD card, this device is a no-touch sort of solution to your dashcam needs.

There’s definitely much nicer upgraded versions from Viofo and other brands but this was a go to model that i still use today. There is no frills to this cam, but it’s an easy install, spend some time carefully tucking them behind panels. Use a good SD card made for rewriting over and over. It has clear video from what i can tell and the anti glare lens helps for sunlight and headlights at night.The cam is priced right and runs at 2k or 1080 depending on the version you get. I have this in multiple cars.

After 2 near accidents, I decided to get a dashcam just in case there's a dispute about the facts. I did a lot of research online; several top 10 ten dashcams articles and Youtube videos, and the consensus is that the A119 V3 is the best dashcam under $200. Linus Tech Tips summarized there's only two dashcams in this range; the A119 and everything else.UnboxingAfter ordering the dashcam, things got a little complicated. It came with a set of accessories and cables, but no instructions. Older versions of the A119 didn’t come with the GPS mount (sold separately) and some of the additional accessories; the newest version of the A119 comes with the latest firmware, and a host of additional accessories. The dashcam, cables, and cigarette lighter adapter didn't need any instructions. The clips for hiding the cables, and trim tool made sense, but the GPS mounting unit as well as the 2 extra mounting units, 3M pads, and 2 transparent sheets for the glass didn't have any instructions. It would have been nice to have a short descriptor about each accessory. I can appreciate that they included extra non-GPS mounting unit if you have more than one vehicle, extra 3M mounting stickers if you make a mistake or want to readjust the placement, and the 2 screen protectors so you don't mess up your window. I had to watch a few installation videos to figure out that the screen protector is to protect the front windshield from the 3M adhesive and to make it easier to remove the mounts. The screen protector even has 2 sticky sides, but one side is for the glass, and the other less sticky side is for the mount. The instructions need to be updated to explain the additional accessories.FirmwareOnce you get your dashcam, check your firmware. The most recent version as of December 2022 is V2.6. The firmware improves the performance and resolution of the dashcam. If you watch older videos of the A119, they did not have the same high resolution video options. Newer videos take full advantage of the 4k resolution and WDR improvement. If you purchased your dashcam recently, it should come shipped with the latest firmware. But check to make sure you have the most recent version. Firmware updates are easy to perform using your memory card and menu setting.SettingsThe settings that come with the dashcam aren’t necessarily the best settings for your dashcam. One problem with updating the firmware is that the optimal settings are constantly changing. If you look at older optimal settings, they are very different than the most current optimal settings. Make sure the settings that are recommended are for the latest firmware.BatteryThere are two options for powering the dashcam. You can have it temporarily powered when the ignition is on, and when you’re driving. The other option is to have it powered on at all times. The first option uses the cigarette lighter adapter and the USB cable. The second option requires installing a wiring kit (sold separately) that gets plugged into your fusebox. Since the dashcam is always on, the second option allows you to use parking mode and act as a sentry for your vehicle. In parking mode, it can record continually, it can automatically record in intervals, or when motion or vibrations are detected.When I asked installers about the powering options, they discouraged the second option in newer vehicles. The second option can potentially drain the battery to the point where your car won’t start. One installer said if you keep it in a garage and there isn’t much activity in the garage, it shouldn’t affect your battery much. If you park on the street and there’s lots of activity, the dashcam will be working all day, and can drain a weak battery. If you’re planning to leave your car unattended outdoors for several weeks, it will definitely drain your battery.WiringThe problem with all dashcams is the ugly wiring that’s required to hide the charging cables. If you’re squeamish about opening and tucking in cables behind moldings and trim, the cables will dangle from the dashcam to your nearest 12V outlet. When I asked my mechanic about the cable work, he warned me about the potentially damaging airbags and sensors that are in the front windshield columns. There’s always a good chance you can damage the plastic moldings and trim when you’re prying them open. You can always run the cables tucked along the edge of the front windshield, and along the door jams to get near your 12V outlet or fusebox.After watching dozens of videos about dashcam wiring, I came across the Dongar adapter which takes advantage of the rear view mirror electronics. It requires an electronic rear view mirror with dimming, compass, or garage door functions. The dongle splices a USB port from an existing power connector that goes from the mirror to the roof console. It uses the first power option and will only work when the ignition is on, or when you’re driving, like the electronic rear view mirror. If your rear view mirror does not have any electronic function, you can not use the Dongar adapter.PlacementMost dashcams will turn off after a few seconds, so you don’t have to worry about the video distracting the driver. Make sure it’s placed somewhere that doesn’t interfere with your driving, but can capture as much video as possible. Most articles recommend placing it near the top of your windshield. Having the dashcam mounted near the top of the windshield does make it more inconspicuous than having it mounted near the dashboard. It should also be within reach in case you need to push the hazard button to lock the overwrite function.

I have one of these in one of my vans and works great. Easy to attach to the windshield. I don't notice any glare off of the windshield like I do with another dash cam that I have. Easy to install and comes with a cord for the auxiliary plug or to wire it to the fuse box. Both my mother and sister have the same model

I own two of these now. Been using them for a couple of years. Very reliable as long as you put in one of the suggested memory cards. I tried putting in a spare one I already had in the house. Worked for a couple of months and had a write error. Now that I only use one from their list no issues at all. Quality is great for the price that is charged.

This camera is a total disappointment for the price you pay. I have purchased over 8 different Dash Cams in the last few years and I have one on each of my vehicles so far this is the most expensive camera I have purchased thinking that it has good reviews and has the GPS integrated. Well, let me tell you that the $29 dash cam has the same cheap lagging software, the same sound on the start-up, the same cheap menu, and the video recording it is not above any of the other cheap cameras that you can find on Amazon for less than $35. The only difference is the GPS that not all the other cameras offer that. But many others offer WIFI for less than this one and even this one does not have WIFI. The most disappointing part is the incorrect information posted on the camera description about the Parking mode. Yes, it has it on the menu, BUT no it does not work by itself as all other cameras do because they have a rechargeable battery inside or a capacitor that feeds the camera when it is not connected or plugged in. So, if you want that feature you will have to hardwire the camera to constant power to your vehicle so it can record all the time, something you do not want to do if you want o keep your vehicle battery in good health to turn your car on after few hours being off.The camera record when it wants and then stopped recording and the rec light flashes rapidly waiting for maybe some movement. don't know this is the only camera that I have that does that. So if you are in a red light it does stop recording, something that you don't want because it may miss the action that was intended to record.I contacted CS about the issues I was having with the camera and they offered to replace the camera but only if I send mine at my own expense and once they received it and test it, they will issue a replacement. If I don't want to wait, I will have to pre paid them $60 for the value of the camera and they will send me a replacement one but I will still have to pay the shipping for the defective one. Something that should be covered by the manufacturer because it is under the warranty time period. Keep in mind all this information was obtained by the CS of VIOFO in a time-lapse of 2 weeks of emails back and forth because they take forever to respond.So if you want all the main features of this camera at a realistic price for the quality and software that you get, simply get another camera that is half or less than this one. It is not worth it. If I knew about all these issues during the Amazon return period, I would have it returned it immediately.