Zenfox T3 Triple channel dash cams free test invitation, limited quantity

[HonestReview]

I think it is both, some people here are good at reviews, others are good at testing, both are very useful if you want to get your product ready for market. Even feedback on the giftbox can avoid issues, for example with language differences between countries, first impressions with the quality of the box can be important for those unboxing videos.

The words "test" and "review" both appear in your quote.

Zenfox T3 Triple channel dash cams free test invitation, limited quantity

Maybe my interpretation is flawed, but the free test invitation with limited quantities, seems to to imply they needed feedback on their camera. Either way, I think this company has a short lifespan, assuming the product being sold, is the same one we all received.

 

[Jeremy Wong]

Zenfox T3 Triple channel dash cams free test invitation, limited quantity

Maybe my interpretation is flawed, but the free test invitation with limited quantities, seems to to imply they needed feedback on their camera. Either way, I think this company has a short lifespan, assuming the product being sold, is the same one we all received.

But how would you know if the T3 Zenfox sold is from the same batch as those T3 that we all received?

 

[HonestReview]

Well there's still time to fix the discovered issues before many are sold, but if that doesn't happen PDQ this one will be another JoooVuu 😵

It is neither a good sign to see it being sold without the fixes, nor is that a good approach to marketing. I'm pretty sure people aren't going to want a multi-channel cam which shuts down all but the front cam in even modest heat- everyone everywhere is going to encounter this issue as things are now 🙁

Once a good reputation is lost, it's darn near impossible to recover it completely and even getting most of it back is a herculean task which takes a lot of time.

Phil

Considering Zenfox's pricing scheme puts the T3 ($249) on the level of a Viofo A129 Duo ($169), A129 Pro ($249), and Street Guardian (https://streetguardian.cam/product-category/digital-video-recorders/dash-cams), people are going to be pissed to find out this camera isn't even on the playing field. And worse, it doesn't even compare favorably to even the most modestly priced cameras on the market. YIKES.

 

[HonestReview]

But how would you know if the T3 Zenfox sold is from the same batch as those T3 that we all received?

1. Company disappears without a trace
2. Wait for reviews to start streaming in on Amazon and elsewhere.

I would guess we were sent the "final product", but have no proof of this being accurate. I can't imagine Zenfox sent out early models or factory seconds for testing. Maybe I'm wrong and the ones for sale work perfect. I hope, but doubt that's the case.

I truly hope Zenfox isn't trying to unload as many of these units as possible before people wisen up. Time tells by his response to our concerns.

 

[Nigel]

I would guess we were sent the "final product", but have no proof of this being accurate.

Highly unlikely, far more likely that they were a pre-production test run that they had no intention of selling to actual paying customers, there are always some last minute changes to be made, such as correcting which button operates the wifi in the manual.

Some of us may have got a different batch to others, maybe that is why I haven't been seeing some of the problems others have. I've still not heard any memory card related beeps!

 

[Jeremy Wong]

Considering Zenfox's pricing scheme puts the T3 ($249) on the level of a Viofo A129 Duo ($169), A129 Pro ($249), and Street Guardian (https://streetguardian.cam/product-category/digital-video-recorders/dash-cams), people are going to be pissed to find out this camera isn't even on the playing field. And worse, it doesn't even compare favorably to even the most modestly priced cameras on the market. YIKES.

You're comparing a 2ch dashcam with a 3ch dashcam. It's totally not the same category.

1. Company disappears without a trace
2. Wait for reviews to start streaming in on Amazon and elsewhere.

I would guess we were sent the "final product", but have no proof of this being accurate. I can't imagine Zenfox sent out early models or factory seconds for testing. Maybe I'm wrong and the ones for sale work perfect. I hope, but doubt that's the case.

I truly hope Zenfox isn't trying to unload as many of these units as possible before people wisen up. Time tells by his response to our concerns.

Actually China is having a 3 days holiday from 25th to 28th June. So I think Zenfox will be back next week.

 

[Jeremy Wong]

Highly unlikely, far more likely that they were a pre-production test run that they had no intention of selling to actual paying customers, there are always some last minute changes to be made, such as correcting which button operates the wifi in the manual.

Some of us may have got a different batch to others, maybe that is why I haven't been seeing some of the problems others have. I've still not heard any memory card related beeps!

I've actually didn't have any issues with mt T3 until today. But I didn't hardwire mine. No heat issue during my 1-2 hours drive to and fro from work these few days as was hot these few days.

Zenfox mentioned that earlier batches have a different firmware installed.

 

[HonestReview]

You're comparing a 2ch dashcam with a 3ch dashcam. It's totally not the same category.

My comparison was more in the sense of a reliable product. For Apples to Apples comparison, see the Vantrue N4 Three Channel which is priced exactly the same as the T3. https://www.amazon.com/gp/B083V6K8RH

Actually China is having a 3 days holiday from 25th to 28th June. So I think Zenfox will be back next week.

These concerns were raised before the holiday took place. Not sure how "yesterday" really affects what has been discussed now for about a week.

 

[HonestReview]

Highly unlikely, far more likely that they were a pre-production test run that they had no intention of selling to actual paying customers, there are always some last minute changes to be made, such as correcting which button operates the wifi in the manual.

Some of us may have got a different batch to others, maybe that is why I haven't been seeing some of the problems others have. I've still not heard any memory card related beeps!

While this may be the case, three things don't mesh.

1. I doubt any pre-production models underwent a radical design change. It's possible, but I don't see that happening. Only way to prove this theory wrong is to buy a unit for $249 from the United States and see if it overheats like the units we received.

2. The UK had a 30C day, but your camera isn't hardwired if I recall. Meaning it only operates under conditions where it receives proper airflow. I doubt you were driving around on a 30C day with the windows rolled up for any lengthy period.

3. Multiple people have experienced the same failures. A firmware update was released and we all should be running the same one now.

 

[Nigel]

I've actually didn't have any issues with mt T3 until today. But I didn't hardwire mine. No heat issue during my 1-2 hours drive to and fro from work these few days as was hot these few days.

Zenfox mentioned that earlier batches have a different firmware installed.

I had issues with an earlier firmware, that could explain it, and since you produce published reviews rather than testing, it is quite likely that you were sent a better example.

 

[Jeremy Wong]

I had issues with an earlier firmware, that could explain it, and since you produce published reviews rather than testing, it is quite likely that you were sent a better example.

Maybe. Tomorrow I'll check in the SD card to see if there are any missing videos from any of the 3ch.

 

[Nigel]

2. The UK had a 30C day, but your camera isn't hardwired if I recall. Meaning it only operates under conditions where it receives proper airflow. I doubt you were driving around on a 30C day with the windows rolled up for any lengthy period.

I have been using it in low bitrate parking mode, powered from a USB power bank, giving it a hard time, and not a single issue, apart from not liking the motion detection.

I haven't been deliberately parking in full sun with the camera facing the sun, I'm sure I could overheat it by doing that currently, but I don't see that as a real problem as long as it doesn't melt. In few weeks time the sun will be a lot less strong and the mid day overheating issue will vanish.

 

[HonestReview]

I've actually didn't have any issues with mt T3 until today. But I didn't hardwire mine. No heat issue during my 1-2 hours drive to and fro from work these few days as was hot these few days.

Zenfox mentioned that earlier batches have a different firmware installed.

You aren't hardwired and a 1-2 hour drive was most likely with windows down or air conditioner running in Malaysia. So I am not sure that's a valid test point. I have never experienced the loss of the Rear or Interior Camera during normal driving. Only parking when the vehicle is sitting enclosed.

 

[Jeremy Wong]

You aren't hardwired and a 1-2 hour drive was most likely with windows down or air conditioner running in Malaysia. So I am not sure that's a valid test point. I have never experienced the loss of the Rear or Interior Camera during normal driving. Only parking when the vehicle is sitting enclosed.

Well, I've encountered before my beta A129 Pro overheated and auto-shutdown itself while parked in the afternoon with the AC running. After 30 mins of the A129 Pro, my U1000 also auto-shutdown itself. The outside temp was around 38°C (100°F).

Anyway, my car is parked in the open every day. Rain or shine. Only covered parking when I'm home. And I haven't encountered any issues yet.

 

[SawMaster]

Looking at the results you all have been getting, it does seem to me that there are at least two different 'versions' of this cam in your hands. Could be firmware alone or hardware differences too. But something is up when near identical situations bring two different people/cams vastly different results 😉

Hardware differences could show up if there were different pre-production cams made this way, and some of those got sent out here. I seem to remember seeing that happen with another cam but I don't remember exactly. I may be getting "old-timers disease" but as long as I remember to have my clothes on before leaving home I think I'll be OK 🤣

Phil

 

[HonestReview]

Looking at the results you all have been getting, it does seem to me that there are at least two different 'versions' of this cam in your hands. Could be firmware alone or hardware differences too. But something is up when near identical situations bring two different people/cams vastly different results 😉

Hardware differences could show up if there were different pre-production cams made this way, and some of those got sent out here. I seem to remember seeing that happen with another cam but I don't remember exactly. I may be getting "old-timers disease" but as long as I remember to have my clothes on before leaving home I think I'll be OK 🤣

Phil

It's possible various versions exist. I'm not going to spend $249 plus shipping to find out. My net personal "Give a Sh*t" Meter and stake in Zenfox's success or failure is zero. I've brought to light concerns that exist with my product, and those concerns are substantiated by other members here. Whether or not all of us received the same version of the T3 is moot. What matters is the product shipped to consumers and how consumers react. I guess we'll find out soon enough when reviews begin cropping up.

FYI: I had my mother sent a T3. I will unpack and give her unit a try. I have yet to install it with all the problems I had with mine.

Either way, I've done my duty and tested the product to the level I agreed upon when volunteering for the "test or review".

I'll consider this thread dead unless ZenFox posts something new (firmware), comments, or suggestions that need considered.

 

[HonestReview]

Well, I've encountered before my beta A129 Pro overheated and auto-shutdown itself while parked in the afternoon with the AC running. After 30 mins of the A129 Pro, my U1000 also auto-shutdown itself. The outside temp was around 38°C (100°F).

Anyway, my car is parked in the open every day. Rain or shine. Only covered parking when I'm home. And I haven't encountered any issues yet.

Are you running a hardwire kit or battery pack that keeps the camera running while parked? I don't recall reading you had either of these setups.

 

[HonestReview]

I may be getting "old-timers disease" but as long as I remember to have my clothes on before leaving home I think I'll be OK 🤣

Phil

I think the people of South Carolina pray you remember to dress daily and duly appreciate you not wondering out of the house nude. Unless you want your dash cam footage to end up on an episode of Cops.

 

[Jeremy Wong]

It's possible various versions exist. I'm not going to spend $249 plus shipping to find out. My net personal "Give a Sh*t" Meter and stake in Zenfox's success or failure is zero. I've brought to light concerns that exist with my product, and those concerns are substantiated by other members here. Whether or not all of us received the same version of the T3 is moot. What matters is the product shipped to consumers and how consumers react. I guess we'll find out soon enough when reviews begin cropping up.

FYI: I had my mother sent a T3. I will unpack and give her unit a try. I have yet to install it with all the problems I had with mine.

Either way, I've done my duty and tested the product to the level I agreed upon when volunteering for the "test or review".

I'll consider this thread dead unless ZenFox posts something new (firmware), comments, or suggestions that need considered.

Zenfox sent you 2 units of T3?

You need to take a breather from these testings. Scared you stress yourself out with all these issues with the testings.

Are you running a hardwire kit or battery pack that keeps the camera running while parked? I don't recall reading you had either of these setups.

My current vehicle is U1000 with the hardwire kit.

I still need my car as I don't want an exploding powerbank in the car just to test the parking mode in the heat.

My Viofo A129 Pro & HK3 has been installed in another vehicle.

 

[EGS]

Today's test update...
After reviewing yesterday's and today's footage with firmware V1.0 20200622 I have noticed the GPS is freezing a lot, more than with the previous FW.