@speedingcheetah - Upgrade (2) A119 Mini 2 Units To A329S 3CH

[ogzogz]

I'm sorry to interrupt.

There will never be a perfect camera.

One camera won't have the same features or advantages as another.

The image might initially be high quality, but as you update due to issues, the problems will be resolved, but in the background, the image will continue to be worse than it was before.

Finding the most suitable camera and software without security issues is a serious waste of time.

I've never encountered a camera without security issues. In fact, I've seen previous issues return with updates.

A CPL filter will work during the day, but using a CPL filter at night will yield worse results than using no filter. Of course, if you're comfortable with the constant hassle of plugging and unplugging, let them use it. If you use CPL, you won't complain about the night image. If you don't use CPL, you won't complain about the day image.

In conclusion, if you have a camera that's reasonably priced and you're happy with, stick with it and forget about it once you install it. Also, new cameras are overpriced.

In short, being forced to analyze these difficult situations one by one, which can cause a lot of confusion, is quite troublesome for the user and unfortunate for the manufacturer.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Oh well, like i mentioned before, overall, i found the HDR video "better" with contrast and handling of lighting.

This is why my signature is;

"Question everything, do your own research, confirm & verify, use your judgment, do what’s best for you"

Since you have two identical cameras you are in a good position to performed this same test with your cameras.
Do you have a spare GPS Mount so you can put your "rear" A119 Mini 2 on the front windshield?

 

[speedingcheetah]

Do you have a spare GPS Mount so you can put your "rear" A119 Mini 2 on the front windshield?

I do not. Though, that is good idea...though, i am hesitant to try and slide the rear cam off its mount, even with the crazy glued mount to the trim, i have had issue with it coming clean off in the past, when i went to remove the cam from mount. 😆

I was mainly thinking that the better sensor, 4K resolution of the A329S/T would give me overall, better picture quality than the A119 Mini 2 currently does. Maybe even better HDR image quailty at night, since, i assume, better hardware and chips, mean better processing ability.

The telephoto 2nd cam, also, may be useful, as I often want to see things happen further up the road most of the time, that seems to be where most of my, i gotta save that clip, things happen, just just for plate capture.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Back to your original complaint about missing that oncoming plate here's what it would have looked like if you had a telephoto.

Watch these two videos;

If you want more examples here's the rest of the A229 Pro playlist;

Viofo A229 Pro Telephoto

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

youtube.com

 

[Chuck McCoy]

i am hesitant to try and slide the rear cam off its mount, even with the crazy glued mount to the trim, i have had issue with it coming clean off in the past, when i went to remove the cam from mount.

If you don't want to mount the rear camera on the window glass, can you do something like this?

Thread 'DIY Rear Camera Headliner Mount – Clean Install Without using Rubber Grommets, Ideal for Tinted Windows'

Apr 21, 2025

I am not a big fan of pulling the cables through the rubber grommets of the trunk or sticking the 3M tape onto the heating lines.
The past few years I have used a self made mount to attach the rear camera to the headliner.
This works in any estate car, hatchback, SUV or similar where the rear window does open with the trunk.

An additional benefit: Since the camera is not mounted directly on the glass, this method is also ideal for vehicles with tinted windows. No risk of bubbles, poor adhesion, or damaging the film.

My mount is made of sheet metal with a thickness of 0.6mm...

• Julian23
• Replies: 22
• Forum: DIY Projects

• 

 

[speedingcheetah]

I've never encountered a camera without security issues. In fact, I've seen previous issues return with updates.

A CPL filter will work during the day, but using a CPL filter at night will yield worse results than using no filter. Of course, if you're comfortable with the constant hassle of plugging and unplugging, let them use it. If you use CPL, you won't complain about the night image. If you don't use CPL, you won't complain about the day image.

In conclusion, if you have a camera that's reasonably priced and you're happy with, stick with it and forget about it once you install it. Also, new cameras are overpriced.

Not concerned with "security issues". Its not cloud connected, and wifi feature, i rarely use, and wifi is off by default anyways. Not sure how someone could hack it.
I might be concerned with theft at times though, depending on if i need to park somewhere in Minneapolis or on the street, LOTS of car break ins of late.
The A119 Mini2, being such a bargain price, a bit under $100 on sale, it would not be as huge a loss as a $400+ cam and kit.

CPL thing, yea. Too bad they do not make a "Auto CPL" of some sort. One that can move on or off the lens so user does not need to worry about removing it at night, to be certain to get best night picture quality.
(I did do a short test drive tonight with no CPL, and, it is a tiny bit brighter than with CPL, but could very well be within margin of error / condition changes from 2 nights ago, last i have footage of.)
I need to do more bright daytime drives to see if no CPL really is an issue for me with my setup.

Yes, prices are quite high, but i did see a thread on here that was about that, and, really, where the A329 sits in Viofo's product line, it takes the premium price tag for what it offers. And tariffs inflation, is fairly marginal.
Now, i do not need the fancy parking features, never use that.
Would it be overkill, maybe?
Would it be awesome for Viofo to make a A119 Mini 3 with that same 4K sensor, yes. But, i doubt that it would be able to keep its ~$100 or so price tag.

Back to your original complaint about missing that oncoming plate here's what it would have looked like if you had a telephoto.

Still am thinking if i want to drop the $ for the A329T. Mainly for the telephoto ability, it is quite appealing. There is always black friday sales too should the current sales expire. Captureyouraction seems the best deal for me atm.
Though, the 256GB Viofo sd card i have, would fill up kinda quick, so, may need to get the 512GB, more cost. Not certain if it will like the Samsung T3 1TB pssd i have lying around, i think i have a T5 model 500GB too.
I also, am looking to upgrade my current phone, since it showing its age now, Apple event is next week, so, may be some expense there.
The road works will be done (hopefully) by the end of the year they claim.

If you don't want to mount the rear camera on the window glass, can you do something like this?

Yes, that is kinda what i have done already with the A119 Mini2 by glueing it to my plastic trim. There is no fabric close enough to the window.
I first wanted to use some small screws, to secure the base of the gps mount to the trim, via through the bottom half of the mount. Took it appart, but the screws that secure the mount together, are on that side that mount to the trim, not top where the camera slides on. So i could not re-assemble the mount if i tried that.
It is just a huge pain to deal with rear mounting and i am happy with the image quality for the rear with that cam. Also, i like having a 2nd dedicated "front" cam in the rear, with audio.
For now, its fine and i am not considering "upgrading it".

Upgrading the main front cam, if i am going to do the work, have to change the A to C cable for the C to C, i might as well stick up the telephoto cam to really add something more, that i did not have before.
(Save for Viofo making just a standalone front dash cam, like the Mini 2 or their smaller cams, that is only a telephoto, not wide angle as is normal, so i could just stick that up next to the Mini 2 and run 2 full front cams.) lol
But, i could save some money now, and just get the one channel A329S cam, and add the tele later...but that i just looked at you new post, and, while the A329S in of it self may be a bit better than the A229 Pro u use in that video, its wide angle cam will not do as good as having the telephoto for the specific use case of plate capture at night like that. So that is what leans me to the T model.

----
Still, to anyone who read this far in this post, ignoring the telephoto option, going from A119 Mini 2 to A329S as main front cam, honest opinion, is it a worthwhile jump in picture quality?
The quality jump from my old A119 v1 to the Mini 2 was very significant.
Is it that much better day and night to bother with the upgrade?
Is the value of being 4x the cost even in the ballpark of being comparable?
(i know, cost/value is highly subjective to each person, but i am genuinely wanting peoples opinion on it, especially those who live and breath dash cams here, and have used/reviewed them ALL)
Is Starvis 3 coming anytime soon?? lol

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Would it be awesome for Viofo to make a A119 Mini 3 with that same 4K sensor, yes. But, i doubt that it would be able to keep its ~$100 or so price tag.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Still, to anyone who read this far in this post, ignoring the telephoto option, going from A119 Mini 2 to A329S as main front cam, honest opinion, is it a worthwhile jump in picture quality?
The quality jump from my old A119 v1 to the Mini 2 was very significant.
Is it that much better day and night to bother with the upgrade?
Is the value of being 4x the cost even in the ballpark of being comparable?
(i know, cost/value is highly subjective to each person, but i am genuinely wanting peoples opinion on it, especially those who live and breath dash cams here, and have used/reviewed them ALL)
Is Starvis 3 coming anytime soon?? lol

Since you already have 2 good dash cams installed that are malfunction free, my vote it to wait until something comes out that really blows your socks off.
Let's see what Black Friday brings.
That's only 2 months away.

 

[speedingcheetah]

OH SNAP!

That would be great! Especially it it uses the same mount as the mini 2. Just swap the cam and done.
Cost though, i still say that would be higher than the $100 i got the mini 2 for (current price is $140 on Amazon)

Since you already have 2 good dash cams installed that are malfunction free, my vote it to wait until something comes out that really blows your socks off.
Let's see what Black Friday brings.
That's only 2 months away.

Yea. Well, the A329S/T already does that, but not the cost of it.

But if Viofo can pull off same or darn close to the same image quality with that new Mini Pro model....i'm all for it.

 

[ogzogz]

Not concerned with "security issues". Its not cloud connected, and wifi feature, i rarely use, and wifi is off by default anyways. Not sure how someone could hack it.
I might be concerned with theft at times though, depending on if i need to park somewhere in Minneapolis or on the street, LOTS of car break ins of late.
The A119 Mini2, being such a bargain price, a bit under $100 on sale, it would not be as huge a loss as a $400+ cam and kit.

CPL thing, yea. Too bad they do not make a "Auto CPL" of some sort. One that can move on or off the lens so user does not need to worry about removing it at night, to be certain to get best night picture quality.
(I did do a short test drive tonight with no CPL, and, it is a tiny bit brighter than with CPL, but could very well be within margin of error / condition changes from 2 nights ago, last i have footage of.)
I need to do more bright daytime drives to see if no CPL really is an issue for me with my setup.

Yes, prices are quite high, but i did see a thread on here that was about that, and, really, where the A329 sits in Viofo's product line, it takes the premium price tag for what it offers. And tariffs inflation, is fairly marginal.
Now, i do not need the fancy parking features, never use that.
Would it be overkill, maybe?
Would it be awesome for Viofo to make a A119 Mini 3 with that same 4K sensor, yes. But, i doubt that it would be able to keep its ~$100 or so price tag.

Security issues are numerous.

For example, camera freezing without your knowledge, being unable to view footage from the app, problems switching between day and night HDR, and more.

I considered this idea for the CPL filter a long time ago. It's likely not available in current cameras, but it will be an added value for future cameras. In short, every new idea and feature for advert will be included in future cameras to ensure sustainability.

My previous suggestions regarding the diversity of the A329s series have been helpful. They were about allowing users to use the same interface with different camera options based on their needs and preferences.

We've seen that.

What I'm saying is that users should be able to use the cameras they purchase without any problems, without worrying about them, and without encountering any security issues.

Hobby or review use will differ from actual user use.
Therefore, well-designed, ready-made cameras should be available. There should be no patches or new or existing issues later.

Congratulations on your new camera.

As the manufacturer states, if your camera stops recording when needed, or if the recording becomes damaged and you can't provide evidence, the manufacturer is not responsible.

This means that if you're lucky, your camera may serve you well.

 

[speedingcheetah]

Security issues are numerous.

For example, camera freezing without your knowledge, being unable to view footage from the app, problems switching between day and night HDR, and more.

I considered this idea for the CPL filter a long time ago. It's likely not available in current cameras, but it will be an added value for future cameras. In short, every new idea and feature for advert will be included in future cameras to ensure sustainability.

My previous suggestions regarding the diversity of the A329s series have been helpful. They were about allowing users to use the same interface with different camera options based on their needs and preferences.

We've seen that.

What I'm saying is that users should be able to use the cameras they purchase without any problems, without worrying about them, and without encountering any security issues.

Hobby or review use will differ from actual user use.
Therefore, well-designed, ready-made cameras should be available. There should be no patches or new or existing issues later.

Congratulations on your new camera.

As the manufacturer states, if your camera stops recording when needed, or if the recording becomes damaged and you can't provide evidence, the manufacturer is not responsible.

This means that if you're lucky, your camera may serve you well.

I’m going to assume you’re using translation app. By security you mean reliability.
I’ve never had a single issue with my previous a 119 V1 and even my older, random budget mini 08 19 or whatever it was it always worked every time just a physical buttons stopped working.

Aside from a few minor picture quality details such as the purple hue at night, which was corrected in firmware and the current purple hue of roads during very bright days both are very minor things.

98% of the issues that people seem to experience with VIOFO dash cams usually is SD card related or power related. Not using a recommended SD card pretty much the number one cause of issues of not recording or camera freezing and such. The other common issue is that of excessive heat, which would affect any brand of dash cam. Despite all the cams I have used over the years being baked in direct sun, I have never had a single one fail. Maybe I’ve gotten lucky. Or maybe most of the issues were worked out by the time I purchased each camera model that I have owned.

But there is a valid point to what you’re saying and to what @Chuck McCoy recently posted. The two cams I have now have been fully reliable for me. It may not be the smartest idea to mess with that for now.

 

[ogzogz]

I’m going to assume you’re using translation app. By security you mean reliability.
I’ve never had a single issue with my previous a 119 V1 and even my older, random budget mini 08 19 or whatever it was it always worked every time just a physical buttons stopped working.

Aside from a few minor picture quality details such as the purple hue at night, which was corrected in firmware and the current purple hue of roads during very bright days both are very minor things.

98% of the issues that people seem to experience with VIOFO dash cams usually is SD card related or power related. Not using a recommended SD card pretty much the number one cause of issues of not recording or camera freezing and such. The other common issue is that of excessive heat, which would affect any brand of dash cam. Despite all the cams I have used over the years being baked in direct sun, I have never had a single one fail. Maybe I’ve gotten lucky. Or maybe most of the issues were worked out by the time I purchased each camera model that I have owned.

But there is a valid point to what you’re saying and to what @Chuck McCoy recently posted. The two cams I have now have been fully reliable for me. It may not be the smartest idea to mess with that for now.

Look, we're all on the same page. As I mentioned at the beginning, there's no such thing as a flawless camera. The exact cause varies from person to person.
If you're happy with a camera, sticking with it is a good solution and suggestion. Or, if you have the budget, you can try a new camera. This might satisfy you, or it might not.

So, as you and I mentioned, it's all about luck.

@Chuck McCoy's usage might not be the same as your expectations. Therefore, you can seek answers to your questions, but as @Chuck McCoy pointed out, the best approach is to experience it yourself.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Cost though, i still say that would be higher than the $100 i got the mini 2 for (current price is $140 on Amazon)

When the A119 Mini (IMX335) STARVIS 1 was released July 2022 MSRP was $140, and sale price was $110.

When the A119 Mini 2 (IMX675) STARVIS 2 was released July 2023 MSRP was $150, and sale price was $120.

I was blown away we got a STARVIS 2 sensor IMX675, and a bunch of other improvements for only $10 bucks.

Now that we have inflation / tariffs etc. who knows what the A119M Pro IMX678 MSRP will be.
However, I would not be shocked if the price increase was only $20.
Before you ask, I have no official release date for the A119M Pro. lol

 

[speedingcheetah]

When the A119 Mini (IMX335) STARVIS 1 was released July 2022 MSRP was $140, and sale price was $110.

When the A119 Mini 2 (IMX675) STARVIS 2 was released July 2023 MSRP was $150, and sale price was $120.

I was blown away we got a STARVIS 2 sensor IMX675, and a bunch of other improvements for only $10 bucks.

Now that we have inflation / tariffs etc. who knows what the A119M Pro IMX678 MSRP will be.
However, I would not be shocked if the price increase was only $20.
Before you ask, I have no official release date for the A119M Pro. lol

Yea. Hopefully it will not be too much a jump in price.

Can you at least confirm that the A119M Pro still uses the same identical gps mount as the current A119 Mini 2?
If they upgraded it for better GPS ability, then i would think, it is a different mount.

It is too bad that i am not a popular YT'r or reviewer, to be on Viofo's radar to send review units.
But, comparing side by side the current Mini2 to the Mini Pro, would be something i would be very curious to do, as i did when i first got the Mini 2 and compared it to the old A119 v1 i had.
I have gotten DM's from Vantrue to test some of their new model cams, but, i just do not care for them, prefer Viofo, i feel Viofo cams are superior and they have been very reliable for me.
(I am part of the Amazon Vine Program, but i have never seen any Viofo or other good dash cams listed on that to try)
I used to beta test routers and networking equipment back in the day, from Asus, Linksys, TP-Link, Netgear, and early access products from Ubiquiti. But that very different than dash cams. lol

------
I did a test today. Bright sunny day, For sure, CPL is a win and is aligned, so i don't have to worry about that aspect.

I had to run an errand, and i did the drive there in 30fps no HDR, and back, with HDR ON.
Different routes a bit due to Road Works, but, I am seeing the same things i mentioned in my previous posts about your HDR ON vs HDR OFF vids.
The slightly increased contrast, and better handling overall of light levels. White things are often not blown out as they are in no HDR.

As far as plates go, since it was not 1:1 compare, its not scientific or absolute a compare , but roughly, for me, i would say that HDR ON in the day is may marginally affect plate capture.
The only time i spotted a difference(for plate numbers) was while i was still in the parking lot, and had flipped the cam to HDR, and zoomed into the plate of the cars parked one lane over in the lot.
HDR on, the letters are a tiny tiny bit more hard to read, maybe due to a tad more noise/artifacts from the over sharpening.
Parked cars i drive by in the lot, its a mix, of i can read them, i can't, same as when i drove in with no HDR.
So, its kinda 50/50 thing maybe, HDR will help if the plate is very white and blown out, or may hurt a tiny bit otherwise...but, so far, in my general compare of everyday drive, the hurt is extremely marginal.
I am still going to keep reviewing footage from various conditions as i can, too see if there is conditions it severely affects, but, personally, i may find it desirable to leave HDR on full time, so that i will no longer have to remeber to change the HDR timer. (I do have many times where footage is so dark, unusable mostly, due to cam being not in HDR mode at night.)
Also, having HDR ON during the day seems to help a bit for my rear cam, since it is behind 50% tint.

As i drive by parked cars on narrow residential back roads, i still am struggling to read plates, no matter HDR on or off.
I am thinking that moving to 4K, may just be enough to help with that aspect.

That Mini Pro being VERY appealing to me, being 4K.
The A329T still, is quite appealing as well, i wonder how its main cam and image quality would compare to the new Mini Pro.
I recall back when i first got the Mini 2, seeing posts and videos here and on YT, and, for the longest time, the Mini 2 i found to do better than the newer higher end models of the time. Though the Mini2 had more time for them to refine the firmware on it.
If i got a new front cam, i was considering sending my Mini 2 to a buddy of mine, who had some very crappy dashcam.

 

[Finnegan]

@speedingcheetah

Regarding only my experience with window tint, and I do not have tint film, my rear windows have only factory
tint. And I have the A329S but it shouldn't matter for this. When I first installed my cams a couple weeks ago
I thought I should adjust for that tint before even looking at any videos, it just made sense.
I also have Viofo's CPL installed on the front and rear cams. All that said, I set the rear cam exposure to +0.3 from
the beginning. Now when I look at videos and compare front and rear both cams appear to have the same
exposure.

I don't know what level the tint is so I can't compare mine to your 50%, and different films may have different
results, I just wanted to tell you what I have done.

 

[speedingcheetah]

Look, we're all on the same page. As I mentioned at the beginning, there's no such thing as a flawless camera.

I never said i was looking for a flawless or perfect camera. You seemed to be a bit stuck on that. 🤔 I am wanting a better camera, one with better image quality and a better chance of capturing plate numbers.
People come to a form like this to discuss their experiences and suggestions.
I want to read and see others use cases and experiences.
There would be no point is this form existing if everyone just said, "go buy it and compare for yourself". 😉

Now, if Amazon had stock of the cam model i am considering, it would be much easier to just buy it, try it, and if not like it, return it.
Vs dealing with a small business or other standalone seller, Amazon is super easy and same day ship for most things for me.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Can you at least confirm that the A119M Pro still uses the same identical gps mount as the current A119 Mini 2?

The Mount is physically the same.
However, my Spidey Sense is telling me the GPS guts have been upgraded just like the A329, A329S.
There is also a possibility the pins have been changed / added to accommodate the new HK6, and even more special functions.
So just like all the other “upgraded mounts” the new camera will power up with the old mount, however you will not have all the upgraded features.
Faster / more accurate GPS connection
Additional new parking mode features, maybe even the new LPID, and others.
So yeah, you kind of want to “always” use the new mount.
Which is why "permanently" supergluing may not be the best method.

too bad that i am not a popular YT'r or reviewer, to be on Viofo's radar to send review units

1.) Why don’t you start a YouTube Channel, and use it as a digital landfill for all your test footage clips you’ve been taking lately.
That’s basically what I do. LMAO!

PANZER DASHCAM

Welcome to my secret dash cam testing channel. All test footage clips are unlisted. You can watch them by clicking on Playlists. They are categorized by brand & model. Check out my main channel @PanzerPlatform for more garbage. -Chuck

www.youtube.com

I’ve got a whopping 298 Subscribers.
Sub for Sub? lol
I’ve got around 1,200 unlisted test footage clips from every camera I’ve ever tested.
I can quickly locate them for comparison with their new models / firmware updates because I have them categorized into playlists.
It’s convenient, since I don’t have a Windows PC, or access to “storage servers”.
Of course uploading to YouTube degrades image quality, but that why I always upload the raw / original clips.
As long as I keep doing that I can make apples to apples comparison of future models / firmware updates.

2.) Why don’t you give Wendy a Private Message (Jeff_Vantrue) and request an E1 Pro 4K for test & review?
That way when the A119M Pro is released you can start your own no holds grudge match between the two best compact single channel budget dash cams?
Maybe that will put you on Viofo’s radar to start receiving test units.
Or you can do what I did and just fill out their online form to become a tester;

Product Review

Read independent reviews and customer ratings of VIOFO dash cams — real-world performance feedback from drivers and industry experts.

www.viofo.com

3.) When you do started getting test units, you make think, “great, I’m getting free cameras now”.
Well I got news for you, you will be paying for those cameras 10 fold with all your personal free time used up.
Not to mention all the gas money spent on gathering test footage when your car would otherwise be sitting at home.
My car gets 26MPG Highway / 9MPG City.
Q: Guess where the majority of time is spent testing dash cams?
A: City, and Idling
Idling is 0MPG

I had to run an errand, and i did the drive there in 30fps no HDR, and back, with HDR ON.

Let me stop you right there.
In order to perform side by side testing with any chance of accurate results you need two identical camera filming SIMULTATIOUSLY.
And even then someone from the peanut gallery, or a manufacturer will ask you to perform the drive cycle AGAIN with both cameras swapped off their mounts to account for the few inches they are apart.
Again, more time & gas money. lol

I recall back when i first got the Mini 2, seeing posts and videos here and on YT, and, for the longest time, the Mini 2 i found to do better than the newer higher end models of the time.

When the A119 Mini 2 was released it had better night time HDR performance than any 4K camera on the market, including the A139 Pro.

That Mini Pro being VERY appealing to me, being 4K.
The A329T still, is quite appealing as well

Based on my testing the 2K Viofo Telephoto is much better than any traditional wide angle 4K camera at grabbing plates, especially at night.
Which is why I want a 4K Telephoto, but getting the right lens that will fit the IMX678 right now is kind of an issue.

 

[speedingcheetah]

The Mount is physically the same.
However, my Spidey Sense is telling me the GPS guts have been upgraded just like the A329, A329S.
There is also a possibility the pins have been changed / added to accommodate the new HK6, and even more special functions.
So just like all the other “upgraded mounts” the new camera will power up with the old mount, however you will not have all the upgraded features.
Faster / more accurate GPS connection
Additional new parking mode features, maybe even the new LPID, and others.
So yeah, you kind of want to “always” use the new mount.
Which is why "permanently" supergluing may not be the best method.

1.) Why don’t you start a YouTube Channel, and use it as a digital landfill for all your test footage clips you’ve been taking lately.
That’s basically what I do. LMAO!

PANZER DASHCAM

Welcome to my secret dash cam testing channel. All test footage clips are unlisted. You can watch them by clicking on Playlists. They are categorized by brand & model. Check out my main channel @PanzerPlatform for more garbage. -Chuck

www.youtube.com

I’ve got a whopping 298 Subscribers.
Sub for Sub? lol
I’ve got around 1,200 unlisted test footage clips from every camera I’ve ever tested.
I can quickly locate them for comparison with their new models / firmware updates because I have them categorized into playlists.
It’s convenient, since I don’t have a Windows PC, or access to “storage servers”.
Of course uploading to YouTube degrades image quality, but that why I always upload the raw / original clips.
As long as I keep doing that I can make apples to apples comparison of future models / firmware updates.

2.) Why don’t you give Wendy a Private Message (Jeff_Vantrue) and request an E1 Pro 4K for test & review?
That way when the A119M Pro is released you can start your own no holds grudge match between the two best compact single channel budget dash cams?
Maybe that will put you on Viofo’s radar to start receiving test units.
Or you can do what I did and just fill out their online form to become a tester;

Product Review

Read independent reviews and customer ratings of VIOFO dash cams — real-world performance feedback from drivers and industry experts.

www.viofo.com

3.) When you do started getting test units, you make think, “great, I’m getting free cameras now”.
Well I got news for you, you will be paying for those cameras 10 fold with all your personal free time used up.
Not to mention all the gas money spent on gathering test footage when your car would otherwise be sitting at home.
My car gets 26MPG Highway / 9MPG City.
Q: Guess where the majority of time is spent testing dash cams?
A: City, and Idling
Idling is 0MPG

Let me stop you right there.
In order to perform side by side testing with any chance of accurate results you need two identical camera filming SIMULTATIOUSLY.
And even then someone from the peanut gallery, or a manufacturer will ask you to perform the drive cycle AGAIN with both cameras swapped off their mounts to account for the few inches they are apart.
Again, more time & gas money. lol

When the A119 Mini 2 was released it had better night time HDR performance than any 4K camera on the market, including the A139 Pro.

Based on my testing the 2K Viofo Telephoto is much better than any traditional wide angle 4K camera at grabbing plates, especially at night.
Which is why I want a 4K Telephoto, but getting the right lens that will fit the IMX678 right now is kind of an issue.

Even with the superglue, it just needs a good whack, and it comes right off. lol.
If i were going to replace rear A119 Mini2, if the only things the new mount enables is better gps, i am not really concerned with that, as the current cam, never has had any gps issues with locking or tracking.
I do not use any parking mode features.
If it is a different pin out, then, hopefully it would not be so different, the current mount would still function for power and gps...but, will cross that bridge if/when i come to it.


Yea. Like i mentioned, reviewing home networking equipment is very different than dash cams.
I HATE driving. I did not mind the time and effort to side by side compare the older cam and the new one, but doing that much thing much more often, having to mount and unmount various models, like you all do....yea, not what i want to do. Too much time and overhead as u mentioned.
I was thinking more a "early access /beta test" like thing, for single product that i am interested in, not a regular thing of testing all new products (Ubiquiti used to do this, where you could buy early release version of products, a few months or so before they went General Release.) And there was not really a requirement to provide feedback on those products, though most did since was more a "Early Adopter" thing.)

Of course, i would expect Viofo or what ever company to require feedback, and go to the lengths you all here do, with video clips and testing and re-testing etc.
It blows my mind how detailed and in depth you and a few others here go into for your review units.
Yea, that is not something i really want to get that deep into or contract my self into.
It is just fine for me to buy the new thing my self, and do what ever level of casual testing and review i want...like i did before when i upgraded.

As far as the HDR thing, pros and cons.
I did notice that it made a very white car, more toned down to almost grey, in one instance, and in another, it fixed a white car being blown out you could not make out the details of the side of it, with HDR, you can.
As long as i know that, i can adjust my perception accordingly when reviewing footage. (however, perhaps it changing the color tone of a white car could be an issue in a court case, they see a "grey" car and not a "white" car?)
Here are 2 images of me parked one with no HDR, one with HDR on.

And from rear cam (that is behind 50% tint):

So far, my hope is that HDR ON all the time, to be more beneficial (to me specifically) as a "set it and forget it" / its is going to get a great image 99% of the time, regardless of the conditions.
Like i said, i often forget to adjust HDR timer, and that result in poor footage at times. Leaving HDR on may be a fair trade off for me, for a very slightly lower chase of plate number details, vs higher chase that i am driving in low light/poor conditions, and capturing very poor footage, like i was when i was using HDR Timer and 60fps during the day.
Personally, i am liking the overall look of HDR on, a bit more than off, as it looks more natural to me, save for over sharpening and the occasional shift in white tone.
But i am still just testing this, not fully settled on it just yet.

I only drive, at the current time, maybe 2x a week, and is short trips around the area. But, the crazies out there, that do not know or just don't care, to properly deal with detours and Road Works, get on my nerve and i want to capture the crazy best quality i can.

Based on my testing the 2K Viofo Telephoto is much better than any traditional wide angle 4K camera at grabbing plates, especially at night.
Which is why I want a 4K Telephoto, but getting the right lens that will fit the IMX678 right now is kind of an issue.

And, this is what keeps bringing me back to the A329T.
From what i can tell, its HDR at night, is at the very least, on par with the A119 Mini 2.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

You need to evaluate the HDR while things are moving, not stationary.
OK, I think we are starting to beat a dead house.
I'm checking out of this thread.
I need to focus my mind on the S1-4K 3CH.
Been waiting since March for this thing. lol

 

[speedingcheetah]

You need to evaluate the HDR while things are moving, not stationary.

I have, as i have mentioned.
Just using the still images as clear indication as to what the camera is processing given identical position, and all other variables like motion, removed.

I also seemed to have discovered, that the "purple tint" issues with roads i was having, is 60fps related. Not doing it at all in 30fps hdr or not.

OK, I think we are starting to beat a dead house.
I'm checking out of this thread.
I need to focus my mind on the S1-4K 3CH.
Been waiting since March for this thing. lol

No worries.
Thank you for your time and input on things.

Also, sorry to hear about your dead house.
Hope you have good Homeowners Insurance.
😆 😛