Vantrue E1 - Specs Explained

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Hardware specs​

• Chips: Novatek high-performance processor
• Resolution: 2592x1944P 30FPS; 2560x1440P(HDR) 30FPS etc
• Image Sensor: Sony CMOS Sensor
• WiFi: Built-in 2.4G
• Lens: 160° wide viewing angle; F/1. 8 wide aperture
• Audio: Built-in microphone and speaker
• Video File Format: MP4

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Design and features​

Under the bottom of the Vantrue Element 1 dashcam, there are three buttons and a microphone hole. From right to left, here are the descriptions of the buttons:

• Video camera button – During video recording, long press to turn off the screen, short press to stop video recording, and enter standby mode; you can confirm the selected option in the menu; when playing back files, you can play/pause files.
• V button -During video recording and standby, long press to quickly enter parking mode, and short press to turn on/off the microphone: in menu settings, long press to scroll through menu options, and short press to display the next menu option: during file browsing, long press to scroll to display file, short press to display the next file: in playback mode, short press to pop up the delete file menu.
• Lines button – During video recording and standby mode, long press to turn on/off WiFi.

As you face the back of the camera on the right-hand side, you will find the USB-C port for power and a small pinhole reset button.

You can find where the base gets attached to the bottom of the camera. The metal you see is strictly for magnets to use. There is no power on the base. The camera uses a combination of a magnet plus a slide on the base to keep the base solidly attached to the camera to eliminate shaking.

On the camera’s left side, you can find the micro SD card slot and power button. You will also see the holes for the speaker.

This is a close-up shot of the LCD display of the camera. You can see the embossed E1 on the bottom left. At the bottom right is an LED that will blink green when the camera is recording and hold steady when it is in standby mode.

This is a shot of the front lens of the camera. I still had the protective film on at the time. Note that you can buy a separate polarizing filter that can screw to the front of the lens.

This is a picture of the bottom of the mounting base. You can see the slot for the camera to slide in and the magnets that will catch the camera’s base.

​

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

There are a ton of recording settings available for the Vantrue Element 1 dashcam：

-Resolution: Press the Button to switch the resolutions: 2592xl 944P 30FPS; 2560xl 440P(HDR) 30FPS; 2560xl 440P 30FPS; l 920x1080P 60FPS; l 920xl 080P(HDR) 30FPS; l 920xl 080P 30FPS; l 280x720P(HDR) 30FPS;

l 280x720P 30FPS.

-Loop Recording: The default setting is 3 min. You can choose among l /3/5 mins and OFF.

-G-Sensor: Select the level of G-sensor you need, then you can set 3 directions (Front+ Back/Left+ Right/Up+ Down). The G-sensor value in each direction can be selected as l /2/3/4/5/Off. The higher the sensitivity level, the easier it is to trigger emergency recording. G-sensor is most sensitive when set to 5.

-Audio Recording: The default is ON. Set recording to on or off.

-Exposure: The default value is +0.0. Adjust the exposure of the lens.

-REC Status Light: The default setting is ON. You can choose to turn on/off the recording status light.

-Rotate Display: Default is off. You can choose to flip the video screen up and down(180 Degree).

-Number Plate: Press the GQ button to select the number or letter to be set. After setting, your license plate number can be displayed in the recorded video.

-Stamp: Enable or disable the watermark stamp on video and photos. The watermark stamp includes a date and time label, VANTRUE label, license plate number, GPS location information, and speed label. All are enabled by default. NOTE – I turned off the speed timestamp.

-Time Lapse: The default value is disabled. You can choose to enable 1FPS/5FPS/10FPS/15FPS.

-Parking Mode: You can choose the parking mode you need, including Collision Detection/Motion Detection/Low Bitrate Recording/Low Framerate Mode/OFF.

-GPS Setting: GPS is enabled by default. GPS ON/OFF settings, speed unit settings, and GPS information are all set here.

There are also quite a few system setup features which I have listed below.

-Language: Available languages are Engish/Francais/Espanol/Deutsch/ltaliano/Polish

-WiFi: The default setting is Off. After WiFi is enabled, mobile phones can connect to WiFi and operate the dashcam through mobile phone interfaces.

-Display Setting: The default setting is Full-Screen mode. You can switch it to panorama mode.

-Voice Assistant: The default sensitivity is Standard. Voice commands can be recognized after the option is turned on. You can choose low sensitivity /high sensitivity/standard/off.

-Voice Content: Voice recognition commands. You can use different commands to remote control the camera.

-Format Memory Card: Format all data on the memory card.

-Format Reminder Setup: Select the reminder options: 15 Days, l Month, and Off. The default is off.

We have added a format reminder time setting to prevent you from forgetting to format the memory card regularly. You can choose to be reminded after 15 days or l month. When the time is up, you can choose “OK” to format or choose “Next.”

Note: If changing the format reminder option, the timing will restart as soon as the option is changed.

-Date & Time: There are two ways to set the time and date: l. GPS automatic update, 2 Manual date/time setting. GPS automatic update is enabled by default.

GPS automatically updates the date and time based on your time zone, so you must select the correct time zone first: you can also turn off GPS automatic update, turn on the Manual date/time setting, and manually correct the date and time.

The date format and time zone settings can also be set under this menu.

-Auto LCD Off: Set the time to automatically turn off the LCD display after no operation.

If you set the Auto LCD Off to 3 min, the camera’s LCD screen will auto light off after 3 min, but the recording will continue. If the setup is Off, the screen will not turn off. Press the Button to choose the option you want: 30s, l Min, 3Min and OFF.

-Device Sound: Set the volume of the device. The default volume level is 3, the lowest is 0, and the highest is 5.

-Prompt Tone: According to different situations, the dash cam is set with five kinds of prompt tones, which are power-on/off sound, Keys sound, File locked sound, Format sound, and abnormal stop recording reminder. All prompt tones are turned on by default.

-Frequency: Different countries have different frequencies. To avoid affecting the video, you can choose 50Hz or 60Hz frequency according to different regions.

-System Info: Check the current model, firmware version, and the Vantrue official website.

-Certifications: You can view the certification information for the E1 camera.

-Default Setting: Reset the device back to factory settings.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Setup​

To mount the camera, first affixed the static cling to the window. Then pulled the strip to expose the 3M tape from the back of the base and mounted it on the static strip. Then plugged it in and ran the power cord up to the top of the window and under the ceiling of your car.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Design and features​

The Element 1 is easily one of the smallest dash cams we’ve tested. As indicated, it rivals the Gamin series in that regard, with the exception of that company’s super tiny Dash Cam Mini 2. If the E1 is not the most diminutive, it’s still small enough to hid behind the mirror and offers the LCD display (1.54-inch) that the Mini 2 lacks.

The actual measurements are 1.6-inches wide/tall, and 1.75-inches deep to which you can add approximately 0.25-inches for the optional filter. On top of the camera is the slide-in adapter that marries to the semi-permanent adhesive mount. On the right is the Type-C power port and microphone, while on the left are the power button and micro SD card slot.


The microphone is both for capturing audio and voice commands. The E1 understands several of the latter including: “Take Photo”, “Start Video”, “Stop audio”, etc.

The bottom of the unit is home to three multifunction buttons that navigate menus, change video modes, etc. There’s ample ventilation via slots on the bottom, top, and left side of the unit.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Capturing video is a Sony IMX335 sensor with a maximum 2592 x 1944P resolution (default is 1440p) and Vanture has opted for a wide 160 degree field of view. GPS is also on board and along with an app, voice control, and a Bluetooth save/capture remote (hotkey in Vantrue-speak) the E1 is a nearly full house in terms of modern features.

The unit leverages a super capacitor rather than a battery, so it will only save the last video if it loses power. But it will also deliver a lot more on/off cycles than a battery.

While the E1 has an SD card slot and you can read data off cards with a reader, you can also connect the E1 to your computer and read them directly. A rather more convenient way in my book. Nice touch.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Connecting to the app is done via Wi-Fi and said app allows you to offload, organize, and even edit videos. Once offloaded, you can play them back with GPS mapping. As the E1 connects to your phone via Wi-Fi, you can’t have the internet while it’s connected. GPS mapping playback (Google/Baidu) requires Internet. Yup, you need to change networks for that features.


Note, you may need to restart the app after changing networks for the GPS travel map to show.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Installation and setup​

The semi-permanent mount for the Element 1 is horizontally static, i.e., it only articulates up and down. This makes it very stable once it’s installed, but you must be careful aligning it before you press it onto the windshield. For help on that, see How to install a dash cam to learn from my myriad mistakes.

Setting up the Element 1 was very easy, once I had set the proper time zone that is. I was a bit surprised this was necessary given GPS is on board. However, once I’d scrolled down to Pacific time, everything else, such as the date format and MPH were automatically selected. I’m assuming this was based on the time zone. Whatever the case, it was quick and simple. It even proactively offered to format the SD card, which needed it.

Beyond that, I did need to tweak the g-sensor sensitivity a bit for my Miata with it’s rather stiff racing suspension. But it’s better to be overly sensitive, than not sensitive enough. That latter might result in incident videos not being saved. (Un-saved videos will be overwritten eventually.)

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Capture quality​

While the Element 1 isn’t the best dash cam I’ve tested in terms of day capture quality, it’s above average–albeit only with the optional $20, 40mm polarizing filter. Details are decent in dark areas but lost in brighter areas without the optional filter which pretty much cures the latter issue.
The difference is salient enough that I actually consider the Element 1 a $170 (camera plus filter) dash cam.

The above day capture using the filter shown is quite good. Again, the one below without the filter noticeably blows out in the brighter areas, making it difficult to discern details There is an exposure adjustment that can dial out some of this, but we test with the defaults. Also, dialing down the exposure adversely affects the already weak night captures.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Filter on/filter off​

The Element 1 has a lot going for it in terms of ease of use, form factor, as well as its phone app. But nightly removal of the recommended-for-daytime-use polarizing filter or constantly adjusting the exposure is not something most users will want, or always remember to do. Eliminate that conundrum Vantrue, earn another half star. As it stands, buy only for day use.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

What’s in the Box?​

The package contains:

• A dash cam
• GPS adhesive mount
• Cigarette lighter socket power adapter with 11.5 ft USB Type C charging cable
• 3.3 ft data cable for transferring files
• Wireless remote control
• Installation tool
• User manual
• Warning stickers
• Electrostatic stickers

The Vantrue E1 installation process is simple. It took me about 10 minutes to set up everything. However, it’ll be a little longer if you want to hide the cables.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Camera​

It can capture video in up to 2592x1944p resolution at 30 frames per second but can reach up to 60 FPS on lower resolutions. You can change the resolution in the Vantrue mobile app if you don’t need the highest quality.

The cam records through a lens with an advanced F1.8 aperture. It’s also equipped with a 160° wide angle, making it good enough to capture license plates clearly.

The Sony Starvis IMX335 CMOS sensor and HDR technology ensure super night vision. With these two, the Vantrue E1 dash cam can catch even minor details during nighttime.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

GPS​

Thanks to its built-in GPS module, the Vantrue E1 mini dash cam can record your route and driving speed. You can also track your course when previewing your videos on a phone or computer.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Connectivity​

The Vantrue E1 2.5K Wi-Fi mini dash camera comes with a built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. It lets you easily pair it with the companion app on your phone to share your videos.

Another way to transfer your clips to your PC or laptop is with the data cable.

Memory​

The Vantrue Element 1 supports up to 512 GB of external memory. Unfortunately, the package doesn’t include a microSD card. But the good news is you can purchase one separately from the official website.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

G-Sensor​

The purpose of the G-sensor is to measure acceleration changes. This way, the Vantrue E1 dash cam can detect sudden or unusual movement. If an accident occurs, the video file will automatically lock in the Event Folder to prevent overwriting it.

Loop Recording​

With this feature, you don’t have to worry about running out of space and missing something important. When the SD card is full, the camera will start overwriting the oldest videos to free up space for the new ones. The G-sensor ensures that the vital clips aren’t deleted.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

App control ​

You also get app connectivity. To connect and control the dash dam, you need to download Vantrue’s application from Apple Store or Google Play.

With it, you can:

• Live preview
• Take photos
• Watch, save, edit, and transfer videos
• Adjust the settings
• Turn the mic on and off

The app is completely free and has a user-friendly interface, making it quite easy to navigate.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Voice Control​

The Vantrue E1 voice commands allow you to control your cam hands-free. This feature is available in different languages such as:

• English
• Japanese
• Chinese
• Russian

And you can:

• Take photos
• Select the beginning and end of a recording
• Mute and unmute the microphone
• Lock videos

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Wireless Hotkeys​

The remote controller lets you easily turn the mic on and off and save videos. When you short-press, you take photos and capture essential clips to the Event Folder.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

24 hours Parking Mode​

The Vantrue E1 mini dash cam provides 24 hours surveillance to guard your car when parked. It’ll automatically enter this mode when you turn off your vehicle.

The Motion detection is on alert for any movement. For example, it’ll sense if someone scratches your car or tries to break into it.

An impact or movement can trigger Collision detection. If your vehicle is involved in a hit-and-run while parked, you can check who did it and have evidence.

The dash cam also provides a Low bitrate mode, which enables it to record nonstop with low power consumption.

However, the camera needs to be hardwired to use the Parking mode. So if you want access to that feature, you need to purchase a hardware kit separately.

 

[mozzouhri]

nice. i like it.