Vantrue E1 Test & Review PP

[Chuck McCoy]

Hey guys,
Just a few hours ago I received a Vantrue E1 for testing & review sent by Vantrue.
Shoutout to @rcg530 for passing my name along to his Vantrue Representative. Thanks Robert.

When I first learned of this dash cam I read the specifications, and on paper this camera appears to be a direct competitor to the Viofo A119 Mini I just tested.
They are both; $120, 2K (2560 x 1440), Sony IMX335 STARVIS Sensor, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, 1.5” LCD Screen, HDR, External GPS Mount, Super Capacitor, USB Type-C, Optional CPL Filter, 1 Year Warranty (6 months extra with registration),

As far as differences:

Viofo A119 Mini;
2560 x 1440 60fps
140° FOV
F1.6 Aperture Lens
Novatek 96580 Processor
Video Codec: H.264
High Bitrate: 30 Mbps
256GB SD Card Max Capacity
Dual Band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Operating Temperature: 5℉ to 149℉ (-10℃ to 65℃)

Vantrue E1;
2560 x 1440 30fps
160° FOV
F1.8 Aperture Lens
Novatek 96675 Processor (waiting for confirmation by @rcg530 )
Video Codec: H.265
Bitrate: 16 Mbps
512GB SD Card Max Capacity
Single Band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz only
Operating Temperature: -4℉ to 158℉ (-20℃ to 70℃)

So far I’ve taken it out of the box to make sure everything works. The first thing I did was update the firmware, and then did a power consumption test.
Normal recording mode, default resolution 2560x1440p(HDR) 30fps, Wi-Fi & Screen OFF I measured;
180mA @ 12.6 Volts = 2.27 Watts using the Vantrue Hardwire Kit with my Fluke 115 Multimeter.

For comparison the A119 Mini with identical settings, (except for 60fps) I measured;
250mA @ 12.6 Volts = 3.15 Watts using the Viofo Hardwire Kit with my Fluke 115 Multimeter.

The E1 generates a 1 minute video file size of 121MB, and it takes 57 seconds to download that 1 minute video clip to my iPhone SE 2020 using it’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
For comparison the A119 Mini generates a 1 minute video file size of 192MB, and it takes 18 seconds to download that video clip to my iPhone SE 2020 using it’s 5GHz Wi-Fi.
That's approximately 4 x as fast, (can someone do the arithmetic for that)? With a 256GB SD Card, it looks like the E1 will have 32 Hours, 27 Minutes of record time.

I tested the Low Power Protection function of the Vantrue Hardwire Kit.
It has cut off voltages of 12.0 & 11.6 Volts.
I tested both cut off points by lowering my power supply to 11.1 Volts.
The camera never powered off.
It appears the Low Power Protection feature does not work.

It is currently 91℉ / 33℃ ambient temp, and also that same temp in my garage.
The E1 has been running in normal recording mode for 1.5 hours on my work bench, and the camera is 120℉ / 49℃.
For comparison the A119 Mini under the same ambient test conditions runs around 160℉ / 71℃.
It appears the E1 runs approximately 40℉ “cooler” than the A119 Mini.

I’m curious how long the E1 will operate in normal recording mode connected to my 20,000mAh / 74Wh USB Power bank. For comparison I tested the A119 Mini, and it ran for 21 Hours 33 Minutes. Given the E1’s power consumption is only 2.27 Watts, compared to the A119 Mini’s 3.15 Watts, I estimate it will be approximately 30 Hours. I’ll give an update on that, and also if the camera malfunctions during the 30 hour run time period, (stops recording, shuts off, overheats, SD Card file corruption etc.)

On a side note when I attached the E1’s magnetic GPS Mount I heard a slight rattle from the camera. I filmed a test video, and it definitely has some kind of rattle noise. I’ve narrowed it down to the mount, the three buttons, or something loose inside the camera. I hope it doesn’t transmit rattling audio noise when I drive over rail road tracks, or rough roads. I’ll attach the test video at the bottom.

Does anyone have any questions?
I’m sure I missed a few things.
Thanks again,
-Chuck

 

[rcg530]

Shoutout to @rcg530 for passing my name along to his Vantrue Representative. Thanks Robert.

I'm glad you were able to get a review unit from Vantrue.

Vantrue E1;
Bitrate: ?????

The normal mode 2560x1440p(HDR) 30fps video files have a bitrate of 16.1 Mbps.

I tested the Low Power Protection function of the Vantrue Hardwire Kit.
It has cut off voltages of 12.0 & 11.6 Volts.
I tested both cut off points by lowering my power supply to 11.1 Volts.
The camera never powered off.
It appears the Low Power Protection feature does not work.

The first Vantrue hardwire kit for the S2/X4S/N4/N2S/E1 that I received does not appear to have a functional low voltage cutoff feature. The second hardwire kit I received does seem to have a functional low voltage cutoff feature.

While investigating the low voltage cutoff issue, Vantrue sent me some specs on the low voltage cutoff feature and the startup voltage requirements.

• Down Voltage Protection (low voltage cutoff)
  • Switch set to the right (input side)
    • 11.6V +- 0.2V
    • 23.2V +- 0.3V
  • Switch set to the left (input side)
    • 12.0V +- 0.2V
    • 24.0V +- 0.3V
  • Down voltage protection delay is 5 minutes
    • In my testing, the low voltage cutoff would occur around the 2 minutes after the voltage level dropped to the tested value.
    • The second hardwire kit I received when configured with a 12.0V setting, turned off power to the E1 at 11.9 volts.
• Startup Voltage
  • Switch set to the right
    • 11.6V +- 0.2V low voltage protection => 12.0V +- 0.2V startup voltage
    • 23.2V +- 0.3V low voltage protection => 24.0V +- 0.3V startup voltage
  • Switch set to the left
    • 12.0V +- 0.2V low voltage protection => 12.3V +- 0.2V startup voltage
    • 24.0V +- 0.3V low voltage protection => 26.5V +- 0.3V startup voltage

I discovered there is a 16.0V-to-22.0V voltage protection range in the Vantrue hardwire kit. The hardwire kit's circuitry will not provide power to the dash camera when the vehicle/battery input voltage is in the 16.0V to 22.0V range. It's using that voltage spread as a way to determine whether it's being used with a 12-volt system or a 24-volt system (according to Vantrue engineering).

When I used the hardwire kit with the functional low voltage cutoff feature in my car, that's when I stumbled into the 16.0V-to-22.0V protection range. I was attempting to use a BlackVue B-112 dash camera battery pack to power the hardwire kit for the E1. The B-112 battery pack's circuitry boosts its output voltage to a fixed 16.7 volts when used in a 12-volt based vehicle and charging power is provided to the B-112. I would power up the E1 with the engine off (no charging power to the B-112 battery pack). The B-112 outputs about 13.35 volts while not being charged. The E1 would power up and start recording. When I started the engine and the vehicle's accessory power was now being provided to the B-112 for charging, the B-112 boosts its output voltage to 16.7 volts (confirmed by Pittasoft). The boosted voltage of 16.7 volts falls into the hardwire kit's 16.0V to 22.0V protection range and it would stop providing power to the E1. That was fun to try and figure out since it's not documented.

On a side note when I attached the E1’s magnetic GPS Mount I heard a slight rattle from the camera. I filmed a test video, and it definitely has some kind of rattle noise. I’ve narrowed it down to the mount, the three buttons, or something loose inside the camera. I hope it doesn’t transmit rattling audio noise when I drive over rail road tracks, or rough roads. I’ll attach the test video at the bottom.

Even though it has a magnetic mount, I find that there's about 1/32" or 1/64" of remaining slide mount travel remaining to fully seat the E1 into the GPS slide mount.

The first E1 I received has something rattling inside of its case and it doesn't appear to be the buttons on the bottom of the case. The second E1 I received is "quiet".

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Right on Robert,
Thank you for including the amount of time delay for the low power protection feature of the hardwire kit.
I only held the 11.1 Volts for 30-60 seconds, I will head back for more testing, and increase the time to see if it will ower down.
-Chuck

 

[Chuck McCoy]

I just got done with the 20,000mAh / 74Wh USB Power Bank Test.
The E1 ran for 33 Hours 22 Minutes according to my little USB power tester I had connected between the power bank, and the E1. That little device sure is coming in handy.

For comparison the Viofo A119 Mini had a run time of 21 Hours 33 Minutes on the same power bank.
That’s approximately 12 Hours longer than the A119 Mini.
That really shows the difference between the two power consumption tests I did showing the E1 at 2.27 Watts vs. the A119 Mini’s 3.15 Watts.
How neat is that.

I used the Vantrue 256GB SD Card for this test.
The available record time in (2560 x 1440 HDR 30) was 32 Hours 27 Minutes.
After reviewing the files on my laptop it looks like the E1 successfully started loop recording after the SD Card reached capacity, (see attached screenshots).

During the 33 hour long test the E1 never stopped recording, never shut off, never overheated. All video files are present, accounted for and playable. I have not witnessed any malfunction of any kind so far.

I had the E1 sitting on my desk in my office at room temp of 75℉ / 24℃.
Using my infrared pyrometer the E1 never got hotter than 105℉ / 41℃.
It appears the E1 is either really good at dissipating heat, or it doesn’t generate much heat to begin with.
I have a feeling it’s the later given the measured power consumption is only 2.27 Watts.

I played with the loop recording settings a bit.
The choices are 1, 3, 5 Minutes, and OFF.
When selecting OFF the E1 loop records in 5 Minute files approximately 600MB in size. This is going to be a bummer for people who like to record their drives for say an hour at at time.
Having to edit twelve 5 minute clips to get one hour of driving footage is going to be inconvenient to say the least.
Maybe this can be fixed in a future firmware update?
-Chuck

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Here's some screenshots of the internals of the E1.
Here's the link to see the full FCC ID report with high resoloution photos;

FCC ID 2A7EH-E1

fcc.report

-Chuck

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Hey guys,
Last month when I tested the Viofo A119 Mini it was my first exposure to Voice Notifications on a dash cam.
I instantly fell in love because I was used to all the ambiguous beeps from my A129 Pro & Plus.

Now with the Vantrue E1 I’ve found my second love.
Voice Commands.
I can’t believe how well the voice recognition works.
Have a listen and see & hear for yourself.
Of the 9 different commands 2 of them are worth the price of admission in my book, (Lock Video & Turn Wi-Fi On).
Now I wish Viofo had voice commands so I wouldn’t have to spends an extra $20 on the Bluetooth Remote to save video files.

1.) Video Start (start recording)
2.) Take Photo
3.) Lock Video (emergency file save)
4.) Turn Off Audio (microphone off)
5.) Turn On Audio (microphone on)
6.) Turn Off Screen
7.) Turn On Screen
8.) Turn On Wi-Fi
9.) Turn Off Wi-Fi

Take notice how receptive she is to gentle spoken words.
I didn’t have to repeat myself, or even raise my voice.
I wish I could say the same about my ex-wife, bless her heart.
-Chuck

 

[Chuck McCoy]

In addition to testing the E1 with the Vantrue SD Card, the Samsung Pro Endurance, and the SanDish HIGH Endurance, (not to be confused with MAX) appear to be funtioning properly.
I have not not witnessed any malfunctions after each card reaches its capacify with recorded footage, and begins to loop record.
-Chuck

 

[Chuck McCoy]

More useless “gentle” heat testing.

The next 5 days are forecast to be 100℉ - 105℉ (37℃ - 40℃).
I thought I would take advantage, and do more “gentle” heat testing on my Viofo A119 Mini, Viofo A229 Duo, and Vantrue Element E1 that are installed in my car.

My car is parked in the garage out of direct sunlight, but ambient temperature of my garage is almost identical to outside weather conditions. It does not simulate real world parking mode scenarios performed in direct sunlight, but it does offer insight how well the cameras dissipate heat, and how they compare to each other under identical test conditions.

I start the cameras at 6AM in normal recording mode, and let them run until 8PM non stop. I monitor them throughout the day checking for signs of overheating like shutting down, or recording stoppages, or any other malfunctions.
5PM - 6PM is when the cameras really start to cook, and the highest camera temps can be measured. I obtained the following temp measurements at 5:30PM.

Outside Temperature: 99℉ (37℃)
Ambient Garage Temp: 96℉ (36℃)
Garage Relative Humidity: 35%
A119 Mini: 145℉ (63℃)
A229 Front: 140℉ (60℃)
A229 Rear: 111℉ (44℃)
Element E1: 138℉ (59℃)

A119 Mini - Firmware V1.1 20220810
2560 x 1440P 60fps
High Bitrate
All other settings default.

A229 Duo - Firmware 1.0_0623
1440P 30 + 1440P 30
Maximum Bitrate
All other settings default.

Element E1 - Firmware EBH091 8/10/22
2560 x 1440P HDR 30fps
No bitrate options (16Mbps)
All other settings default.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Today was slightly warm so I performed another useless “gentle” heat test.

My car is parked in the garage out of direct sunlight, but weather temperature and my garage are almost identical. It does not simulate real world parking mode scenarios performed in direct sunlight, but it’s easier for me to test under controlled conditions to see how well cameras dissipate heat, and compare test data with other cameras in the future.

I start the cameras at 6AM in normal recording mode, and let them run until 8PM non stop. I monitor them throughout the day checking for signs of overheating like shutting down, or recording stoppages, or any other malfunctions.
5PM - 6PM is when the cameras really start to cook, and the highest temps can be measured. I obtained the following temp measurements at 5:30PM.

Outside Temperature: 106℉ (41℃)
Ambient Garage Temp: 100℉ (38℃)
Garage Relative Humidity: 28%
A119 Mini: 149℉ (65℃)
A229 Front: 146℉ (63℃)
A229 Rear: 117℉ (47℃)
Element E1: 142℉ (61℃)

A119 Mini - Firmware V1.1 20220810
2560 x 1440P 60fps
High Bitrate
All other settings default.

A229 Duo - Firmware 1.0_0623
1440P 30 + 1440P 30
Maximum Bitrate
All other settings default.

Element E1 - Firmware EBH091 8/10/22
2560 x 1440P HDR 30fps
No bitrate options (16Mbps)
All other settings default

-Chuck

 

[Chuck McCoy]

I originally requested an E1 sample for test & review because on paper the E1 seemed to be a very close competitor to the Viofo A119 Mini based on hardware, and specifications. After comparing both cameras side by side for a few weeks, the E1 feels like a design exercise in “fashion over function”. It’s like the designers wanted to make the cutest “dash cam looking” dash cam, and all functionality took a back seat. In its current form the E1 is one, or two generations behind being a legitimate functional device, and a worthy competitor to the Viofo A119 Mini. I am by no means a professional dash cam reviewer, and I consider myself a basic amatuer user. So all my opinions should be taken with a grain of salt. If all my issues with this camera could be addressed I think it would make a great “temporary” unit for people who switch cars often like rental car scenarios provided they offer a GPS Suction Mount like most other Vantrue models. My favorite feature of the camera is being able to activate the Emergency Lock function by simply saying “Lock Video”. This almost negates the optional Bluetooth Remote for this purpose. I wish Viofo cameras had this so I wouldn’t have to spend the additional $20 for the remote.
-Chuck

E1 Fixes & Improvements;

GPS Mount is loose by 0.5mm, and causes rattling noises.
Add optional GPS Suction Mount like other Vantrue cameras.
Fix the rattling buttons, that cause noise.
Add the missing 4th menu button “up button”.
Change Video Codec from H.265 to H.264 or offer BOTH Codecs.
Add 5GHz Wi-Fi.
Add 60fps option for 2560 x 1440P resolution.
Custom Text is only one with 9 characters, add TWO with 11 Characters
Change the one piece Power Cable to a USB dual port outlet, and separate USB Cable.

Voice Commands;
Change “Video Start” to “Start Recording”
Add “Stop Recording”
Take Photo
Lock Video
Change “Turn Off Audio” to “Turn Off Microphone”
Change “Turn On Audio” to “Turn On Microphone”
Turn Off Screen
Turn On Screen
Turn On Wi-Fi
Turn Off Wi-Fi

Add Voice Notifications like Viofo
Add 10 Minute loop record (only does 5 min max).
Add Loop record OFF, (automatically defaults 5 minute videos).
Include 32GB Vantrue SD Card for diagnostic purpose, and installing firmware updates.
Include optional CPL Filter as standard.
Include optional 3-Wire Hardwire Kit as standard.
Reduce MSRP to $120USD

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Hey guys,
Just a few hours ago I received a Vantrue E1 for testing & review sent by Vantrue.
Shoutout to @rcg530 for passing my name along to his Vantrue Representative. Thanks Robert.

When I first learned of this dash cam I read the specifications, and on paper this camera appears to be a direct competitor to the Viofo A119 Mini I just tested.
They are both; $120, 2K (2560 x 1440), Sony IMX335 STARVIS Sensor, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, 1.5” LCD Screen, HDR, External GPS Mount, Super Capacitor, USB Type-C, Optional CPL Filter, 1 Year Warranty (6 months extra with registration),

As far as differences:

Viofo A119 Mini;
2560 x 1440 60fps
140° FOV
F1.6 Aperture Lens
Novatek 96580 Processor
Video Codec: H.264
High Bitrate: 30 Mbps
256GB SD Card Max Capacity
Dual Band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Operating Temperature: 5℉ to 149℉ (-10℃ to 65℃)

Vantrue E1;
2560 x 1440 30fps
160° FOV
F1.8 Aperture Lens
Novatek 96675 Processor
Video Codec: H.265
Bitrate: 16 Mbps
512GB SD Card Max Capacity
Single Band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz only
Operating Temperature: -4℉ to 158℉ (-20℃ to 70℃)

So far I’ve taken it out of the box to make sure everything works. The first thing I did was update the firmware, and then did a power consumption test.
Normal recording mode, default resolution 2560x1440p(HDR) 30fps, Wi-Fi & Screen OFF I measured;
180mA @ 12.6 Volts = 2.27 Watts using the Vantrue Hardwire Kit with my Fluke 115 Multimeter.

For comparison the A119 Mini with identical settings, (except for 60fps) I measured;
250mA @ 12.6 Volts = 3.15 Watts using the Viofo Hardwire Kit with my Fluke 115 Multimeter.

The E1 generates a 1 minute video file size of 121MB, and it takes 57 seconds to download that 1 minute video clip to my iPhone SE 2020 using it’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
For comparison the A119 Mini generates a 1 minute video file size of 192MB, and it takes 18 seconds to download that video clip to my iPhone SE 2020 using it’s 5GHz Wi-Fi.
That's approximately 4 x as fast, (can someone do the arithmetic for that)? With a 256GB SD Card, it looks like the E1 will have 32 Hours, 27 Minutes of record time.

I tested the Low Power Protection function of the Vantrue Hardwire Kit.
It has cut off voltages of 12.0 & 11.6 Volts.
I tested both cut off points by lowering my power supply to 11.1 Volts.
The camera never powered off.
It appears the Low Power Protection feature does not work.

It is currently 91℉ / 33℃ ambient temp, and also that same temp in my garage.
The E1 has been running in normal recording mode for 1.5 hours on my work bench, and the camera is 120℉ / 49℃.
For comparison the A119 Mini under the same ambient test conditions runs around 160℉ / 71℃.
It appears the E1 runs approximately 40℉ “cooler” than the A119 Mini.

I’m curious how long the E1 will operate in normal recording mode connected to my 20,000mAh / 74Wh USB Power bank. For comparison I tested the A119 Mini, and it ran for 21 Hours 33 Minutes. Given the E1’s power consumption is only 2.27 Watts, compared to the A119 Mini’s 3.15 Watts, I estimate it will be approximately 30 Hours. I’ll give an update on that, and also if the camera malfunctions during the 30 hour run time period, (stops recording, shuts off, overheats, SD Card file corruption etc.)

On a side note when I attached the E1’s magnetic GPS Mount I heard a slight rattle from the camera. I filmed a test video, and it definitely has some kind of rattle noise. I’ve narrowed it down to the mount, the three buttons, or something loose inside the camera. I hope it doesn’t transmit rattling audio noise when I drive over rail road tracks, or rough roads. I’ll attach the test video at the bottom.

Does anyone have any questions?
I’m sure I missed a few things.
Thanks again,
-Chuck

So, E1 gets a low bitrate mode, whereby you can keep recording continuously at 1080P/15fps with low-power, and also a low frame-rate mode, so the cam will capture long-running single videos in a short clip to save space on the memory card. The E1 supports microSD cards up to 512GB.
When Low Bitrate recording is enabled, the icon of

or

will be displayed in the lower right corner of the screen, depending on whether you choose 1080P 15FPS or 720P 15FPS.
If no movement is detected after 5 minutes of recording, there will be a

icon appears in the center of the screen. The resolution of all current video will be automatically switched to 1080P 15FPS or 720P 15FPS for recording, and the recording duration is determined according to the currently set loop recording duration. When the camera is vibrated or moved, it will automatically exit, wait 5 minutes and enter again.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

So for the Low Voltage Protection of the hardwire kit, the smart low voltage protection automatically shut off the power to your dash cam when the battery voltage drops to 11.6V(12V cars) or 22.8V(24V cars), thus preventing it draining the battery.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

The mount for this camera is easy to install and very stable. Vantrue uses an electrostatic sticker that's placed on the windshield and the GPS adhesive mount is placed on the sticker. The sticker is similar to a screen protector you would place on your cellphone or tablet and adheres to the windshield very well. When it's installed correctly, it's stable with zero distractions. We believe it will not have raffle noise like your test video which handle the dash cam in hand if it comes to installed well

 

[Chuck McCoy]

I originally requested an E1 sample for test & review because on paper the E1 seemed to be a very close competitor to the Viofo A119 Mini based on hardware, and specifications. After comparing both cameras side by side for a few weeks, the E1 feels like a design exercise in “fashion over function”. It’s like the designers wanted to make the cutest “dash cam looking” dash cam, and all functionality took a back seat. In its current form the E1 is one, or two generations behind being a legitimate functional device, and a worthy competitor to the Viofo A119 Mini. I am by no means a professional dash cam reviewer, and I consider myself a basic amatuer user. So all my opinions should be taken with a grain of salt. If all my issues with this camera could be addressed I think it would make a great “temporary” unit for people who switch cars often like rental car scenarios provided they offer a GPS Suction Mount like most other Vantrue models. My favorite feature of the camera is being able to activate the Emergency Lock function by simply saying “Lock Video”. This almost negates the optional Bluetooth Remote for this purpose. I wish Viofo cameras had this so I wouldn’t have to spend the additional $20 for the remote.
-Chuck

E1 Fixes & Improvements;

GPS Mount is loose by 0.5mm, and causes rattling noises.
Add optional GPS Suction Mount like other Vantrue cameras.
Fix the rattling buttons, that cause noise.
Add the missing 4th menu button “up button”.
Change Video Codec from H.265 to H.264 or offer BOTH Codecs.
Add 5GHz Wi-Fi.
Add 60fps option for 2560 x 1440P resolution.
Custom Text is only one with 9 characters, add TWO with 11 Characters
Change the one piece Power Cable to a USB dual port outlet, and separate USB Cable.

Voice Commands;
Change “Video Start” to “Start Recording”
Add “Stop Recording”
Take Photo
Lock Video
Change “Turn Off Audio” to “Turn Off Microphone”
Change “Turn On Audio” to “Turn On Microphone”
Turn Off Screen
Turn On Screen
Turn On Wi-Fi
Turn Off Wi-Fi

Add Voice Notifications like Viofo
Add 10 Minute loop record (only does 5 min max).
Add Loop record OFF, (automatically defaults 5 minute videos).
Include 32GB Vantrue SD Card for diagnostic purpose, and installing firmware updates.
Include optional CPL Filter as standard.
Include optional 3-Wire Hardwire Kit as standard.
Reduce MSRP to $120USD

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

I just got done with the 20,000mAh / 74Wh USB Power Bank Test.
The E1 ran for 33 Hours 22 Minutes according to my little USB power tester I had connected between the power bank, and the E1. That little device sure is coming in handy.

For comparison the Viofo A119 Mini had a run time of 21 Hours 33 Minutes on the same power bank.
That’s approximately 12 Hours longer than the A119 Mini.
That really shows the difference between the two power consumption tests I did showing the E1 at 2.27 Watts vs. the A119 Mini’s 3.15 Watts.
How neat is that.

I used the Vantrue 256GB SD Card for this test.
The available record time in (2560 x 1440 HDR 30) was 32 Hours 27 Minutes.
After reviewing the files on my laptop it looks like the E1 successfully started loop recording after the SD Card reached capacity, (see attached screenshots).

During the 33 hour long test the E1 never stopped recording, never shut off, never overheated. All video files are present, accounted for and playable. I have not witnessed any malfunction of any kind so far.

I had the E1 sitting on my desk in my office at room temp of 75℉ / 24℃.
Using my infrared pyrometer the E1 never got hotter than 105℉ / 41℃.
It appears the E1 is either really good at dissipating heat, or it doesn’t generate much heat to begin with.
I have a feeling it’s the later given the measured power consumption is only 2.27 Watts.

I played with the loop recording settings a bit.
The choices are 1, 3, 5 Minutes, and OFF.
When selecting OFF the E1 loop records in 5 Minute files approximately 600MB in size. This is going to be a bummer for people who like to record their drives for say an hour at at time.
Having to edit twelve 5 minute clips to get one hour of driving footage is going to be inconvenient to say the least.
Maybe this can be fixed in a future firmware update?
-Chuck

Many thanks to your patiently and professionally testing! Really useful and neat data. Thanks for your sharing!

 

[TonyM]

@Panzer Platform Interesting review with plenty of valid points raised regarding the functionality.
I notice your review did not have any comments on the video quality. Do you remember how it compared to the A119 Mini in that regard?

 

[Chuck McCoy]

I notice your review did not have any comments on the video quality. Do you remember how it compared to the A119 Mini in that regard?

After a few weeks of testing if I discover a camera is a “lame duck” based fundamental design flaws that prevent it from basic functionality I loose all interest in continued testing, and request a prepaid shipping label to ship the camera back to the manufacturer so I can focus my testing time & effort on other cameras.
So that’s what I did with the E1.
Here’s a link to all the test footage I filmed with the E1 when it was in my possession;

$120 Vantrue E1 (IMX335)

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