Viofo VS1 Dash Camera review, do we even need a screen? (+ Vantrue S1 Pro shoot-out!)

Agie said:
Here's some footage from the Viofo VS1 after the latest V1.0_240307 firmware that was released publicly a few days ago.
Click to expand...
Still a bit more sharpening than necessary, but I don't think less is going to improve readability of plates.
You need a CPL filter! All those reflections are wasting some of the bitrate.
 
Nigel said:
Still a bit more sharpening than necessary, but I don't think less is going to improve readability of plates.
You need a CPL filter! All those reflections are wasting some of the bitrate.
Click to expand...
don't think the official CPL filter is out yet but definitely will help for sure with reflections (that I can't do anything about til that solution arrives)
 
A little late to the party, but have posted some performance samples of the official Viofo CPL filter (CPL-400) that has recently been released for the VS1. @viofo @VIOFO-Support



Night:




Day:

 
Thanks @viofo and @VIOFO-Support for another firmware update for this fantastic dashcam, and adding support for the new Viofo BTR200 Wireless Bluetooth Remote Control 🙂



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manual

Browse user manuals for every VIOFO dash cam model. PDF downloads, quick-start guides, and detailed installation instructions.
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Viofo VS1 Firmware Update
  • Release date: 2024-06-18
  • Version: V1.1_240618
  • File size: 57.11M

Changelog:
  • IQ optimised
  • Increase the G-sensor sensitivity on the High option
  • Fix other bugs
  • Added 21:9 resolution recording
  • Add support for Viofo BTR200 Wireless Bluetooth Remote Control
 
Last edited:
Noticed some changes with the new V1.1 firmware, shown below. The 21:9 resolution was 2560x1080, down from the usual 16:9 2560x1440.

Also added is support for the Viofo BTR200 Wireless Bluetooth Remote Control, and the new functions it enables.

1000004106.webp
 
Have some samples here of the Viofo VS1 with the v1.1 firmware released publicly earlier in the week. This new firmware enables Viofo BTR200 Wireless Bluetooth Remote Control support, along with a new 21:9 2K resolution recording option. Bitrate for both day and night has remained the same. @viofo @VIOFO-Support





Night:




Day:

 
Last edited:
Viofo's Android app received another update to version 3.2.18 in the Google Play Store:

play.google.com

VIOFO - Apps on Google Play

VIOFO Car Dash Camera APP
play.google.com play.google.com



Changelog:

* Support A329 dashcam
* Other bugs fixed
 
Can't believe this one escaped me, but there is a newer version of the V1.1 firmware for the VS1, this time dated 14th September 2024.

Changes are listed as the same as the previous changelog, but I can confirm it flashes over that previous version and does fix the "live view" streaming issues that resulted when going between settings and live view screens in the app.

Direct download link here: https://viofotech.com/download/firmware/VS1/FWVS1.bin
 
Thanks @viofo and @VIOFO-Support for the December firmware update for the VS1.



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firmware

Download the latest VIOFO firmware updates for every dash cam model. Step-by-step instructions, version notes, and SD card requirements.
www.viofo.com www.viofo.com


Viofo VS1 Firmware Update
  • Release date: 2024-12-16
  • Version: V1.1_241216
  • File size: 57.1M

Changelog:
  • Added: privacy mode
  • Fixed: other bugs
 
Thanks @viofo and @VIOFO-Support for the December firmware update for the VS1.



www.viofo.com

firmware

Download the latest VIOFO firmware updates for every dash cam model. Step-by-step instructions, version notes, and SD card requirements.
www.viofo.com www.viofo.com


Viofo VS1 Firmware Update
  • Release date: 2025-01-15
  • Version: V1.1_250115
  • File size: 58.8M

Changelog:
  • Added: turn on/off the parking mode by BTR200 remote
  • Fixed: other bugs
 
Augustus said:
After having released their previous Sony Starvis 2 IMX675 solution in the A119 Mini 2, Viofo is back at it again with the VS1 in an even smaller form factor! It begs the question though, do we really need a screen on a dash camera? Let's investigate (special thank you to @viofo and @VIOFO-Support).



Viofo VS1 (Novatek NT96565, Sony Starvis 2 IMX675) Review

View attachment 71356

View attachment 71357



-----------------------------------------------------
Firmware: V1.0_240105. These were the firmware versions loaded onto the device from the factory – I did not receive any further updates during the testing period.

App for testing: Android version 3.2.14, obtained from Google Play Store.
-----------------------------------------------------



The verdict:

When going about this review, I thought that no screen would be an issue for me, as I am used to screened solutions. Especially when there is the A119 Mini 2 in Viofo's own stables. Arguably, the A119 Mini 2 is the more mature solution having been on the market for a while now. But with the two very close in price, do you need a screen when the VS1 performs so well without one? I'd say no, considering how smooth the setup and operation process of the VS1 is.

Coming back to the video quality and overall package of the VS1, Viofo has once again knocked it out of the park. The packaging is better, the styling is better, the experience is better. Viofo continue to build upon their strengths, and provide the best dash cameras in the industry. You won't regret your purchase.




My nitpickings:




The positive:

  • Video quality is absolutely fantastic in all lighting conditions, with Viofo again pushing the high bitrates to extract the maximum out of these Starvis 2 image sensors
  • Absolutely TINY unit, easy to install and remains almost hidden in plain sight. Loving the tilt capability to adjust the position of the camera
  • The new packaging from Viofo is sleek and minimalist, and a great move by including a microSD card in the box
  • Just as many dash cam settings as Viofo's bigger brothers & parking mode works well with the Viofo HK-5 USB-C hardwiring kit
  • Heat dissipation solution working on-point, as the VS1 performs well even in high temperatures
Click to expand...
How would it do in Florida heat?
 
Captorofsin said:
How would it do in Florida heat?
Click to expand...
Had no issues in the Australian summer heat with mine, so would presume that it would do well in the Florida heat also. It doesn't have a screen as well, so that would make things a lot easier on the VS1 as well..
 
Augustus said:
Had no issues in the Australian summer heat with mine, so would presume that it would do well in the Florida heat also. It doesn't have a screen as well, so that would make things a lot easier on the VS
Click to expand...

Augustus said:
Had no issues in the Australian summer heat with mine, so would presume that it would do well in the Florida heat also. It doesn't have a screen as well, so that would make things a lot easier on the VS1 as well..
Click to expand...
I've never been to your neck of the woods. I can only imagine it gets pretty darn hot inland. I'm guessing it's more dry heat (like Palm desert California or Southern New Mexico).

How well does it do (day and night) with other vehicles license plates details? I'm not looking to record a feature film (🤣), just want detail of license plates or details if anything bad happens.

I'm venturing to think (Because this unit would draw minimal current) that I could probably use a donger power adapter (I own a hybrid sienna. Use the adapter to pull power off the rear view mirror power).
 
Captorofsin said:
I've never been to your neck of the woods. I can only imagine it gets pretty darn hot inland. I'm guessing it's more dry heat (like Palm desert California or Southern New Mexico).

How well does it do (day and night) with other vehicles license plates details? I'm not looking to record a feature film (🤣), just want detail of license plates or details if anything bad happens.

I'm venturing to think (Because this unit would draw minimal current) that I could probably use a donger power adapter (I own a hybrid sienna. Use the adapter to pull power off the rear view mirror power).
Click to expand...
If the dongar is compatible then go for it. It does pretty well capturing licence plates , especially so at night with it being Starvis 2. At the start it had oversharpened footage, but that's been resolved with firmware updates.

If you can get it at a good price, I'd say go for it. There are competitive options though like the Vantrue E1 Pro and others like A119 Mini 2 and newer A119M Pro etc.
 
Augustus said:
If the dongar is compatible then go for it. It does pretty well capturing licence plates , especially so at night with it being Starvis 2. At the start it had oversharpened footage, but that's been resolved with firmware updates.

If you can get it at a good price, I'd say go for it. There are competitive options though like the Vantrue E1 Pro and others like A119 Mini 2 and newer A119M Pro etc.
Click to expand...
I don't want all the bells and whistles. I just want something in that can film good clear footage.

I just want to keep it simple 😁.
 
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