The Zenfox T3 is a tri-channel dash cam released in May 2020, by the Chinese manufacturer Zenfox (their first camera released). This is one of only a handful of 3 channel dash cams currently available, targeted at the rideshare driver market segment.
The Zenfox T3 uses a Novatek NT96685 processor. The front camera uses a Sony STARVIS IMX335 CMOS sensor, the rear camera has a Sony STARVIS IMX291 CMOS sensor and the interior camera uses a Sony STARVIS IMX307 sensor. Note the interior camera comes with 4 infrared LEDs that illuminates the vehicle’s cabin at night. Overall these are high quality components and are similar to what is used in the VIOFO A129 Pro.
Video Quality
The T3 front camera records 1440p (Quad HD) video at 30fps with an average bitrate of 46.1 Mbps. The rear camera records 1080p at 30fps with a bitrate of 16.6 Mbps. The interior camera also records 1080p at 30fps with a bitrate of 16.6 Mbps.
Video quality for the front camera during the day is very good but night quality is average. The rear camera has good video quality during the day and below average at night. The interior camera does a good job both day and night. When compared to the Vantrue N4, the Zenfox T3 has better video quality all around.
Features
The camera has a 2″ screen, g-sensor and has built in GPS. The T3 comes with WiFi and supporting apps for Android and iOS. It also provides timelapse parking mode if you hardwire the dash cam to your vehicle (optional hardwire kit required).
The Zenfox T3 is large wedge shaped camera with dimensions of 125 x 58 x 47 mm. Like most wedge shaped cameras, the T3 comes with an adhesive mount and the camera cannot swivel to record interactions at the driver or passenger windows. Overall build quality is good and the T3 comes with audio and screen error notifications. It also uses a capacitor instead of battery.
Numerous members of our forum received early versions of this camera and provided feedback here.
Relationship with VIOFO
While a 3-channel camera appears to be an ambitious attempt for a manufacturer’s first camera, we suspect there is some linkage between Zenfox and the more established manufacturer, VIOFO, due to the following reasons:
- T3 firmware has references to the VIOFO A129 Pro
- An owner received a VIOFO branded Micro SD Card reader
- Zenfox banking transactions are labeled VIOFO
- Zenfox is using a screenshot of VIOFO A129 Pro footage as marketing material for the T3 (one of our members sent the footage to VIOFO)
It is not clear why this camera is released under the Zenfox brand instead of VIOFO.
Known problems
Overheating
Numerous Dashcamtalk members who had initial samples of this camera had overheating issues with their cameras, particularly when trying to use parking mode. The camera typically stop recording rear video, then stop recording interior video. In some cases the camera would crash. It is not clear if this issue has been resolved in later production versions.
GPS Connection Issues
Some of the members with initial sample of this camera indicated the GPS would freeze or not connect reliably. Not all users experienced this and it may have been resolved with later versions.
Sample Videos
The following videos from our member kamkar1 shows front, rear and cabin footage.
Should I Purchase?
The Zenfox T3 is the newest competitor in the 3-channel dash cam space. While the camera is large, the wedge shaped design is fine. The camera has a lot of positives such as WiFi, use of a capacitor, audio error notifications and some initial firmware updates.
On the negative side, the video quality at night is not the greatest but overall does have better video than its main competitor the Vantrue N4. Some of the initial cameras had overheating and GPS issues which are concerning if not resolved. Given the $250 price tag, would probably check to see if others are experiencing reliability problems before purchasing.
Firmware
WARNING! MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR FIRMWARE ARE PERFORMED AT YOUR OWN RISK. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR DASH CAM AS A RESULT OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Firmware Update Instructions
- Make sure to use a high-quality U1/U3 memory card, format the SD card as FAT32.
- Copy the .bin file on the root of the card (use the card reader)
Do not change the file name, otherwise, the camera won’t recognize it. - Insert the microSD card into your camera.
- Connect the camera with external charger and wait for the camera to restart. You will see the camera LEDs blinking.
- After updating the firmware, the .bin file will be deleted automatically. If not, please follow the instruction to update the firmware again.
- Please check again the firmware version in the menu to ensure it is upgraded successfully.
Latest Firmware
The latest firmware can be found on the Zenfox site.
User Manual
The English user manual can be downloaded here.
Specifications
| Spec | Zenfox T3 |
|---|---|
| Price | $250 |
| Overall Rating | 5.8/10 |
| Price Rating | 8 |
| Brand | Zenfox |
| Channels | 3 |
| Channel Setup | Front, Rear, Interior |
| Form Factor | Wedge |
| Front Resolution | 2K (1440p) |
| Spec | Zenfox T3 |
|---|---|
| Parking Mode | Timelapse |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Apps | Android, iOS |
| Cloud Connectivity | No |
| Voice Commands | No |
| Spec | Zenfox T3 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Novatek NT96685 |
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Compression | H.264 |
| Screen Size | 2" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Mount | Adhesive |
| Power Supply | 5V |
| Battery Type | Capacitor |
| Spec | Zenfox T3 |
|---|---|
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Card Size | 256GB |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 65°C |
| Swivel | No |
| Country | China |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Release Date | May 2020 |
| Spec | Zenfox T3 |
|---|---|
| Day Video | 8 |
| Night Video | 5 |
| Reliability | 4 |
| Discreetness | 5 |
| Support | 5 |
| Spec | Zenfox T3 |
|---|---|
| CMOS | Sony STARVIS IMX335 |
| Max Resolution | 2560 x 1440p (2K) |
| FPS | 30 |
| Bitrate | 46.1 Mbps |
| Viewing Angle | 160° |
| Dimensions | 125 x 58 x 47 |
| HDR | No |
| Spec | Zenfox T3 |
|---|---|
| CMOS | Sony STARVIS IMX291 |
| Max Resolution | 1920 x 1080p |
| FPS | 30 |
| Bitrate | 16.6 Mbps |
| Viewing Angle | 140° |
| Dimensions | Unknown |
| HDR | No |
Published: October 6, 2020
Zenfox T3
The Zenfox T3 has the potential to be a decent 3-channel camera if initial release issues are resolved. Initial overheating problems are concerning.
Product SKU: Zenfox T3
Product Brand: Zenfox
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 250
Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
5.8