The VAVA VA-VD009, launched March 2020, is VAVA’s first rideshare camera. This camera’s cylindrical design deviates from the unique puck shaped design of VAVA’s previous dash cams.
The VA-VD009 uses an Ambarella H22A55 processor, a Sony STARVIS IMX335 CMOS sensor for the front camera and a Sony Exmor STARVIS IMX307 sensor for the interior camera. This hardware specifications are very good and the camera records at 1600p 30fps for the front camera and 1080p 30 fps for the interior camera.
Video Quality
Video quality for the front camera is very good during the day and good at night. The interior cabin camera performs well during the day also. During the night, the camera turns on 4 infrared lights to illuminate the cabin. The video is monochrome / black and white, and picks up detail in the cabin. Both cameras have a 155° wide angle lens that gives a fish eye view but quality is not impacted significantly.
Features
The VA-VD009 front camera is small at 110mm x 40mm and the cylindrical form factor is discreet. The camera uses a similar cone mount as other VAVA cameras that magnetically connects to the camera. The mount uses both adhesive and suction to attach to the windshield. You can swivel the camera 360° allowing you to record interactions with police officers and the interior camera can swivel 70° to capture what is going on in the cabin.
The VA-VD009 comes with a 2″ screen, g-sensor, GPS (built into the power cable) and non-buffered parking mode. The camera comes with a separate Bluetooth button to take photos (press once) or to take videos (press and hold for 3 seconds). Unfortunately the camera uses a 320 mAh battery instead of a super capacitor making it not suitable for hot environments. VAVA does not recommend hardwiring the camera and parking mode only works using the internal battery which lasts for approximately 30 minutes.
Adjusting settings and viewing videos can be done directly on the camera using the built in buttons and screen or via WiFi with the VAVA Dash app available for Android and iOS. There are some complaints on the usability of the app, but for most people it works well.
Support
On the positive side, the camera’s warranty can be extended to 24 months if you register online within 7 days of receiving the camera.
Note that while the camera has a large number of very good reviews on Amazon, there are numerous reports that VAVA provides a $40 Amazon Gift Card for a 5-star review as per the photo below.
Known problems
The camera has just recently been launched and there haven’t been any widespread problems. However some users have reported the camera runs hot. Note the max operating temperature of 50°C is lower than many other dash cams.
Internal Photos
Internal photos of the camera can be viewed in this PDF.
Sample Videos
Should I Purchase?
The VAVA VA-VD009 is one of VAVA’s better dash cams and has good video quality for a rideshare camera. The specifications, overall design and 2 year warranty (when registering online) are good as well. There are a few drawbacks including no audio error notification and the use of a battery instead of a capacitor. Combined with the max operating temperature of 50° C, the camera may not be suited for hot environments or for parking mode.
The VA-VD009 is mid priced at $180 and appears to be popular on Amazon. Unfortunately the practice of giving $40 Amazon gift cards in exchange for 5 star reviews is not ethical. The reviews may not reflect actual user experience.
See what other owners have to say about the VA-VD009 on our forum.
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
- Download the firmware
- Insert the Micro SD card into a PC, then copy the firmware file into the SD card root
- Insert the card back into the Dash Cam, and power it on.
- A dialog pops up to confirm Firmware Upgrade automatically. Press OK to start upgrading
Notes:
- The firmware file must be copied in the SD card root directory
- Do not power off the Dash Cam during the upgrade
- Please ensure there is enough power during this process
- The Dash Cam will restart automatically after upgrading
- Do not remove the card during the upgrade
Latest Firmware
The latest firmware can be downloaded on the VAVA website or here:
User Manual
The English user manual can be downloaded here.
Specifications
Data Sheet No specs match that search. Hardware Layout ScoresTechnical Specs
Spec VAVA VA-VD009 Brand VAVA Model VA-VD009 Channels 2 Channel Setup Front, Interior Form Factor Cylindrical Release Date Mar 2020 Country China Warranty 24 months with registration Spec VAVA VA-VD009 Processor Ambarella H22A55 Video Format MP4 Compression H.264 Screen Size 2" Touchscreen No Mount Suction and Adhesive Power Supply 5V Battery Type 320mAh Spec VAVA VA-VD009 Parking Mode Non-Buffered Wi-Fi Yes GPS Yes Apps Android, iOS Cloud Connectivity No Voice Commands No Spec VAVA VA-VD009 SD Card Type MicroSD Max Card Size 256GB Operating Temperature -10°C to 50°C Swivel Yes Error Notification Screen Camera Units
CMOS Sony STARVIS IMX335 Max Resolution 2560 x 1600p (2K) FPS 30 Bitrate 12.0 Mbps Viewing Angle 150° Dimensions 110 x 40 HDR No CMOS Sony STARVIS IMX307 Max Resolution 1920 x 1080p FPS 30 Bitrate 6.0 Mbps Viewing Angle 150° Dimensions Unknown HDR No Ratings
Published: September 15, 2020