Vico-WF1

The Vico-WF1 is a Taiwanese camera manufactured by VicoVation.  The camera has very good picture quality during the day and good picture quality at night.  It records 1080p at 30f/s with an average bit rate of approximately 10,000kpbs.  This camera comes with a G-sensor but does not come with GPS.  The camera has a unique form factor.  Some people love it, saying it looks like a rain sensor that blends in with the rear view mirror, others dislike it claiming it is too large.

While video quality is quite good, owners have indicated it does not perform as well as the Vico-TF2+ particularly at night (UPDATE:  Firmware 1.51 has improved night quality, nearly as good as the TF2+).  Also the operating temperature range is lower for the Vico-WF1 (0°C ~ 65°C for the WF1 vs 0°C ~ 75°C for the TF2+).  Like the TF2+, the WF1 does not have GPS.

On the positive side, the WF1 is more discrete than the TF2+ and the camera has WiFi capability and voice prompts (hence no screen).  Note that the WiFi capability allows  you to stream live video to aim the camera or transfer recorded videos to your smartphone while the active recording is off.  You cannot watch / stream video as it is being recorded.

This camera apparently is using an Ambarella A5 processor and Aptina AR0330 CMOS sensor.  One feature that this camera has is a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).  Unfortunately this system does not work that well and is pretty much a gimmick.

Known problems

This camera has just recently been released are there have not been many problems reported yet.

Mounting the Camera

Thanks to JazJon for these pictures

Sample Videos

Day Video

Night Video

Should I Purchase?

This camera has very good video quality but night quality could be better especially when compared to the Vico-TF2+  (UPDATE:  Firmware 1.51 has improved night quality, nearly as good as the TF2+).  Vicovation cameras have been reliable in the past but we don’t have much information on how this one will perform.

Overall this is good dash camera but the inability to stream live video while recording, lack of GPS and high price are drawbacks.  On the positive side, VicoVation appears to be responsive to customers.  The Vico-TF2+ is a better value for the money if you don’t mind the size.  See our complete comparison on the dash cam comparison page.

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.

Latest Firmware

The latest firmware version can be found on the VicoVation site.

Specifications

Published:  November 22, 2013