Thought about getting the external mic for my VIOFO A139 Pro when i ordered it. Once installed and footage checked the external mic was not needed. The mic in the unit works amazing.
GREAT COMPARISON!!!! My mind is made up! The 139 is dominating all the reviews I'm seeing! As an aside, this non-copyrighted music reminds me of the old VHS tapes we used to find in our parents closet 🤣🤣🤣 Anyway I will get the VIOFO. Thank you!
Much appreciated Ben! Great personality, is very professional, and creates detailed reviews on a variety of dashcams. However, I'm fussy and still waiting for a company to produce 4K 2-Channel both front and rear at 4K, quality nighttime images in low light, and more data storage such as 1TB to 2TB, long-term recording, low battery drain, with excellent Parking Mode capability. Viofo had released the WM1 a no-thrill unit, the latest is the Viofo A119 Mini 2 which is a single 2K camera utilizing Starvis2 IMX 678 with HDR plus it has Voice Command. I think the A119 Mini 2 would be nicer as a 2-Channel. A shame that Thinkware U1000 still holds the #1 Parking Mode title for the last 3 years and 9 months as it was released in September 2019. Just saying, it appears progress is rather slow in the dashcam market.
Hey Rich. The new U3000 review should be soon. Just waiting for final production pieces to arrive. I know a few people running 2 separate front cams on their vehicle. I have told a few manufacturers, time is now to release something that will wow people. Should have a119mini2 soon as well. Lots of reviews coming
@@SafeDriveSolutions Ben, you are on top of things as always keeping us informed on quality products ...thanks ...I do apologize for being a bit optimistic but sometimes it pays to be patient as not rushing in can be an advantage. Can't believe my 2023 Camry XSE V6 is getting to be 6 months old. U1000 is outdated but still viable, I've been fortunate as no foul play has occurred to mine or my wife's vehicles. Thinkware U3000 could be promising. : ) Most concerned that U3000 only supports a maximum SD card of 256GB, not 512GB. Thinkware is using the H265 file format to save data space rather than H264. Said to have less battery drain. Glad they improvised and integrated the Radar Module as no longer separate. Plus has an OBDII plugin. 4K front, 2K rear cameras. Add Sales Tax costing nearly $600 USD is a lot especially when compared to the Viofo A139 Pro 2-channel for less than $330 with Sales Tax. U3000 priced at under $500 would be respectable vs their competitors. Will wait on Price Wars or discounts.
Hi ! for the second cam , why 4k size !? the big important technical thing is having a good and real quality ! you can have a good real quality & resolution by FHD with decrease the capacity of records. and you can choose the IR type for your rear cam ! to have a good image specially at night or dark night !! .... but about maximum capacity of recordings ,, ,it seems that they are going to the next levels to expand it ... but it will take time because the dash cams industry is new ,yet ! its not same as CCTV with more biography and long life , so the producers need time to grow up it ... sure it will happens in near future . but at least we choose a professional company in a country that is leading of CCTV technology such as KOREA ! surely they have more knowledge & better know to do in this way because they have a big experience in CCTV field !
I Finally got my Viofo A139 pro delivered to the house. Unfortunately it was on back order. Regardless, I started the install this afternoon and will finish it up tomorrow and show some videos.
Viofo seems very high quality as far as video quality. However, being able to be on one side of the world and see what's going on around your vehicle is a BIG plus with Blackvue cameras in my opinion. Let's faceit. We live in a connected world now where device are not "dumb" like they used to be. Having to be in your close to your camera's wifi or sd card to retrieve your video footage just seems kind of prehistoric for 2024. If Viofo were to get on board with cloud capability, I think they'd knock Blackvue out of the box.
Depending on your specific needs, 1, 2, or 3 - Channel cameras, the Viofo A139 Pro is an excellent choice and a bit more affordable/discounted since its release date this year. Ben has produced numerous videos and you should watch them before making a final decision. Another UA-cam video source on dashcams is the Vortex Radar channel. Last is BlackboxMyCar which tends to be more of a Sales pitch than being straightforward. You will often find, Ben of Safe Drive Solutions provides the most satisfying and honest answers to your questions. His reviews are well-detailed and informative.
Have you tested the parking mode voltage draw with the A1 39 pro vs. thinkware? I just got the A1 39 to test against the u1000 because I wasn’t happy with how dark parking mode is on it and noticed that my power cell eight seems to be draining a lot more with the a139. Maybe because it’s 45 second clips instead of 20 second clips the thinkware.
@@SafeDriveSolutions Looks like those are for the u3000, unless I missed it. I'm talking about the draw from the u1000. Do you happen to know off the top of your head if the a139 has more of a draw than the u1000 in parking mode?
Hi Ben! Thank you for the review. I might have missed it, but doesn't the A139 PRO also have the impact detection function? And if so - have you tested how good does it work, how sensitive it is, etc?
Currently was working on a video on parking mode. Was not going over sensitivity in particular. But i do find the Viofo has a lot less false alerts then some others
@@SafeDriveSolutions Thanks, I am mainly interested in the impact detection (not so much motion detection) - would you say, if someone was to "touch" my car with his own (don't know the proper term, well, slight parking bump or tear), would it detect it and start a buffered video of the event?
@@marekm9609 the A139 Pro has Auto Event Detection. Which is Impact and Motion Detection in one. I find it works great. If you are looking for an impact only dash cam. Then Thinkware U1000 or new U3000 may be what you are looking for. They have those options. So the challenge with the sensitivity is everyones suspension is different. The main thing is to drive it around see if there is too many false impacts while driving. If it is good then you can set the setting for while parked to be more sensitive while parked for best operation.
I have heard that from a few people. But seeing it is a safety device. We were not recommending it due to liability reasons. It does seem tgat Thinkware now has it listed on their website as being supported
Hi Ben I am looking for a Dash Cam for our highway tractor. Our truck has 2 mirrors on the engine cover, left and right side viewing. I would also light to mount a camera on the back of the truck so I can oversee loads on our flatbed trailers. My wife and kids have asked if the webcam has WiFi, can they log into the forward facing camera and for a period of time "travel with me". What can you suggest. Looking forward to your reply.
safedrivesolutions.com/product/gnet-gt900-heavy-duty-dash-cam/ This is pretty cool and you can add a 4 th camera in the back as well. It will not allow you to login remotely though. This camera has Wi-Fi but only for you to pair the app provided you are within distance of the dash camera
@@SafeDriveSolutions Gotcha. What about the other 2? I think they had 2 channel correct? Just food for thought for future videos if it's something you can add as a comparison. For example I'm disappointed with the U1000's night time parking mode, it's very dark. I know I can use the 'bright' setting but then it winds up making it too bright during the day. My Vantrue E2 had infinitely better night parking mode. So for me seeing how clear people are in parking mode at night is useful.
Yes as far as I know. As long as you are using cigarette lighter end or hardwire cable. I would recommend using hardwire cable. If you are asking about plugging just the USB cable into it. I have never tested that way and can not answer that.
I would just like to make a correction, running the U1000 for 3 years now, it takes over 125GB micro SD cards just fine, ive worked my way up from 64 to 128 256 and now 512 GB which I find to be the sweet spot. don't have to rush home to save footage and week long road trips are saved in their entirety which I like. looking to upgrade but seems nothing is better yet
QUESTION: Do you know where I could get SAMPLE VIDEO FILES of the following THINKWARE U3000 BLACKVUE DR970X ? I now have to get a NEW dashcam! I bought the THINKWARE Q1000. And turns out that one had CLICKING SOUNDS during recording. Took back to shop, they replaced it on the spot and discovered before we left that it too was CLICKING... So they opened 5 more boxes and ALL are doing it. Today they said THINKWARE now discovered this is a GLOBAL issue and even another model is doing the same so Now I have to figure out what to do. One of the ISSUES I discovered with the Q1000 is the video's will NOT PLAY ON MY DASHCAM SOFTWARE "DAKAKAM REGISTRATOR VIEWER" So Now I wonder if the Q3000 AND the BLACKVUE will do the same. The only way I will know is to import some SAMPLE VIDEO FILES to see if they work or not.
hi, one of the good review of the Dash cam s ! but as a big & long experience in the field of CCTV ,,choose & using from a countries that they are leading in that field , is much better than others ! ... it means at least choose the BLACKVUE as a leader ! with more features ,absolutely will have better result in long time ! is not it ?
For me viofo video quality is not that great. Bought it recently. Night time videos are really pathetic. Rear camera pretty much useless and it behaves like 720p cam.
What settings do you have turned on or off? HDR on at night? Are you viewing videos on computer? phone or etc? What firmware are you running? Are you plugged into USB port, cigarette lighter, hardwire cable with a proper HK3-C cable?
@@SafeDriveSolutions HDR is on, bit rate set to normal, exposure at 0, cpll filter was put on. watched videos on both 4k tv and phone. Using cigarette lighter connection. Tried cleaning the lens n windshield but no use. Anything I am missing?
@@Sriman94 what firmware are you running? 1 of the firmwares had an issue and videos did not look that great. One of my clients I had to walk through an update to newest firmware and he was blown away at the difference in video quality.
@@SafeDriveSolutions I am on V1.1_0615 and I think it's the latest version. Daytime videos are absolutely gorgeous (only front). Rear cam is always grainy and low quality.
@@Sriman94 Okay so it is the latest version. Perfect. So you are happy with video quality of front? Is your rear camera by chance plugged into interior port of dash camera and not the rear port?
Blackvue is the only camera that you can see the guy who stole your dash cam the rest of them are just gone no footage. Question is, is that worth 300 dollars more. Also you can hook up your phones hot spot to the Blackvue you it if you dont want to buy the extra module.
The funny thing on your comment is I think Blackvue has the worst customer service out of all of these 3. Also people should stop buying off Amazon and then contacting the manufacturer for help. They should support companies like us who actually test the products, install them, and know the ins and outs of the product.
Thanks for your reply, however, if something goes wrong with Viafo, you need to send it back to china. I am in Australia, and no one sells it here at a retail outlet or online, except a very few stores that are hours drive away. In Australia, blackvue have a number to call. Viafo don't. And again, which cam is more reliable in heat? I love the clarity on the viafo, but on forums people have problems with them. @@SafeDriveSolutions
Thought about getting the external mic for my VIOFO A139 Pro when i ordered it. Once installed and footage checked the external mic was not needed. The mic in the unit works amazing.
The mic does work well.
Another good review Ben. I am looking forward to heading out your way for my install :)
Thank You
Awesome work, very clear on comparisons
Thanks
GREAT COMPARISON!!!!
My mind is made up!
The 139 is dominating all the reviews I'm seeing!
As an aside, this non-copyrighted
music reminds me of the old VHS tapes we used to find in our parents closet 🤣🤣🤣
Anyway I will get the VIOFO.
Thank you!
Vhs or Bata??? Ha ha
@SafeDriveSolutions
My dad was a VHS man...which made me and my friends fans of VHS also!
I agree, the 139 is what I’m buying.
Much appreciated Ben! Great personality, is very professional, and creates detailed reviews on a variety of dashcams. However, I'm fussy and still waiting for a company to produce 4K 2-Channel both front and rear at 4K, quality nighttime images in low light, and more data storage such as 1TB to 2TB, long-term recording, low battery drain, with excellent Parking Mode capability.
Viofo had released the WM1 a no-thrill unit, the latest is the Viofo A119 Mini 2 which is a single 2K camera utilizing Starvis2 IMX 678 with HDR plus it has Voice Command. I think the A119 Mini 2 would be nicer as a 2-Channel. A shame that Thinkware U1000 still holds the #1 Parking Mode title for the last 3 years and 9 months as it was released in September 2019. Just saying, it appears progress is rather slow in the dashcam market.
Hey Rich. The new U3000 review should be soon. Just waiting for final production pieces to arrive. I know a few people running 2 separate front cams on their vehicle. I have told a few manufacturers, time is now to release something that will wow people. Should have a119mini2 soon as well.
Lots of reviews coming
@@SafeDriveSolutions Ben, you are on top of things as always keeping us informed on quality products ...thanks ...I do apologize for being a bit optimistic but sometimes it pays to be patient as not rushing in can be an advantage. Can't believe my 2023 Camry XSE V6 is getting to be 6 months old. U1000 is outdated but still viable, I've been fortunate as no foul play has occurred to mine or my wife's vehicles. Thinkware U3000 could be promising. : ) Most concerned that U3000 only supports a maximum SD card of 256GB, not 512GB. Thinkware is using the H265 file format to save data space rather than H264. Said to have less battery drain. Glad they improvised and integrated the Radar Module as no longer separate. Plus has an OBDII plugin. 4K front, 2K rear cameras. Add Sales Tax costing nearly $600 USD is a lot especially when compared to the Viofo A139 Pro 2-channel for less than $330 with Sales Tax. U3000 priced at under $500 would be respectable vs their competitors. Will wait on Price Wars or discounts.
Hi ! for the second cam , why 4k size !? the big important technical thing is having a good and real quality ! you can have a good real quality & resolution by FHD with decrease the capacity of records. and you can choose the IR type for your rear cam ! to have a good image specially at night or dark night !! .... but about maximum capacity of recordings ,, ,it seems that they are going to the next levels to expand it ... but it will take time because the dash cams industry is new ,yet ! its not same as CCTV with more biography and long life , so the producers need time to grow up it ... sure it will happens in near future . but at least we choose a professional company in a country that is leading of CCTV technology such as KOREA ! surely they have more knowledge & better know to do in this way because they have a big experience in CCTV field !
@@richscott2483িহমহহতিতট😅টটপ😮নজতটটটওও
I Finally got my Viofo A139 pro delivered to the house. Unfortunately it was on back order. Regardless, I started the install this afternoon and will finish it up tomorrow and show some videos.
Awesome
Well ?
Viofo seems very high quality as far as video quality. However, being able to be on one side of the world and see what's going on around your vehicle is a BIG plus with Blackvue cameras in my opinion. Let's faceit. We live in a connected world now where device are not "dumb" like they used to be. Having to be in your close to your camera's wifi or sd card to retrieve your video footage just seems kind of prehistoric for 2024. If Viofo were to get on board with cloud capability, I think they'd knock Blackvue out of the box.
thx - I am considering the Viofo 139 sot that was a good intro
Thanks
Depending on your specific needs, 1, 2, or 3 - Channel cameras, the Viofo A139 Pro is an excellent choice and a bit more affordable/discounted since its release date this year. Ben has produced numerous videos and you should watch them before making a final decision. Another UA-cam video source on dashcams is the Vortex Radar channel. Last is BlackboxMyCar which tends to be more of a Sales pitch than being straightforward. You will often find, Ben of Safe Drive Solutions provides the most satisfying and honest answers to your questions. His reviews are well-detailed and informative.
Hey mate which is best thanks
best video quality Viofo A139 Pro, Best parking mode Thinkware U1000, best Cloud service Blackvue DR 970X
Very Informative Vlog✅💥💥💥
Thanks! Is there a chance that this Blackvue will soon incorporate HDR and CPL into their cameras?
There is already a new blackvue since this video. ua-cam.com/video/Rcb546vwvkg/v-deo.html
Have you tested the parking mode voltage draw with the A1 39 pro vs. thinkware? I just got the A1 39 to test against the u1000 because I wasn’t happy with how dark parking mode is on it and noticed that my power cell eight seems to be draining a lot more with the a139. Maybe because it’s 45 second clips instead of 20 second clips the thinkware.
ua-cam.com/video/XSheY59phfk/v-deo.html and this video ua-cam.com/video/fp4Na7QgoLE/v-deo.html
@@SafeDriveSolutions Looks like those are for the u3000, unless I missed it. I'm talking about the draw from the u1000. Do you happen to know off the top of your head if the a139 has more of a draw than the u1000 in parking mode?
Is the parking mode on the Blackvue DR970X or Next Base 622GW camera any good? Or is there better cameras out there?
I believe Thinkware has one of the better parking modes out there.
I wish you could test a FitcamX video camera.
Hey if @fitcamx wants to send me one for my vehicle I will test it against other systems we carry.
Hi Ben! Thank you for the review. I might have missed it, but doesn't the A139 PRO also have the impact detection function? And if so - have you tested how good does it work, how sensitive it is, etc?
Currently was working on a video on parking mode. Was not going over sensitivity in particular. But i do find the Viofo has a lot less false alerts then some others
@@SafeDriveSolutions Thanks, I am mainly interested in the impact detection (not so much motion detection) - would you say, if someone was to "touch" my car with his own (don't know the proper term, well, slight parking bump or tear), would it detect it and start a buffered video of the event?
@@marekm9609 the A139 Pro has Auto Event Detection. Which is Impact and Motion Detection in one. I find it works great.
If you are looking for an impact only dash cam. Then Thinkware U1000 or new U3000 may be what you are looking for. They have those options.
So the challenge with the sensitivity is everyones suspension is different. The main thing is to drive it around see if there is too many false impacts while driving. If it is good then you can set the setting for while parked to be more sensitive while parked for best operation.
@@marekm9609 this is why you want auto event detection is because it will buffer the event provided it sees the impact coming.
I've been using a Samsung Pro Endurance 256 gb MicroSD card on my Thinkware U1000 for about a year now.
I have heard that from a few people. But seeing it is a safety device. We were not recommending it due to liability reasons. It does seem tgat Thinkware now has it listed on their website as being supported
Hi Ben I am looking for a Dash Cam for our highway tractor. Our truck has 2 mirrors on the engine cover, left and right side viewing. I would also light to mount a camera on the back of the truck so I can oversee loads on our flatbed trailers.
My wife and kids have asked if the webcam has WiFi, can they log into the forward facing camera and for a period of time "travel with me".
What can you suggest. Looking forward to your reply.
safedrivesolutions.com/product/gnet-gt900-heavy-duty-dash-cam/ This is pretty cool and you can add a 4 th camera in the back as well. It will not allow you to login remotely though. This camera has Wi-Fi but only for you to pair the app provided you are within distance of the dash camera
Just found your site. Totally impressed. Actually made a purchase too. Any one you can recommend for hard wire install in Calgary?
Sent you an email. Thanks for your support
Would have be useful to see footage of the rear cameras to compare.
I appreciate that. The DR970X i bought was front camera only.
@@SafeDriveSolutions Gotcha. What about the other 2? I think they had 2 channel correct? Just food for thought for future videos if it's something you can add as a comparison. For example I'm disappointed with the U1000's night time parking mode, it's very dark. I know I can use the 'bright' setting but then it winds up making it too bright during the day. My Vantrue E2 had infinitely better night parking mode. So for me seeing how clear people are in parking mode at night is useful.
@@Kal-el23 Big review coming up in coming weeks. Will try and include parking mode at night.
@@SafeDriveSolutions Awesome, thanks! P.S. Just subbed. Helpful videos, thank you!
Will any battery pack work with Viofo A139 Pro? i.e. Blackvue B130X, CELLINK NEO8+S, Thinkware IVOLT MINI.
Yes as far as I know. As long as you are using cigarette lighter end or hardwire cable. I would recommend using hardwire cable.
If you are asking about plugging just the USB cable into it. I have never tested that way and can not answer that.
@@SafeDriveSolutions USB cable works
I would just like to make a correction, running the U1000 for 3 years now, it takes over 125GB micro SD cards just fine, ive worked my way up from 64 to 128 256 and now 512 GB which I find to be the sweet spot. don't have to rush home to save footage and week long road trips are saved in their entirety which I like. looking to upgrade but seems nothing is better yet
Yes i have heard that. However manufacturers specification is 128gb.
QUESTION: Do you know where I could get SAMPLE VIDEO FILES of the following
THINKWARE U3000
BLACKVUE DR970X ?
I now have to get a NEW dashcam!
I bought the THINKWARE Q1000. And turns out that one had CLICKING SOUNDS during recording. Took back to shop, they replaced it on the spot and discovered before we left that it too was CLICKING... So they opened 5 more boxes and ALL are doing it.
Today they said THINKWARE now discovered this is a GLOBAL issue and even another model is doing the same so Now I have to figure out what to do.
One of the ISSUES I discovered with the Q1000 is the video's will NOT PLAY ON MY DASHCAM SOFTWARE "DAKAKAM REGISTRATOR VIEWER"
So Now I wonder if the Q3000 AND the BLACKVUE will do the same.
The only way I will know is to import some SAMPLE VIDEO FILES to see if they work or not.
I could send you a file
@@SafeDriveSolutions that would be incredible!! Could you send 2 of each model?
What would be the best way?
@@thecamarogarage email me info@safedrivesolutions.com
Does anyone else hate the fact that the the thinkware doesn’t show a thumbnail for parking mode motion incidents?
New u3000 does
@@SafeDriveSolutions Ohhh interesting. I think I recall you saying you still prefer the a139 though?
@@Kal-el23 depends on what you are using it for
I like the Viofo best. Do you know if someone sells a polarizing filter for its lens to cut dash reflections?
Viofo a139 pro polarized lens comes in box
Isn't the a139 only capable of 60fps if the HDR is off? With only 30fps if HDR is on.
Yes that is correct. HDR off 60 fps at 2K.
Viofo does have double the bitrates and it chews sd cards as a result (50mbs) vs blackvue using 25
True
hi, one of the good review of the Dash cam s ! but as a big & long experience in the field of CCTV ,,choose & using from a countries that they are leading in that field , is much better than others ! ... it means at least choose the BLACKVUE as a leader ! with more features ,absolutely will have better result in long time ! is not it ?
I've used a 400 gigabyte sd card with my Blackvue for a long time.
Good video
Thanks
For me viofo video quality is not that great. Bought it recently. Night time videos are really pathetic. Rear camera pretty much useless and it behaves like 720p cam.
What settings do you have turned on or off? HDR on at night? Are you viewing videos on computer? phone or etc? What firmware are you running? Are you plugged into USB port, cigarette lighter, hardwire cable with a proper HK3-C cable?
@@SafeDriveSolutions HDR is on, bit rate set to normal, exposure at 0, cpll filter was put on. watched videos on both 4k tv and phone. Using cigarette lighter connection. Tried cleaning the lens n windshield but no use. Anything I am missing?
@@Sriman94 what firmware are you running? 1 of the firmwares had an issue and videos did not look that great. One of my clients I had to walk through an update to newest firmware and he was blown away at the difference in video quality.
@@SafeDriveSolutions I am on V1.1_0615 and I think it's the latest version. Daytime videos are absolutely gorgeous (only front). Rear cam is always grainy and low quality.
@@Sriman94 Okay so it is the latest version. Perfect. So you are happy with video quality of front? Is your rear camera by chance plugged into interior port of dash camera and not the rear port?
Blackvue is the only camera that you can see the guy who stole your dash cam the rest of them are just gone no footage. Question is, is that worth 300 dollars more. Also you can hook up your phones hot spot to the Blackvue you it if you dont want to buy the extra module.
the Viafo is better, but their customer service and reliabilty is atrocious.
The funny thing on your comment is I think Blackvue has the worst customer service out of all of these 3.
Also people should stop buying off Amazon and then contacting the manufacturer for help. They should support companies like us who actually test the products, install them, and know the ins and outs of the product.
Thanks for your reply, however, if something goes wrong with Viafo, you need to send it back to china. I am in Australia, and no one sells it here at a retail outlet or online, except a very few stores that are hours drive away. In Australia, blackvue have a number to call. Viafo don't. And again, which cam is more reliable in heat? I love the clarity on the viafo, but on forums people have problems with them. @@SafeDriveSolutions
No they're NOT 4K 😂😂 Just words on the box.. Rip off.
why is 8MP not 4k?