jeudi 29 septembre 2016

VicoVation OPIA 2 dashcam review

vico_opia2-box

Like surveillance systems, dashcams are the type of device that once installed and configured, the hope is that you never need to use/access its video footage. But you never know when you are going to be in or witness an accident or other noteworthy happenstance while driving. While popular around the world, dashcams are slowly gaining popularity here in the States. VicoVation recently released the OPIA 2, a compact, feature packed, ultra high definition recorder to a market that is quickly becoming crowded. Let’s see how it stacks up…

vico_opia2-frontback

Despite the fact the OPIA 2 has a 2″ TFT LCD screen, the dashcam is relatively small and compact (72mm x 53mm x 33mm). It has an all black plastic housing surrounding its A12 processor, ultra wide 160° lens, and 4 mega-pixel sensor that records 2K (2560 x 1440 @30 fps) HDR video.

The back side of the camera has the 2″ color display easily viewed in daylight. There is a row of five buttons along the bottom edge and a LED indicator light and speaker/microphone at the top. The buttons are used to navigate the device’s user interface, turn the camera on/off, mute sound and activate the emergency recording function when/if needed.

Package Contents:

vico_opia2-contents

  • OPIA 2 dashcam
  • 4 Meter Power Cable
  • Charger Suction Bracket
  • 3M Sticker Bracket
  • Quick Release Bracket
  • Installation Guide
  • Warranty card

Specifications: 

Image Processor: Ambarella A12
Sensor: 4 Megapixels CMOS
Lens: F/2.0,6G Lens
View Angle: 160° Diagonal Viewing Angle
Resolution: HDR 2560 x 1440 @ 30fps (2K Ultra-HD 1440p HDR) HDR 2304 x 1296 @ 30fps (2K Extreme HD 1296p HDR) HDR 1920 x 1080 @ 30fps (Full HD 1080p HDR) 1920 x 1080 @ 60fps
LCD Display: 2.0″
G-Sensor: 3-Axis Sensors
U-HDR: UHDR & 3DNR
Output interface: HD-Out / USB 2.0
Audio: Recording / Mute
Video: H.264 @ .MP4 file
Storage: micro SDXC / SDHC (Class 10 only,up to 128GB)
Language: English / Chinese / Russian / Japanese,Total 20 languages
Power: USB Cigar Car Charger (Input:DC12~24V,Output:DC5V/1A)
Operation Temp.: 0℃~75℃
Storage Temp.: -20℃~85℃
Dimension:
72mm(L) x 53mm(W) x 33mm(H)
Human Tech.: Loop/Seamless Recording Screen Saver (1/3/5 Mins)

Emergency Recording Automatically & Manually

Time/Date/Custom User Text Stamp

Smart Parking Surveillance (Requires Vico-Power PLUS)

vico_opia2-powerside

The right side of the OPIA 2 has the USB power port and external GPS mouse port. I was a bit surprised VicoVation used miniUSB ports versus microUSB ports which is much more the standard these days.

screen-shot-2016-09-17-at-8-31-00-am

The optional external Vico-GPS mouse adds the following features:

  • Lane departure warning system
  • Forward collision warning system
  • GPS tracking
  • Over-speed warning system
  • Automatic time/date correction
  • Speed overlay
  • Speed camera warning (in Taiwan)

vico_opia2-sdcard

The left side of the dashcam has the microSD card slot. The OPIA 2 is compatible with up to 128gb class 10 microSD cards.

vico_opia2-top

The top has the mounting connection point. The angled slot is engineered to allow easy install and removal of the dashcam from the windshield mounts. I found being able to quickly unplug and remove the device a convenient feature so I can lock it in my glovebox vs closing the top of my convertible.

vico_opia2-bottom

The only noteworthy thing on the bottom of the OPIA 2 is the serial number sticker.

vico_opia2-interface

The OPIA2 user interface is easy to understand and navigate. Configuring the dashcam was simple and quick five minute process.

vico_opia2-installed1

The windshield mount installed as you would expect, quick and easy. VicoVation includes a good selection of mounting options (adhesive, suction cup and quick release brackets) to choose from in the OPIA Premium Pack.

vico_opia2-installed2

The mounting brackets are well made and hold the OPIA 2 solidly in place. There is little to no movement or shaking/vibration in the video when driving on a smooth roadway.

screen-shot-2016-09-22-at-5-27-30-pm

The OPIA 2 records video in H.264 / .mp4 format in 5 minute segments. When the microSD card is full, the OPIA continuously overwrites the oldest video with new. Each 5 minute video recorded in 1440p weighs in at a hefty 1gb per segment. Though you can tweak the video resolution and frame rate via the OPIA 2’s firmware interface.

Day Video:

The “Ultra-HD” 2K HDR video is very clear with more detail than the standard 1080p that a majority of dashcam record at. Though the 160 degree viewing angle has a noticeable fish-eye effect towards the edges.

Night Video:

The video taken during nighttime conditions is clear and detailed as well.

Like the additional features the USB GPS mouse brings to the dashcam, the Vico-Power PLUS, also an optional item, enables the OPIA 2 to go into Smart Parking Surveillance mode. In Smart Parking Surveillance mode you can choose between motion detection and time-laps modes for saving battery and memory card space.

The OPIA 2 is VicoVation’s latest flagship dashcam, providing excellent Ultra-HD 1440p video. The 2,560 x 1,440 resolution provides plenty of detail and the HDR gives solid contrast and viewability (combined give the best video quality I have ever seen in this sort of device). While the OPIA 2 is well made and has some of the best image quality currently available, it is a shame it does not have built-in GPS so you can have full range of its entire feature set. That said, considering its ease of use, this camera would be an excellent choice for the first time user or long-time dashcam diehard alike who wanted/needed better video quality.

Source:  The sample for this review was provided by VicoVation. Please visit their site for more information and Amazon to order.

 

Product Information

Price: $249
Manufacturer: VicoVation
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Excellent 1440p HDR video quality
  • Small compact design
  • 2" color screen
  • Well made
  • Multiple mounting options included
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Optional accessories needed to use all features

Filed in categories: Car Gear, Reviews

Tagged:

VicoVation OPIA 2 dashcam review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 29, 2016 at 8:00 am.

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VicoVation OPIA 2 dashcam review

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