FAQ
TL;DR: One owner reports almost 1 year of stable Viofo use, and "The camera has a very important function: signaling the failure of the memory card." For plate clarity day/night, prioritize WDR/HDR and a super‑capacitor over batteries. [Elektroda, Szyszkownik Kilkujadek, #19891306]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps drivers pick a dash cam for clear, reliable footage in sun, rain, and at night.
Quick facts:
- Typical working budget in-thread: around PLN 500 for a front-only unit. [Elektroda, madret, post #17462375]
- Dynamic range: HDR/WDR reduces headlight glare and harsh sunlight; PQ1 uses HDR, PQ2 uses WDR. [Elektroda, arekwij, post #17496524]
- Power/health: Super-capacitor cams and card‑failure alerts won praise for stability (e.g., Viofo A119 V3). [Elektroda, Szyszkownik Kilkujadek, #19891306]
- Dual-channel option: Viofo A129 Dual adds rear coverage for incidents. [Elektroda, induss, post #17520404]
- Real-world picks: 70mai A800S 4K chosen; Viofo A129 PLUS DUO planned for comparison. [Elektroda, madret, post #19891122]
Quick Facts
- Typical working budget in-thread: around PLN 500 for a front-only unit. [Elektroda, madret, post #17462375]
- Dynamic range: HDR/WDR reduces headlight glare and harsh sunlight; PQ1 uses HDR, PQ2 uses WDR. [Elektroda, arekwij, post #17496524]
- Power/health: Super-capacitor cams and card‑failure alerts won praise for stability (e.g., Viofo A119 V3). [Elektroda, Szyszkownik Kilkujadek, #19891306]
- Dual-channel option: Viofo A129 Dual adds rear coverage for incidents. [Elektroda, induss, post #17520404]
- Real-world picks: 70mai A800S 4K chosen; Viofo A129 PLUS DUO planned for comparison. [Elektroda, madret, post #19891122]
Viofo vs Dod-Tech: which is better for day/night and bad weather?
This thread leans toward Viofo due to real-user endorsements. A Viofo A119 V3 owner praised image quality, detail, and stability. They also highlighted memory-card failure alerts and a super‑capacitor, which boosts reliability. Quote: "The camera has a very important function: signaling the failure of the memory card." If choosing between brands, Viofo models earned specific praise here. [Elektroda, Szyszkownik Kilkujadek, #19891306]
Do I need WDR or HDR on a dash cam? What’s the difference?
Yes. WDR and HDR both widen dynamic range to handle bright sun and headlights. In this thread, Mikavi PQ1 uses HDR, while PQ2 offers WDR. The poster notes, "The principle of operation is very similar." Either feature helps plate readability in mixed lighting and at night. Prioritize cams with WDR/HDR when driving under changing light. [Elektroda, arekwij, post #17496524]
Are IR LEDs on car cameras actually useful?
Prefer WDR/HDR over IR LEDs. IR illumination only helps at night and can add glare or limited value through glass. As one user said, "It works better than the IR LEDs that illuminate only at night." Dynamic-range processing better preserves detail under oncoming headlights or streetlights. [Elektroda, arekwij, post #17461211]
What budget should I plan for a good front dash cam?
A workable target in this thread was around PLN 500 for a front-only unit. The original poster skipped a rear camera to avoid running power/cables. That budget focus still aimed for clear recordings across lighting conditions. Expect to pay more for dual-channel or advanced features. [Elektroda, madret, post #17462375]
Should I buy a dual-channel (front + rear) dash cam?
Choose dual-channel if you want rear impact evidence and broader coverage. One user bought a Viofo A129 Dual specifically for front and rear recording. Dual systems add protection but increase cost and installation effort. Single-channel remains fine if you prioritize simplicity. [Elektroda, induss, post #17520404]
Is wiring a rear camera a hassle?
It can be, depending on your car and tolerance for routing cables. The original poster skipped a rear camera because they didn’t want to run power to it. If you want easier installation, a single front camera simplifies things. [Elektroda, madret, post #17462375]
How do I evaluate video quality before buying?
- Watch sample clips on YouTube and vendor sites without compression.
- Check FPS and field of view; wider capture helps context.
- Compare night scenes and plates under streetlights.
"The more such a webcam is able to catch, the better." This approach reveals real performance beyond spec sheets. [Elektroda, arekwij, post #17465084]
Does the Mikavi PQ1 have WDR?
PQ1 uses HDR (High Dynamic Range), not WDR. PQ2 offers WDR. Both aim to reduce blown highlights from sunlight and oncoming headlights. The poster emphasized their similar operating principle for taming extreme lighting. Either feature helps keep details readable at night. [Elektroda, arekwij, post #17496524]
Is Mikavi PQ2 good if I need to record the car interior?
Yes. PQ2 is a dual model that records the interior, and you can disable the interior camera if you don’t need it. It uses solid components and includes WDR for challenging lighting. Consider it if rideshare or fleet use requires cabin footage. [Elektroda, arekwij, post #17496524]
Are MIO MiVue models reliable?
Experiences vary. One MIO 608 owner reported poor value and reliability issues, including time resets. A notable failure: “From new, the battery lasted 10 minutes. After a year, a few seconds.” Batteries can degrade, so consider super‑capacitor models for longevity. This is a single-user report, but it flags a risk. [Elektroda, seba694637, post #17477250]
Is the Viofo WR-1 worth considering?
A user reported several months of positive use with the Viofo WR-1. They stated it “is doing very well.” This suggests acceptable reliability and performance for a compact unit. Check sample footage before purchase to confirm it meets your needs. [Elektroda, kacha36, post #17497201]
Which Viofo models earned praise here and why?
Viofo A119 V3 drew praise for image quality, detail, and stability. The owner also valued the super‑capacitor and card‑failure alert. Quote: “The camera has a very important function: signaling the failure of the memory card.” These features boost reliability in daily use. [Elektroda, Szyszkownik Kilkujadek, #19891306]
What did the original poster ultimately choose?
The OP later bought the 70mai A800S 4K. They plan to add a Viofo A129 PLUS DUO in a second car for comparison. This provides a real-world contrast between a 4K single and a dual-channel setup. [Elektroda, madret, post #19891122]
Is Mikavi PQ3 worth a look?
Yes. A user would choose Mikavi PQ3 for its strong parameters, Wi‑Fi, and an additional rear camera. They also noted you can find PQ3 recordings on YouTube to judge quality. Review sample clips to confirm night readability and dynamic range. [Elektroda, jacekRCA, post #17604461]
