Suzanne Keane puts the Viofo A139 Dash Cam to the test
What is it? The Viofo A139 3 channel Dash Cam takes the dash cam experience to another level with 3 cameras fitted to the car. A front, interior and rear camera provide you with almost full coverage while you’re driving, and you can connect directly to the camera via an app.
Who is it best for? Anyone who wants to record themselves driving, for safety, security or any other reason. There’s also a built-in microphone that records sound so it’s a great way of recording family trips and catching those moments that would be missed otherwise.
Best points? The ability to connect to the camera from your phone is excellent. Gone are the days where you had to bring the camera inside and plug it into a laptop to view a video. You can connect via the app and WiFi and view and download videos without moving the A139 unit off the windscreen. You can also adjust the cameras via the app if, for example, one has been fitted upside down.
The collision sensor is a great feature. It locks the video file from the point of impact and stops it from being overwritten accidentally – however, something like hitting a pothole or slamming the boot can also set it off!
Because there are three cameras fitting the A139 is a little more complex than a single camera set-up. The rear cable is just 2.8mm thick so is easy enough to slot under trim and it’s powered via a USB Type C cable. We fitted the cameras to an estate and the cable wasn’t quite long enough to reach the centre of the back window – however, if we had put it through the roof lining it would have made it so plan the best route before fitting.
Anything else? There’s a parking mode which may not prevent bumps and dents but will show you who’s responsible. The vertical angle of the front camera is adjustable to get the perfect view of the road and the Sony STRAVIS sensors give great clarity to nighttime images. The LED internal camera can pick up detail even in pitch darkness and GPS speed and location are also recorded with the video.
However, the front camera unit wouldn’t stay on my windscreen with the 3M sticker that was provided – this could be down to condensation as in the morning the camera would be hanging off the windscreen so we ended up fitting it with some extra extra strong double sided tape! Also, the wiring for the rear camera can disconnect if you’re opening and closing the boot all the time (on an estate or hatchback) so you should check it before setting off on a long journey.
Where can I get one? The Viofo A139 3 Channel Dash Cam is available from Amazon.
Will it break the bank? The Viofo A139 has an RRP of £279.95 with free delivery – at today’s conversion rate that’s coming in as €342.42.
An optional External Microphone is available if you need high quality sound and a Bluetooth remote control is another optional accessory.
What’s the verdict? In terms of quality the output from the Viofo A139 is brilliant. The ability to download just the videos you want is a great feature and you won’t ever have to take the camera out of the car unless you really want to.
Why you will buy one? Connectivity, Front and rear view, High Quality Images
Why you won’t? Wire popping out of the rear camera can be a bit annoying!
Features
3 Channel 2K 1440P Front + 1080P Interior + 1080P Rear Dash Cam
Sony Starvis Image Sensor
F1.6 Aperture 7 Elements Glass Lens
140°+ 170°+ 170° Wide Viewing Angle
Voice Notification
Dual Band Wi-Fi Built-in 2.4GHz & 5GHz
G-Sensor & Motion Detection Supported
Parking Mode Supported
Quick Release Mount
GPS Logger (Included)
CPL Filter (Included)
Support External Microphone (Optional, Not Included)
Bluetooth Emergency Remote (Optional, Not Included)
Support Micro SD Card Class 10 up to 256GB
Suzanne Keane
21st May 2021
