The VAVA dash cam is the perfect way to document roadtripping adventures with 1080p HD photo & video captures, instant snapshots, a real-time mobile app, and on-the-go social media sharing.
I wrote this sponsored post for VAVA. All opinions are mine.
I was enlisted by VAVA to test a pre-production (prototype) unit of their latest product, the VAVA dash cam. Over the past week, as you will see, Jerry and I have tested virtually every feature of both the cam and its mobile app. VAVA launched its Kickstarter campaign for the VAVA dash cam to overwhelming success. In just 24 hours, the campaign almost tripled its initial goal and sold out the first of its doorbuster deals.
Table of Contents
- 1 VAVA Dash Cam
- 2 Every vehicle should be equipped with a dash cam.
- 3 Roadtrippers should invest in a dash cam today!
- 4 The VAVA Dash Cam
- 5 The VAVA Dash Cam Mobile App (iOS & Android)
- 6 Photos
- 7 Inside Car Videos
- 8 Outside Car Videos
- 9 VAVA Dash Cam Installation
- 10 Final Observations
- 11 We Would Love to Hear From You
- 12 Pin this Post!
- 13 Helpful Links
VAVA Dash Cam
Regular readers know we typically do not do product reviews on Backroad Planet. In fact, I have not written a product review since 2013. But when I learned about the VAVA dash cam, I knew I would have to make an exception.
I have wanted a dash cam for a long time, and now that I have one, there is no going back.
I am hooked!
Every vehicle should be equipped with a dash cam.
I believe the times in which we live all but dictate that every vehicle be equipped with a dash cam for three main reasons:
• protection – dash cam videos record activities inside and outside vehicles for proof in litigation
• posterity – dash cams record special moments during road travels
• pleasure – dash cams capture planned and serendipitous events such as carpool karaoke and sunsets
Roadtrippers should invest in a dash cam today!
If you are roadtripping enthusiasts like we are, do not even hesitate to place a dash cam order today. With a dash cam, waypoints and destinations will no longer be the only parts of your road travels documented in photos and videos. Now you will be able to capture special moments while actually on the road. If you are a travel blogger, you will have the opportunity to share on-the-go photo and video captures so your readers and social media followers can vicariously travel along.
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The VAVA Dash Cam
Because this is my first outing with a dash cam, I have no experience to draw from nor comparisons to make. All I know is that the VAVA dash cam has exceeded my expectations in every way.
The VAVA dash cam has more features and capabilities than I can cover in this review, but here are a few highlights that impress me the most:
• a Sony IMX291 lens for 1080p HD quality photos & video
• 140° wide-angle lens to capture a full range of vision
• 360° swivel capability to shoot from any angle both inside and outside the vehicle
• a built-in mic for quality audio recording
• integrated GPS for logging and tracking trips on the mobile app
• easy portability for use with rental cars and other vehicles
• a G-sensor to auto-detect and save footage from unexpected motions, such as break-ins, when car is unattended
The VAVA Dash Cam Mobile App (iOS & Android)
The VAVA mobile app is the ideal way to control and manage the dash cam. It allows you to capture timeless moments inside your vehicle or stunning scenery on the outside. Mobile app features allow users to:
• wirelessly access the VAVA dash cam
• view the camera’s field of vision in real time
• track your driving route with GPS
• capture in-the-moment photos & 20-second videos remotely at the press of a button
• transfer photos & videos to your mobile device via a dedicated Wi-Fi channel
• view, add filters, and share photos & videos to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and email
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I shared the following image directly from the VAVA mobile app to the Backroad Planet Instagram account.
The Instagram post was automatically shared to Backroad Planet’s Facebook page and also to Twitter.
Photos
The next sequence of images are all VAVA dash cam snapshots taken with the mobile app. I captured photos at various locations and times of day to demonstrate the cam’s adaptability. All of the photos are original and unedited.
Driving I-4.
A Florida backroad.
Driving toward sunset.
Roadside pullover at 6:00 pm with my travel buddy Axle.
Inside Car Videos
The following video series includes four 20-second clips captured with the mobile app inside our vehicle while on a drive to the small town of San Antonio, Florida, for dinner. The mechanical noise you hear is the snapshot feature in action. All videos are original and unedited, and no digital stabilization has been used.
This was our first time ever using a dash cam, hence the experimentation and awkwardness. Actually, its not that different from our dialogue during any given road trip.
An awkward video about awkward videos.
Come on, news media. Let them rest in peace!
I downloaded this 3-minute video segment from the VAVA dash cam continuous archive. It is not a snapshot video, although you can hear the snapshot feature in action. I had pulled over to practice using the mobile app, so please forgive the multiple selfies. This video also demonstrates how the camera swivels 360° in any direction.
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Outside Car Videos
This is probably my favorite clip, also a 3-minute archival download. Immediately after the right turn, the scenery on the country road is aglow in the evening sun. Apologies for the repeated mechanical sounds. I was taking lots of snapshots with the mobile app.
The video quality in this clip is a bit over-exposed due to driving into direct sunlight. Still, I wanted to include some dirt road footage.
I was impressed with the visual quality of the video on a dark country road. The sound has been muted because copyrighted music was playing on the stereo. Night footage with city lights and oncoming headlights is less than optimal due to the direct glare.
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VAVA Dash Cam Installation
With only five components, the installation process is fairly simple and can be completed in 15-20 minutes. The most involved part is running the power cable from the camera around the windshield, under the dash, and to the power source. We were able to tuck the cable into crevices throughout the car interior so that it is virtually hidden from sight.
My 2009 Mercury Mountaineer has three power outlets: one in the front of the center console, one inside the console, and one behind the console in the back seat area. We decided the installation would look better if we ran the cable between the center console and the passenger seat, tucked out of sight between the plastic shell and the carpet, and plugged into the rear outlet.
Final Observations
In the space of a week, the VAVA dash cam has become an essential tool in documenting our road travel adventures. With 360° swivel high-definition photo and video captures, Backroad Planet readers will now have a window to authentically experience our life on the road. I cannot imagine roadtripping without it!
I learned by trial and error that the VAVA dash cam records video continuously in 3-minute segments while connected to a power source. When the SD card is full, it will begin replacing the oldest video files. The VAVA dash cam ships with a 32 GB SD card, but I recommend purchasing a 128 GB SD card, not just for greater storage, but also to allow the user time to download important footage before it is deleted.
In most vehicles, power to 12 volt DC outlets (cigarette lighters) is disconnected when you turn off the ignition. My SUV, a 2009 Mercury Mountaineer, is one of the rare vehicles that continues to power all outlets even when the vehicle is not running. If you have one of these vehicles, be sure to disconnect power to the camera manually before exiting, or the VAVA dash cam will continue to capture video. I will not confirm nor deny that this happened to me.
While using the VAVA dash cam pre-production unit, we had two minor issues:
• the charger did not fit snugly into the outlet, and occasionally slipped out
• the remote snapshot button, an alternate method for capturing images, functioned inconsistently
In communication with the production team I was assured that designers are aware of these issues and that they are being addressed before mass production of the VAVA dash cam begins in May 2017.
Although the VAVA dash cam integrated GPS accurately tracked and logged our travel routes on the mobile app, it appears at this time that location geo-tagging is not recorded in snapshot metadata. That is a capability I would like to see added to VAVA dash cam in the future so users can document exact locations of their snapshots.
But all things considered, I maintain that the VAVA dash cam is a roadtripper’s best friend.
Well, almost . . . .
We Would Love to Hear From You
We enjoy dialogue with our readers, especially when they share their recommendations for road trip accessories. Do you have a dash cam, or do you plan to purchase one in the near future? If so, we would love to hear your thoughts on the topic. We invite you to leave your comments and questions below, and we always respond!
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Pin this Post!
Helpful Links
VAVA Dash Community: A Facebook User Group
Thank you for your excellent and detailed review and every day (Non Hollywood) American scenery as viewed by me in New Zealand.
Others want to drive NZ and it’s a great drive but I Would love to do a Road Trip based on American Literature and locations in American songs 1950’s to 1980’s and Non Metropolitan US TV Programmes!
But based on the highest resolution, how much can fit on the maximum 128GB sd card please?
Thanks Again.
Hi Konrad, and thanks for your kind words! Your themed American road trip sounds fascinating. I am afraid I am not able to answer your question, but you can reach out to VAVA support at support@vava.com.
I enjoyed reading your review. I especially liked the portability of the dash cam and that you can easily move it from car to car. I recently got a new Roav dash cam, made by Anker and that one records while the car is parked when it senses motion or impact. Just wondering if the Vava dash cam records while the car is parked? Thank you.
Hi Andy! It has been a while since I reviewed the prototype VAVA dash cam, but I do recall that the camera can be left to record while parked and that it will record with triggered by impact. I recently received a brand new updated VAVA dash cam, but I have not installed it yet.
Thanks Howard for your reply. Let us know how the new VAVA dash cam works for you!
I initially installed my dash cam as a way to capture any traffic incidents that could potentially help me with a resulting insurance claim. After using it for some time, I find it excellent to record the scenery on our road trips. Great to see things change on the same trip at different times of the year!
I agree, Stuart. Recording scenic drives is my main motivation for using a dash cam. The scenery changes through the seasons and also on the return trip.
I love road trips so the dash cam sounds great. I agree the night footage is really impressive.
Agreed, Anisa! Hoping to receive my updated cam soon.
Dash cams are a must have. I have tried the Rexing v1 dash cam and it is great. Saved my day in court.
I agree, Rey! A dash cam is “must have” for me, too!
Can’t wait a minute to get this one for me. I am in agreement that I will get some amazing footage on a New Zealand road trip. I am going to buy it. Thank you for this great review. Now, waiting for your next article on the same topic.
The VAVA Car Dash Cams are supposed to be out this month, Madison. Enjoy your dash cam, and I hope you get some great road trip footage!
These Dashcams are going to be the future of video marketing. Great write-up!
I agree! And thanks!
Does anyone know if The va va dash cam is compliant with 2017 California driving laws?
Hi Jen! I would assume the VAVA Dash Cam is compliant with California driving laws because the company is headquartered in California. I would recommend contacting the company at their website if you need confirmation.
Hello Howard,
It’s a perfect buddy for my travel. Cool! I must have that too. Thank you for this review.
Elias
Glad to help, Elias!
These are so cool. I’ve been thinking of getting one and now I’ve got some direction
I give it my highest recommendation, Kevin!
It looks like it takes pretty good snapshots. I wouldn’t want to just watch driving videos, but if you were doing something like off-roading or driving on safari it could definitely produce some interesting content.
I know what you mean about driving videos, Jennifer, but you would be surprised how hypnotizing they can be. I think it is because the camera is so stable and you feel like you are cruising through the beauty.
It’s funny since I got my iPhone 6s Plus I’ve been using it as a makeshift dash can as it’s mounted on my window. I’ve been considering officially getting one to add to my camera collection to continue making dynamic videos. This camera seems great. Awesome review.
Christopher, iPhone video is great quality, too, but you have to start and stop it. The VAVA dash cam is always recording, and you can do intentional 20-second snapshot videos, as well. With the mobile app it is super-easy to download a snapshot or video segment to your iPhone.
This is really cool! I can see how it could be useful for protection reasons, but it would be a lot of fun to have too, especially on long road trips. I love how it integrates into your phone, too!
Jenna, the VAVA dash cam mobile app is incredible. You can literally take a snapshot photo or video and immediately upload it to social media.
That is one cool dash cam! The fact that it takes photos and can film in both directions is pretty impressive. I appreciate how few components there are. It looks quite simple to install and use, which is a real bonus.
Claudia, I could not have written a better summary myself. You hit the nail on the head!
Now, that’s one great idea!!! A safari should always have it, for instance!
Agreed, Carol! A safari would be a great application.
Ha ha, this reminds me of a friend who used this when we lived in Ghana where a corrupt policeman stopped him for overtaking somebody even though he didn’t. When he offered to replay the video to the policeman as evidence he let him go without a bribe.
LOL! Now that is a great story, and also one more bullet in the list of reasons every vehicle should be equipped with a dash cam.
This looks a great piece of kit, the photos it is producing are so clear and I love the compact size of it. I would like to invest in something like this when I do my road trip around New Zealand
You will get some amazing footage on a New Zealand road trip. I am envious!
I love the idea of using a dashcam to document your travels! We tend to travel light so I’m not sure we could fit another thing into our bags, but wish we could. It certainly takes create quality photos.
The dash cam, window mount, and charger actually take up very little space. It is ideal to for transferring to rental cars and alternate transportation.