By Andrew Lam on October 22nd, 2016
If you’re looking for a premium heat resistant camera that rotates, Vicovation’s OPIA2 (Amazon Link) is your best and only choice. It also has some of the most incredible video quality on the market. The only major downside is the poor error notifications but we expect a firmware update in the future. There are also tradeoffs in design such as stealthiness; you can’t have everything.
Updates
Mar 20, 2018: The Opia 1 WiFi should be considered as an upgrade over the Opia2 reviewed in this article. The Opia1 features an upgraded f/1.4 lens, sensor and added WiFi functionality while retaining the same great qualities from the Opia2 model – such as parking mode and heat resistance.
Aug 30th, 2017: The OPIA1 Wifi model is coming out and from what we have seen it should be a winner. Vicovation has finally equipped their camera with a WiFi module. It will support up to 128GB SD cards and will boast an upgraded f/1.4 aperture and 7G lens. We will update you more when we get this camera in our hands.
Mar 20, 2018: The Opia 1 WiFi should be considered as an upgrade over the Opia2 reviewed in this article. The Opia1 features an upgraded f/1.4 lens, sensor and added WiFi functionality while retaining the same great qualities from the Opia2 model – such as parking mode and heat resistance.
Aug 30th, 2017: The OPIA1 Wifi model is coming out and from what we have seen it should be a winner. Vicovation has finally equipped their camera with a WiFi module. It will support up to 128GB SD cards and will boast an upgraded f/1.4 aperture and 7G lens. We will update you more when we get this camera in our hands.
Video Review
See this video first to learn everything you need to know about the Vicovation OPIA2
The Camera
Vicovation is a Taiwanese company that creates premium dash cameras for the consumer market. Their cameras are designed for the hot, humid weather found in Taiwan. The OPIA2 uses the same rectangular body found in the 2014 Marcus 1 camera but greatly improves upon the video hardware. The OPIA2 uses the Omnivision OV4689 CMOS Sensor and Ambarella A12 image processor which is likely the best hardware combination for dash cameras right now. Its rotation is rather unique as every other $200+ cameras which use capacitors can only rotate up and down. This can help with stealthiness but limits a lot of their usefulness. You can use this rotation to capture events which can be missed like this driver’s encounter with a hit and run driver.
Specs
| Date Released | May 2016 |
| Max Resolution | 2560 x 1440P @ 30FPS |
| Processor | Ambarella A12 |
| Image Sensor | Omnivision OV4689 |
| Lens | Glass f/2.0 Lens |
| Capacitor // Battery | Capacitor |
| LCD | 2.0″ |
| Diagonal FOV | 160° |
| GPS | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Bitrate | 20 mbps |
| Memory Type | microSD |
| Max Size | 128GB |
| Operating Temp | Max 75°C/167°F |
| Size | 7.2 cm x 5.3cm x 3.3cm |
Video Quality & Raw Videos
Overall the video is likely the best there is outside of some specific ultra-low light situations with the next generation of Sony sensors. I looked at a lot of raw videos and the OPIA2 seems to be the current leader. I’ll be testing more cameras and updating this section as necessary.Daylight Videos
Sharpness vs Older A118 
The OPIA2 is more legible and sharper but it’s not as noticeable during the day compared to night. Download Raw Videos: A118 – OPIA2 Dynamic Range Comparison 
The OPIA2 has the best performance out of all four cameras. The $100 A119 has the second best video quality followed by the $70 Yi. Download Raw Videos: A118 – A119 – OPIA2 – Yi Cam Comparing Exposure in Rapidly Changing Lighting Conditions 
When we compared how quickly the cameras responded to bright and dark we found it paled in comparison to the OPIA2. There’s a small period of time where you can’t see anything before the contrast fixes itself. Download Raw Videos: A119 – OPIA2 – Yi Cam Forward Collision and Lane Departure Modes 
These two options I found are annoying and won’t be helpful to any drivers. This is the first camera I’ve tested where you can limit its activation to highway speeds only. Still, there were too many false positives. Download the Raw Video: OPIA2 Warnings
A118
OPIA2
A118
A119
Vico OPIA2
Yi
A119
Vico OPIA2
Yi
Nighttime Videos
Low Light vs the $50 A118 
Against our $50 recommendation the OPIA2 is noticeably better in every single way. If you were to increase the exposure you’ll notice that it can’t pick anything up in the shadows even though the exposure on the construction pylons is about the same. Download the Raw Video: A118 – OPIA2 Circular Polarizer vs No Polarizer 
With the circular polarizer attached you can see the videos are grainier. From what I can see it doesn’t significantly affect the video quality until you get into very low light situations. I would recommend everyone to use a circular polarizer unless you regularly drive in rural environments with no external lighting except your headlights Download the Raw Video: Polarized – No Polarizer Ultra Low Light 
Compared to the DOD LS460W the OPIA2 has much better dynamic range. You can clearly see the buildings on the side while still having the same exposure in the lit section of the road. This is useful if a pedestrian runs from the side of the road and you can show that there wasn’t anything you could have done to avoid the collision. Download the Raw Video: DOD LS460W – Vico OPIA2 
A camera that delivers excellent video quality and functionality. We believe reliability will be excellent based on Vicovation’s history and their familiarity with the hardware design of the OPIA2. Overall:Best and only choice for anyone looking for a rotating, heat resistant dash camera. If you don’t need rotation you may also wish to consider other cameras like the Street Guardian SG9665GC.
Sold through VicoDirect who manages sales for Vicovation products around the world. Based in New Hyde Park[button size=”small” color=”#dc3425″ link=”http://amzn.to/2exMyzX”]Get it From VicoDirect’s Amazon Store[/button] 
Spy-Tec is a well known USA retailer and has been serving the dash and surveillance industry for many years. They are based out of New York and have a great reputation for customer service.[button size=”small” color=”#dc3425″ link=”http://geni.us/OPIA2SpyTec
“]Get it Direct from SpyTec[/button]
A118
OPIA2
No Polarizer
Polarized ✊
Summary
A camera that delivers excellent video quality and functionality. We believe reliability will be excellent based on Vicovation’s history and their familiarity with the hardware design of the OPIA2. Overall:Best and only choice for anyone looking for a rotating, heat resistant dash camera. If you don’t need rotation you may also wish to consider other cameras like the Street Guardian SG9665GC.| The Good | The Bad |
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Where to Buy It?
Vicovation has a number of authorized retailers listed on their webpage.United States
Spy-Tec is a well known USA retailer and has been serving the dash and surveillance industry for many years. They are based out of New York and have a great reputation for customer service.Canada
Sold again through VicoDirect, now stocked in Canada
The only dash cam specialty retailer who stocks OPIA2. Good reputation from what I’ve seen.Australia
The only dash cam specialty retailer who stocks OPIA2. Good reputation from what I’ve seen.
How are you getting the 25 MBPS Bitrate? I am at the latest firmware & I only get 19 MBPS. There is no option to increase the bitrate in the settings. Your RAW file sample genuinely shows 25 MBPS too. I first bought the Viofo A119 & it recorded at 25 mbps. But that had a faulty GPS so I returned it. Then I bought the Opia2 thinking the rotating mount would be useful, but now, it seems to have worse IQ compared to the A119. The night time video especially appears to be really really bad compared to the A119. And its all due to the bitrate.
Any updates on your impressions of the OPIA1? I’m debating between these two
Great review! It helped me decide to order & install one. I needed to decide which latest firmware to use 2.6 or 2.6S affecting image quality. I’ve posted the results for all to see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIO9gGFB4eQ
Hi Andrew, I put this on your YouTube comments, but am hoping to get your attention and maybe your answers will benefit people in both locations:
First, thanks so much for your straightforward, super-intelligent super-well-researched reviews. What a breath of fresh air. I’ll be buy via your links if that time comes.
Woud you kindly take a minute to compare the Opia2’s specs and features to this sexy number from Vava: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2130897358/the-vava-dash-cam-capture-the-road-ahead/description
Hard to fully say what the Vava is made of, but the CPU and sensor specs are towards the bottom of the page*. Compared to the Opia2, the Vava dashcam is less expensive, better-looking, and it claims to do many things well. Vava makes a high-quality bluetooth speaker that I’ve owned for six months. But it’s a kickstarter, and I know it’ll be a risk. I just want to know if you see any obvious red flags or b.s. I know you said you’d purchase one when it goes retail in a few months, but a quick perusal would be appreciated. thank you
also: Have you read, or do you have any reason to suspect that Vicovation might come out with an updated Opia sometime soon? I can wait a few months for the obvious improvements that could come…this is a big purchase. I’ve already been pulled over several times for no reason in my recently-bought cop magnet (red Miata NA), and I need to document. Just think if I wasn’t white.
also: this is interesting on windshield suction cup legality http://gpstracklog.com/2014/07/gps-windshield-mounts-illegal-half-u-s.html
Thanks Adrian – Appreciate it! So I wrote a long piece on the Vava on my Facebook page. Here’s the link. The summary is that it’s not bad but not amazing either. I don’t think it’s too much of a risk as it’s well within the technology that’s used for dash cameras. While VAVA has so far only released Bluetooth Speakers – at least they have made products in the past.
Vicovation is coming out with a WiFi model but not until June from what I’ve heard. I’m not sure how much better it’ll be.
That was an well-rounded and fair review of the Vava — thank you.
I live in western WA where heat is rarely an issue, so the Vava’s heat-related downsides may not be the critical issue it is most other places. Still, I do get out of the NW.
I much prefer the wedged, stealthier look of the A119s to the Opia (for a Miata), but I really want the Opia’s better video quality, rotation, auto-parking mode, and suction & adhesive mounts options (I have 2 rigs and a motorcycle). The big and obvious form factor (hate that phrase) of current version of the Opia is just about a dealbreaker, and I’m guessing the basic shape won’t change in any new version in (maybe) June.
It feels like the dashcam market may have more options with spec improvements in another year or two. But I want (need) one now. And the Vava isn’t available til june (so September or December).
Dang.
You might not be able to find a perfect solution. Anything is better than nothing. There’s not many choices for stealthy cameras that rotate, I can’t think of another that’s smaller than the OPIA2 actually.
Hi Andrew,
When I saw your comment a few months ago mentioning Vicovation may be coming out with a WiFi model in June, I decided to wait.
Have you happened to hear any more news regarding the release date?
Hey, sorry about the late reply. I spoke with staff at Vicovation. The OPIA1 will be released at the end of August. It’ll also switch the sensor to a Sony Starvis model. It’s available in Asia as they launch there first then in overseas markets.
-Andrew
Hi Andrew, can you help me decide between the Street Guardian SG9665GC and the Vicovation OPIA2.
The price is about the same with a power protector and only about 100 bucks cheaper from Thinkware F770.
I am a long time hobby photographer and most likely the poor picture quality may turn me away from F770, on the other side I am not much of a night driver and more care about vandalism or hit and run.
Thanks
I’ve thought about this a lot. Vicovation OPIA2 is now for me the top pick for single lens dash cams. Compared to the Street Guardian it has much better video quality in all situations both day and night. As well it can rotate 360 degrees which I think is important for capturing road rage incidents. The OPIA2 also has proper error notifications, on the SG if your card dies you won’t know.
The F770 is best used for dual channel parked recording as there isn’t anything equivalent on the market. The OPIA2 can do one channel and it’s fine but you lack rear coverage if that matters for you.
I have just ordered the F770 minutes ago, searching now for fuse locations.
I can not say “I am not much worried for parking or over night recording” where do I live (up North of GTA), but I have a lot of sideroads and Hwy runs, this why I decided to go with two channels.
Thanks
Fantastic stuff! I’d take a look at your vehicle’s forums if you don’t have a professional running your wiring. There’s often vehicle specific information that’s really helpful.
What kind of software do I need to download/edit video from this cam on my Mac?
I don’t have any OSX devices myself. From what I’ve seen I’d probably use iMovie as that’s pretty standard and inexpensive. If you are doing intensive edits you can start looking at more pro software like Final Cut or Adobe Premiere
Hi, Andrew!
Thanks for your well-thought research. I’d like to install 2 Vicovation OPIA II on my car. Can you kindly help me on what other things do I need and where to buy them? It would really be helpful if you could send me a link for those items. I am in the UK and this will be my first time to buy a dash cam. Many thanks!