Technical Specs
– Three-channel dash cam
– Max. resolution: front 1440p, rear 1080p, interior 1080p
– Price: eBay US / AU – more countries & vendors (ad)
– GPS
– Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz)
– Video format: MP4
– Supports up to 256 GB MicroSD cards
– Novatek 96687 processor
– Time and date stamp on video
– Parking modes: Buffered, time-lapse, low bit rate
– Interfaces: USB Type-C
– Lock file button
– CPL filter included
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor
– Operating temperature: from -10°C to 65°C (14°F to 149°F)
– Storage temperature: from -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F)
– Apps for Android / iOS
– Internal capacitor instead of battery
– Internal microphone and speaker
– Optional external microphone
– Adhesive mount
– Voice notification in case of recording error
– Optional Bluetooth remote control button
Front Camera:
– Max. resolution: 2560×1440 @ 30fps
– Aperture: f/1.8
– Bit rate: Up to 27.8 Mb/s
– Sony IMX335 Sensor 5MP
– Angle of view: 140° diagonal
Rear Camera:
– Max. resolution: 1920×1080 @ 30fps
– Aperture: f/1.6
– Bit rate: Up to 17 Mb/s
– Sony STARVIS Sensor IMX291
– Angle of view: 170° diagonal
Interior Camera:
– Max. resolution: 1920×1080 @ 30fps
– Aperture: f/1.6
– Bit rate: Up to 17 Mb/s
– Sony STARVIS Sensor IMX291
– Angle of view: 170° diagonal
– 6 infrared (IR) LEDs
Viofo A139 Review
The Viofo A139 is the first 3-channel dash cam that we’ve reviewed that actually comes with three physically separate cameras. This means you get:
- A main device that you stick on your wind shield as usual, that records the road ahead of your car;
- a separate interior camera with infrared (IR) LEDs that records the passenger cabin. This you can stick either on the windshield or on the car’s dashboard, facing back;
- and a rear camera (no IR) that goes on the rear window, to record the road behind the car.
NOTE: This camera is outdated. Go to our Viofo brand page for a list of the latest dash cams from this manufacturer.
Most 3-way dash cams come with the forward and interior facing cameras in one unit. Having the interior camera separate from the main unit gives you more freedom on where to place the cameras and to choose the perfect angle of view.
Design
The A139 looks different than most other Viofo dash cams. It doesn’t have a screen, just Viofo’s trademark, intuitive-to-use 5 buttons. The buttons are:
- Power on/off
- Recording start/stop
- Video protect (“emergency button” to save the current clip)
- Microphone on/off
- Wi-Fi on/off
The forward facing camera protrudes from the right hand side. It can be rotated up to 300 degrees on a horizontal axis, so you can turn it up and down as desired.
The interior camera comes with six IR LEDs to illuminate the passenger cabin at night.
The rear camera doesn’t have IR LEDs, as it is meant to record through the window (infrared light would cause reflections on the glass, distorting the video footage).
Video Resolution & Quality
The Viofo A139’s forward facing camera can record at 1440p resolution (2560×1440 pixels). Both rear cameras record at 1080p (1920×1080 pixels).
Alternatively, you can set the front camera to records 1080p at 60 frames per second (fps). The default is 30 fps for all three cameras.
Video quality, overall, is comparable to the other triple channel cameras we have looked at so far (namely, the Zenfox T3 and the Vantrue N4). For the exterior cameras, it’s honestly not very impressive compared to what you would get from a modern dual-channel camera. Processing an extra video channel takes its toll on the processor, reducing quality.
You will be able to make out license plates of other cars, but usually only when they are relatively close to you, and/or you and they are standing still or driving very slowly. Overall, video quality of the exterior cameras is fair.
The interior video feed is very good during the day, and good at night. Using the infrared lights in the dark results in a slightly blurry picture.
Parking Mode
The A139 supports buffered, time lapse, and low bit rate parking modes. A Viofo HK3 hardwire kit (sponsored link) is needed for parking mode to work, which is available separately for about $15 currently.
- In buffered parking mode (they call it “event detection” mode), the camera will save video from 15 seconds before to 30 seconds after motion or impacts are detected.
- In time lapse parking mode, you can set the camera to record at 1 to 15 fps (no audio).
- In low bit rate, the camera will record at normal speed with audio, but at lower video quality to save storage space.
Other Features
This is Viofo’s first camera that doesn’t have a screen, so you control it completely over Wi-Fi through the mobile app. The app is the same as for the Viofo A129 Pro and A129 Plus cameras. It’s intuitive and easy to use, and is available for Android and iOS phones.
In case of any errors or malfunctions, the camera will give you a spoken voice notification (in English) so you know isn’t recording properly. This gives you peace of mind to be sure the camera is working unless announced otherwise.
This camera supports an optional remote Bluetooth button. You can use this to save video clips, and place it in a convenient location such as on the steering wheel.
The A139 comes with a CPL filter included that reduces reflections of the dashboard in the wind shield. Most dash cams require you to get one separately, if at all available, so this is a definite plus.
The cables of the A139 are completely different from those of previous Viofo dash cams. If you’re upgrading from an older model, you will need to replace the wiring to both the front and rear cameras.
Conclusion
Viofo are a renowned dash cam manufacturer, known to make reliable, fairly priced devices. The A139 is no exception: While it does take some time to set up with its 3 separate cameras, it is straightforward to use once installed. The voice notifications basically make it a set-and-forget solution.
Our only gripe with the Viofo A139 is its video quality: While comparable to the other popular three-way dash cams we have tested so far, it’s not great compared to a state-of-the-art dual dash cam like the Viofo A129 Duo.
However, if you need to record the interior of your car as well as the road behind, the Viofo A139 is definitely up for the job, and does it at least as well as the competition.
This camera is outdated. Go to our Viofo brand page for a list of the latest dash cams from this manufacturer.
Viofo A139 Video Samples
For full original video quality, make sure to watch on full screen and select maximum video resolution (use the cog icon in lower right corner). You may have to rewind the video after changing the resolution.
Front Video Sample, Day
Video credit: Keep Right At The Pork
Forward video quality during the day is good. You can read license plates of cars nearby if you pause the video.
Front Video Sample, Night
Video credit: Jerry Jia
Forward video quality at night is fair. You can only read the license plates of another car when you are very close.
Rear Video Sample, Day
Video credit: Keep Right At The Pork
Rear video at day is fair (starts at 3:00 in the clip above). You can’t read most license plates though.
Rear Video Sample, Night
Video credit: Richard Then
Rear video at night is mediocre. It’s impossible to read most other cars’ license plates.
Interior Video Sample, Day
Video credit: simo1552
Interior video is very good during the day. Even though it’s not full daylight (this video was recorded in the morning), visibility inside the passenger cabin is great.
Interior Video Sample, Night
Video credit: simo1552
Interior video quality at night is good. The footage is slightly blurry, but you can clearly see the passengers and what they’re doing.
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