Technical Details
– Max. resolution: 2304×1296 @ 30fps or 2560×1080 @ 30fps
– Price: – more countries & vendors (ad)
– Bit rate: 16 Mbps
– Aperture: F/2.0
– Optional external GPS
– Optional CPL filter
– Ultra-HDR (High Dynamic Range) @1080p only
– 2.0″ Screen
– Medium size (72mm x 53mm x 33mm)
– Omnivision OV4689 4 Mega Pixel CMOS sensor
– Angle of view: 160° diagonal
– Operating temperature: from 0°C to 75°C (32°F to 167°F)
– Storage temperature: from -20°C to 85°C (-4°F to 185°F)
– Video format: .MOV
– Supports up to 128GB MicroSD cards (class 10 only)
– Time and date stamp on video
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor
– Buffered parking mode
– Seamless recording
– Image flip
– Interfaces: HDMI, USB2.0
– Lock file button
– Player software for MS Windows
– Internal capacitor instead of battery
– Internal microphone and speaker (mutable)
– Lane Departure Warning System
– Front Collision Warning System
– Suction cup mount
Vico-Marcus 4 Review
The Vico-Marcus 4 was released in mid 2014 by the Taiwanese company Vicovation. Made of quality hardware, it includes an Ambarella A7LA55 CPU, an Omnivison OV4689 sensor, and a 7-layer lens. It also records quite high-quality video. As you can see below, video footage is very good, both at day and at night time.
You can choose between several video resolution options: There’s standard 1920x1080p, which also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) for enhanced night vision. This seems to be the only resolution that supports HDR. Nevertheless, this camera’s night video quality is very good in other resolutions as well.
Apart from the standard 1080p resolution, there’s also 2304x1296p, a higher resolution that may not display on all screens (most computer and laptop screens currently support 1080p or less). However, it would give you the capability to zoom in and see finer details. And finally, there is also a 2560x1080p wide screen mode (21:9), giving your videos a more cinematic feel. The wide screen mode cuts off some detail on the top and bottom of the video, while showing more of what’s to the left and right. This is quite a useful resolution for a dash cam actually, as parts of the sky and your car’s hood get cut off, and you get to see more of your surroundings.
The Vico-Marcus 4 doesn’t have GPS by default, but you can acquire an external GPS “mouse” separately. Just plug it into the camera and attach it elsewhere in your car.
Also, you can get an extra CPL filter to reduce windshield reflections in bright sunlight if these bother you. The camera comes with a quick release mount where you can attach the filter, however note that this mount increases the camera’s size quite a bit. And unfortunately, especially combined with its suction cup mount, the Marcus 4 isn’t one of the smallest cameras to begin with.
Other features of the Vico-Marcus 4 include a rather large viewing angle of 160°, a G-sensor, and a buffered parking mode. Meaning that the camera (provided it has continuous power) will constantly record video even while your car is parked. If any impact is detected, it will not only save the footage directly following the impact, but also approximately 4 seconds before.
Of course like all dash cams, it also has a date and time stamp on video, speed stamp if you got GPS, loop recording, and auto on/off. Video recording is seamless, meaning you won’t have any gaps between video files as can be the case with some cheaper cameras.
The Marcus 4 also has a bright orange emergency button. Push this whenever you see something interesting that you would like to keep. It will prevent the current video file from becoming overwritten by moving it to a separate folder on the SD card, which can hold up to 10 video files.
Memory cards can be up to 128GB capacity, which even at a rather high bit rate of 16 Mbps allows for over 17 hours of video footage. Note that SD cards for the Marcus 4 must be class 10, lower class SD cards are not supported.
The camera uses an internal capacitor instead of a battery, making the device more heat resistant and increasing its reliability.
Some users have had issues with loop recording stopping to work and/or the camera shutting itself off randomly. If this happens, the issue can be easily resolved by formatting the SD card in the camera itself using the appropriate menu item, and not in your computer. As a general rule, as far as dash cams of any type are concerned, always format SD cards in the camera to avoid malfunction.
To sum it up, this is definitely a high quality dash cam, made of sturdy materials and recording very good video even under difficult lighting conditions. Its smart (buffered) parking mode is a plus, and so is the choice of video resolutions (1080p, 1296p and wide screen). The manual is available in English and is quite well written. The major down side of the Marcus 4 is its rather large size and form factor, especially when combined with the quick release mount (which is optional) and the suction cup mount (which isn’t).
Also, it is quite pricey – but being a high-end dashboard camera that records top quality video at resolutions up to 1296p, the Vico-Marcus 4 is definitely worth its money if you don’t mind the size.
Vico-Marcus 4 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.
Day Time Video Sample
Day time video is very good. Details are clearly visible, especially when standing or at low speeds. When driving faster some license plates are a bit blurry to read though.
Night Time Video Sample
Night video quality is also very good. Details are clearly visible, and license plates are easy to read when close. However at a distance or when driving by, license plates can appear washed out.
Where To Buy
The Vico-Marcus 4 is no longer available for sale.
