Vicovation Vico-Opia2 Specs
– Max. resolution: 2560×1440 @ 30fps
– Price: n/a
– Bit rate: 19 Mbps
– Aperture: F/2.0
– 2″ screen
– Optional external GPS
– Size: 72mm x 53mm x 33mm
– Ambarella A12 processor
– OmniVision 4 Megapixels CMOS sensor
– Angle of view: 160° diagonal
– Video format: .mp4
– Interface: USB 2.0
– Lock file button
– Optional CPL filter
– 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)
– Supports up to 128 GB micro SDXC / SDHC cards (class 10)
– Time and date stamp on video
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor, motion detection
– Parking mode: Time-lapse or motion detect
– Internal capacitor instead of battery
– Internal microphone (mutable) and speaker
– Suction or adhesive mount (both provided)
– Image can be flipped horizontally and vertically
– Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
– Front Collision Warning System (FCWS)
Vico-Opia2 Review
The Vico-Opia2 is an attractively designed high-end dash cam, capable of recording 2560×1440 (1440p) resolution. It was released in mid 2016 by the Taiwanese company Vicovation.
At day time, the Opia2 records excellent video, and easily outperforms the DOD LS460W which was our previous favorite in terms of video quality. At night, the Opia2’s video output is also very good, however the LS460W’s footage still looks slightly better. The difference is minimal though, and recording at 1440p, the Opia2 certainly records a higher level of detail than the LS460W, which can only do 1080p.
Like most modern dash cams, the Opia2 supports High Dynamic Range (HDR), a technology to improve visibility at night. See the table below for a list of supported video resolutions, and which of them work with HDR:
Supported Video Resolutions
| Resolution | fps | HDR |
|---|---|---|
| 2560x1440 | 30 | Yes |
| 2304x1296 | 30 | Yes |
| 1920x1080 | 30 | Yes |
| 1920x1080 | 60 | No |
Usage
The Vico-Opia2 is made of sturdy materials and has a high quality feel to it. It comes with a 2″ screen for reviewing video and easy configuration. Below the screen there are 5 buttons, the first of which is a bright orange lock file or “emergency” button. When pressed, a 1 minute clip starting 30 seconds before the button press and ending 30 seconds after will be saved to a separate folder to prevent it from being overwritten by the camera’s loop recording.
The other buttons serve to toggle recording, access the menu, mute audio, and turn the camera on and off.
Vicovation cameras allow you to enter a “Vico Tag”, a 12 character tag that will be displayed on video together with the date/time and possibly speed stamp (if you have GPS). You can put your name in the tag if you like, or the car’s registration number in case you are managing a vehicle fleet.
GPS is available as a separate module to install elsewhere in the car. It allows you to record your position and have your speed in kph or mph be displayed on the video. The speed stamp can also be turned off if desired.
The camera has an option to mount a CPL lens (available separately), which can be very helpful to reduce reflections in the windshield.
The Opia2 supports two different parking modes: Time-lapse and motion detection. In time-lapse mode, a photo is taken every 1, 10, or 60 seconds. In motion detection mode, the camera will automatically detect and record a full video of any movement in the camera’s field of vision.
To be able to use parking mode, you need to have your camera hard wired to the car’s fuse box, along with a battery discharge prevention device such as the Vico-Power Plus. Alternatively, you can connect the dash cam a battery pack such as the Cellink B.
Another useful feature of the Opia2 that we haven’t seen in other dashboard cameras so far is the option to set the screen saver timer to 15 seconds, which is extremely useful in places where it’s illegal to drive with a screen on. Other settings for the screen saver timer are 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, and Off.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the Vico-Opia2 is an excellent high-end dash cam that records the best video quality we’ve seen so far. It especially excels at day time, but night video quality is also very good. While it isn’t exactly stealthy due to its form factor and logos printed on the front, the Opia2 is actually quite small and sports an attractive, sturdy design.
This device was released only a couple of months ago, so it remains to be seen whether it proves to be reliable in the long run. If it does, it will easily replace the DOS LS460W as our current benchmark in terms of video quality.
While the Opia2 does come at a higher price tag than the other 1440p cameras we’ve reviewed so far, the difference in quality and usability definitely make the Vicovation camera a recommended buy if you can afford it. This dash cam is one of our favorites of 2016.
Vico-Opia2 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
At day, video quality of the Vico-Opia2 is excellent. Colors are vivid and all details, down to the foilage of the trees next to the road, are clearly defined. Signs and car registration plates are can easily be read even when driving by.
Night Time Video Sample
Night video quality is very good. All details and other cars’ license plates are clearly visible, even when driving at considerable speed.
Where To Buy
The Vico-Opia2 is no longer available.
