Pioneer is a well-established name in the accessories industry. It is known for its high-quality products, such as stereos, speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, and more. This renowned Japanese audio equipment company has earned a strong reputation in these categories and is now venturing into the dash camera market. Recently, Pioneer introduced a new lineup of smart dash cameras to strengthen its presence in this growing industry.
The new range includes four models: VREC-H120SC, VREC-H320SC, VREC-H520DC, and VREC-Z820DC, each catering to a different price point. In this review, we will focus on the entry-level model, the VREC-H120SC.
Pioneer VREC-H120SC Dashcam Design
The Pioneer VREC-H120SC is one of the most compact dash cameras on the market. Its unique design stands out from other products in the same price range. The front features a 2-megapixel camera with a speaker grill, while the back proudly displays the Pioneer logo. On the right side, you’ll find a red power button, an LED indicator, and a microphone for audio recording. The left side includes a micro SD card slot and a DC input port.
This device comes with a mount that lets users adjust the camera to their preferred angle. Installation is straightforward, with a meter-long Type-C cable, a USB Type-A adapter, a 5V 1.5A power source, and double-sided tape for mounting.
For installation, peel off the backing of the double-sided tape and stick the mount in your desired location. If you prefer a more professional installation, you can visit a local car accessory shop for a cleaner setup.
Pioneer VREC-H120SC Dashcam Performance
The Pioneer VREC-H120SC delivers solid performance during daylight, offering multiple resolution recording options, which can only be adjusted through the app. I tested the highest recording setting, and the overall performance was satisfactory for its price range. While the video output is clear, the colors do appear slightly faded.
The camera provides a wide field of view, allowing for a clear capture of the surroundings. You can quickly identify the license plate of a vehicle in front of you. However, if the car is more than 10 meters away, reading the plate becomes more challenging.
The dash cam performs adequately in low-light conditions. The video quality drops slightly, but this is acceptable, given the price point. License plates can still be identified within the previously mentioned range.
Even in low light, the dash cam provides valuable details from both audio and video, which can be crucial in emergencies.
Pioneer VREC-H120SC Dashcam Additional Features
The dash camera also features an optional parking mode, but to activate this, you must connect it directly to your vehicle’s battery. A car boasts an impressive Automatic Event Recording function.
Using a built-in G-sensor, the dash cam automatically records video in the event of an accident and saves it in a separate folder for easy access. However, during testing, I found that the G-sensor was more sensitive at the lowest settings. As a result, passing over a pit or speed bump sometimes triggered automatic emergency video recordings.
Pioneer VREC-H120SC Dashcam Price
Priced at Rs 5,399, this budget-friendly dash camera offers several notable features, including 1.5K video recording, support for micro SD cards up to 128GB, and a 120-degree field of view (FOV) camera. But is it worth the money? Let’s dive into this literature review to find out.
Performance in Daylight and Low Light Conditions
Daytime Video Quality and Color Accuracy
The Pioneer VREC-H120SC delivers clear 1.5K video quality during the day, ensuring sharp and detailed footage. Its 120-degree field of view captures a wide area, making it easier to identify objects, including vehicle license plates. While the video quality is good, colors may appear slightly faded under bright sunlight, but the overall performance is still reliable for daily driving.
Low-Light Performance and Night Vision Capabilities
The VREC-H120SC performs decently for its price in low-light conditions. While the video quality degrades slightly in dim environments, it remains usable for identifying key details such as license plates. The dashcam’s night vision capabilities are dashcam for most nighttime driving, ensuring you can still capture essential footage even when the light is low.
Pros and Cons of the Pioneer VREC-H120SC Dashcam
Pros:
- Reliable Video Quality at an Affordable Price: The VREC-H120SC offers solid video performance, capturing clear footage in both daylight and low-light conditions, making it an excellent value for the price.
- Easy to Install and Use: The camera’s simple installation process and clear mounting options allow users to set it up quickly and start using it without hassle.
- Useful Features like Parking Mode and Event Recording: With the optional parking mode and built-in G-sensor, this dashcam provides extra security, automatically recording when it detects an event or impact.
Cons:
- Sensitive G-Sensor May Cause False Emergency Recordings: The G-sensor is highly sensitive, sometimes triggering emergency recordings when passing over bumps or pits, which may result in unnecessary footage.
- Slight Color Fading in Daylight Footage: While the video quality is decent, the colors can appear a bit washed out or faded when recording in bright daylight conditions.
Frequently Asked Question
What video resolution does the Pioneer VREC-H120SC support?
The Pioneer VREC-H120SC offers 1.5K video recording, providing precise and detailed footage during both day and night.
Is the Pioneer VREC-H120SC easy to install?
Yes, the dashcam is designed for easy installation with simple mounting options. It comes with all necessary accessories like a Type-C cable and double-sided tape for quick setup.
Does the Pioneer VREC-H120SC have a parking mode?
Yes, the VREC-H120SC features an optional parking mode. This mode requires connecting the dashcam directly to the vehicle’s battery. It helps vehicle’scidents while the car is parked.
What is the field of view of the Pioneer VREC-H120SC?
The dashcam’s 120-degree field of view allows it to capture a wide area of the road ahead, ensuring better coverage and more detail in recordings.
Can the Pioneer VREC-H120SC record audio?
Yes, the Pioneer VREC-H120SC records both video and audio, which can be crucial for capturing essential details in the event of an incident.
What type of storage does the Pioneer VREC-H120SC use?
The dashcam supports a micro SD card with a capacity of up to 128GB for storing your footage, offering ample space for long trips and emergency recordings.
How does the G-sensor work in the Pioneer VREC-H120SC?
The built-in G-sensor automatically triggers video recording in the event of a collision or sudden impact. It saves these recordings in a separate folder for easy access.
Conclusion
The Pioneer VREC-H120SC Dashcam proves to be a reliable and affordable option for drivers seeking a solid entry-level dashcam. Offering features like 1.5K video recording, a 120-degree field of view, and valuable functions like parking mode and event recording, it provides excellent value for its price of Rs 5,399. While the G-sensor can be a bit too sensitive at times, and the colors in daylight footage may appear slightly faded, the overall performance is commendable for budget-conscious drivers. If you’re looking for a straightforward,you’rere-packed dashcam that won’t break the bank, the Pioneer VREwon’t0SC is definitely worth considering.
