Author's Note: The full review can be found here. My review blog for my other reviews: jwtechreviews.com

Thank you, Shenzhen Smartway Technology Co., Ltd., for sending over the latest Mini0906 dual dashcam for review.

Official product page: Mini0906
Aliexpress product page: My Blueskysea Mini0906


Technical Specs:
• Novatek NT96663 with 2GB DDR3
• Sensor for front: Sony Exmor IMX291 2MP; for rear: Sony Exmor IMX322 2MP
• Viewing angle for front: 130° wide angle lens F1.7 aperture; for rear 145° wide angle lens F2.0 aperture
• 1.5" TFT LCD
• Resolution: Front & rear – 1920×1080 30fps
• Support up to 128GB microSD card
• Built-in GPS
• Built-in super capacitor
• CPL filter (optional)
• Upside down mounting
• Remote for file protection or take photo
• Parking mode (requires hardwire kit)


The box





Open box



Contents

• Mini0906
• GPS mount
• 2° & 4° angle mounting wedge & mounting screws
• Rear camera
• Rear camera cable
• Car charger with USB port
• Remote with mounting tape
• Mounting tapes
• Cable holders x6
• Micro USB cable
• Nylon string
• Microfiber cloth
• User guide


Mini0906





GPS mount







2° & 4° angle mounting wedge & mounting screws (not in the picture)





Rear camera and cable





Car charger with USB port




Remote with mounting tape



Mounting tapes and cable holders



Micro USB cable



Nylon string & microfiber cloth



User guide








Initial firmware out of the box 20170818v1



New firmware 20171013v1

Changelog:
1. Separate the front cam EV and rear cam EV (thanks to Joiin's suggestion)
2. Set the default rear cam flip to ON to fit the whistle rear cam
3. Active the rear cam monitoring for MOTION DETECTION and PARKING GUARD
4. Cancel the file protection for motion detected in Parking Guard mode

Download here


Test setup

Will be recording with a Samsung Evo Plus 64GB UHS-3 microSD card.

*Note - I have to unplug my A119S as both dashcams are interrupting each other's GPS from connecting.


Videos
Recorded in 1920×1080 30fps with an overall bit rate of 12.9 Mb/s for front and rear camera. On firmware 20171013v1.























This post has been edited by blurjoey: Nov 14 2017, 11:12 AM

Hi,

I have compared in real traffic two dashcams, A119S and Cowon AW1, willing to see asap the Mini0906 in my car, as seems to be the very interesting budget setup for dual system I'm looking for.

Thank you Blurjoey for the review of Mini0906.

I would like to ask you, and please, even if it can be subjective, give us your opinion.

You have mini 0906 and A119S next to it!

I'm sure that you already have the answer to my question, if possible to share it ;-)

Many of us would like to have Front/Rear system and have to choose between n°2 x 1 channel system or n°1 x 2 channel, as simple as it.

So what is you preference, lets do it simple, the priority to the visibility of the cars licence plates, as the most important factor for most of us:

1) n°1 Mini 0906 dual channel, or
2) n°2 Viofo A119S (two single channels, Front and another Rear)

we agree that we try to compare non-comparable systems; not the same processor power/rendering used for one or two channel, 30 vs 60 fps, one or two micro sd etc. but we can have some impressions at least in term of image quality.

I've found for example that even if the image quality can be MUCH better from one to another dashcam , it doesn't mean that you will be able to have better visibility and able to read licence plates on the better "global" image?!

To be honest I am not impressed with the A119S, and I've done some kind of the unfair comparison to old tech Cowon AW1.

Yes, the global impression of the image of the A119S is much better, really in term of colors, rendering etc. but the really strange thing is that when you go to the most important part, to be able to read car plates over the day or the night, in both dashcams, either A119S as the new tech or AW1 as the old tech, you have the similar results...really, the difference, let's say advantage of the A119S is small.

I mean either you'll be able to read the plate on both dashcams or not be able to read it, not at all?

It's rally embarrassing, as most of us doesn't film to have the vacation videos to show to the family or friends, it's more to be able to see license plates in case of problems or accidents where people run away?!
Or I'm wrong.

So, which one between A119S and Mini0906 you have keeped behid you wind shield, please?

if the spec is that you have to be sure that you'll be able to read the plates (day or night)?

thank you,

cheers

I can say that at the moment my current daily is A119 (wife's car) or A119S. I am eyeing to upgrade to the Thinkware F800 Pro if my bank account allows

This 0906, I can say is quite impressive as both cams are recording at 1080p 30fps and using Sony sensor for both. And very good for those on the budget. And China manufacturers currently are releasing more dual dashcam with 1080p models into the market.

I will be testing it further for another week or so. My A119S is currently unplugged from the power as the GPS from both A119S and 0906 is preventing each other from connecting to GPS.

Also, if the 0906 is used as a single cam, it can record in 1080p 60fps like the A119S.

Also, seeing clearly license plate during the day is all the same for all dashcam unless it's those super low/specs budget dashcam then that's another issue.

Regarding see clearly the license plate at night, please read the below.



Also, if considering install 2 dashcams as dual, will need to consider 1) if you have enough accessories socket to power 2 separate dashcams? 2) is the original cable long enough to reach?

Cowon AW1 is a Korean dashcam with a price tag of USD180-200, don't think you can directly compare it with a China dashcam like the A119S.

Also, have you updated the A119S' firmware to latest V2.1? If I remember correctly, V2.0 has improvements with the video's Image Quality.

http://support.viofo.com/support/solutions...camera-firmware

Hoped I answered all your questions

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Oct 23 2017, 01:17 AM

as I have double sockets front and rear (in the booth in my audi A4) I could go fot two 1 channels like a119s.
I've compared the Cowon AW1 as it is in France 37eur, 40usd, with the 16gb included, thanks to Amazon.fr, but it has the OLD tech.
Anyway even of people tell you that it's unfair comparison, old vs new tech, Korean vs. China, 30 vs 60fps; I've done it and a119s has slightly better image but in term of licence plate it's almost the same story...disappointing.

yes, I've done the upgrade of the FW for both a119s and AW1.

both a119s and aw1 seems to be robust enough, something that seems to be not confirmed with the Mini series, and I've seen some of reviewers of the mini 0906 with fired units, after couple of days...so we cross the fingers with yours.

yes me too, i'm looking at Thinkware f800pro or Blackvue 750...but seems that their video quality is nothing special...in France the Thinkware F770 is less than 250usd/eur but the video quality is not better then Viofo...

really not easy to follow

cheers

if you have to chose between Viofo a119s and Mini0906, for the day and night licence plate reading, what you will do, please?

you have no direct comparison?

the nice colors or fluid footage can be interesting, but when it comes to the plate reading maybe it's not the same story, and I agree all this technical arguments are important but our eyes are the BEST instrument when it comes to the decision, so if you can check it it will be appreciate ;-)

thanks a lot

Looking at this video, I think A119/A119S is much much better than AW1


Actual scenario, if someone hits you, his car will be very close to the dashcam and the vehicle speed will be slow.

Good dashcams like A119/A119S are able to capture number plates at below 40kmh easily (given with the correct conditions like enough lighting, etc, while lower quality dashcams will fail)

During the day, A119/A119S are able to capture without any difficulties.

Also, the mini0906 is still working fine in my car since day 1 until today ~touchwood~


I have already chosen the A119/A119S for my daily dashcam. But if I want to get a dual dashcam, F800 Pro/DR750S is my choice. But if I need a dual dashcam but don't want to spend more on higher end dashcams then this mini0906.

Regarding the A119S vs mini0906 comparisons... Maybe if I have time as encoding videos take lots of work... See how first...

Also, Viofo is releasing a new firmware for A119 with HDR soon. Can't wait for it.
https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/hdr-w...-on-a119.31012/

Also, what monitor or TV are you using to view the videos of your A119S and AW1?

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Oct 27 2017, 10:41 AM

hi,

I gave the samsung s32D850 monitor, so should be more than OK.

my AW1 has much better videos, as good as a119s, only the colors are not faded, so not saturated as viofo, but for the plates it's almost the same, if the difference in the speed between your car and others is more the 10/20km both dashcams has the problem.

but I've found something else. mu a119s loose a little bit the focus when worming up, so the focus is drifting up to the temperature?!

yes, yes, we ahev been discussed this issue this week:

https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/just-...e-6#post-370769

strange, and seems that Viofo knows about it, Jokiin has confirmed and seems that he has discussed with the owner of Viofo,

to be followed.

PS : up to some of "experts" the F800pro or DR750S don't have the best video...those are recommend more for parking mode. the new SG 9663 looks nice as 2 channel

cheers

and BTW it seems that HDR is only for A119, not A119S, I hope I'm wrong

At least you'll get more pro to help you out in DCT though. I'll read and follow that thread and see.

How I wish I get SG here as SG said there is no distributor here yet

I do hope it's like last time when they implemented the parking mode for A119 then brought to A119S.

The mini 0906 looks like a good alternative for dual cam without breaking the bank.

I'll be considering this perhaps.

If it could have a wifi built-in, hmm.. I'm really looking for a dual-cam with wifi and price that won't break your bank. BTW, there are many brands for this mini-0906 if one looks for it in aliexpress or , which one is the original manufacturer? Any recommendation?

--
Dang, haha, went to check the website as above from aliexpress and they've US$2+2+8 discounts (total US$12), went ahead to put my money. Hopefully it works as expected. Had previous mini that worked great, replaced with newer one which had problem with SD, and now the dual-channel which hopefully works beautifully.


This post has been edited by wiraone: Nov 12 2017, 04:21 PM

The original is by MegTech...

The 0906 I have is distributed by BlueSkySea... Top 5 dashcam distributor/manufacturer in China...

Anyone has any experience buying from the blueskysea's aliexpress vendor? I bought mine during 11.11, and it is almost lapse (3 hr left) and no action by the vendor. Should I extend it or let it lapse and automatically cancelling my order?

I didn't buy from them during 11.11 but before that and everything was fine. Delivery was quick also about 2-3 weeks reach.

Maybe try to message them and see? I think they are busy with the orders for 11.11 then next is 24.11 Black Friday sales then 27.11 Cyber Monday sales.

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Nov 15 2017, 03:02 PM

Yeah, I sent them a message and they said they have processed my order yesterday but forgotten to update the system. Luckily otherwise aliexpress will cancel the order when the item is already at the courier.

Good to hear that

Hi Sir if between mini 0906 vs gs63h + rear cam which one do u suggest?

Looks like good deal now via Aliexpress...
~US$94 / ~RM365 can get Mini 0906 set (front and rear camera), price exclude hardwire kit and CPL filter.

looks like a solid product..