The Innovv C3 dashboard camera is manufactured by the Chinese company Innovv Tech (Blog at innovvactioncam.
The Innovv C3 uses the same Novatek 96650 processor and the Aptina AR0330 CMOS sensor as the Innovv C1 / C2. It records 1080p at 30f/s with an average bit rate of approximately 15,000kpbs. Video quality is quite good but is slightly worse than some of the other NT96650 / AR0330 cameras.
The Innovv C3 does not come with GPS or screen hence the main unit is very small at 62 x 39 x 18mm. One of the drawbacks is that the camera uses an 8-pin proprietary USB cable for powering / connecting to a computer which could be difficult to find if you are looking for a replacement cable or a longer cable.
When purchasing this camera, you will need to decide on whether to purchase the battery version or capacitor version. Capacitors perform better than batteries in extreme temperatures (they don’t swell up) so they are often the preferred choice. In addition you will need to choose between a narrow angle lens (90°) or wide angle lens (120°). Here is a video from our member niko showing the differences. This angle lens is really a personal preference.
Operating Tips
Connecting to computer
Connect the camera lens cable to the recording unit and put your MicroSD card in it.
The camera cable must be connected to the recording unit for your computer to see the recording unit as a drive.
Connect your camera to your computer with the provided shorter usb cable and open the configuration utility. The longer cable is for power only.
Make sure that you have a memory card in the camera as well.
Formatting the Micro SD Card
Hold the top and bottom buttons at the same time until the LED flashes green to format your card.
Settings
Turn off the G-Sensor Sensitivity if you’re going to use the camera on a motorcycle. All of the other setting are personal preference but owners have had luck with saturation set to high and the EV set to -0.5 or -1
If you’re using the date and time stamp, anything that you change the “ITS MY VIDEO” box to has to be in capital letters or it won’t show up
After you have your settings all done click the create configuration file button on the bottom left of the box. Nothing will happen that you can see when you click it and you only have to click it once.
Then click the save to camera button and then select your camera drive from the list, it should be in the computer list of drives. Click ok and then hold the camera power button for 3 seconds to tun it off and then hold for 3 seconds again to turn it back on and the LED should start flashing red while the camera is updating. That should be all you need to get started.
Video is not level
The little nub on the lens housing us the up indicator, rotate to point up. Make sure that the G Sensor is set to off in the settings options
LED flashes red and orange
Unless the battery is 100% charged when you start you’ll see an alternating red and orange LED while the internal battery is charging and just a red blinking LED once the battery is fully charged.
Known problems
Condensation inside the lens
One owner has indicated that condensation has accumulated inside the camera lens. Given that the lens is sealed off and is waterproof, this appears to be a rare issue. Resolution is to stop using the camera and allow it to dry out.
Magenta Flash
A few owners have indicated that they get a purplish / magenta flash for one or two frames as shown in the photo below. Could be due to a damaged cable.
Buttons come off
A few owners have indicated that the Innovv C3 buttons can come loose and pop off. To fix this, you will need to re-glue the buttons.
Cold Temperature Operation
The Innovv C3 has an operating temperature specification of 0°C to 65°C. Trying to record below 0°C can be problematic and videos may be corrupt. There may be no response to the on / off button and the lens cable becomes stiff. This camera should only be used within the specified temperature range to avoid these problems.
Mounting the Camera
On a motorcycle
In a car as a rear camera
Sample Videos
Day Video
Night Video
PC GUI for Settings
The Innovv C3 has a PC GUI program available that allows the settings to be adjusted. The program can be downloaded from the INNOVV C3 site.
Should I Purchase?
The Innovv C3 is one of the first “waterproof” dash cams available making it ideal for a motorcycle camera. There are some drawbacks with the camera as mentioned but right now there are no comparable small, discreet, waterproof cameras with the lens at the end of a cable.
If you are looking for a motorcycle camera, this should be on the top of your list. If you are looking for a versatile camera for a unique scenario, this may fit the bill as well. Price is reasonable for what is provided and most owners are pleased with it. Overall a decent camera.
Firmware
WARNING! MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR FIRMWARE ARE PERFORMED AT YOUR OWN RISK. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR DASH CAM AS A RESULT OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Firmware Update Instructions
- Download the FWC3.bin file.
- Remove the memory card from the camera and put it in your computer and erase the DCIM folder.
- Copy the FWC3.bin file to your memory card.
- Remove the card from your computer and put it back in the camera with the camera turned off and no power to it.
- Make sure that the lens cable is attached and turn your bike power on to the point that the power is applied to the camera and leave it on.
- You will see a series of flashing green led flashes. DO NOT TURN OFF THE POWER WHILE THE GREEN LED IS FLASHING
- After the green led stops your ready to go, your previous settings have not been changed so no need to reload them.
Latest Firmware
The latest firmware can be downloaded from the INNOVV C3 site.
Specifications
Detailed Specifications
| Read Review |  |
| Camera Type | Single Channel |
| Form Factor | Remote Lens |
| Country | China |
| Processor | Novatek NT96650 |
| CMOS Front | Aptina AR0330 |
| CMOS Rear | N/A |
| Channels | 1 |
| Screen | No |
| GPS | No |
| G-Sensor | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Parking Mode | No |
| Lock Files | Auto |
| Max Resolution Front | 1920×1080p |
| Front Frames Per Second | 30 |
| Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) | 15 |
| Max Resolution Rear | N/A |
| Rear Frames Per Second | N/A |
| Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) | N/A |
| Video Format | MOV |
| Compression | H.264 |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Front | 90° or 120° |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear | N/A |
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Size (Spec) | 32GB |
| Max Size (User) | 32GB |
| Size Front (mm) | 62 x 39 x 18 |
| Size Rear (mm) | N/A |
| Mount | Adhesive |
| Power Supply | 5V |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to 65°C |
| Battery | 600mAh |
| Error Notification | No |
| Swivel (To Record Side Windows) | No |
| Apps | PC |
| Cloud Connectivity | No |
| Release Date | Sep 2014 |
| Unique Features | Lens is connected with 1.5M cable to main unit Waterproof |
| Advantages | Decent video quality |
| Disadvantages | Non-standard USB cable |
| Final Word | No comparable small, discreet, waterproof cameras with the lens at the end of a cable. Good buy if those are your requirements. |
Published: December 28, 2014
Innovv C3 - DashCamTalk
The Innovv C3 is one of the first "waterproof" dash cams available making it ideal for a motorcycle camera. There are some drawbacks to consider.
Product SKU: Innovv C3
Product Brand: Innovv
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 130
Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
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