Viofo A329T (unboxing & first impressions) (Sony Starvis 2 IMX678, Wi-Fi 6/GPS, HDR, Novatek NT98530, 4K front + 2.5K telephoto + 2.5K rear, HDR all)

[jsmith]

It's a choice between SNV for bright images in near darkness, compared to darker pictures that are clearer.

It's the same quandary currently haunting CCTV cameras.

Higher pixel cameras but dark night vision unless floodlit Vs low light sensors that need longer exposure rates (lower FPS to allow more light per frame).

It's a new feature and will be improved over time - either by firmware updates, or on newer models as the technology improves.

Per earlier reply, 1080P offers more lighting than 2k or 4k. Larger pixels let in more light. Higher definition performs more poorly at night (smaller pixels and less light). It would almost be ideal for parking mode to default to 1080P if you prefer more clarity and brightness. You are right though, it is a quandary.

Do you use less frames and get brighter image with SNV? Or use more frames and get a clearer but darker image?

The problem with SNV at 1FPS will be that a license plate that is bright color might be over exposed and unreadable.

@safedrivesolutions

Any test video of a car driving past, backing up, or going behind your vehicle at 1 FPS SNV? Then compare to 1 FPS non SNV and low bitrate FPS.

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

If SNV is used in that video for the A329, is overexposed The other models produce images that are far more clearer when it comes to human faces.

I dont think it is a debate. I just think it is more personal preference. Whatever works best for you for your lifestyle makes sense.
But for you to say SNV does not look that great and then have a preference to low bitrate is funny because low bitrate also degrade the video.

If Auto event detection was reliable it would be the best option due to video quality and taking up less storage space due to less recording time...

Per earlier reply, 1080P offers more lighting than 2k or 4k. Larger pixels let in more light. Higher definition performs more poorly at night (smaller pixels and less light). It would almost be ideal for parking mode to default to 1080P if you prefer more clarity and brightness. You are right though, it is a quandary.

Do you use less frames and get brighter image with SNV? Or use more frames and get a clearer but darker image?

The problem with SNV at 1FPS will be that a license plate that is bright color might be over exposed and unreadable.

@safedrivesolutions

Any test video of a car driving past, backing up, or going behind your vehicle at 1 FPS SNV? Then compare to 1 FPS non SNV and low bitrate FPS.

i can try that. in future testing and see how it goes.

 

[jsmith]

I dont think it is a debate. I just think it is more personal preference. Whatever works best for you for your lifestyle makes sense.
But for you to say SNV does not look that great and then have a preference to low bitrate is funny because low bitrate also degrade the video.

If Auto event detection was reliable it would be the best option due to video quality and taking up less storage space due to less recording time...

i can try that. in future testing and see how it goes.

@safedrivesolutions

That begs the question. Doing a comparison between the parking modes to determine which is best in each situation. I really liked your previous video.

Yes, low bitrate is only good for low action. Any running or fast paced movement will result in motion blur.

Buffered parking mode, if the camera has a fast wakeup, can be a good alternative. It'll record before and after in real time.

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

@safedrivesolutions

That begs the question. Doing a comparison between the parking modes to determine which is best in each situation.

Yes, low bitrate is only good for low action. Any running or fast paced movement will result in motion blur.

Most customers we recommend low bitrate. However… I think future options of A329S will have a lot of debate when it comes to parking mode options

 

[jsmith]

Most customers we recommend low bitrate. However… I think future options of A329S will have a lot of debate when it comes to parking mode options

Agreed. I really liked your previous video. It would be cool to see a comparison of the various parking modes to see the best scenario for each.

I'm skeptical of SNV 1 FPS or 1FPS in general.

However, low bitrate (as stated) is perfect in low action scenarios (parking lot). Fast action causes blur.

Buffered parking mode is great if camera wakes up quickly. You'll get a full quality before and after of the event. This all depends upon reliability, sensitivity, and wakeup time.

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

Agreed. I really liked your previous video. It would be cool to see a comparison of the various parking modes to see the best scenario for each.

I'm skeptical of SNV 1 FPS or 1FPS in general.

However, low bitrate (as stated) is perfect in low action scenarios (parking lot). Fast action causes blur.

Buffered parking mode is great if camera wakes up quickly. You'll get a full quality before and after of the event. This all depends upon reliability, sensitivity, and wakeup time.

i have seen 1FPS work well for many people. But everything depends on the challebnge you are worried about.

 

[Mtz]

Per earlier reply, 1080P offers more lighting than 2k or 4k. Larger pixels let in more light. Higher definition performs more poorly at night (smaller pixels and less light). It would almost be ideal for parking mode to default to 1080P if you prefer more clarity and brightness. You are right though, it is a quandary.

This is valid only in theory. If you will compare a 1080p ShiitCam with a Viofo 4K you will discover that the 4K image is more bright.

The problem with SNV at 1FPS will be that a license plate that is bright color might be over exposed and unreadable.

Not. Because during Parking mode your car head lights are turned off so there is no powerful light pointed to the opposite car license plate. Even another car will have strong head lights pointed to the opposite car, the license plates will be not overexposed because of a different angle compared to your car.

 

[jsmith]

This is valid only in theory. If you will compare a 1080p ShiitCam with a Viofo 4K you will discover that the 4K image is more bright.

Compare a Viofo 1080P at night to a 4K night. The image will be brighter on 1080P vs 4K. This is not "theory".

Not. Because during Parking mode your car head lights are turned off so there is no powerful light pointed to the opposite car license plate. Even another car will have strong head lights pointed to the opposite car, the license plates will be not overexposed because of a different angle compared to your car.

I'm talking plate color. White Plate versus a Yellow Plate. 1 FPS over exposed @SafeDriver101 face with flesh tones. I wonder how it will perform with brighter color plates.

Say for instance Ontraio:

 

[Super6ix]

Bro, at this point I just want a camera that data's secured and that can show me the who what and when with 360 coverage and remote alerts and access. 1 FPS is all I need to say, I got you. Mysteries have been solved with less. For everything else , I'll get a DJI cam or a GoPro.

 

[lufa6977]

I don't recall, did VIOFO ever give a hint when this dash cam would be released to the market?

 

[indigo]

When sell？

 

[phhaily125]

When sell？

May

 

[TonyM]

1fps SNV compared to 30fps regular video sounds great for up to 30x brighter video in very dark conditions. However you also get 30x more motion blur if the exposure time is 1.0s rather than 1/30s. If the exposure time is limited to perhaps 1/5s then you get 6x more motion blur which might be acceptable for slow-moving subjects.

I am testing a completely different non-Viofo camera at the moment that can record at 1fps with 1.0s exposures, complete with normal audio. Static scenes look great in parking mode without any headlights or street lights, but you're not going to be able to identify someone next to your car unless they stand still for at least a second.

 

[Melz86]

May

Thank you! Those three letters are the most important answer in this thread by far. That should be added to the first message, so people wouldn't have to waste their time to read 10 pages of chit chat.

 

[Augustus]

Thank you! Those three letters are the most important answer in this thread by far. That should be added to the first message, so people wouldn't have to waste their time to read 10 pages of chit chat.

Won't be added to the first thread, because there has been no FCC listing made for the A329 yet. Yes, that is for the USA market but other dashcam models from other brands have given a big clue to their imminent availability by filing for those listings. Due to that, no idea yet of when it will be available, could be May July August? Who knows for sure yet.

 

[lufa6977]

Yep, been check the FCC OET and no filing for this VIOFO model and the model from another brand. Testing does not necessarily take long, and in some cases not necessary depending on the WiFi module that was previously certified...but still, even then almost all devices end up needing certification. Could happen in May, but I suspect it will take longer...hope not.

 

[Briseide]

Won't be added to the first thread, because there has been no FCC listing made for the A329 yet. Yes, that is for the USA market but other dashcam models from other brands have given a big clue to their imminent availability by filing for those listings. Due to that, no idea yet of when it will be available, could be May July August? Who knows for sure yet.

What other brands should come out with new models? Example Thinkware?

 

[mchl0607]

A329 2-CH and A329S 2-CH are 2 different things? Or just the new name for the new range?

 

[Augustus]

A329 2-CH and A329S 2-CH are 2 different things? Or just the new name for the new range?

Two different things. The A329 was last year's model, the A329S will be this year's model. Deletion of microHdmi port.

 

[Nigel]

Yep, been check the FCC OET and no filing for this VIOFO model and the model from another brand. Testing does not necessarily take long, and in some cases not necessary depending on the WiFi module that was previously certified...but still, even then almost all devices end up needing certification. Could happen in May, but I suspect it will take longer...hope not.

I'm not sure that the new model A329 needs a new FCC listing?