N4 Pro S Review

[Hack_man]

@Hack_man @EricSan @Jeff_Vantrue

When driving with HD (Need to test without to see if same issue), no CPL,the picture is quite bright but also does have motion blur. Do you notice when hitting a bump at night with HDR enabled, the image gets blurry for a second? I wonder if this is HDR processing taking place (trying to capture multiple stills of images), and the vibration disrupts its algorithm.

Again, I'm not sure if this happens with HDR disabled. I'll need to test that one.

I haven't done much night testing yet but will look for this condition.

 

[Hack_man]

Comparing A229 Pro with N4 Pro S

In this normal lighting environment the signs on the storefront are more legible with the A229 Pro but as @TonyM pointed out this could be due to the higher bit rate of A229 Pro (37.7 Bit/S) vs N4 Pro S (31.95 Mb/S)
See enlargements below


N4 Pro S - HDR ON PlatePix ON

N4 Pro S - HDR OFF PlatePix OFF

A229 Pro - HDR OFF

A229 Pro - HDR ON

N4 Pro S HDR ON PlatePix ON

N4 Pro S HDR OFF PlatePix OFF

A229 Pro HDR OFF

A229 Pro HDR ON

 

[haiou_f]

Comparing A229 Pro with N4 Pro S

In this normal lighting environment the signs on the storefront are more legible with the A229 Pro but as @TonyM pointed out this could be due to the higher bit rate of A229 Pro (37.7 Bit/S) vs N4 Pro S (31.95 Mb/S)
See enlargements below


N4 Pro S - HDR ON PlatePix ON
View attachment 82995


A229 Pro - HDR OFF
View attachment 82996



N4 Pro S
View attachment 82997

A229 Pro
View attachment 82998

It seems that the front camera of n4pro and n4pro has not changed. Multiple reviews have shown that a229pro is clearer than n4pro, and the comparison with n4pros is the same. We hope you can provide some photos of the comparison at night. Thank you。

 

[TonyM]

Comparing A229 Pro with N4 Pro S

In this normal lighting environment the signs on the storefront are more legible with the A229 Pro but as @TonyM pointed out this could be due to the higher bit rate of A229 Pro (37.7 Bit/S) vs N4 Pro S (31.95 Mb/S)
See enlargements below


N4 Pro S - HDR ON PlatePix ON

A229 Pro - HDR OFF

Have you tried the N4 Pro S without HDR? In some situations with the S1 Pro Max I'm seeing less detail with HDR enabled.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

I found the same thing for the S1 Pro Max, so it looks like these two models use a new/different sensor that is ULTRA sensitive. It would be great to have two modes: one for drive mode (which I would set low) and another for parking (which I would set for maximum sensitivity).

@Jeff_Vantrue - is it possible to have TWO settings for the collision detection feature? That would be GREAT!

Thanks for the suggestion! This feature is actually already supported in the current version — you can set different G-sensor sensitivity levels separately for driving mode and parking mode in Record Setup.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Comparing A229 Pro with N4 Pro S

In this normal lighting environment the signs on the storefront are more legible with the A229 Pro but as @TonyM pointed out this could be due to the higher bit rate of A229 Pro (37.7 Bit/S) vs N4 Pro S (31.95 Mb/S)
See enlargements below


N4 Pro S - HDR ON PlatePix ON
View attachment 82995


A229 Pro - HDR OFF
View attachment 82996



N4 Pro S
View attachment 82997

A229 Pro
View attachment 82998

Could you try turning on HDR on the VIOFO and then do a comparison?
We’d like to see if there’s any difference in image quality under the same settings~

 

[Hack_man]

@EricSan @Hack_man

Is anyone else having issue with the N4 Pro S triggering G-Sensor easily? I have lowered G-Sensor to from 3 to 1 now. It seems the G-Sensor like to go off far easier than other models in my opinion?

I have been driving with the G-sensor set to 2 for a couple hours and so far it only triggered once because I hit a decent sized pot hole.

 

[EricSan]

This feature is actually already supported in the current version

HA- sometimes I feel silly - there are so many menus and settings across all of the devices that I'm simultaneously playing with that I lose track. 🤣

 

[Hack_man]

Could you try turning on HDR on the VIOFO and then do a comparison?
We’d like to see if there’s any difference in image quality under the same settings~

I turned on HDR for the VIOFO and added it to Post #9.
I am repeating the enlargements below for convenience.
I also added a shot with N4 Pro S - HDR OFF and PlatePix OFF

The middle sign "Earn points on every gallon" shows the most difference, with N4 Pro S struggling a bit both with and without PlatePix, The A229 Pro with HDR ON and OFF are both fairly legible.

N4 Pro S - HDR ON PlatePix ON

N4 Pro S - HDR OFF PlatePix OFF

A229 Pro - HDR OFF

A229 Pro HDR ON

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Thanks for sharing the updated comparisons! It would be great if you could try capturing some license plates as well — that can help further highlight the differences in detail reproduction.
Also, to rule out any possibility of lens defocus, we’d be happy to send you another unit of theN4 Pro S for retesting if you're open to it.
When we design our image tuning (IQ), we aim not only for sharpness but also for a balanced overall effect. This includes maintaining clear contrast and dynamic range, which may result in slightly darker areas in some scenes.

I turned on HDR for the VIOFO and added it to Post #9.
I am repeating the enlargements below for convenience.
I also added a shot with N4 Pro S - HDR OFF and PlatePix OFF

The middle sign "Earn points on every gallon" shows the most difference, with N4 Pro S struggling a bit both with and without PlatePix, The A229 Pro with HDR ON and OFF are both fairly legible.

N4 Pro S - HDR ON PlatePix ON
View attachment 83040

N4 Pro S - HDR OFF PlatePix OFF
View attachment 83043


A229 Pro - HDR OFF
View attachment 83041


A229 Pro HDR ON
View attachment 83042

 

[Hack_man]

I think I found a lighting condition that definitely benefits from HDR and PlatePix
The sun was extremely bright shining on the two signs directly in front of my car and neither the A229 Pro nor the N4 Pro S could resolve them. The exact same signs can be seen to the left which are not directly facing the sun.
I'm going to try to get the same image again with PlatePix and HDR turned on

A229 PRO HDR OFF

N4 Pro S HDR and PlatePix OFF

 

[EricSan]

That's an interesting comparison between the two cameras. It seems that the level of bloom/flare is greater around the two signs with the N4PS camera. I would think that is driven by lens choice more than algorithm choices.

 

[Hack_man]

I took the same sign footage again today as previous post #51 under similar but not quite as bright sunlight conditions, but this time turned N4 Pro S PlatePix and HDR ON and kept A229 Pro HDR OFF. Both cameras have CPL Filters.
The Vantrue N4 Pro S with PlatePix ON definitely resulted in better readability of the highly reflective sign. Not perfect but definitely better than A229 Pro with no HDR.
The difference is that PlatePix darkened the washed out background color around the text and also brought to life some of the text not surrounded by background color.

N4 Pro S HDR ON PlatePix ON

A229 Pro HDR OFF

N4 Pro S HDR ON PlatePix ON

A229 HDR OFF

 

[jsmith]

@Hack_man @EricSan @Jeff_Vantrue

I need you guys to test this out for me. Either my front unit is faulty or there's a major firmware bug in this camera. I can replicate this EVERY TIME after Camera Awakes from Low Bitrate Parking Mode following these steps.

A. Use the OBD II hardwire kit (hopefully you got this).
B. Set Camera to Low bitrate Parking Mode
C. Let the camera sit and enter parking mode for about 15-20 minutes
D. Start your car up (or don't) and try to connect to the camera via wifi

1. My Camera generates an error (Network Error, Please check your Connection)

2. The camera crashes and reboots itself.
3. The front and interior camera return, but the rear camera disappears (TESTED TWO CABLES WITH SAME RESULT).
4. Only way to make rear camera reappear is to unplug cord and plug rear camera cable back in. Sometimes need to restart Camera.

The Crashes occurs using the SAME method without the rear camera plugged in only recording Front + Interior. The only difference with 3 Channel (Front + Interior + Rear) is the rear camera drops out after camera crashes and reboots.

Variables:

1. Tested with LTE Modem and without LTE Modem. Crash still occurs
2. Crashes with Wifi set to 10 Minutes Auto Shutoff.
3. Crashes with Wifi turned off and manually enabled after camera awakes.
4. Changing GPS Mount didn't help.

Collision Detect

Camera does not crash after parking mode, but loses rear camera feed after "waking up". I have to pull cable and reseat cable to restore rear camera.

If you can test this, I'd appreciate it.

Notes on Video: Before anyone complains, I was trying to use my one phone to connect to the Vantrue and Other to Record. It's not perfectly synced as I edited the videos since it was unnecessary to stare at the screen doing nothing while I attempt to multitask. At the end, when the 3 cameras return, I had pulled out the Rear Cable but I didn't hit record on my phone to capture that moment. So you see my screen record on cellphone and no video of me yanking and reseating cord from camera to restore 3 channel. No big deal. That's all you missed. Three Cameras Returned after unplugging and replugging in cable.

 

[Hack_man]

@Hack_man @EricSan @Jeff_Vantrue

I need you guys to test this out for me. Either my front unit is faulty or there's a major firmware bug in this camera. I can replicate this EVERY TIME after Camera Awakes from Low Bitrate Parking Mode following these steps.

A. Use the OBD II hardwire kit (hopefully you got this).
B. Set Camera to Low bitrate Parking Mode
C. Let the camera sit and enter parking mode for about 15-20 minutes
D. Start your car up (or don't) and try to connect to the camera via wifi

1. My Camera generates an error (Network Error, Please check your Connection)

Unfortunately I don't have the OBD setup. I wonder if this could be replicated with the Hardwire kit? It should be the same signals for parking mode.
I don't have the hardwire kit plumbed into my car (It's a new car and I didn't want to mess with it) but I could try simulating your condition with the Hardwire kit, a power supply and my phone.
Is there an LTE Module in your setup?
Does it only happen when Low Bit Rate recording was active for at least 15-20 minutes? Only reason I ask is you made a point of saying "Let the camera sit and enter parking mode for about 15-20 minutes" .

 

[jsmith]

Unfortunately I don't have the OBD setup. I wonder if this could be replicated with the Hardwire kit? It should be the same signals for parking mode.
I don't have the hardwire kit plumbed into my car (It's a new car and I didn't want to mess with it) but I could try simulating your condition with the Hardwire kit, a power supply and my phone.
Is there an LTE Module in your setup?
Does it only happen when Low Bit Rate recording was active for at least 15-20 minutes? Only reason I ask is you made a point of saying "Let the camera sit and enter parking mode for about 15-20 minutes" .

I got sent old parking kit without enough length to reach a body bolt. I hardwired with OBDII. Give this a shot with the Hardwire kit and see.

I said 15-20 minutes as I'm not sure the length of time but I believe once the camera enters Parking Mode you could probably replicate. I haven't tested how quickly afterwards it happens. Could happen moments after, I don't know yet.

Yes, the LTE modem is connected. I can try removing that variable to see what happens.

Let me know your results.

 

[jsmith]

Another variable I'll test is the Wifi currently is enabled for 10 minutes after car starts, so I can try toggling it to off. Then enabling it after the camera wakes up, and see if it crashes too.

Right now testing without LTE Modem.

 

[EricSan]

The Vantrue N4 Pro S with PlatePix ON definitely resulted in better readability of the highly reflective sign. Not perfect but definitely better than A229 Pro with no HDR.

That’s definitely an improvement in what I’d consider to be a maximum brightness situation. I’m doubtful ANY dashcam would be able to render that in a readable manner, especially given the relatively dark green overall scene.

@jsmith : working on duplicating your scenario right now, using the N4PS powered with the (non OBD) hardwire kit through the GPS unit with a rear camera connected. Set to 1080p LBR parking mode.

 

[Hack_man]

I'll try it later today, need to setup Power Supply. Thankfully my wife is good about letting me have a lab/dashcam setup in the Family Room!

 

[jsmith]

Note: Camera crashes WITH or WITHOUT LTE Modem.

I am now testing with WIFI DISABLED (versus 10 minutes to shut off) and see if anything changes.