Vantrue E1 Pro (unboxing & first impressions) (Sony Starvis 2 IMX678, Novatek NT98528BG, Wi-Fi 5/GPS, 4K30, HDR)

[Augustus]

Vantrue are on it with a thick and fast release schedule. After previously taking a look at the Vantrue E360, today we are taking a look at the E1 Pro - an update to their previous E1-series. This time it's quite a big step-up, as Vantrue have gone all-in and equipped the E1 Pro with the 4K Starvis 2 IMX678 sensor. This is accompanied by a F1.8 aperture and a seven-element glass lens. Rounding out the specifications is the inclusion of Wi-Fi 5, GPS, HDR and Vantrue's proprietary PlatePix technology to optimise licence plate captures. All contained within a tiny little compact body, and support for various parking modes and the Vantrue LT01 LTE box that supports remote dashcam monitoring. @Jeff_Vantrue


When it comes to box contents, Vantrue has included everything that a user may want. We have the usual inclusions of the dashcam, 12V cigarette lighter adapter (although wired-in-one, where is the separation Vantrue?), orange plastic pry tool, spare 3M adhesive mount and spare electrostatic sticker mounting films, cable clips, microfibre cleaning cloth, and a CPL filter. The CPL filter is a most welcome addition, as this is often an additional cost to the user on most dashcam models.

First impressions of the E1 Pro are very positive. We are greeted by the compact cube form-factor (95 grams weight) in a sleek black casing, that isn't unwieldy even with the fitment of the CPL filter to the lens. There is a 1.54-inch display on the E1 Pro, though sadly no touchscreen. Instead we have three physical buttons on the underside of the unit itself, surrounded by a plethora of heat dissipation grilles. These buttons serve double duty for the various operating functions of the E1 Pro, and are reasonably solid to press and not loose in any way. There is a slide-in mount (GM01) for the top of the E1 Pro that unfortunately only offers pivoting up and down, rather than side to side. On the respective sides of the unit we have the orange emergency record button, microSD memory card slot, speaker grille, and USB-C connection for the LT01 LTE box and reset grille. There is also a tiny green status light to the bottom of the display, which is not too distracting either.

Installation was as you would imagine with the E1 Pro, an absolute breeze. Due to it's compact nature, it did not present any challenges with installation in my vehicle. I look forward to testing the E1 Pro over the coming weeks, and also seeing how it copes with the temperatures of the Australian summer heat. Stay tuned for my thoughts on this little powerhouse, coming soon.




Some close-up photos of the Vantrue E1 Pro dashcam:

 

[Augustus]

Selection of screenshots from the Vantrue app itself. As you can see, quite a number of options available to the end user, which is what we like to see. Some well-laid out options now showing for the optional LT01 LTE box too.

 

[Augustus]

Just some bitrate values for the recorded footage at its native highest resolution of 4k 30fps, from the Vantrue E1 Pro contained below.

The E1 Pro stays constant at 32.4 Mb/s for video, with an audio bitrate of 64 kb/s. Would have liked to see a tad more bitrate for both audio and video, but considering thermal constraints and the chipset, I think they've done a decent job straddling the line.

 

[EricSan]

There are definitely comstraints when packing this much functionality and image quality into such a small form factor. I think they’ve done a nice job balancing file size with image quality. The files from my Viofo 139Pro are larger in size, but simultaneously not as sharp and clear. That’s an impressive result to achieve.

 

[Augustus]

There are definitely comstraints when packing this much functionality and image quality into such a small form factor. I think they’ve done a nice job balancing file size with image quality. The files from my Viofo 139Pro are larger in size, but simultaneously not as sharp and clear. That’s an impressive result to achieve.

Definitely the improvements in processing and chipsets are apparent to see in the couple of years that starvis 2 has been on the market. Waiting for some detailed comparisons, but it's looking like Vantrue could shape up to be a serious competitor to Viofo

 

[Augustus]

Boot-up time comparison between models (from ignition to first recording start):


Vantrue E1 Pro: 15.8 seconds
Viofo A329 (two-channel): 11.09 seconds
Viofo A229 Pro (two-channel): 19.51 seconds



Results are as expected, with the A329 in a blistering start. The E1 Pro relies on the older chipset much like the A229 Pro, but in actuality, 15 seconds isn't too long a wait either.

 

[Nigel]

Boot-up time comparison between models (from ignition to first recording start):

Are these times from power to recording, or from ignition to recording, and if it is from ignition to recording, is that from parking mode, or from sleep mode?

For people with a hardwire kit, the power to recording time is of no interest... although the sleep to recording time may be identical on some dashcams. Parking mode to recording should be faster...

 

[Augustus]

Are these times from power to recording, or from ignition to recording, and if it is from ignition to recording, is that from parking mode, or from sleep mode?

For people with a hardwire kit, the power to recording time is of no interest... although the sleep to recording time may be identical on some dashcams. Parking mode to recording should be faster...

Ignition to first dot blinking on the screen for recording. No parking mode, no hardwire kit. Vehicle has had ignition turned off for previous two hours.

 

[EricSan]

Vantrue E1 Pro: 15.8 seconds
Viofo A329 (two-channel): 11.09 seconds
Viofo A229 Pro (two-channel): 19.51 seconds

This is curious, you have a “production” sample of the E1Pro, while I have a “pre-production” sample that does not bear a serial number and did not come with the CPL filter. My measures start up time for the E1 Pro is a bit shorter (I was using the hardwire kit):

Viofo A139Pro: 18s from power applied to "recording" announcement
Vantrue E1Pro: 13s
Vantrue E360: 20s initial startup, 16s for repeated start ups

I wonder what changed?

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

This is curious, you have a “production” sample of the E1Pro, while I have a “pre-production” sample that does not bear a serial number and did not come with the CPL filter. My measures start up time for the E1 Pro is a bit shorter (I was using the hardwire kit):

Viofo A139Pro: 18s from power applied to "recording" announcement
Vantrue E1Pro: 13s
Vantrue E360: 20s initial startup, 16s for repeated start ups

I wonder what changed?

The startup time of a dashcam can be significantly affected by the capacity and performance of the memory card. When the dashcam powers on, it typically scans the file system on the card. If there are a large number of video files stored, the device takes longer to read and organize the data, which can result in a longer startup time.

 

[Augustus]

This is curious, you have a “production” sample of the E1Pro, while I have a “pre-production” sample that does not bear a serial number and did not come with the CPL filter. My measures start up time for the E1 Pro is a bit shorter (I was using the hardwire kit):

Viofo A139Pro: 18s from power applied to "recording" announcement
Vantrue E1Pro: 13s
Vantrue E360: 20s initial startup, 16s for repeated start ups

I wonder what changed?

Looks like Jeff answered below haha. But there are factors apart from memory card that he's saying.

I tend to base it more on the chipset, like the E360 to me was much faster than what you recorded, like literally on par with the A329 cos they're using the same chipset. E1 Pro and A229 Pro I expected for sure to be slower because they're using older less efficient chipsets.

 

[Augustus]

Heat Testing: Vantrue E1 Pro

The Vantrue E1 Pro on show here is recording at its highest native resolution of 4K, 30 frames per second. Please keep in mind that this is a tough test as this dashcam is exposed to operating conditions that stresses it to its limits. Firmware version: VT-EEA071. Tested with it's respective stock power supply.

In all instances, the ambient car cabin temperatures (with air-conditioning set to lowest setting without car driver/passengers feeling hot) is 34.6 degrees Celsius. Vantrue E1 Pro installed to right of rear-view mirror




6th March 2025:

Scenario: parked in stationary car mid-afternoon for approximately 30 minutes directly facing sun
Exhibited behaviour: Vantrue E1 Pro did not shut-down, display was dimmed as per screensaver time-out

Outside stated weather bureau temperature: 38.6 degrees Celsius
Dashboard recorded temperature: 52.9 degrees Celsius

Vantrue E1 Pro (top of camera above LCD on ventilation grilles): 82.2 degrees Celsius
Vantrue E1 Pro (LCD screen itself): 72.9 degrees Celsius
Vantrue E1 Pro (bottom underside where ventilation grilles are located): 82.8 degrees Celsius
Vantrue E1 Pro (directly at microSD slot location): 83.5 degrees Celsius

 

[EricSan]

These are interesting results. Your ambient is much warmer than mine was (+25c at least), yet camera temps are only marginally warmer (+10c) 🤷‍♂️

My data is here:
https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threa...-new-vantrue-e1-pro-dashcam.52535/post-637252

 

[Augustus]

These are interesting results. Your ambient is much warmer than mine was (+25c at least), yet camera temps are only marginally warmer (+10c) 🤷‍♂️

My data is here:
https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threa...-new-vantrue-e1-pro-dashcam.52535/post-637252

Have seen your data, it all helps to see what temps we are all getting. If it's only a 10 degree increase, that to me says it's already heating up due to the processor and internal components. Due to a relatively inefficient chipset (28nm from memory?)

The other ten degrees is due to heat retention and external heat from the sun

 

[Augustus]

My full review of the Vantrue E1 Pro has now been posted here for your viewing pleasure:

https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threa...the-powerhouse-king-of-budget-dashcams.52817/

 

[Augustus]

AliExpress are having a sale on at the moment, on both the Vantrue E1 Pro and the one-channel Viofo A229 Pro. Who would have thought we would be seeing fantastic 4K Starvis 2 dashcams at this low a price point.

Although the Vantrue E1 Pro is cheaper, it is hard to pick a winner between the two. The Viofo has a slower UI, but also has the higher bitrate and option for two or three channel expansion, and the wedge form factor.

The Vantrue has a faster UI, a cuter cube form factor and more pleasing video processing. But has a lower bitrate (no slouch though) and admittedly lower support lifespan through firmware updates.

Picking a winner between the two is a tough choice but ultimately who wins?

The customer. You can't go wrong with either 🙂

 

[Augustus]

Plate capture comparison between the Vantrue E1 Pro and Viofo A329:


Just performed a quick comparison between the Vantrue E1 Pro and Viofo A329, at dusk. Both cameras had no CPL filter attached, and bear in mind that my vehicle has a 85% tint on the rear windscreen. Vantrue's PlatePix was also not used as this would have reduced exposure levels in the image. Recordings were performed at their native highest resolution of 4K30fps and 2K30fps respectively, with bitrates of 32MB/s and 27MB/s. Audio was better on the Viofo, but as they have the same bitrate, I am putting this down to the superior sampling rate of 48kHz, compared to 16kHz on the Vantrue. @Jeff_Vantrue

As you can see below, the plate capture on the Vantrue is admittedly superior, due to the increased video resolution available to the user. I also do prefer the image processing of the Vantrue over the Viofo. What can be noticed though is that also due to the increased resolution, the text on the green highway sign in the background is able to be discerned on the Vantrue, but not on the Viofo.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Plate capture comparison between the Vantrue E1 Pro and Viofo A329:


Just performed a quick comparison between the Vantrue E1 Pro and Viofo A329, at dusk. Both cameras had no CPL filter attached, and bear in mind that my vehicle has a 85% tint on the rear windscreen. Vantrue's PlatePix was also not used as this would have reduced exposure levels in the image. Recordings were performed at their native highest resolution of 4K30fps and 2K30fps respectively, with bitrates of 32MB/s and 27MB/s. Audio was better on the Viofo, but as they have the same bitrate, I am putting this down to the superior sampling rate of 48kHz, compared to 16kHz on the Vantrue. @Jeff_Vantrue


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Thanks for the comparison! Just to share — the E1 Pro has an automatic noise reduction feature for audio. The benefit is that it filters out background noise, but the downside is that the audio quality may not sound as rich or natural compared to the original. You could try turning off the audio noise reduction in the settings and see if that improves the sound quality.

 

[Nigel]

Just performed a quick comparison between the Vantrue E1 Pro and Viofo A329, at dusk.

Presumably you used the A329 2K rear camera for the comparison with the E1 Pro 4K single channel, not the A329 4K front camera?

As you can see below, the plate capture on the Vantrue is admittedly superior, due to the increased video resolution available to the user.

Looking at the images, I can't see much difference in plate readability between the 2K and 4K, however this website has resized the images to 1920 × 1069 and 1920x1077, so I'm seeing them at virtually the same resolution.

(If you host the images elsewhere and just link them, rather than uploading to this forum, then they can appear at original resolution.)

Audio was better on the Viofo, but as they have the same bitrate, I am putting this down to the superior sampling rate of 48kHz, compared to 16kHz on the Vantrue.

Having 3x the resolution on the audio definitely makes a difference, a big difference for those of us with good ears, even without extra bitrate. The microphone setup can also make a big difference though, especially to noise levels. Hard to tell what it is that makes the differences, although testing with and without a lot of road noise can give clues, ie stopped and high speed testing.

 

[Augustus]

Presumably you used the A329 2K rear camera for the comparison with the E1 Pro 4K single channel, not the A329 4K front camera?


Looking at the images, I can't see much difference in plate readability between the 2K and 4K, however this website has resized the images to 1920 × 1069 and 1920x1077, so I'm seeing them at virtually the same resolution.

(If you host the images elsewhere and just link them, rather than uploading to this forum, then they can appear at original resolution.)

Having 3x the resolution on the audio definitely makes a difference, a big difference for those of us with good ears, even without extra bitrate. The microphone setup can also make a big difference though, especially to noise levels. Hard to tell what it is that makes the differences, although testing with and without a lot of road noise can give clues, ie stopped and high speed testing.

Correct, It was updated in the other thread but not here but that's exactly the camera, the A329 rear one

That explains a lot if you can't view the screenshot, will keep that in mind for next time.

Having worked in editing and creating podcasts, I'd say the biggest factor is definitely the increased resolution by moving to 48khz. It's immediately apparent as soon as you start playing and comparing the videos, no need to scrub to a particular point in the videos. There may be more factors that improve the clarity and richness of the audio, but that would require quite more testing.