Vantrue N4 Pro S - 3x STARVIS 2 with Waterproof 2.5K Rear camera - Unboxing & First Impressions Europe

[Julian23]

Here are some more screenshots from the N4 Pro S:

Interior during daytime:

 

[Julian23]

And some from the rear camera:

 

[Julian23]

As with the N4S, I spent the past several weeks with the new N4 Pro S and I can finally say that I'm ready to wrap up my experience. The thread will be posted soon.

The N4 Pro S is a nice upgrade over the N4 Pro. Especially the rear camera.

 

[indigo]

Would still pick the N4 Pro S.
No need for 3 different power supplies or 3 different SD cards.
Everything is in one unit.
And the rear camera is smaller and less visible when mounted on the rear glass.

u are right
but 3pcs e1pro =3pcs imx 678 4k dashcam: )

 

[Julian23]

u are right
but 3pcs e1pro =3pcs imx 678 4k dashcam: )

That's true and it would perform better regarding video quality. No doubt about that.
The thing is that it's not convenient. You would have to lock each unit if something happens.
A normal user just wants it easy.

 

[Julian23]

Vantrue released a new firmware for the N4 Pro S a couple of days ago:

Front camera:

Release time: 10/21/2025
Version: N4PS_VT-EEJ131

1. Optimized rear camera preview clarity in the app.​

2. Fixed an issue where the infrared light setting in the app did not take effect.​

3. Improved on-screen messages for Wi-Fi and LTE connection.​

4. Adjusted default time formats for Czech and Turkish languages.​

5. Fixed an issue where the dash cam failed to reconnect to the app after canceling a video connection in the Message Center.​

6. Optimized the display position of the rear camera watermark.​

7. Fixed lag issues when switching resolutions in Japanese.​

8. Updated resolution display from “2160P” to “4K.”​

9. Fixed an issue where the main unit did not report GPS information to the app.​

Rear camera:

Release time: 08/21/2025
Version: RC09_VT-EEE281

Important Note: After updating the main unit software, please also update the RC09 rear camera software to version RC09_VT-EEE281.​

If the rear camera software is not updated simultaneously, the watermark on the rear camera footage may appear incomplete.​

Vantrue N4 Pro S | Product Manuals, Firmware Upgrades, and FAQs

Explore comprehensive product manuals, firmware upgrades, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for Vantrue N4 Pro S dash cam. Access detailed instructions, troubleshooting tips, and the latest firmware updates to enhance your experience. Find answers to common queries and optimize your use of...

www.vantrue.com

 

[Julian23]

Vantrue released a new firmware for the N4 Pro S a couple of days ago:

Front camera:

Release time: 12/02/2025
Version: N4PS_VT-EEK141

1. Updated some Spanish translations.
2. Adjusted parking mode collision-detection sensitivity and improved the G-Sensor secondary-impact and parking-mode exit logic.
3. Fixed an issue where the connection would drop when Wi-Fi was turned off and the App performed formatting over LTE.

Vantrue N4 Pro S | Product Manuals, Firmware Upgrades, and FAQs

Explore comprehensive product manuals, firmware upgrades, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for Vantrue N4 Pro S dash cam. Access detailed instructions, troubleshooting tips, and the latest firmware updates to enhance your experience. Find answers to common queries and optimize your use of...

www.vantrue.com

 

[Julian23]

I received the new Vantrue RC18 rear camera that is compatible with the N4 Pro S, N4S and the S1 Pro Max.
This model is NOT waterproof. It is intended to be mounted on the inside. This proven design should remove any unwanted movement that could be found with the RC09.
Here are some pictures of the RC18 next to the RC09 that is included with the N4 Pro S, N4S and the S1 Pro Max in the 4k + 2.5k version.

The new RC18 does not have an extension like the RC09 has. The cable from the front camera plugs directly into the RC18.
The RC18 can be rotated 360° to allow installation in any location.

On the rear of the lens are two vents to remove any heat. Next to the vents is the status LED.

Size comparison:

I will install the RC18 in the next few days and share some footage from it.

The RC18 is expected to launch in March.

 

[EricSan]

Curious, the lens itself seems to have a different physical configuration between the two cameras. I wonder why? I presume the field of view has not changed…

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

Curious, the lens itself seems to have a different physical configuration between the two cameras. I wonder why? I presume the field of view has not changed…

Good question. The lens parameters haven’t changed and the field of view and image specs are exactly the same.
The physical design was updated because some users reported that the previous lens mount could feel unstable and cause vibration. The new design improves stability and durability.

 

[SneekyB]

I’ve been looking at the N4 Pro S in the UK as I’m planning to have a dashcam installed in the next week or so. This looks good but I would prefer the new RC18 rear camera over the RC09 which is currently supplied. Sadly this will not be available before I make my decision on which dashcam to buy.

 

[EricSan]

I would prefer the new RC18 rear camera over the RC09 which is currently supplied.

If you can tuck the cable from the RC09 camera up into the rear headliner, that helps a great deal to hold the rear camera still. Also, make sure the screws in the accordion mount are nice and tight, and potentially add a layer of double stick adhesive (3M VHB is best) between the metal plates. I've not had any trouble with my RC09 rear camera.

 

[SneekyB]

If you can tuck the cable from the RC09 camera up into the rear headliner, that helps a great deal to hold the rear camera still. Also, make sure the screws in the accordion mount are nice and tight, and potentially add a layer of double stick adhesive (3M VHB is best) between the metal plates. I've not had any trouble with my RC09 rear camera.

Thanks I’ll be sure to do that if I do decide to buy this set. I have a E1 Pro but have not opened it yet as I may return it in favour of a 2 or 3 channel option. The overheating reports is making me reconsider the E1 Pro.

 

[EricSan]

overheating reports is making me reconsider the E1 Pro

I’ve heard people say it gets hot. I’ve not heard anyone report that it malfunctions or fails due to heat.

 

[SneekyB]

I’ve heard people say it gets hot. I’ve not heard anyone report that it malfunctions or fails due to heat.

You may well be right, it was mainly Amazon reviews which had suggested issues but the majority are positive. To be fair whichever dashcam I look at on Amazon has negative comments so it’s maybe not a great source for reliable advice. The comments here do suggest it runs hot but continues to function ok.

 

[Julian23]

I have been using the RC18 rear camera for several weeks now as a replacement for the RC09.
It has performed flawlessly without any issues.

The most significant improvement is the physical stability of the unit. With the RC09, there could be some visible vibration depending on the mounting method. This is no longer an issue with the RC18. The mount is very firm and the camera does not wobble at all. The tube-shaped camera will also blend in a bit better than the RC09. Hiding the cable is also easier with the RC18.
Regarding the image quality, it's similar to the RC09. I am particularly impressed with the edge-to-edge sharpness. Even at the corners of the frame, the clarity remains very good, and license plates are easily readable. This will of course depend on several other factors like speed and lighting, but overall it performs well.

I will post some pictures in the coming days to demonstrate this. For now, I can say that the RC18 is a solid improvement in terms of mounting stability.

 

[Julian23]

Here are pictures from the rear camera.
Please note that the weather has been less than ideal. Only little sun and very cloudy.
The rear windshield is also sometimes dirty.
All this makes it the ideal test for the RC18.

Slow speed with car behind:

Left car stationary, right car approaching.

Car on the left passing with about 50km/h speed difference, right car following closely.
Both plates can be read.

A different plate from the Netherlands:
The plate from the car behind can also be read.

Very good sharpness near the edge:

City traffic:

Plate of the car behind can be read. Car in the other lane not.

Plate from the car on the right can be read.

 

[Julian23]

Here are some more:

Very crisp plate in a darker environment.

Some plates in a traffic jam and good capture near the edge.

As shown in the pictures, the image quality is very good for a 2.5k rear camera.
It will capture most of the cars traveling in the same direction as long as there is a certain amount of light.
The sharpness near the edges is good. I've seen other cameras struggling with this.
The image quality is not really different than the images from the waterproof RC09 version. (This was to be expected)

The barrel style design definitely helps to eliminate vibrations, which will of course improve the image quality.
If you don't need the waterproof camera, wait until the RC18 is released.

 

[EricSan]

Images from the new rear camera look great. I wonder if they made any other tweaks to the optics, or is it purely a new housing?