Vantrue N5S - 4x STARVIS 2 - 4 Channel dashcam - Unboxing & First Impressions Europe

[Julian23]

Some more random captures:

The front camera seems to handle low sun very well. Plates can be read.

Full size image during the night:

And now some from the rear camera.

 

[jsmith]

Here are the 4 different settings at night.

Firmware Front: N5S_VT-EEJ102
Firmware Rear: RC10-ETH_VT-EEI191

The uploaded pictures are labeled with their settings.
1. WDR off, CPL off
2. WDR off, CPL on
3. WDR on, CPL off
4. WDR on, CPL on
View attachment 87615View attachment 87616
View attachment 87617View attachment 87618

With the CPL installed, the image is darker. Other than than I can't really see much of a difference.

Agreed, not a huge difference with or without WDR. However, none of these vehicles are in motion either.

 

[EricSan]

@Julian23 That's an interesting night time comparison of WDR on/off combined with a polarizer on/off. There is a clear, but subtle, difference in overall exposure level: WDR darkens the image just a bit as does the polarizer.

 

[Julian23]

Agreed, not a huge difference with or without WDR. However, none of these vehicles are in motion either.

It would have been very hard to replicate the exact frame while driving with two cars moving.
A static test allows me to only change the settings and not changing anything else.

 

[Julian23]

The available resolution settings if using all 4 channels:

 

[Julian23]

With bright sunlight, the N5S is able to capture a good number of plates.
In darker conditions, like with clouds or rain, it is similar to the nighttime performance.

Here are some examples:

The rear with HDR is able to capture the plate.

If your goal is the best plate capture in any condition, then take a look at the N4 Pro S.
But if you want to have nearly every angle covered, then the N5S is interesting. The rear interior camera does add a good amount of visibility.
Not having HDR on the front camera is a result of the limitations due to the 4 channels.

My full summary will be completed within the next few days.

 

[jsmith]

@Julian23

1. I identified a bug in Vantrue's new software. When you disable HDR on rear camera, it defaults back on after camera reboots. I have notifed Vantrue.

2. WDR is hardware based and HDR is software based. Vantrue has said the processor / hardware in the N5S is insufficient to support HDR on the Front Camera. I suggested they create an N5 Pro S series, but they didn't seem to find that a high priority. To me, the 4 Channel camera is a Game Changer and Love it. But I agree, it needs beefier hardware to support all modern features.

3. I find the N5S is sufficient even without front HDR. Personally, HDR does cause a lot of night blur in hopes of capturing license plates. I prefer a more clear picture at night, but others might want HDR (License Plates).