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)

TonyM said:
Arguably it is an upgrade if a user adds a telephoto to an existing 1CH or 2CH A329S. Whatever they call it, asking users to deal with .bin files will not sit well with everyone. What about customers who only have an iPhone?
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It may be an upgrade in cameras physically but the firmware isn't. Its really just a firmware swap that's all so they can have the correct additional options, it's not like they gain heaps of new features.

How often will they changing bootloaders over? I think most people can find someone they know that has a Windows PC to perform this firmware conversion.
 
TonyM said:
Arguably it is an upgrade if a user adds a telephoto to an existing 1CH or 2CH A329S. Whatever they call it, asking users to deal with .bin files will not sit well with everyone. What about customers who only have an iPhone?
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I suppose it is about perspective, 🙂 I have always viewed an upgrade to be an improvement or advancement. I am not sure I consider moving from Telephoto to Waterproof, in a package that is designed to do so, to be an upgrade. There are no improvements, only changes the customer wants. The VIOFO quality and technical excellence is still there, only changing options.
 
@lufa6977 I was only being picky because you questioned the use of the word "upgrade", but quoted the Viofo text about changing from an A329S to an A329T which I thought was an upgrade.

In the broader context yes I see now that this conversion also applies to swapping out a fisheye for a telephoto, or a waterproof cam for a fisheye.

I'm happy to move on.
 
It's all good Tony, and a good discussion about the matter. In fact it caused me to evaluate my words as I have been known to be mistaken about things, so I took a look at the VIOFO pricing for the A329x family. Pretty much the price is the same between the two and three channel versions, with the exception being the Water Proof channel which is more expensive. I expect those are more expensive than the Interior or Fisheye due to production costs.

My concern was that VIOFO has built a dash cam package that has interchangeable parts, all equal in their own ability; but once they call it an upgrade, the western mind thinks they paid too much for what they bought, did not get what they paid for, or feel like they were taken advantage of. Advertising to the western mind is a bit fickle at best. 🙂
 
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lufa6977 said:
I took a look at the VIOFO pricing for the A329x family. Pretty much the price is the same between the two and three channel versions, with the exception being the Water Proof channel which is more expensive. I expect those are more expensive than the Interior or Fisheye due to production costs.
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Since you mentioned the price, I was wondering what people's thoughts are on the asking price for the A392S/T/W family.

The 3CH A329T is at the top of my wish list. Sure, it offers a lot in terms of features and future setup flexibility. But as a potential customer I'm having a hard time justifying $470 vs say $220 on a 2CH A229 Plus - is it really that much better? I know everyone's budgets vary, and it depends on how much those added features are 'must have' or 'nice to have' or 'will never use'.

My previous dashcams have more than paid for themselves in terms of insurance claims, reporting bad driver behaviour etc, so I do realise their true value. And the peace of mind of trusting that they will be there if needed.
 
TonyM said:
Since you mentioned the price, I was wondering what people's thoughts are on the asking price for the A392S/T/W family.

The 3CH A329T is at the top of my wish list. Sure, it offers a lot in terms of features and future setup flexibility. But as a potential customer I'm having a hard time justifying $470 vs say $220 on a 2CH A229 Plus - is it really that much better? I know everyone's budgets vary, and it depends on how much those added features are 'must have' or 'nice to have' or 'will never use'.

My previous dashcams have more than paid for themselves in terms of insurance claims, reporting bad driver behaviour etc, so I do realise their true value. And the peace of mind of trusting that they will be there if needed.
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It's a judgment call. My Viofo A129 Duo (1080p) helped when it was the latest and greatest on two insurance claims. I now have the A139 Pro (several generations old). It also helped on 2 claim and 1 criminal activity case. Vantrue has sent me a couple cameras, I have the N2X (1 channel) in my car alongside A139 Pro.

I have N4S in another vehicle.

Does having the highest resolution at a premium price and the newest model justify the expense? It's a toss up. Sure, you will capture details more clearly, but will it be that defining moment between catching a person / activity? Hard to say. Maybe the A139 Pro or 229 Plus will do just fine. On the other hand, maybe neither camera will serve their purpose, causing you regret on not getting a better model.

All about calculated risk and personal preference. Most of the world still drives WITHOUT a dashcam. Given how much a camera has paid itself off, I would never go without one. I have made sure my family has one in their vehicles, even if they don't really understand technology as well.
 
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TonyM said:
Since you mentioned the price, I was wondering what people's thoughts are on the asking price for the A392S/T/W family.

The 3CH A329T is at the top of my wish list. Sure, it offers a lot in terms of features and future setup flexibility. But as a potential customer I'm having a hard time justifying $470 vs say $220 on a 2CH A229 Plus - is it really that much better? I know everyone's budgets vary, and it depends on how much those added features are 'must have' or 'nice to have' or 'will never use'.

My previous dashcams have more than paid for themselves in terms of insurance claims, reporting bad driver behaviour etc, so I do realise their true value. And the peace of mind of trusting that they will be there if needed.
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My view on the A329x family is it was designed for the western market and its incessant need for something different, so from the perspective of the U.S. market, the price is acceptable for a premier device that is adaptable to a customer that may have a different need at some point in the future. VIOFO have been told repeatedly there was a market in the U.S. for a top tier dash cam that provided a number of features and they have provided it with the A329x family. Are all the features necessary for documenting an accident? No, not at all, my A229 Pro is just as effective as the new A329x family if I need to be in court to prove I am not at fault for a vehicle accident.

Yet, the multi-stream merge feature and the improved parking schemes, especially with the new HK6 are especially attractive for those that need these features. I park in my garage, so I have no need for 24x7 parking coverage like some users will that must park on a street every night. Finding a need to move from the A229 Pro to the A329x is much the same as finding a need to move from an iPhone 15 to an iPhone 17. The basic functions are still the same as far as placing a call, or recording traffic. Does the user really need the improved parking features or other features is what each person needs to ask themselves?
 
lufa6977 said:
My view on the A329x family is it was designed for the western market and its incessant need for something different, so from the perspective of the U.S. market, the price is acceptable for a premier device that is adaptable to a customer that may have a different need at some point in the future. VIOFO have been told repeatedly there was a market in the U.S. for a top tier dash cam that provided a number of features and they have provided it with the A329x family. Are all the features necessary for documenting an accident? No, not at all, my A229 Pro is just as effective as the new A329x family if I need to be in court to prove I am not at fault for a vehicle accident.

Yet, the multi-stream merge feature and the improved parking schemes, especially with the new HK6 are especially attractive for those that need these features. I park in my garage, so I have no need for 24x7 parking coverage like some users will that must park on a street every night. Finding a need to move from the A229 Pro to the A329x is much the same as finding a need to move from an iPhone 15 to an iPhone 17. The basic functions are still the same as far as placing a call, or recording traffic. Does the user really need the improved parking features or other features is what each person needs to ask themselves?
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Exactly. Technology improves all the time, and there are people who want the latest and greatest. However, others choose to wait until several generations later to upgrade because their current product suits their needs.

If an older Viofo A129 Duo (1080P) captured an accident and/or license plate in a hit and run, the insurance company isn't going to deny the claim because the video isn't 2k or 4K. So long as you can make out what happened, that's all one requires. A court isn't going to chastise a witness either because their video isn't to notch.

My A139 Pro got used in a criminal case. Courts were happy to have video. No complaints over some portions being in black and white (Interior Cam). It proved what it needed and that was that.
 
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Buying a Dashcam that offers everything at once with optional addons to purchase without the need to tamper with updates and software issues out the box would of been more tempting. The average customer won't know what a bin is . People are gonna buy it for what it offers but they probably would never know it's true potential. Get it together @VIOFO-Support . There's single camera market, dual camera market , 3 camera market and all out multichannel market. Stop trying to please all of them in one product. You're devaluing your existing lineup.
 
Super6ix said:
Buying a Dashcam that offers everything at once with optional addons to purchase without the need to tamper with updates and software issues out the box would of been more tempting. The average customer won't know what a bin is . People are gonna buy it for what it offers but they probably would never know it's true potential. Get it together @VIOFO-Support . There's single camera market, dual camera market , 3 camera market and all out multichannel market. Stop trying to please all of them in one product. You're devaluing your existing lineup.
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.....You stick the bin file in the root of the SD card...... All updates on all dashcameras utilize the same technique if updating manually. Over the Airways (OTA) loads and installs the firmware automatically.

If you're incapable of performing the simple task of updating the firmware, then you will obviously be lacking the expertise to install a 2 channel or 3 channel dashcam properly. Hire and Pay someone instead.
 
There are many that will not upgrade ( insert what ever hardware / devise )
Hell my friend, deadly afraid of any changes to anything, i have to force to do windows update, and trust me when someone make a little change to something he is all up in arms.

But there are also many that have been burned doing so, but not sure if that is messing up the update procedure or in other way get unlucky.
I have always kept my stuff up to date, but yes the first few times i updated a expensive PC Motherboard BIOS i was nervous i have to admit, but since then decades ago no worries and now it is more easy with most having a GUI and in some cases even a fully automated process, so just " click here to update "

As for dashcams i got to admit i like the OTA updates, even if i have a intense hate / HATE relationship with my / any phone.
So i will do OTA if possible VS the drop .bin file om memory card i have done for over a decade.

With these new Viofo models, and so many options, i recon there are a strict order to where you get your updates, so you do not risk loading a wrong one.
 
jsmith said:
.....You stick the bin file in the root of the SD card...... All updates on all dashcameras utilize the same technique if updating manually. Over the Airways (OTA) loads and installs the firmware automatically.

If you're incapable of performing the simple task of updating the firmware, then you will obviously be lacking the expertise to install a 2 channel or 3 channel dashcam properly. Hire and Pay someone instead.
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I'm not talking about me, nor am I talking about the several active members that visit regularly. I'm talking about the average Joe and Jane. You need to think beyond Dashcamtalk and Reddit. We could want the world , but they just want a product that works as intended.
 
Super6ix said:
I'm not talking about me, nor am I talking about the several active members that visit regularly. I'm talking about the average Joe and Jane. You need to think beyond Dashcamtalk and Reddit. We could want the world , but they just want a product that works as intended.
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😒 Most pieces of tech hardware (computer, cell phones, dashcams, etc) require firmware updates to fix bugs.

1. Engineers test a product in a closed environment, so issues get overlooked.
2. When a product is put into production, customers complain of issues, and the company resolves them post release.
3. Time is of the essence when getting tech out to the market. Hold on to it too long, and your huge investment becomes yesterday's news.

Therefore, companies weigh the risks and benefits, before sending products to be sold to consumers. As I said before, if the general public is incapable of handling specific technology, then they pay someone with the know how to do the leg work.

A. Install Dashcam, Setup, and Teach the enduser how to operate
B. Update computer operating system, install windows updates, drivers, etc.
C. Update and configure cell phone.

etc, etc.

People own cars. When they break, if you don't know how to repair the problem, the vehicle goes to a mechanic (someone that can repair problem).
 
Well, I have more faith in the average user than most, I suppose. I now have almost 40 years of electronics, coding, power, mainframe, fiber transport, microwave experience and am impressed with the willingness and capability of those much younger than me to navigate and learn their cellphones, tablets, and a multitude of video, audio, and gaming apps. I am quite sure they will be able to master the nuances of re-configuring an A329T to an A329S, or which ever configuration they need.

Knowledge is everything. What @VIOFO-Support can do is to add information and images to their onsite pages for the A329x family that should the user have a different need in the future, they can even change around the camera configuration with the .bin boot-loader file. This kind of advertisement and knowledge is where VIOFO can improve on their communications with the customer. It could also increase future sales of individual cameras and possibly reduce their support requests.
 
Empowering people is what we must do, be wise - be brave, and like nike said " just do it "
 
lufa6977 said:
Well, I have more faith in the average user than most, I suppose. I now have almost 40 years of electronics, coding, power, mainframe, fiber transport, microwave experience and am impressed with the willingness and capability of those much younger than me to navigate and learn their cellphones, tablets, and a multitude of video, audio, and gaming apps. I am quite sure they will be able to master the nuances of re-configuring an A329T to an A329S, or which ever configuration they need.

Knowledge is everything. What @VIOFO-Support can do is to add information and images to their onsite pages for the A329x family that should the user have a different need in the future, they can even change around the camera configuration with the .bin boot-loader file. This kind of advertisement and knowledge is where VIOFO can improve on their communications with the customer. It could also increase future sales of individual cameras and possibly reduce their support requests.
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One of the main issues facing products made in China is language barriers. The Chinese often don't excel at English, and so confusing instructions or grammatical errors are the norm. Wikipedia puts China at the bottom of the list with only .09 (less than 1%) speaking English. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_English-speaking_population

With Viofo Support, at least in the past, I realized questions need be kept to basic and simple English. Google Translate does some things well, but technical issues isn't one of them.

I agree that better diagrams and clearer instructions would benefit endusers that are less tech savvy. I'd surmise 39 and under grew up with technology for most of their lives. 40-50 is a mixed bag on varying levels of understanding. 50+ people begin to shy away from what they don't easily understand.
 
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TonyM said:
Since you mentioned the price, I was wondering what people's thoughts are on the asking price for the A392S/T/W family.

The 3CH A329T is at the top of my wish list. Sure, it offers a lot in terms of features and future setup flexibility. But as a potential customer I'm having a hard time justifying $470 vs say $220 on a 2CH A229 Plus - is it really that much better? I know everyone's budgets vary, and it depends on how much those added features are 'must have' or 'nice to have' or 'will never use'.

My previous dashcams have more than paid for themselves in terms of insurance claims, reporting bad driver behaviour etc, so I do realise their true value. And the peace of mind of trusting that they will be there if needed.
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Yeah, I can't justify the price of the A329S - with the 3 cameras it's actually £470 in the UK so over $600 dollars. If money was no object then sure.

I had an A139 for many years but got an A139Pro because I wanted better number plate capture. For the average person I'd say a 2k camera is probably good enough though to capture accident fault. To me it's a little bit of a hobby as well so that's the other justification for spending a little more. I suspect viofo probably still sell a lot of the A229 cameras and will for some time.
 
Yes, I agree, the 3 channel A329x is quite pricey, but it is marketed, more or less, to the upper tier of dash cam users that are willing to pay the price for a premium dash cam. Even a 1 channel A329S is 330 GBP, which is sort of 'up there'. The A329x family is certainly for those that are bleeding-edge tech buyers, or those that want the optimal experience with a dash cam. I more or less fit into that group, I am not Rockefeller wealthy, but retired with no family so I have money to spend.

I think that if someone were in the market for a new VIOFO, but cost conscious, I would wait and see what the new VIOFO A229 Ultra has to offer in features and price. I suspect the A229 Ultra as a one or two channel is going to fit into a nice spot for those that need an excellent Starvis II dash cam at a reasonable price.
 
lufa6977 said:
Yes, I agree, the 3 channel A329x is quite pricey, but it is marketed, more or less, to the upper tier of dash cam users that are willing to pay the price for a premium dash cam. Even a 1 channel A329S is 330 GBP, which is sort of 'up there'. The A329x family is certainly for those that are bleeding-edge tech buyers, or those that want the optimal experience with a dash cam. I more or less fit into that group, I am not Rockefeller wealthy, but retired with no family so I have money to spend.

I think that if someone were in the market for a new VIOFO, but cost conscious, I would wait and see what the new VIOFO A229 Ultra has to offer in features and price. I suspect the A229 Ultra as a one or two channel is going to fit into a nice spot for those that need an excellent Starvis II dash cam at a reasonable price.
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Always funny seeing people buy the latest iPhone every year for 1500$ and drive 30.000$-80.000$ cars but will complain about a camera that will protect your expensive car for a few hundred $ 🤣
 
lufa6977 said:
Yes, I agree, the 3 channel A329x is quite pricey, but it is marketed, more or less, to the upper tier of dash cam users that are willing to pay the price for a premium dash cam. Even a 1 channel A329S is 330 GBP, which is sort of 'up there'. The A329x family is certainly for those that are bleeding-edge tech buyers, or those that want the optimal experience with a dash cam. I more or less fit into that group, I am not Rockefeller wealthy, but retired with no family so I have money to spend.

I think that if someone were in the market for a new VIOFO, but cost conscious, I would wait and see what the new VIOFO A229 Ultra has to offer in features and price. I suspect the A229 Ultra as a one or two channel is going to fit into a nice spot for those that need an excellent Starvis II dash cam at a reasonable price.
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Same argument that you don't need a Lamborghini, and few people use these cars as daily drivers. A Peugeot will get you to the same place as a Lamborghini for a LOT LESS. However, there are people with tons of money to spend on the newest, latest, and best of the best luxury goods....Must be nice!
 
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