SHENZHEN: The latest dashcam to come out of China's Viofo is the A229 Pro, which supports up to 3-channel recording at high dynamic range (HDR).
It is also the first dashcam to use dual Sony STARVIS 2 image sensors, setting a new benchmark in the industry.
The A229 Pro deploys the advanced Sony technology for its front and rear cameras, offering unmatched 4K and 2K dual recording.
The front camera captures 4K Ultra HD videos at 30fps with a 140° viewing angle. The rear camera records 2K Quad HD videos at 30fps with a 160° viewing angle. The interior camera records 1080P Full HD videos at 30fps with a 150° viewing angle.
With Sony's latest STARVIS 2 tech, the A229 Pro delivers excellent video quality and captures every detail, making licence plates and road signs more visible, even in a fast move or from a distance. It is also capable of delivering impeccable exposure even under the most challenging conditions, day and night, in all 3 channels.
The front camera boasts an 8-megapixel Sony STARVIS 2 1/1.8'' image sensor, IMX678, that packs in more pixels for greater clarity and detail, even in low light.
The rear camera features a 5-megapixel STARVIS 2 1/2.8'' image sensor, IMX675, that provides a 2.5 times wider dynamic range in a single exposure than the STARVIS pixel of the same size, capturing exceptionally clear and sharp videos.
The two sensors also introduce less noise and motion blur during day and night recording.
The A229 Pro comes with an advanced voice control feature, which allows users to start/stop recording, take photos, turn on/off WiFi, and more with simple spoken commands in multiple languages (English/Chinese/ Russian/Japanese/Vietnamese/Thai).
This can be especially handy if the driver is driving while keeping eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Its voice notification supports multiple languages and clearly notifies drivers of setting changes or memory card errors, keeping drivers always fully focused on the road.
The A229 Pro supports dual-band 5GHz&2.4GHz Wi-Fi, users can select which band to use based on actual needs. The upgraded 5GHz Wi-Fi provides much faster data transfer than the conventional 2.4GHz, ensuring smooth video previewing, downloading, and sharing. With the Viofo app, users can conveniently transfer files and preview them directly on their phone.
The A229 Pro also comes with three parking modes (optional HK4 hardwire kit is required), auto event detection, time lapse recording, and low bitrate recording, providing 24/7 surveillance of the car while parked.
The dash cam will switch to Parking Mode automatically when the vehicle ignition is turned off, and the parking mode and recording timer can be set in the Viofoapp. The Low Voltage Cut-off function will protect the car battery from excessive discharge.
If the built-in G-sensor detects an impact or significant movement, it triggers the dash cam to start recording, providing evidence if the vehicle gets damaged while parked.
Supported by the buffered function, the dash cam will automatically record a 45-second video for 15 seconds before and 30 seconds after the detected event, ensuring no critical moments are missed.
The time lapse mode condenses long periods of time into shorter video clips, recording a video at low frames at 1/2/3/5/10fps without audio recorded, which saves storage and power. This is particularly useful for capturing road trips, scenic drives, or lengthy commutes, as it presents the entire journey in a more concise and easily watchable way.
The Viofo website lists the 3-channel dashcam system at US$359.99 (RM1,687). A two-channel system - without the interior camera - goes for US$329.99 (RM1,546).
