Dashcams are weird: at first glance, the choice is vast. Yet, the second you start looking through the specifications you notice that these are all basically the same, with similar specs and even software. And most of the time, the specs are dreadful, especially when it comes to sensors. That’s why most of the dashcam footage you see is so blurry. VIOFO, though, is a serious brand, known for its quality Sony sensors and advanced features. Their most current model is the A229 PRO. Is it worth the steep price?
Price and Competitors
VIOFO A229 PRO is priced at CAD 433.40 after a discount from the original price of CAD 528.21.
The VIOFO A229 PRO stands out for its 3-channel recording capability, offering comprehensive coverage around the vehicle, which is particularly beneficial for ridesharing drivers. It also features advanced technology like Sony STARVIS 2 sensors for superior night vision, voice control, and dual-band WiFi for faster data transfer.
In comparison, the Thinkware U3000 and BlackVue DR970X Plus offer strong alternatives with their unique features, such as the Thinkware U3000’s advanced parking mode features and the BlackVue’s cloud connectivity. The VIOFO A129 Pro also offers a mid-price option with excellent day video quality, while the 70mai A800S provides a budget-friendly choice for those seeking a 4K dash cam without additional channels or parking modes.
No one would call the VIOFO A229 PRO affordable, although the current sale price is enticing.
Design
The VIOFO dashcams have not changed their design for a while. The VIOFO A229 PRO looks exactly like its predecessors: a chunky design is instantly recognizable, although it does not take up too much space and never distracts me from driving.
The cam has five buttons, including the emergency button for recording something you don’t want overwritten. The screen is big enough, although I never look at it — I prefer using my smartphone.
In the box, I found not only the camera but also a CPL filter to help with the reflections (you can see that my rear camera has much more of those since it does not come with a filter), as well as a trim removal tool and a GPS module.
Camera
This dash cam features high-quality 3-channel recording with different resolution cameras on the front, rear, and interior views. The front camera records in 4K resolution using Sony’s STARVIS 2 image sensor (8 megapixels 1/1.8-inch IMX678), which provides more pixels for clearer detail even in low light conditions.
The rear camera records in 2K resolution with another STARVIS 2 1/2.8-inch IMX675 sensor that offers a wider dynamic range. The interior camera uses a Sony STARVIS sensor and HDR technology to see inside the vehicle without overexposure, and it has infrared lights and a sensor to record sharp black-and-white footage even in complete darkness.
In addition, all three camera views support HDR processing to enhance details in shadows and highlights for the best image quality across different lighting situations.
I was mostly using two cameras — front and rear, as I do not need the interior one. Still, it’s a great addition both for vloggers and ridesharing drivers. Installing everything was easy enough since the box had everything I needed, including the trim removal tool and static stickers.
I tested the camera in the worst conditions possible: fog, nighttime, blinding sunrise and even snow. I cared most about the visibility of licence plates. The results are great: almost in any situation, the number was easy to read. Testing the rear camera was harder as my province does not require the cars to have the plates in front. Still, the quality of the 2K camera is impressive as well, although you can notice a lot of reflections — unlike the front camera, there is no way to attach the CPL filter.
The dashcam also supports the smart parking mode, which turns on automatically when hardwired. It will detect and record anyone who damages your car. The G-sensor is there for a reason: every time it feels a bump, it records a 60-second video of everything that happened.
In my testing, I was using the VIOFO SD card and had no issues with it whatsoever.
The app
If you visit the AppStore, you’ll find angry one-star reviews, calling this app “unusable.” I wouldn’t go that far: in fact, I believe that most of the reviews are borne from misunderstanding how the app works. For your phone to connect to the camera, you need to use the WiFi that the VIOFO A229 PRO provides. And it usually does not connect when you have your Data turned on. Turn it off, and the connection becomes stable.
This way you can change the settings, watch, edit and download videos from the camera, as well as check the live view. It’s a bit tricky: sometimes it does crash, and the speed is not the best. But it does the job.
Verdict
For some, the VIOFO A229 PRO is overkill. Cheaper cameras with worse sensors can still do their job just fine. But those after the best possible quality need to give the A229 PRO a shot. It’s easy to install and works like a clock whilst offering the best image quality around.