Investing in a dash cam is a smart move for any driver looking to enhance their road safety and security. Among the plethora of options available, the Viofo A229 Pro stands out as a top contender, delivering exceptional video quality and a suite of features that make it the best dash cam in its class. This Dash Cam Review will delve into why the Viofo A229 Pro is our top pick, highlighting its crisp 4K recording, reliable 24-hour parked-car monitoring, built-in GPS, and heat-resistant supercapacitor technology.
The forward-facing, the rear, and the interior cameras of the Viofo A229 Pro 3-channel version, our pick for the best dash cam.
The Viofo A229 Pro 3-channel dash cam system, showcasing the front, rear, and interior cameras, recognized as the best dash cam option available.
Unmatched Video Quality: 4K Clarity Day and Night
The Viofo A229 Pro excels in video performance, offering superior clarity with its 4K front camera. This high resolution capability significantly surpasses older 1080p dash cams, capturing footage with remarkable detail. Whether it’s day or night, the videos recorded by the A229 Pro exhibit excellent detail and contrast, making it easy to discern crucial elements like license plates, even at a distance. This exceptional video quality is paramount in a dash cam review, as clear footage can be vital in incident resolution.
The secret behind the A229 Pro’s impressive video quality lies in its advanced Sony Starvis 2 (IMX678) image sensor. This modern sensor allows the dash cam to capture low-noise images in low-light conditions and vibrant, high-contrast images in bright sunlight. While it might not match the absolute pinnacle of action cameras or the latest smartphone cameras in terms of pure image quality, the A229 Pro’s video performance is unmatched among dash cams, rivaled only by the 70mai in its category.
Built to Last: Supercapacitor for Extreme Temperatures
Reliability in varying climates is a critical factor to consider when choosing the best dash cam. Many electronic devices, including dash cams, utilize lithium-ion batteries which can be vulnerable to extreme temperatures. High heat can cause these batteries to malfunction, leading to temporary shutdowns or, in rare cases, more serious issues like swelling or explosion.
The Viofo A229 Pro cleverly avoids these battery-related problems by employing a supercapacitor. Instead of a traditional battery, the supercapacitor provides sufficient power to save recordings and safely shut down the camera when the vehicle is turned off. This technology allows the A229 Pro to operate reliably in a wide temperature range, from a frigid -4°F to a scorching 149°F (-20°C to 65°C), ensuring consistent performance regardless of the weather conditions. This makes it a truly dependable dash cam.
User-Friendly App and Features
Ease of use is another key aspect that elevates the Viofo A229 Pro in this dash cam review. Connecting to the camera via Wi-Fi and the Viofo app (available for both iOS and Android) is straightforward. Once connected, the app allows users to effortlessly view and download recorded videos. The integrated GPS receiver adds another layer of functionality, displaying the recording location on a map during playback.
Furthermore, the Viofo app provides access to a wide array of settings, allowing for customization of camera exposure and video quality. This level of control ensures that users can fine-tune the dash cam to their specific needs and preferences, enhancing the overall user experience.
Versatile Configurations: Single, Dual, and Triple Channel Options
The Viofo A229 Pro offers flexibility to suit various driver needs with its multiple camera configurations. The base model features a single, forward-facing 4K camera. For broader coverage, the 2-channel version adds a rear 1440p camera, a configuration recommended for most drivers. The 3-channel version, the one tested and reviewed, includes an interior camera in addition to the front and rear cameras.
This interior camera is particularly noteworthy for rideshare drivers or anyone wanting to monitor the vehicle’s interior. It utilizes infrared (IR) recording for nighttime use, supported by four small IR lights. These lights illuminate the car’s interior with light invisible to the naked eye, enabling clear video recording even in complete darkness. This multi-channel versatility makes the A229 Pro a highly adaptable dash cam system.
The Viofo A229 Pro’s large screen and multiple buttons make it easy to check footage and settings.
The Viofo A229 Pro dash cam, highlighting its user-friendly interface with a large display screen and easily accessible buttons for reviewing recordings and adjusting settings.
Fast Data Transfer and Easy Installation
Downloading footage from the Viofo A229 Pro is a breeze. It supports 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks for rapid wireless transfers to compatible smartphones. Alternatively, users can opt to remove the microSD card and transfer files via a card reader. Some newer smartphones may also support direct data transfer via a USB-C cable connected directly to the camera, although this functionality may vary depending on the phone model.
Installation is equally straightforward. The camera comes with an adhesive mount that securely attaches to the windshield. A plastic lever tool is included to aid in removing the mount if adjustments are needed. The camera is powered via USB-C, and the package includes a long cable and a 12V adapter. Vehicles equipped with a 2-amp or higher USB port can also power the device directly.
For users desiring continuous recording even when the car is parked, Viofo offers a hardwire kit (sold separately). This kit allows the dash cam to be connected directly to the car’s fuse box, enabling parking mode functionality.
Peace of Mind: Parking Mode and Warranty
The Viofo A229 Pro’s 24-hour parking mode provides continuous surveillance, recording incidents even when the vehicle is unattended. This feature, combined with the built-in GPS for location tracking, ensures comprehensive, data-rich coverage. Adding to the peace of mind, the A229 Pro comes with a one-year warranty, which extends to 18 months upon product registration with Viofo.
Minor Drawbacks but Not Deal Breakers
While the Viofo A229 Pro excels in most areas, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider, none of which are deal-breakers in this dash cam review.
MicroSD Card Not Included
The A229 Pro does not include a microSD card, requiring users to purchase one separately. Given the 4K recording capability, Viofo recommends at least a Class 10 or UHS-I rated card, with UHS-III recommended for optimal performance. A larger capacity card is advisable to maximize recording time before loop recording overwrites older footage. Approximately 25GB of storage is needed per hour of recording.
Vertical Design Might Be Bulky for Some
The A229 Pro’s vertical design, while generally compact, might appear somewhat bulky in cars with smaller or shorter windshields. Drivers prioritizing maximum visibility might find the Vantrue N4 Pro, mentioned in other dash cam reviews, a better fit in such cases.
Tinted Windows and Rear Camera
While the A229 Pro’s rear camera offers excellent clarity, heavily tinted windows can dim the image. Increasing exposure in the app can compensate for tint during the day, but nighttime image quality may be compromised. This is a common limitation with rear dash cams and tinted windows, not specific to the Viofo A229 Pro.
LEDs Can Be Turned Off
Upon initial setup, the Viofo A229 Pro displays several LEDs, which some users might find distracting. Fortunately, these LEDs can be easily disabled within the Viofo app settings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Viofo A229 Pro emerges as the best dash cam for its outstanding video quality, robust features, and user-friendly operation. Its 4K recording, reliable supercapacitor, versatile configurations, and easy-to-use app make it a top choice for anyone seeking a dependable and high-performing car camera. While it has minor drawbacks like the microSD card not being included, these are easily outweighed by its numerous advantages. For drivers seeking the best in car video recording, the Viofo A229 Pro is highly recommended.
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