Viofo A329S review: Crystal clear 4K triple-channel dash cam coverage
Powered by Sony Starvis 2 sensors, the A329S delivers stunning 4K clarity and exceptional detail, even in challenging low-light conditions. Picture: Viofo.
Most drivers never think about a dash cam until they are caught in a collision or a dispute. It is that specific type of insurance policy that you do not realise you need until it is far too late. Having clear footage can be the only thing that saves you from a costly mistake during an insurance claim.
Visually, the A329S is almost identical to the A329. You get the same windscreen mount, the same button layout, and the same display. This makes it a very familiar choice if you are upgrading your existing setup. Viofo has also focused on making the installation as tidy as possible. The use of ultra-slim dual-coaxial cables and miniature connectors lets you easily hide the wiring. This helps to reduce clutter and prevents any electrical interference from distracting you while you drive.
The basic installation of the main unit and cameras is simple enough, though it requires patience. However, the HK6 Hardware Kit, included with my review unit, is a much more involved process. It demands precision and careful attention to the manual, so if you are not a confident DIYer, professional assistance is recommended.
The real reason to choose this camera is the imaging hardware. The A329S uses Sony Starvis 2 sensors to produce high-quality footage. The front camera records in 4K at 60fps, an improvement over the A329's 4K at 30 fps, while both the rear and interior cameras record in 2K. This ensures that, whether you are driving in bright midday sun or through a dark, poorly lit street, fine details remain sharp.
If you are using a 1CH or 2CH setup, you can achieve a smooth 4K 60fps on the front camera by turning HDR off, or opt for 4K 30fps with HDR enabled. However, if you choose the full 3CH setup, the front camera's resolution is fixed at 4K 30fps to manage the processing power required for three simultaneous channels. For the best results, Viofo recommend using HDR at night to better balance bright and dark areas, and switching it off during the day to enjoy that smoother 60fps motion.
For those who use their cars for ride-sharing or taxi work, the fisheye cabin camera has a 210-degree field of view. This wide-angle allows you to monitor the entire cabin and the vehicle's side views, which is ideal for passenger safety and accountability.
The smart parking modes are one of the biggest upgrades over the A329. The Hybrid Parking Mode and Low Power Impact Detection are new and allow extended protection of up to seven days by switching to ultra-low-power modes after a few hours of continuous recording. This is vital for anyone who wants to monitor their parked car without worrying about the battery draining. This requires the new HK6 hardware kit, but you can buy the A329S with this bundled for an extra €20.
While perhaps a specialised feature, the USB-C port supports external expansion of up to 4TB, meaning you won’t have to overwrite old footage for a long time.
Moving files is also much faster than older models. Thanks to Wi-Fi 6, you can preview or download footage at around 30MB/s. This means even large 4K clips can be on your phone in under 10 seconds.
The system also includes quad-mode GPS for accurate location tracking, and I found that the GPS locks in very quickly. Also included in the box is a CPL filter, which makes a massive difference in reducing glare from the windscreen.
The Viofo A329S is a top-tier choice for anyone needing full coverage. It handles everything from nighttime driving to long-term parking security with ease. While it is a premium product, the footage quality and clever power management make it a solid investment.
€450 viofo.nl
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