Viofo 4K A129 Pro Duo Dash Camera Review - Unboxing, Features, Settings, Installation, Video Quality
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- Опубліковано 19 жов 2024
- Today, we are going to check out the newest dash cam from Viofo.... the A129 Pro Duo - a 2 channel dash cam which the front camera is a UHD 4K and records at 30 fps and a rear camera that is FHD at 1080p.
We will see if this dash cam will have the video quality that we will be able to read license plates esepcially with fast moving cars from on the opposite side of the road.
We will do the unboxing and see what comes in the box, check out its features and settings, install it in my truck and see the video and audio quality from the 4K front and the 1080P rear camera.
Viofo A129 Duo Dash Cam Review - • Viofo A129 Duo 2 Chann...
Viofo A129 Duo IR Uber, Lyft, Taxi Dash Cam Review - • Viofo A129 Duo 2 Chann...
Snapshots:
License Plate Test 1 - bit.ly/2PGUwfe
License Plate Test 2 - bit.ly/2prp89Q
Night Sample - bit.ly/2N7WFif
1080 Rear License Plate test - bit.ly/2PGUqUU
Viofo A129 Pro Duo Dash Cam - amzn.to/2JHRsve
Viofo A129 IR Dash Cam - amzn.to/34nYihy
Viofo A129 Duo Dash Cam - amzn.to/2C6GwDy
High Endurance Micro SD Cards:
Sandisk 128 GB High Endurance - amzn.to/335MWOZ
Samsung Pro Endurance - amzn.to/2YeFYIo
Sandisk High Endurance - amzn.to/2LwRdpp
Transcend High Endurance - amzn.to/2Ss3vA6
Lifehackster is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
I may earn a small commission for the review, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this video.
One of the best unbiased reviews of a dash cam - showing various 'unbiased' lighting situations ~ Excellent review!
You are an excellent presenter! You give the pertinent information without time consuming chit chat. Bravo!!
Awesome video! I like how you took us step-by-step in your demo of the Dash Cam. You have a great command of English, and you spoke slowly and clearly!
Thank you. I appreciate it.
You’re welcome
Nice! For the night video, did you have the ND filter attached?
Hi,
I’ve been watching your videos for some time now, and I decided to buy my first dash cam (Viofo A129 Pro Duo).
After using the dash cam for 3 weeks, and reviewing my test footage I have a question.
What are the Pros & Cons of 4K30fps vs. 2K60fps, (when filming with a dash cam at daytime, and night time)?
I asked because, when I review my test footage, and pause a video to read road signs, or license plates, I can’t tell the difference between 4K30fps, or 2K60fps.
However, when I watch the video on playback, the 2K60fps is more appealing to my eyes. I also noticed the file sizes are almost identical between the two.
I’m interested to hear your thoughts on this subject.
-Chuck
Higher frame rate (60fps) will reduce motion blur. This could make a difference in identifying a person or plate/registration number. You made the right choice with your eyes! I’d also choose 1440/60fps. Also considering 1080p/120fps.
I live in Oklahoma and my wife is from Texas. We have Whataburger but we don’t have Shipley’s! 🤤
Another Great review, Lifehackster! I purchased the Eufycam 2C based on your recommendation and returned the Eufycam E. And I’m very happy. Great to see you are also doing dash cam reviews!
you should have used the cpl filter to reduce glare.... it is the most important optional accesory....
I don't own a Viofo yet, but I noticed they had a polarizer as an option on their website for the A129 Pro Duo. Everyone online seems to love it. I know you can put the cpl filter on the front camera, but can it be installed on the rear one?
@@jordanbanko5347 it’s important on the rear camera also.
Yes both can have it
cuts the light by 1/3 thats why its not included.
Good review as usual. I noticed the video records your spped as well. Is there a way to turn that off? If you get into a crash and your speed is excessive, won't you be cited if the footage is used as evidence?
Yes, you can turn it off in the settings from the dashcam end or the App end.
hey thanks for sharing I'm new in this channel 👋
Excellent review. One question, and I apologize if you covered it, the GPS module looks like it's powered separately, does it have to have it's own power cord, or does it feed off of the main camera unit? Thanks.
If the GPS is connected, there is a mini USB port on top of it where you hook up the power and that will power the camera also..so just one cable to power both.
Great review, and hopefully you'll be able to review more in the future.
Thanks.
If you install a CPL Filter over the lens on the front-camera... it should help with Headlight-glare avoidance for night-time shots. Why they didn't include that Filter is puzzling.
The CPL Filter cost $15 extra. Not everyone wants to pay extra.
You do some Of the best reviews thank you very much brother!
Great videos as always, brother. When you do these tests, I'd love to see you momentarily turn off your headlights to see if you're then able to read plates. When they're fully off you may not be able to, but in the transition you may get a good frame or two. I'm thinking that in a scenario where there's an aggressive driver, this technique could capture the plates. It's better than not getting them.
I have to try that next time. Thanks for the suggestion.
@@LifeHackster Also try to reduce exposure, even if most of the video is darker, license plates may be able to be seen.
Excellent review man. Ill be buying this system soon. Rock On!
Very informative review!
When locking a file, does it lock the entire file size (1,2,3,5,10) or only a specified amount of time?
even i have the same question..... 🤔🤔
I had this answered on dashcamtalk Popeye and apparently it'll lock the entire file.
Hi. From your usage and experience, kindly advise a good dash cam for my Benz E300
Did you get/install the polarizing filter that Viofo offers to reduce glare?
I did, but it wasn’t very useful for me as I already had tint on my windshield.
I have the VIOFO A119 V3 Dash Cam and was thinking of upgrading to this one, .... Is the main power supply the same? Or will I have to feed another lead around to my fuse box and remove the lead I have there now.
What a small world, you past my house on ocean Blvd haha I went to tamucc. Careful with that storm coming towards y’all
They also sell a remote Bluetooth button you can place on your dash or radio area to hit to save rather try to find the small save button hidden behind the mirror or wherever you place the camera.
Great as usual. Good job. God bless you.
Thank you. I appreciate it.
Yeah the motion detection, live view and WiFi really sold me. There isn’t a dash cam out there with these features at this price point. Pretty stoked!
Have had it for a year and just not a fan of the Wifi set up. I get you can't have it all but just very cumbersome in my opinion but it is a nice feature at the end of the day.
Keep the good job as usual; god bless you.
Thank you.
Great vid, very informative. I am looking to upgrade my A119 and get 2 CH. I am leaning towards the A129 Pro Duo but now I see there is a A139, is there much of a difference?
It's two different options. A129 PRO is a 2 channel dashcam supporting 4K resolution while A139 is 3 channel dashcam with QHD Front+FHD interior+ FHD rear.
@@ViofoDashcamOfficial no, The A139 comes with either 2 or 3 channel, depending on which you purchase. The 139 has slightly wide angle views, both front and rear. 60fps in the 2-channel, 30fps with the 3-channel.
Thank you...Well explained!! best review compared to others.
cool video, what part of south texas?
Thank you the nice review of the 4K Viofo A129 Pro Duo. License plates are the most difficult to read at night. Not sure if anyone will ever come up with a great camera for night us in ambient light conditions.
I know, it is harder at night just because of other factors.. this is the same issue as with security cameras.
Hey buddy, only one question. Which dash cam you recommend?
This is a KICK-ASS Video ! ! ! - Thank you!!!
Great review. Thanks; it does make a difference. Very complete.
Yes, I bought this one too, haha do you think the rear cam can work through 20% black tint? Thank You!
I’m not sure..the footage will probably be dark at night.
@@LifeHackster Thank You!
@@LifeHackster HI can I install the rear camera like a facing cabin camera for uber driver.
Will the mount work on a vertical windshield? I have a motorhome and it is not at all aerodynamic--windshield is COMPLETELY VERTICAL. It looks like the lens assembly will not rotate far enough to get the correct view angle if mounted to a vertical windshield. Thanks!
Great review! I got a leased car just now, but when I buy the next I want to have a dash cam in front, and preferably one in the rear window as well. I can definitely see that 4K versions are worth aiming for. :)
Yes.. 4k is way clearer than 1080p..
the rear camera looks to only see license plates that are to your side but not directly behind you. for your truck, maybe put another 4k front cam at the rear then you can use the secondary cameras for your interior.
for 4k, higher capacity cards are recommended. some models actually record higher than advertised but you’ll have to test it for yourself. sandisk a2s and certain a1s were also verified to be fine in addition to the high endurance cards.
also at night, pressing your brakes allows you to illuminate the rear to help in reading license plates.
Thanks for the tip... I like that brake lights will help illuminate at night.. I’m try to check and test where to install a dash cam to minimize the glare/ reflection on the plates at night..
Looks like a very nice 4K dashcam, the ones sent to me have not had good 4K quality
Is it a VIOFO? I might need to test other 4k dash cams and see which ones have better video quality.
Yeah all the ones I’ve gotten from VIOFO never seem to match up to the video quality on UA-cam. And as we all know UA-cam butchers video quality!
@@LifeHackster But still no dashcam can beat the quality of Viofo V3 when it comes to clarity of license plates during moving vehicle. I still wonder why? Despite V3 lacks a lot of other important features like rear dashcam, wifi, cloud etc.
One interesting point is that Viofo themselves don’t recommend the Sandisk High Endurance cards as they say it could cause problems, although I’ve seen people reporting that they’ve had no problems with that card.
Look like the best feature on this dash cam is, "reading car plates". Everything else is the same as any other dash cam. I was hoping this one offered OBD connection option, & night I F lighting. Thanks 4 the review. 👍😃
Thank you.
@@LifeHackster How is this dashcam campared to Thinkware u1000?
A. Muhammad Thinkware u1000 is a better camera but also more expensive.
@@Outdoor-Adventures The reviews online state otherwise. Until Thinkware updates its cameras, Viofo is number one for being able to legibly read license plates both during the day and at night.
I keep seeing people mention they wished that OBD connection was available. I'm absolutely baffled as to why. What is the functionality you're looking for? I'm not trying to say that you're wrong, but I just don't get it. What is the functionality you expect it to have by connecting via OBD?
hi. looking for a budget 4k dash cam. which model can u recommend?
Thank you I'll buy it now brudda
Hello, a quick question: You mentioned that the camera recorded only for 40 minutes
13:03,
but you showed in the menu that there is a loop recording of 1 minute
07:16
. what am I missing?
There are 40 - 1 minute clips in the card..
@@LifeHackster ok got it, thanks. And great video :)
is there a reason you mount to the right of your rear view mirror?
So in the blackboxmycar review they mentioned that the front camera has a built in cooling system. Did you notice if that cooling system makes noise? No one has said if it is an active (fan) or passive (just heatsink) cooling system. Great reviews by the way :-)
There are no moving parts in the cooling system, a fan would destroy the audio quality!
Hey Life Hackster, so weird to see you doing Dash Cam videos when I usually watch your Home Security Camera ones. Wondering if you can help me, just purchased A129 Pro Duo, however am now looking at a Hardwire Kit for it. All the kits I can find say the same thing A129 (not pro) however state they support the pro version but the ACC function does not work. Is this true or is there another cable specifically for the A129 Pro duo. Thanks again :)
I’m not really sure because I haven’t check it out yet.. I’m assuming it should work too with the Pro version..
Hi, great video. I have the same set up and have a question. The GPS module has a power in port on the top of it and the A129 main dash cam has a USB and a Rear Dash Cam port on the side. I have the rear camera plugged into the main A129 and the power supply into the USB port and I do not get any GPS overlay. What is the correct way to power things so the GPS module works? Also my 4K footage looks very soft and not crisp or sharp. Any suggestions?
Hi Mike, could you check if it shows "NO GPS" or no icon at all? NO GPS means that the module could possibly be defective, and other meaning you might accidently turn this function off.
@@ViofoDashcamOfficial Thanks, it was just turned off in the app. I'm loving my 4K A129 Pro Duo :)
LifeHackster can you please tell me what is the best wifi camera for good 2 way audio like a load sound? I just want to use it talk with my family home and keeping in touch with them. Thanks
Anything dome type camera will usually have good sound..Yi dome, Reolink C2 pro and E1 pro have good audio.
Thanks for fast reply
So I'm getting this dash cam and will be getting the hardwire kit. Thing is, it gives you 4 different fuse kit options. How do I know which kit I'm supposed to get? I drive a 2007 Hyundai Elantra.
Hi LifeHackster - any long term updates for the Viof 4K A129 Pro Duo Dash Camera
I’m still using it and still works pretty good.
can i ask u which one set up would preferred in sedan the front rear camera set up or front and cabin setup
4K camera wow
You would think that for the price of the camera that they would include batterie and a card...
The camera settings for parking monitoring are very quirky. I’m hoping they come out with a firmware update to make the parking feature more user friendly.
Awesome !!
In my opinion, frame rate is most important. 1080p at 60 frames is what you want opposed to 4K 30 frames. All the footage you’ll need will be in motion, that is where the 60 frames will be super helpful.
I might need to do a comparison on this and see which frame rate is better...during testing though the 4k has no blur when paused on moving cars ~ 30-40 mph driving the opposite side.
1080p is possible in 120 fps.
@@LifeHackster Sweet spot is 2160/60fps.
I tried to connect to the website and Firefox said it was not a secure site. Do you have the site for them?
What was the bitrate ? Could you set it to the maximum bitrate to make a footage at night ?
I set it to the highest bitrate...I’ll be testing again in different resolution...
@@LifeHackster So even with highest bitrate, video quality at night is poorer than on the VIOFO A119pro :(
Video detail is a bit better than the A119 Pro at night, about level with the A119 V3, however there is more image noise so at first sight it can appear worse. The 4K only gives a big improvement in sunlight. Maximum bitrate is 60Mb/s front camera, plus 16Mb/s rear camera.
Hello, I live here in Corpus Christi and I can tell by the streets and signs that you do too. I'm a long time subscriber and really enjoy your videos. The question I have is can the rear camera be used as a backup camera? Can I connect it to my reverse lights to activate the camera when I put my car in reverse? Thank you for the great videos.
Yes..Corpus Christi...the dash cam only has a 2 inch screen so it is not really an effective back up cam..I did review another dash cam before..which has a bigger screen which might work - ua-cam.com/video/COVMrI6lh84/v-deo.html
LifeHackster duo or pro duo,thx :)
Y does 129 viofo 4k pro duo beep constantly. Will Replacing th micro SD card stop th beeping
Can you do the same with Thinkware U1000 4K UHD Dual Channel cloud dashcam includes the radar sensor, specially the parking mode please, because I have vandalised issues and theft in my area,
Is it easy to turn the parking mode off?
The parking mode features are a huge part of any dash cam. I don't get why any litigable reviewer would ignore this. What's up LifeHackster?
130 degrees is such a bummer. The Rexing V1P Max can do 170 degrees
How many hours on the 128gb?
I would like to get the 4k camera with the interio facing 1080p IR camera. But they dont sell that.
This blows away the Garmin Dash Cam Tandem - Dual 1440p and its cheaper!
have anyone tried to compared this Viofo 4k dash cam with the new release of Viofo A229 duo? im thinking to switch from my prior vantrue dash cam for Viofo 😊 thanks
What’s a good high endurance 256GB card? Money is not an object. Reliable storage is key!
amzn.to/2p7ApvM
Do you know the BlackVue dashcams? They are quite expensive, but the top spec also comes in 4K version. DR900S-2CH I think it is called. Other models with 1080p etc. Are also available.
amndk34 u might want to see other pro reviews where Viofo beats most of features over blackvue 4K cameras, mostly the video quality and overall value for money point of view.
I have heard about them..I only have limited experience as to brands with dash cams.. I might look in reviewing them in my future videos..will see.
Thanks Wei jia, Yep I will definitely look into that some more as well. What caught my eye re. BlackVue is the cams are so discrete compared to many others that kind of looks like a normal camera that is just mounted in a car. Not counting the VioFo, but just in general.
LifeHackster Thanks, I love your reviews. What makes you different is that you review them in real home setup that “we” out here can relate to, and you follow up over time with long term reviews! Very Valuable information! 😊
Bbncu do I need to purchase a bigger memory disk for my cams?
I thought the front camera can't record in 3840x2160p @30fps while the rear 1080p camera is hooked up and recording?
The front records true 4k even if the rear camera is recording 1080p.
@@danielreid8762 Ok Cool! What I read is that the front camera can only record at 30fps while the rear camera is connected. If you want to record at 2k @60fps or Full HD @120fps you need to disconnect the rear camera.
The real question is if recording at 1440p @ 60fps or 1080p @ 120fps can capture better detail with license plates at day and night?
Yes, it does record 4k at 30fps and the rear 1080p at 30 fps.
@@Fullblown671 It supports 2K 60fps +1080P 30fps also.
Was that recording in corpus.. on your dash camera..
Yes it is.
LifeHackster Cool I’ll from corpus too.. I was watch your videos on security systems..👍🏼
Have you had a chance to test 1080p @ 120 FPS or 1440P @ 60FPS?
Is it just me or does the cam fix at a weird angle, facing downwards on the windscreen? Why does it not have an adjustable mount so you can look at it square on? No idea what the actual camera is like as this has put me off installing it!
If you are talking about the monitor screen, you really don’t need to watch it especially when you are driving. I have mine set on auto shutoff after a minute. I only look at it to verify that the camera is recording just to double check aside from the audio prompts.
Dang, I didn’t take into account the front AND rear cameras will fill up the card that much faster. I ordered a 64GB card for mine. Think that’ll be okay?
I got the 256GB card because I wanted to have hours of footage saved.
Does anyone know why the record light continually flashes red in park mode? No idea if that means it’s recording or not. It's odd that when “auto event detection" is on, “motion detect" needs to be off. I have "auto event detection" on since it's hardwired. Thanks!
dash cams need to have better low light performance. I got rear ended in a drive through at night so this dash cam likely would not have worked. Smartphones these days are getting better low light performance with bigger pixels and better processing so they need to put some of this tech in the dash cam. Also would be great if wifi home security cameras could record at higher resolution to the built in SD card or when viewing via local wifi, but maybe stream to the cloud at 1080p due to ISP's having lower upload speed but being able to upload at higher quality if you have Fiber internet with faster upload speed.
Mine goes into some mode where it stops.recording. sd card was formatted as fat32. not sure whats going on
Do you have a high endurance card? Try formatting the micro SD card on the camera itself.
I think if you leave the wifi on, when you get in the car with your phone, your phone will auto connect and the camera will stop recording. Try shutting the camera network off
did anyone calculatedhow long that cam can run on a full charged battery 12 hours or 3 days orwhat
you drove passed my house in corpus christi
Man, they need a better gps mount that can plug in 2 usbs. The wires look ridiculous!
The rear camera wire is also pretty thick..it is hard to tuck in and hide.
@@LifeHackster The thick cable has better shielding. We plan to use thin cable for future models based on new hardware.
Are you a member of the f150 mafia or STFTM?
No I am not or not yet anyways...
those cables are so thick
Yes they are..
I wonder how many cars are being broken into stealing these.
oh man, never thought about this
That is my big concern also
Sorry but no Viofo for me ever again, i have 3 A 119 V3 and one 129 Pro 4K , the last one is the worst in quality, one of the other V3's just stops recording some time, in the beginning the quality was ok during the day, now they all gone bad, license plates are not readable anymore, i use the best Sandisk SD cards 128 Gb, reinstalled the firmware , set them back to default, use 1440 P 60 FPS, and what ever setting i change the videos are all crap. i had a conversation with the guys from Viofo and their tech said the video seemed fine ...????? my eyes must be the reason than, not their bad product, I can't trust this brand anymore.
Skip to 9:32 thank me later!
Thank you for letting me avoid all the boring stuff ;)
@@LifeHackster Your welcome 👍