VIOFO A229 Pro Tele: real world example

[shoe]

I had the chance to actually use my dashcam for something useful recently. A vehicle ahead of me was driving in a way that made me suspicious that it was impaired. I won’t go into more details about that part because it’s before the courts right now, but I anonymized the dashcam footage that I captured and I thought folks here might want to see how this camera performs in a real-world environment.

I will say, the additional telephoto camera is a game changer if you think you’ll ever need to capture details like faces or license plates. Wide angle lenses are great for capturing the whole picture, but you’ll never pick out good details unless you’re very lucky with lighting and distance. Having both in one package makes all the difference. If anyone is on the fence about paying the extra $$ for a package with the telephoto lens, hopefully this lets you see what you’re paying for so you can make an informed decision on whether it’s worth it.

ADDENDUM: Both front-facing cameras have circular polarizing filters installed.

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[Zoticuss]

This is a good idea and looks good.
I had a dashcam in my old car didn't want to clutter .y new MME with it.

Any one have experience with Comma 4 cam footage? Figured it would be a good 2 in one option.

 

[DeltaDelta]

Why are there no dashcams with good lenses and images sensors?

Pro tip: read the license plate out loud so it's recorded on audio

 

[shoe]

Why are there no dashcams with good lenses and images sensors?

Pro tip: read the license plate out loud so it's recorded on audio

That’s why I got this camera in particular. We have spy satellites that can count the hairs on a gnat’s left buttcheek from orbit, but when someone robs a convenience store the best we can do is a vaguely humanoid blur.

I did record the plate number when I was on the phone with the dispatcher (although I muted the audio since the driver hasn't been convicted of anything yet so I don’t want to leave identifying information), but the telephoto lens did pick up the plate with exceptional clarity.

I blurred the plate in the video (for the same reason as the audio), but the plate was actually clearer on the video than it was in real life.

 

[kamorela]

I had the chance to actually use my dashcam for something useful recently. A vehicle ahead of me was driving in a way that made me suspicious that it was impaired. I won’t go into more details about that part because it’s before the courts right now, but I anonymized the dashcam footage that I captured and I thought folks here might want to see how this camera performs in a real-world environment.

I will say, the additional telephoto camera is a game changer if you think you’ll ever need to capture details like faces or license plates. Wide angle lenses are great for capturing the whole picture, but you’ll never pick out good details unless you’re very lucky with lighting and distance. Having both in one package makes all the difference. If anyone is on the fence about paying the extra $$ for a package with the telephoto lens, hopefully this lets you see what you’re paying for so you can make an informed decision on whether it’s worth it.

I also have the Viofo A229 Pro but not with the telephoto option. I'd be very interested to see where you have your front cameras mounted. Mine front-facing main camera is mounted as high as possible and just to the left edge of the windshield shading 'dots', see photo. Another camera, though smaller, might have to go on the other side of the windshield. I see that my camera has an unused input jack on the side, where the telephoto camera plugs in. I need to check with Viofo to see if I can just purchase the tele cam, but pretty sure I'd need to get operating software to go with. Anyway, I'm very interested.

 

[shoe]

I don't have a pic readily available, but Added pics for @kamorela . I have the main camera in the same location you do. The telephoto is behind the rear view mirror, it's not in my field of view at all. All the wires are tucked up into the overhead console and down the right A-pillar for the hardwire kit, so it's a very clean-looking install.

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