Viofo A329S Dash Camera: What’s in the Box and Key Features
As dash cam enthusiasts and professionals, we are always eager to explore the latest technology that can enhance vehicle safety and recording capabilities. The new Viofo A329S is an exciting release scheduled for mid-May, and we recently received the three-channel version, which includes the front, rear, and interior cameras. This article breaks down what comes in the box, the new features, and why this dash cam could be a great fit for your vehicle.
Unboxing the Viofo A329S: What’s Included?
The Viofo A329S package comes with a thoughtfully curated set of accessories that cater to a flexible installation and user experience. Here's a detailed look at the contents:
- Front Camera Unit: The main dash cam body with an adjustable front camera that tilts up and down.
- Rear Camera: A standard rear camera cable, typically around 20 feet long, designed for exterior rear recording.
- Interior Camera: A new fisheye lens interior camera capable of capturing the inside of the vehicle with wide coverage and 2K resolution.
- Polarized Lens Filter: Included for the front camera to reduce glare and reflections, enhancing video clarity. This is especially useful in bright conditions or when driving through tunnels.
- Cables: Short cable for the interior camera connection and a USB-C to USB-C data cable, which facilitates easy file transfer to compatible devices such as newer smartphones and laptops.
- Power Adapter: A cigarette lighter adapter with an angled USB-C output that plugs directly into the dash cam, supporting modern USB-C charging standards.
- Extra Mounting Stickers: Spare adhesive stickers for mounting, useful if you need to relocate the camera or replace the windshield.
- Owner’s Guide: A manual that, while often overlooked, contains important setup and operational information.
Key Hardware Changes and Flexibility
One of the most notable changes in the A329S compared to the previous A329 model is the removal of the HDMI output port. Industry feedback clearly influenced this decision, focusing on what customers actually want: enhanced third channel input options.
Instead of HDMI, the A329S allows you to connect multiple types of cameras to expand your field of view and recording capabilities. This includes options for a rear exterior camera, an interior cabin camera, and a telephoto lens add-on.
This flexibility means you can customize your setup. For example, if capturing license plates in high detail is your top priority, you can add a telephoto camera to the front or rear, while still having an interior camera to monitor the cabin. This modularity is perfect for rideshare drivers, fleet vehicles, or anyone needing comprehensive coverage.
Storage Options: SD Card and SSD Support
The A329S retains the SD card slot on the side, making it easy to insert your memory card. But what’s more exciting is the continued support for SSDs up to 4 terabytes in size. This is a significant feature for users who want extensive storage without frequently swapping cards.
We personally use the Samsung T7 Shield SSD with 2TB capacity, which works seamlessly with the A329S. If you need to learn more about storage options for dash cams, check out our guide to choosing the right SD card.
Interior Camera: A Step Up in Resolution
The new interior camera is a fisheye lens model that offers a 2K resolution, a step up from the 1080p interior camera found on the Viofo A229 Pro. This upgrade promises better video quality inside the vehicle, which is particularly useful for rideshare drivers or those who want clear cabin recording.
We plan to conduct comparison videos between the A329S interior camera and the A229 Pro’s interior camera to evaluate real-world performance. Stay tuned for those insights.
Connectivity and Data Transfer Made Easy
The inclusion of a USB-C to USB-C data cable is a welcome improvement. Many newer smartphones and laptops now feature USB-C ports, allowing direct connection to the dash cam for quick and hassle-free video file transfers.
For example, with an iPhone 16 Pro Max, you can connect directly to the camera and download footage without needing to remove the SD card. This streamlines the process for reviewing footage or sharing it quickly in case of incidents.
Power Adapter and Modern USB-C Charging
The power adapter included with the A329S is designed with modern devices in mind. It features two USB-C ports and an angled connector for the dash cam, making installation neat and ensuring compatibility with current charging standards.
Previously, many dash cams came with USB-A connectors, but USB-C offers faster charging and better future-proofing as more devices transition to this standard.
Telephoto Add-On: Enhancing License Plate Capture
One of the exciting accessories we received for testing is the telephoto camera add-on. This accessory is designed to capture license plates and distant details more clearly than a standard wide-angle camera can.
We will be testing the telephoto lens on the A329S and comparing its performance to the telephoto add-on available for the A229 Pro, which also supports three channels including an interior camera.
License plate recognition can be crucial in hit-and-run situations or incidents where the identity of other vehicles needs to be captured with clarity. If this is a priority for you, the telephoto option is worth considering.
Practical Considerations: SD Card Access and Mounting
Some early observers noted that when both the rear and interior cameras are plugged in, the ports cover the SD card slot. While this is true, it’s not a major inconvenience because the SD card is not something you will remove frequently.
If you ever need to access the SD card, simply unplug one of the camera ports temporarily. This design choice balances compactness with functionality.
New Features on the Horizon: Parking Mode and More
Beyond what’s in the box, the A329S is expected to feature some exciting new parking mode capabilities that we haven’t seen on previous Viofo models. While details are under wraps for now, these advancements will likely enhance security and surveillance while your vehicle is parked.
Parking mode is an essential feature for many drivers who want to protect their vehicles from vandalism, hit-and-runs, or theft while unattended. To learn more about parking mode and how it works, check out our comprehensive parking mode guide.
Choosing Your Configuration: What Works Best for You?
The Viofo A329S offers a variety of configurations depending on your needs:
- Single Channel: Front camera only, ideal for basic recording needs.
- Dual Channel: Front and rear cameras for comprehensive front and rear coverage.
- Three Channel: Front, rear, and interior cameras for full 360-degree protection.
- Telephoto Add-On: For enhanced license plate capture and detailed footage at a distance.
Whether you prioritize interior security, license plate clarity, or extensive parking monitoring, the A329S has options to tailor your setup. We encourage you to consider your specific use case and vehicle environment when selecting the best configuration.
For more detailed advice on selecting dash cam channels and configurations, visit our blog on dash cam channel systems.
Conclusion: A Promising Upgrade for Dash Cam Users
The Viofo A329S dash camera represents a thoughtful evolution in dash cam technology, focusing on flexibility, modern connectivity, and improved interior video quality. With support for SSD storage up to 4TB, USB-C data transfer, and new camera options like the fisheye interior and telephoto lenses, it’s designed to meet the needs of a wide range of drivers.
While we are eager to test the video performance and parking mode features in depth, the initial unboxing and feature overview suggest the A329S is a strong contender in the 3-channel dash cam market. It builds on Viofo’s reputation for quality and innovation, providing drivers with enhanced tools to protect themselves on the road.
If you’re interested in purchasing or learning more about the Viofo A329S or other high-quality dash cams, visit our shop at Safe Drive Solutions Dash Cam Shop. For professional installation in Vancouver or Toronto, check out our dash cam installation services.
We invite you to share your thoughts and questions about the Viofo A329S and what configuration you would choose in the comments section below. Stay tuned for more videos and articles as we put this new dash cam through its paces!