Viofo A329S Dash Camera: Impact Detection with Low Current Draw Parking Mode

As dash cam enthusiasts and drivers who value reliable vehicle protection, we’re always excited when a new feature emerges that truly raises the bar. The Viofo A329S has introduced a groundbreaking enhancement in its parking mode capabilities, featuring low power impact detection — a first for Viofo products. This feature not only safeguards your vehicle while parked but does so with impressively low power consumption, minimizing battery drain concerns that often accompany parking mode setups.

What Is Low Power Impact Detection?

Parking mode is an essential feature for any dash cam user who wants peace of mind when their vehicle is unattended. It allows the camera to continue monitoring and recording incidents such as theft attempts, hit-and-runs, or vandalism while the car is off. However, traditional parking modes tend to consume more power, risking the depletion of your vehicle's battery.

The Viofo A329S addresses this challenge with a low power impact detection system. When your vehicle is turned off, the camera automatically switches to a standby mode that consumes very little power. In this state, it patiently waits for any impact or collision to trigger it. Once an impact is detected, the camera wakes up in about 2 seconds and starts recording for a full minute. This timely wake-up and recording window are crucial for capturing the entire event, providing you with vital video evidence.

How Does Viofo A329S Compare to Other Dash Cameras?

Impact detection wake-up speed is a critical metric when evaluating parking mode performance. A slow wake-up time can mean missing the crucial moments of an incident, which defeats the purpose of parking mode altogether. So, how does the Viofo A329S stack up against other popular dash cams on the market?

We have seen and tested several other models, including the Vueroid D21 4K, Thinkware U3000, Vantrue N4 Pro, 70mai A810, and Red Tiger F77. While many of these cameras support impact detection, the biggest issue is their slow wake-up times, often taking too long to start recording after an impact.

Among these, the Thinkware and Vueroid cameras stand out for their quick wake-up times, setting a high bar in the parking mode impact detection game. The question was whether Viofo’s latest A329S could compete, especially since no previous Viofo product offered this low power impact detection feature.

Impact Detection Wake-Up Time Test

To answer this, a test was conducted comparing four cameras simultaneously:

• Control Camera (bottom right corner)
• Viofo A329S (top right corner)
• Thinkware U3000 (top left corner)
• Vueroid D214K (bottom left corner)

During the test, a basketball was used to simulate an impact. The wake-up times recorded were:

1. Thinkware U3000 woke up in 1.08 seconds
2. Viofo A329S woke up in 1.59 seconds
3. Vueroid D214K woke up in 2.16 seconds

This result is quite remarkable, especially for Viofo, as it marks their official entry into the fast impact detection arena. The A329S was able to wake and start recording well within 2 seconds, rivaling established competitors.

Power Consumption: Respectful Current Draw for Parking Mode

Wake-up speed is only one side of the coin. The other critical factor is how much power the dash cam consumes when in parking mode. A high current draw can drain your car battery, especially if your car is parked for extended periods. This is a common concern among dash cam users and a major consideration when choosing a parking mode dash cam.

The Viofo A329S demonstrates a current draw of approximately 29 milliamps with one channel active and 39 milliamps with two channels active. While this is slightly higher than the Thinkware U3000’s 10 milliamps and the Vueroid D21 4K’s 2 milliamps, it is still very respectable and far better than many other dash cams on the market that can draw 110 milliamps or more.

This low current draw means the A329S can provide effective parking mode impact detection without risking your car battery’s health, a significant improvement over older or less efficient models.

Pre-Production Unit and Future Expectations

It’s important to note that the unit tested was a pre-production model of the Viofo A329S. Production units are expected to be available within a week or two, which will allow for further verification of specifications and performance metrics. This means that while the early results are promising, final production models might bring even more optimized performance.

As dash cam technology continues to evolve, features like low power impact detection with quick wake-up times are becoming essential for drivers who want reliable, 24/7 protection without the worry of battery drain.

Why Choose the Viofo A329S for Your Vehicle?

The Viofo A329S offers several compelling reasons to consider it for your dash cam needs:

• 4K Front Recording at 60fps: The A329S captures crystal-clear video, making it easier to identify license plates, road signs, and other important details.
• Low Power Parking Mode: The new impact detection feature ensures your camera is always ready to record incidents while minimizing battery consumption.
• Fast Impact Detection Wake-Up: With a wake-up time of under 2 seconds, the camera doesn’t miss the critical moments of a collision or hit-and-run.
• Dual Channel Support: Records both front and rear views simultaneously, enhancing your coverage and security.
• Trusted Brand: Viofo has built a reputation for quality dash cams favored by drivers worldwide.

If you want a dash cam that balances high-quality video, smart parking mode features, and power efficiency, the Viofo A329S is a top contender.

Additional Resources and Related Dash Cam Options

If you’re interested in exploring more about dash cams and parking mode features, here are some valuable resources and products to consider:

• Understand how dash cams record while parked and why parking mode is crucial for vehicle protection.
• Thinkware U3000 Front and Rear Dash Cam – A leading competitor with ultra-low power consumption and fast impact detection.
• Vueroid D21 4K Dash Cam – Known for its quick wake-up and low current draw in parking mode.
• Viofo A329 Dual Channel 4K Dash Cam – Explore the full capabilities of this powerful dash cam.
• Dash Cam Buyers Guide – Helpful tips on what to consider before purchasing a dash cam.
• Professional Dash Cam Installation Services in Vancouver and Toronto to ensure your dash cam is installed perfectly for optimal performance.

Conclusion: A Big Step Forward for Viofo and Dash Cam Parking Mode

The introduction of low power impact detection on the Viofo A329S is a significant milestone for Viofo and dash cam technology in general. It combines the best of both worlds — efficient battery usage and rapid wake-up for capturing crucial footage during parking mode incidents.

While it still trails slightly behind the Thinkware U3000 in terms of current draw, the A329S’s performance is a leap ahead compared to many other dash cams that consume far more power. This makes it an excellent option for drivers who want reliable parking mode protection without the risk of battery drain.

As production units become available soon, expect further refinements and confirmation of these promising features. For those seeking a dash cam that delivers high-quality 4K video, smart parking mode, and respect for your vehicle’s battery health, the Viofo A329S is definitely worth considering.

For more information on dash cams, parking mode, and installation options, visit Safe Drive Solutions, your dash cam specialists in Vancouver and Toronto.