Agie
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2016
- Messages
- 1,823
- Reaction score
- 914
- Location
- Perth, Australia
- Country
- Australia
- Dash Cam
- 70mai S500, A229 Pro, VS1, Nexus 4 Pro, S1 Pro, A119 v3v2v1
After the release of their flagship in 2023, the Nexus 4 Pro, Vantrue is back again with the little brother named the S1 Pro. Featuring the Sony Starvis 2 IMX675 sensor, this dash cam promises a great video quality experience. Let's find out how it squares up (special thank you to @Jeff_Vantrue ).
Vantrue S1 Pro (Sony Starvis 2 IMX675 / Sony Starvis IMX307) Review
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Firmware: VT-ECK301 (December 2023). I updated to this version manually via microSD, as the latest firmware was not offered to me via WiFi in the Vantrue app.
App for testing: Android version 1.0.43, obtained from Google Play Store.
NOTE: for brevity's sake I have not shown rear camera RC04 module sample videos here, please check my Vantrue Nexus 4 Pro review as it is the identical image sensor: https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threa...-channel-dash-camera-review.49696/post-601510
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The verdict:
After being spoiled by 4K dash cameras with the Nexus 4 Pro and the A229 Pro, it is slightly daunting to take a step back and put my critical hat back on. However, the S1 Pro does perform well as an all-in-one 2-channel solution utilising the latest Starvis 2 sensors. Vantrue excels as always by providing a complete and seamless user experience with minimal fuss - getting the basics working right and having strong firmware and customer support.
Is there room for improvement? Sure. But Vantrue has shown in the past year that it's on the right track to achieving their goals and playing with the big boys. Well done Vantrue, can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeve next.
My nitpickings:
The positive:
Vantrue S1 Pro (Sony Starvis 2 IMX675 / Sony Starvis IMX307) Review
-----------------------------------------------------
Firmware: VT-ECK301 (December 2023). I updated to this version manually via microSD, as the latest firmware was not offered to me via WiFi in the Vantrue app.
App for testing: Android version 1.0.43, obtained from Google Play Store.
NOTE: for brevity's sake I have not shown rear camera RC04 module sample videos here, please check my Vantrue Nexus 4 Pro review as it is the identical image sensor: https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threa...-channel-dash-camera-review.49696/post-601510
-----------------------------------------------------
The verdict:
After being spoiled by 4K dash cameras with the Nexus 4 Pro and the A229 Pro, it is slightly daunting to take a step back and put my critical hat back on. However, the S1 Pro does perform well as an all-in-one 2-channel solution utilising the latest Starvis 2 sensors. Vantrue excels as always by providing a complete and seamless user experience with minimal fuss - getting the basics working right and having strong firmware and customer support.
Is there room for improvement? Sure. But Vantrue has shown in the past year that it's on the right track to achieving their goals and playing with the big boys. Well done Vantrue, can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeve next.
My nitpickings:
- Why are the power-in and rear-power USB-C ports both on the same side of the dashcam?
- Would have preferred the dashcam to be powered by non-proprietary chargers (i.e. standard USB-C PD cables)
- Could have used a higher bitrate to improve video quality, perhaps 1.5x - 2x what it is currently?
- Slightly choppy performance in-menu perhaps due to the chipset or firmware optimisation required
The positive:
- Comprehensive feature set for the price, with the well-respected Sony Starvis 2 sensor on-board
- Decent rear camera sensor with the Sony IMX307
- Sturdy build quality and springy buttons, with adequate ventilation for thermal dissipation
- Plethora of menu options and the Starvis 2 sensor once again shines in capturing detail and licence plates
- HDR timer available (wish we had this on the Nexus 4 Pro)
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