Comparison dashcams

— DVR. Classic DVRs are recording devices designed to capture traffic conditions, and sometimes also the interior of a car. The main function of the materials from the registrar is to provide an evidence base in the event of an accident or emergency. Note that most of these devices are designed for installation in a car, but there are also models for motorcyclists — with a mount on a helmet or steering wheel(see "Installation") and increased resistance to dust and moisture.

— Regular video recorder. DVRs (see above), originally designed for a specific car model or models. Note that the possibilities for installing such a device can be quite extensive — see "Regular registrar for". Anyway, the installation of such a device in a “native” car is extremely simple, in a “non-native” one it is extremely difficult, and often impossible at all.

— Combo device. Combined instruments that combine the functions of a dashcam and a radar detector capable of detecting police speed gauges. For more information about the radar detector, see "Functions", here we note that one combined device is usually smaller, easier to install, and often cheaper than two separate specialized devices.

Installation methods, nominally provided for by the design and configuration of the registrar.

— On the windscreen. Fastening from the inside to the upper part of the windscreen using a suction cup or a sticker (see "Mounting to the glass"). The most popular way to install DVRs in cars: the location gives a good overview, and the mount itself can be made universal, suitable for almost any windscreen. However, there are also regular registrars (see "Type") with this installation method — they are designed for glass geometry in certain car models.

— On the rearview mirror. Installation directly on a standard rear-view mirror (in the cabin) or even instead of it. At the same time, such recorders themselves have a reflective surface that replaces a removed or closed mirror. Part of this surface is usually occupied by the screen, but this does not create inconvenience — especially since some models even provide the connection of a rear-view camera, which is even more convenient than a conventional mirror.

— On the helmet. Mounting on a motorcycle or other similar helmet — most often with the help of a characteristic platform, curved to fit the shape of the helmet shell. These recorders are thought to be primarily intended for motorcyclists, but other helmet-wearing users, such as professional race car drivers, skiers/snowboarders and other extreme sports...enthusiasts, may find them useful as well. A device with such a mount can be a good alternative to an action camera, especially since the lens constantly follows the user's head. On the other hand, action cameras are usually better protected from dirt, moisture and other adverse factors.

— On the steering wheel (moto). Mounting on the handlebars of a motorcycle, bicycle or other similar vehicle (such as a snowmobile). Such a mount is usually based on a clamp ring that is put on the steering wheel tube and tightly fixed on it. Often such a device is supplied in one kit with a helmet mount (see above).

Note that the above list is not exhaustive — modern DVRs may provide other ways of fastening, for example, on a sun visor or on clothes / equipment using a special clip.

Glass mount provided in the model with the corresponding type of installation (see above).

Note that in many models, not the recorder itself is attached to the glass, but the bracket, on which, in turn, the device is installed. To learn how to fix the recorder on the bracket, see "Mounting the recorder". And the options for attaching to glass can be as follows:

— Sucker. The traditional suction cup, which works due to the reduced pressure between the mount and the glass — as a result, the force of the pressure of the outside air and holds the structure in place. One of the main advantages of this option is “reusability”: the suction cup can be repeatedly stuck and detached at the request of the user, and after removal it leaves practically no traces. However this type of fastening is considered somewhat less reliable than stickers; however, the suction cups used in video recorders are usually of a special design that provides sufficient reliability for practical use. Therefore, this type of mount is extremely popular in modern registrars.

— Sticker. A plate with a layer of special glue, due to which the entire structure is held on the glass. Such mounts are considered more reliable than suction cups, they are less prone to wear and do not lose effectiveness even with minor damage such as cracks and chips. On the other hand, the sticker is usually installed "once and for all..." and does not provide the ability to quickly remove the bracket. And although dismantling by itself is possible, however, it will not work to reuse the sticker, and the glass will most likely have to be cleaned from traces of glue. So installing a recorder with such a mount requires special care and attention.

Note that some models of DVRs are supplied immediately with both types of mounts described above in the kit. This allows the user to choose the option of their choice — including changing the suction cup to a sticker, if the need arises.

A method of fixing the recorder on a device that plays the role of a mount - a bracket for the windshield, a helmet platform, a clamp for the steering wheel or another similar structure.

— Latch. One of the most popular options nowadays. The latch, along with the magnet (see below), refers to quick-release fasteners, allowing you to easily and quickly remove the device and return it to its place. This feature can be useful, for example, if the car is left overnight in an unguarded place, where an unremoved recorder can become a bait for thieves; In addition, the entire device sometimes has to be removed to view and copy footage. Specifically, latches are considered more reliable than magnets; they can be used even with the most massive devices, and are also cheaper to produce.

- Magnet. Another type of quick-release mount: a powerful permanent magnet that is strong enough to hold the recorder in place. This type of fastener is easier to use than a latch: to install it, just “stick” the device to the mount, and to remove it, just pull it hard. Another advantage is that the latch can be broken by unsuccessfully applying force, whereas in magnets there is practically nothing to break. On the other hand, this type of mount is less reliable: in the event of a shock or a powerful jerk, the force of attraction may not be enough. Therefore, although magnets ar...e widespread, they are still inferior in popularity to latches.

— Magnet/latch. An option that involves the presence of both types of mount in the kit - both a magnet and a latch. This allows you to choose an option at your discretion depending on the situation. For example, for quiet movement around the city and frequent stops during which you have to remove the recorder, a magnet is better suited, and a more reliable latch will be useful on a long journey, especially if the roads are of poor quality. At the same time, such versatility is not required so often, which is why this option has not become widespread.

- Screw. Fixation with a screw that is screwed into a socket on the recorder body. Connecting and disconnecting such a fastener takes noticeably longer than in the case of a latch or magnet, however, the reliability of fasteners of this type is very high - even a strong tug is more likely to tear off the suction cup or sticker that holds the entire structure than damage the screw mount.

— Fixed / non-removable. An option found exclusively in windshield recorders installed using a sticker (see “Attaching to glass”). The platform with the sticker in such models is rigidly fixed to the body; and in some models the role of such a platform is played by the upper side of the body, specially made flat. The advantages of fixed mounts are simplicity, compactness and high reliability. On the other hand, this installation method requires the recorder to be permanently on the glass and does not allow you to quickly remove it and put it back: removing the sticker is quite difficult, and it cannot be reused.

Model of the processor used in the dashcam

The term "video chip" is used mainly for devices with classic capabilities, "processor" — for advanced models with an abundance of non-standard functions. However, anyway, we are talking about the same component — the main computing unit, the characteristics of which directly affect the capabilities of the recorder as a whole. Knowing the model of the processor, you can find detailed data on it and evaluate how satisfied you are with a device based on such electronics. Of the most advanced modern chips, one can name, in particular, Ambarella A7L, Ambarella A12, Novatek NTK96655, Novatek NTK96660 and HiSilicon Hi3516.

The maximum resolution and frame rate of video taken by the recorder in the Full HD (1080p) standard.

Many people associate the term Full HD with a resolution of 1920x1080 — and indeed, this resolution is very popular, including among DVRs. However, this standard also covers other options — in particular, 1440x1080 (4:3 aspect ratio) and 1920x540 (halved vertical size). In general, support for this resolution is a good indicator for a modern registrar, indicating that the device belongs to at least an average level.

As for the frame rate, the higher it is, the smoother and less blurry the video will be, the better the details on moving objects will be visible, and also the more space the footage will take up. It is worth noting here that in low-cost Full HD recorders, shooting can be carried out at very low speeds — 15 fps or even 10 fps. Such a shooting speed allows you to watch video more or less normally, but for a normal display of moving objects, a higher frame rate is still desirable — at least 25 frames / sec.

The viewing angle provided by the main camera of the DVR. As a rule, it is indicated along the diagonal of the frame, less often - horizontally, because of this, models with the same numbers in the characteristics may differ somewhat in the actual field of view. So if you have doubts about this, when choosing, it does not hurt to find and watch video samples from different models.

Other things being equal, a wider viewing angle allows you to cover more space, but individual details in the frame are smaller. In addition, wide-angle lenses give geometric distortions of the image (however, DEWARP can be provided to eliminate them, see "Functions"). As for specific figures, viewing angles up to 120° inclusive are considered relatively small for modern registrars, values of 121 - 140 ° can be called average, 141 - 160 ° are above average, and the most wide-angle models are able to cover a space of more than 160 °.

Among the photo and video functions used in the dashcam, we can distinguish G-sensor, rotating lens, live, HDR< /a>, WDR, polarizing filter, DEWARP and Time Lapse. More about them:

— G-sensor (video saving). A sensor that monitors shocks and vibrations acting on the DVR. The main function of this sensor is to ensure the safety of video materials in the event of an accident: in the event of a strong impact, characteristic of a collision or fall, the recorder with a G-sensor automatically saves the previously recorded video to a non-volatile memory protected from overwriting. Thus, materials about an emergency are not only guaranteed to be saved, but with a high probability remain intact even if the recorder itself is damaged. In addition, the G-sensor is used in parking mode — see "Functions" for details.

— Swivel lens. The ability to rotate the lens of the registrar horizontally or vertically, and in some cases — on both planes. This feature allows you to adjust the camera's field of view.

— Sound recording. Ability to record sound with a video recorder. First of all, we are talking about recording conversations in the cabin, which can become an add...itional argument in disputable situations — for example, they will allow you to determine whether the driver was talking on a mobile phone at the time of an accident, whether he noticed the situation on the road, how he assessed it, etc.

— Live broadcast. Allows you to remotely connect to the DVR and monitor what is happening from the camera in real time. It is very important if there is an additional camera in the cabin, when you can track the situation, for example, in taxi services, courier delivery, etc. This function will also become important and useful when a car is stolen, when you can not only see the hijacker from the video from the camera, but also track the route of his movement.

— HDR (high dynamic range). A function that increases the dynamic range of the recorder. Dynamic range is the maximum difference between the brightest and darkest area achievable within a single frame. Initially, this range for digital matrices is small, so an image with large brightness differences (for example, a road against a sunset sky) turns out to be either strongly overexposed in bright areas or very dim in dark areas. HDR addresses this shortcoming and also improves the overall colour quality. This is implemented as follows: the camera takes several frames with different settings and from them forms the finished image. At the same time, this technology is simpler and cheaper to implement than WDR, which is similar in purpose (see below). The main disadvantage of HDR is that this type of shooting increases the blurring of fast moving objects in the frame somewhat.

— WDR (Wide Dynamic Range). A function similar in purpose to HDR described above: it is used to improve the quality of a “picture” that has strong differences in brightness. The key difference between these technologies is that WDR works at the hardware level — due to high-end matrices. This allows you to achieve the required dynamic range within a single frame and do without gluing several frames — as a result, WDR, unlike HDR, does not give a blurring effect and does not worsen the detail of moving objects in the frame. The downside of this quality is the high price.

— Polarizing filter. The presence of a polarizing filter in the main camera of the DVR. Such a filter reduces the brightness of glare arising from strong light on glass, water and other similar surfaces. This greatly improves image quality, especially when shooting in sunny weather.

— DEWARP. A technology used to correct the "picture" obtained using a wide-angle lens. Such lenses are often used in DVRs; one of their drawbacks is their propensity for the fish-eye effect, the characteristic distortion when straight lines in the frame turn into rounded ones. The DEWARP function eliminates this shortcoming — it "bends back" curved lines, correcting the geometry of objects in the frame. Note that such a correction does not always work 100% accurately, however, the picture processed by DEWARP is anyway more reliable than without this technology.

— Time Lapse. A special mode of operation in which video recording is carried out at a slow frequency, which in practice is mainly used for shooting slow processes. Thus, for example, a long journey or a long sunset can fit into a 3-minute video.

— Speed on video. The ability to display data on the current speed of the car on the video being shot - usually in the form of numbers in one of the corners of the frame. As a rule, the device receives speed information from the built-in GPS sensor (see below). This function can be especially useful when analyzing ambiguous situations - for example, as additional evidence that the driver did not violate the speed limit.

— GPS module. Built-in GPS satellite navigation module, which allows you to determine the current coordinates of the device. The specific ways in which this information can be used may vary depending on the other functionality of the registrar. Thus, it is data from GPS that is used to display speed on video (see above), as well as for the operation of the GPS informer and GPS navigator described below. There are other options, sometimes quite original - for example, if you have a 3G/4G modem, a beacon mode may be provided ( GPS tracker - see below).

— GPS informant. A function that provides the driver with various useful information related to the current location. As the name suggests, the location itself is determined using GPS. One of the most popular ways to use an informant is to warn of approaching traffic cameras, stationary post...s and speed control systems that are not detected by a traditional radar detector. In addition, other similar functions may be provided - for example, a message about an area with a high accident rate or a separate large hole on the road. To operate the GPS informer, a database of relevant objects is entered into the device’s memory; When purchasing, it doesn’t hurt to clarify what exactly this database contains, how fresh it is, and whether it allows for updating and manually adding points.

— GPS navigator. The device can operate as a full-fledged GPS navigator. For this, in addition to the GPS module itself, the design provides built-in maps, as well as a fairly large display to display them. This allows you to do without purchasing and using a separate navigator, but this function is not particularly popular in modern DVRs. Firstly, it significantly affects the cost of the device; secondly, a regular smartphone or tablet with GPS is often enough to navigate on public roads; thirdly, recorders most often have rather modest navigation capabilities and are often inferior even to smartphones/tablets, not to mention specialized devices.

— GPS tracker. Another function found in recorders with a GPS module (see above). A GPS tracker allows the device to operate in beacon mode, constantly transmitting data about the location of the car to one or another recipient - for example, taxi service dispatchers, the customer of cargo transportation, etc. Such beacons are also sold as separate devices, but it is easier (and sometimes cheaper) to buy and install a recorder with this function. In any case, it is worth considering that a 3G/4G modem is usually used to transfer data (see below) - so to use the tracker you will have to buy a SIM card and regularly pay for mobile communications.

— GLONASS. The device supports the GLONASS navigation system, the Russian analogue of the GPS described above. Most often, this function is provided in addition to the GPS module: simultaneous use of two systems improves the speed and accuracy of positioning, and also provides an additional guarantee in case of failures in one of them.

—Galileo. European satellite navigation system, created as an alternative to American GPS. Note that it is under the control of civilian departments, not the military. With a full fleet of 24 active satellites, the system provides an accuracy of up to 1 m in public mode and up to 20 cm with the GHA service. Working in conjunction with GPS, Galileo provides more accurate position measurements, especially in densely populated areas.