Before every driver, sooner or later, the question arises of how to choose a DVR. This guide lists the factors to consider when buying a model that best suits the needs of the car owner.
The DVR is an essential gadget for a car. The device allows you to document long trips and use video to protect against unfounded claims in case of emergency. While the early models were used by the police, their popularity has now grown so much that the market is replete with many options with different functionalities.
How is a DVR different from a regular camcorder?
He performs unusual functions:
- automatically turns on and off, i.e. the camera starts and stops working on its own without outside intervention;
- records video in a continuous loop, while deleting the oldest file when the memory card is full so you can continue shooting.
These are the two most important functions,that every DVR has.
With the growing popularity of these devices, models with advanced features have appeared. So why do you need a DVR and what is the use of it?
Objective witness
The DVR can be very useful in case of an accident. In the event of an incident, the recorded record will be useful in determining the cause of the incident. Video material is evidence, thanks to which you can be sure that the other side will not distort the facts in their favor. Sometimes an accident occurs instantly, and the perpetrator may blame the victim. In such cases, the recording will be of great help.
Remedy for scammers
DVR footage can be used to disprove fraudulent claims of accidents that occurred during the crash.
There is a category of malefactors who extort money from the victims, declaring the injuries received as a result of the accident and damage to the car. Thanks to the video, you can identify the true culprit and thereby save the victim from unfair prosecution.
Protection
Many dash cams keep working even when the car is turned off. Their cameras give the owner video footage of the interior and surroundings of the parking space. This way, if someone damages the car while parked, or if the valet does, there will be evidence left to allow the perpetrator to be pursued.
Using a DVR, you can also check if car mechanics are abusingwith the customer's vehicle entrusted to them.
Documentation of long trips
If you are planning a long trip on a scenic road, the DVR can be used to document your trip. The footage will be useful for creating a film about the trip or just as a memory of your adventures.
Insurance claims
DVR recording may serve as a basis for making and accepting insurance claims. And some insurance companies offer significant discounts to those who have this device installed in their car, because such car enthusiasts are careful and attentive drivers who feel safer with a solid proof of their case. This is true, but only in the case of a clear and high-quality recording, on which all the elements of the road are visible and the registration number of the vehicle of the culprit can be distinguished.
Ten features of good quality
As mentioned above, there are many different types of dash cams on the market, ranging from basic models to multifunctional ones. Depending on the budget and needs of the car enthusiast, you can select those that are necessary in the first place.
The following are some tips on how to choose the right dash cam for your car.
Video quality
Video quality is the most important feature of a DVR. The best models have good resolution and clear video output. Grainy images and quiet sound won't help, and such footage will be useless in insurance and accident cases. The driver should look for devices with an excellent camera and good video resolution - 720p or 1080p. Models with lower image quality are cheaper, but blurry video does not meet the requirements for it. Before choosing a DVR, you need to view the video made with it. An example of a model that excels in this regard is the Aspiring GT9, according to users, which shoots in 1080p with a 148° field of view.
Videos must be shot in different scenarios - low light, day and night. The best way to make a decision is to look at the footage of real users, not made by the manufacturer. Producers strive to record under ideal conditions, so their footage looks better than usual.
Video quality depends on image sensor, processor and lens. Before choosing a car dash cam, you should make sure that the camera has a large field of view and captures an image from a wide angle. Optics are of great importance. Glass lenses are considered better than plastic lenses.
Storage capacity
Because the DVR is constantly recording, it is important to purchase a device with sufficient memory. Loop recording involves saving video over the very first recording. If the amount of data storage is small, then the devicestarts deleting older videos from the same trip. This will leave a small amount of footage, which is unacceptable.
If the DVR is HD, it will generate a huge amount of data, which will require a lot of storage space. The memory cards used in these devices are classified according to their write speed in Class 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10.
Choosing the correct memory card class
Most DVR manufacturers recommend class 6 or higher, but the best memory card is one with class 10. Lower class memory cards are not recommended because they are unreliable and have poor video output.
The size of the data store is also an important parameter. On average, an HD DVR can record video on an 8 GB memory card for 2-3 hours before overwriting the footage already recorded. A 16 GB card will record for 4-6 hours, a 32 GB card for 6-12 hours, and a 128 GB card for 20-40 hours. These are all important when deciding which DVR to choose. Owner reviews cite support for Class 10 memory cards with a capacity of 32 GB or more as ideal.
Sizes
An important factor to consider before choosing a DVR for a car is its size. This characteristic may affect the number of supported functions. Small and neat device does not take upPlenty of space and suitable for small cars. The camera should not draw too much attention to itself.
Most consumers prefer small DVRs. But their small size limits their capabilities and data storage capacity. These devices do not allow you to view footage on the built-in screen and do not support advanced features such as GPS, motion sensors, etc.
It is better, according to reviews, to choose DVRs with inconspicuous or hidden multifunctional cameras. They are small in size, painted black and almost invisible, at the same time they have a sufficient amount of internal memory. According to user reviews, one of the best models of this type is the Black Box Mobius Pro.
Reliability
How to choose a good DVR? It is important to purchase a model that is distinguished by its reliability. Because the device supports auto-start and auto-off, the user does not know whether it is working or not. The driver may not watch the video at all until the day they need to check something.
If the device is unreliable, then there is a possibility that the required record will not be in its memory. Therefore, before choosing a DVR, you need to check the reviews about its work.
Processor
Many manufacturers advertise which CPU is installed in their DVR model. Of course, the CPU is of great importance, but key parameters are alsoare the resolution of the image sensor and the characteristics of the lens. Therefore, different DVRs with the same CPU show video of drastically different quality.
Mounting options and ease of installation
DVRs come in different sizes and with different mounting options. Some of them are installed on the windshield (user reviews note the model of the Chinese manufacturer Ste alth DVR ST220), while others are behind the rear-view mirror. In a small car with limited space, it is best to look for an option that will not interfere with the driver's view and does not take up much space. Typically, these devices are mounted with suction cups on the windshield or using a semi-permanent adhesive mount.
Before choosing a car DVR, you need to determine which mounting method is best for you and purchase an easy-to-install model that looks good. The device, which is attached with suction cups, can be easily removed and moved if necessary. The vacuum mount appears larger, but provides the user with the flexibility they need. Glue mounting looks better and is more discreet, but it cannot be removed or moved.
Number of channels
The decision of whether to choose a 1-channel or 2-channel DVR is one of the most important.
Single channel model has a single camera and can only record what happens in front of the car. dual channeloption allows you to document what is in front, behind and inside the vehicle. How to choose the right DVR in this case?
This one-lens device is an excellent option for recording what is happening in front of the vehicle. It does a great job of capturing trips on a memory card and providing evidence for defense in the event of an accident or fraudulent claims.
Dual Channel DVR has 2 lenses or channels and simultaneously records front and back. The second camera can be located anywhere inside the vehicle. It can also be placed to monitor any valuable items in the cabin.
There are also models with two cameras built into one body. These dash cams have one lens pointing forward and the other facing the rear of the car.
G-sensor
Gravity sensor is one of the most advanced features of the dash cam. It is activated when the vehicle is involved in a collision and the video is immediately protected from being overwritten or deleted. This is a great opportunity to protect a parked vehicle from vandals and theft. According to user reviews, a good example of this type of model is the Falcon Zero F170HD+. However, the DVR comes with a 5-year warranty, which usually does not exceed one year.
GPS
For those who are wondering how to choose a good car DVR, it would be useful to know that modern models often support such advancedfunctionalities like GPS and speeding alert. The geo-positioning system supplements frames with information about the speed and location of the vehicle, as well as the current date and time. These records may be used as evidence.
Some DVRs can give you turn-by-turn directions to your destination. They work like navigation devices and eliminate the need for a separate navigation device, saving space on your dashboard.
Some models may also be equipped with Lane Departure Warning, Driving Control and Stop Sign Detection, which provide significant assistance to the driver.
Radar Detector
How to choose a DVR with a radar for a car? The best models provide early warning of the operation of active and passive speed control systems, not reacting to signals that are not related to the police and traffic authorities. Thus, when deciding which DVR with a radar detector to choose, you should pay attention to its range, the ability to work without updating the radar map, and noise immunity. According to user reviews, one of the best models of this type is the Korean Sho-Me Combo No. 1 and the Chinese Ste alth MFU-630.
Heat resistance
The DVR is mounted on the windshield and is constantly exposed to solar radiation. Continuous exposure to high temperaturescan lead to deterioration of the case and failure of the electronics.
To avoid this, you should choose a model that can withstand high temperatures. The cheapest devices are made from low-grade materials that are not heat resistant. Therefore, before choosing a DVR, you need to read the reviews and ask questions about the ability of the device to withstand thermal stress. According to user feedback, the best model of this type is KDLINKS X1, which can work stably at a temperature of 77 ° C.
Motion detection
Many dash cams support motion detection, which is very useful when the car is parked. In parking mode, the camera is activated on impact. If the DVR supports Wi-Fi wireless communication, it will send an alert and the owner will be able to see his car and everything that happens in real time. According to user reviews, one of the best models of this type is the Blackcam BCH-1000 Hybrid.
Night vision
Another thing to keep in mind before choosing a DVR for a car, the reviews call the operation of the device in low light conditions. Before buying a device, you should check if it has this capability and if the camera is equipped with low light sensors.
Do I need night vision? Most accidents and traffic accidents happen at night, and for a DVR to be useful, it must record excellent quality in low light. For those who often drive after dark, this feature is a must.
How to choose the right DVR in this case? You should look for models with wide dynamic range WDR, also called high dynamic range HDR. A camera that supports this functionality is able to record and process footage in low light and enhance it programmatically.
Other things to consider
When buying a DVR, you should also pay attention to the following.
The length of the power adapter cord must be 3.5 m or longer. This will allow you to mount the wire around the perimeter of the windshield, preventing it from hanging down, blocking the driver's view. If the seller does not indicate the length of the cable, it should be checked before buying.
There should be no time gaps between video files. Most modern DVRs do not have this problem.
Some models come with LEDs. According to the manufacturers, light sources improve the quality of night video recording. Unfortunately, such LED lamps do not improve the video, because they do not have enough power. In addition, because of them, an additional shine of the windshield may appear on the recording. Therefore, if the DVR is equipped with such light sources, it is better not to turn them on. An example of such a device, according to user reviews, is the Gazer H521.
Camera types
There are several types of DVRs available on the market, which can be classified according to theirfunctionality both basic and advanced.
Entry-level models are simple single-channel devices that don't offer a lot of extra functionality. They are small, inconspicuous and record what is happening right in front of the car. Devices of this type capture both video and sound. They support standard features such as loop recording and auto on/off. These DVRs are best for people who are looking for simple devices that work right out of the box. According to user reviews, one of the best devices of this type is the Black Box G1W Original.
Advanced models are usually dual-channel systems and come with advanced features such as GPS, motion sensors, G-sensors, Wi-Fi, navigation system, HD recording, etc. They are good for commercial vehicle owners and vehicles that require complete protection. For example, user reviews note the Blackvue DR650GW-2CH and Blackcam BCH-1000 Hybrid models.
In conclusion
Deciding which DVR to choose is of great importance, since this device is an important accessory that will come in handy for the driver in unforeseen situations. It is a must-have item for expensive and commercial vehicles, as the videos made with it helped many victims to get out of unpleasant situations.
