Complete manual: how to choose a DVR in 2020

COMPONENTS

The quality of video recording is affected by three key components - the processor, the sensor and the lens. But even using the “right” components does not guarantee a good result. Firstly, not all manufacturers pay due attention to fine tuning, without which even a stellar cast will not work at the proper level. Secondly, little-known manufacturers can be disingenuous. You won’t open the device before purchasing to check their honesty!

The most popular processors today are Ambarella and Novatek. There are also less popular, but quite decent brands. For example, SilverStone offers an excellent combo device with an AIT processor. The matrices are supplied by Sony or OmniVision. The lens of a good DVR is always glass, with five to seven lenses.

High-quality components are good, but only a video recorded by the device will show what it is capable of.

Permission

The higher the resolution, the more detailed the shooting. This is true, but only half.

The Super Full HD format (2304×1296 pixels) appeared on the Russian market back in 2013 in the form of AdvoCam-FD7 Profi. Since then, there have been more technical innovations, and 4K models (3840 x 2160 pixels) are already looming on the horizon. The toy is new and obscenely expensive. For a 4K recorder in 2020 you will have to pay about 35-37 thousand rubles. Full 4K shooting is provided by the BlackVue DR900S-1CH.

But don’t rush to chase the number of pixels.

Even though recorders with the “super” prefix promise clarity 1.5 times higher than that of junior Full HD models, comparative tests may indicate the opposite. And all this thanks to good optics that properly transmit light, a powerful processor with a high bitrate or smart video file processing algorithms.

Or another example. When Super Full HD is achieved by interpolation (stretching the frame to the desired format using software algorithms). The clarity of the image is hardly higher than when shooting in Full HD. But they won’t write about this on the box, but according to the documents everything is transparent.

How to avoid being scammed? View examples of shooting before purchasing.

Now about super-budget workers who shoot in HD resolution (1280x720 pixels). Let's say briefly - there is nothing to catch here. Such models are very outdated and do not meet current market requirements. The HD recorder produces a blurry picture and is needed more for show - you still won’t be able to see small details.

VIEWING ANGLE

In the vast majority of cases, manufacturers declare an angle of 130 to 170 degrees for their models. Sometimes they are disingenuous by indicating the lens view not horizontally, but diagonally: with the same coverage, the diagonal angle is larger. The best way to check the gadget’s “outlook” is to watch the video it has shot. You should not blindly believe what is written in the official description.

Our tests show that the viewing angle for all models is sufficient. You should not pay special attention to this parameter. Only the cheapest devices (up to 3,000 rubles) can disappoint, but in principle we do not recommend buying them.

Criterias of choice

Quite often, when choosing any equipment, users consider it from the standpoint of price, which is completely wrong. The principle “cheap means bad, and expensive means good” does not work here. The device may have a lot of functions that you won’t have to use, but yes, you will overpay for them. In order not to waste money, but to choose the best option in terms of price and quality, I will tell you how to choose the right DVR for your car.

1. Permission. In modern DVRs you can find recording in SD, HD or FHD. The first option provides the worst quality and in fact nothing will be visible. Is there a difference in HD and FHD? A comparison shows that there is, but in the case of car video recorders, HD images are enough to understand the situation, so there is no point in overpaying. In addition, FHD video takes up more space. Here it is worth looking at the matrix, or rather the number of pixels in it. This parameter is completely unimportant for video, and even 2 megapixels will be enough for a high-quality picture.
2. Viewing angle. The higher it is, the better. This directly determines how many lanes of the road will fit in the frame. The minimum option for purchase is from 110 degrees.
3. All modern video recorders have a cyclic recording function and record not in a single video, but for several minutes at a time. It’s worth clarifying this point when purchasing and figuring out how convenient the controls are.
4. The DVR usually does not have its own memory; you will need to purchase an additional memory card. Check the maximum capacity the device supports, since the time of the video that will be recorded without overwriting depends on the size of the card. For example, 32 GB will fit about 4 hours of FHD video.
5. Having a screen is a necessity. Thanks to this, you can quickly watch the video on the spot and understand what happened, without resorting to extraneous gadgets.
6. The DVR can be sold with a radar detector and navigator. It is better to buy all devices separately than in a single form factor, since in fact, usually only one function out of three works well.
7. Motion/shock sensor/GPS will be extremely useful. They allow you to accurately recreate the picture of what happened in the event of an accident, and the recorder will automatically save video in the event of an impact or start recording if the car is parked at night and traffic starts nearby.
8. The DVR can be sold with two cameras or have the function of connecting an external one - how much is needed is decided individually.
9. Night mode. For those who often move at night, it will be a real find. In this case, it will not be superfluous if the device automatically switches to it at dusk.
10. Form factor - car recorders come in different sizes - from small ones with a built-in screen to cameras that are mounted on the car mirror. What to choose depends on your preferences, but it is convenient if the DVR has a rotating mechanism, which allows you to record a conversation with another driver if necessary.
11. Of course, all car enthusiasts are interested in which company should choose a DVR. In 2020, the best companies in terms of quality are MIO, Garmin, iROAD, BlackVue, Xiaomi, Street Storm. Among budget models, Prestigio is characterized positively.

BATTERY OPERATION

Recorders for the most part are not designed for long-term operation from the built-in battery. They only need it to save the last video fragment after the external power is turned off - for example, in the event of a serious accident. But a dead battery means the risk of being left without a video witness at the right moment. However, you will learn about the death of the battery: many models simply stop working. Even when connected to the network. To revive you will need to replace the battery.

Premium DVR models

Which registrars are premium? Those that have a good frost-resistant battery, a GPS sensor and high-quality photography. It is worth considering that these models will cost much more than their Chinese brothers.

BlackVue DR590W-1CH

The recorder ensures stable operation at low temperatures. It will be an excellent device for our Russian winter.

We couldn’t find a video in Russian, but everything is clear here:

BlackVue DR 750S-1CH

The model is equipped with an accurate GPS sensor, which in the event of an accident will track the following parameters:

• Exact location
• Speed ​​at any time
• Date and exact time of collision

This data will definitely be useful to prove your innocence!

See our detailed review of the BlackVue DR 750S camera. Is it worth paying that kind of money?

Prestigio RoadScanner 700GPS

This recorder costs a little more than high-quality Chinese ones, but it has one important function for car enthusiasts - a radar detector. Moreover, judging by the reviews, it works properly: it notifies the driver in advance and detects all types of radars.

Examples of filming at different times of the day:

Trendvision Mini 2CH

DVR with all basic functions:

• GPS sensor
• G-sensor
• Loop recording
• WDR for clearer shooting

The camera also has a very comfortable mount. It’s easy to remove and take with you, for example, if you don’t want to tempt car thieves.

Detailed video review with filming examples:

SHOCK SENSOR

Most devices have a shock sensor. It reacts to vehicle collisions and stores recordings made within a few seconds before and after the accident in a write-protected directory. But this is in theory, but in practice everything is not so smooth. Electronics do not distinguish a minor accident from a speed bump or tram tracks, or from falling into a large pothole.

It is best to set the shock sensor to its minimum sensitivity so that it only responds to really strong shocks. Otherwise, disturbing fragments will fill up your entire memory in just a couple of days, leaving no room for regular notes.

The shock sensor is useful if set to its minimum sensitivity. If there is a function that limits the amount of memory for “emergency” recordings, you can set the gadget’s accelerometer to the maximum level of “alarmism”.

Additional options

Devices are varied, and, depending on the price, may or may not have certain options.

Whether they are needed or not, let's try to figure it out:

1. Display dimensions. Its presence does not matter for the operation of the device, and for the car owner it does not matter. It is more convenient to view the footage on a large display, and if you are accused of creating an emergency, a small screen will be able to prove your case to the seller. Choosing the right DVR depends only on finances and the wishes of the driver.
2. GPS. The option is not required, but highly recommended. Will help prove innocence when the proceedings come to court.
3. Backlight. The presence of LED backlight is not considered an important factor for interaction with the device. It will not be possible to increase the brightness and contrast of the image, but LEDs can spoil the video. The backlight is relevant if the driver leaves the device turned on in a parking lot at night. This will not affect the safety of the property inside the car, like the vehicle itself.
4. Wi-Fi module. If you are wondering which car DVR to choose and need to synchronize the device with a mobile phone or tablet computer, choose a model with Wi-Fi. With it, you can view materials and control the recorder remotely.

SECOND CHAMBER

Two-camera DVRs are presented on the market in a wide range. Usually the second lens is connected with a wire 5-6 meters long - enough to stretch it to the stern. Before purchasing this model, keep a few things in mind.

The first is the method of installing the second camera. When installing outdoors, you will have to constantly wipe the lens, and you will also have to tinker with the installation quite a bit. It’s easier to install an additional lens in the cabin; it will be clean, but the rear window must be constantly cleaned by a wiper. For sedans, this option is probably not suitable.

TOP 15 best DVRs of 2020

Now that you are aware of ALL the possible functions of DVRs, I present to you a selection of the best models that have already proven themselves among buyers. Let's start with budget DVRs, which can be ordered on any Chinese online platform.

Xiaomi 70mai PRO is the most purchased model on the Internet

The device runs on a dual-core processor from Hisilicon, which has proven itself in the production of chips for famous smartphones Huawei and Honor. The model has a number of advantages:

• reasonable price
• battery 500 mAh
• efficient video decoding
• WiFi

And the icing on the cake is the easy setup of the device via the mobile app.

OPEN CHARACTERISTICS

• Processor: Hisilicon Hi3556
• Image Sensor: Sony IMX335
• Resolution: 5MP, 2592x1944 HD
• Viewing Angle: 140 degrees
• Decoder: H.265
• Video recording format: .MOV
• Memory card: microSD up to 64 GB
• Interfaces: usb
• Battery: 500 mAh
• Display: 2 inch LCD screen
• Dimensions: 87.5 x 53 x 18 mm
• Additionally: Wi-Fi, mobile. app, loop recording, acceleration sensor, night photography

Comes with bracket, adhesive stickers and lever. If desired, you can purchase a GPS module separately.

The video provides an overview of the device, as well as an example of shooting in motion:

Original products from Xiaomi - official YI Xiaomi store on Aliexpress

E-ACE - DVR with three cameras

This DVR is equipped with three cameras:

1. For forward view
2. Front for salon
3. For rear view

The third camera comes with a cable of 6, 10 or 12 meters, depending on the needs of the buyer.

OPEN CHARACTERISTICS

• Processor: Jieli
• Image Sensor: CMOS
• Resolution: 2MP 1920x1080 Full HD, 1MP 640x480 (x2)
• Viewing Angle: 170, 120, 140 degrees
• Decoder: H.264
• Video recording format: .AVI
• Memory card: microSD up to 32 GB
• Interfaces: usb, rear camera
• Battery: 200 mAh
• Display: 4 inch IPS screen
• Dimensions: 108 x 78 mm
• Additionally: G-sensor, loop recording, motion sensor, microphone, night shooting

The kit includes holders for the rear camera and the recorder itself; you don’t need to buy anything else.

Video review and example of shooting from the E-ACE DVR:

Xiaomi 70mai - inexpensive and compact

The downside of this model is the adhesive mount. Otherwise, it is almost as good as its older brother 70mai PRO. Compact design and low price make this model popular among buyers.

OPEN CHARACTERISTICS

• Processor: msc8328p
• Image Sensor: Sony IMX307
• Resolution: 2MP 1920x1080 Full HD 30 FPS
• Viewing Angle: 130 degrees
• Decoder: H.264
• Video recording format: .AVI
• Memory card: microSD up to 64 GB
• Built-in memory: 128 MB
• Interfaces: usb
• Battery: 240 mAh
• Display: no
• Additionally: G-sensor, Wi-Fi, mobile. application, loop recording, microphone, night photography

The video shows a detailed overview of the DVR with settings in the mobile application, as well as examples of day and night filming:

E Ace - DVR-mirror

The dashcam is built into the rearview mirror, which switches to the touchscreen. This type of fastening is the most reliable. The kit includes a separate small camera for installation on the back or side of the car.

OPEN CHARACTERISTICS

• Processor: Generalplus
• Image Sensor: CMOS
• Resolution: 2MP 1920x1080 Full HD 25 FPS, 1MP 1280x720 25 FPS
• Viewing Angle: 170, 120 degrees
• Decoder: MJPG
• Video recording format: .PAL
• Memory card: microSD up to 32 GB
• Interfaces: usb, rear camera
• Battery: 200 mAh
• Display: 4.3 inch LCD screen
• Additionally: G-sensor, loop recording, motion sensor, microphone, night shooting

For an additional camera, you can order a cable of 6, 10 or 12 meters in length. You can change the color of the mirror to white or blue.

In the video, watch footage from both cameras of this DVR:

Podofo A1 mini - inexpensive and compact

This small DVR has a number of advantages, and is quite inexpensive. The main ones include seamless cyclic recording without interruptions for a few seconds and a menu in Russian.

OPEN CHARACTERISTICS

• Resolution: 2MP 1920x1080 Full HD 30 FPS
• Viewing Angle: 120 degrees
• Decoder: H.264
• Video recording format: .AVI
• Memory card: microSD up to 32 GB
• Interfaces: usb, HDMI
• Battery: 250 mAh
• Display: 2.6 inch LCD screen
• Additionally: G-sensor, loop recording, motion sensor, microphone

Included: convenient rotating suction cup bracket.

The picture quality leaves much to be desired, but for the price the recorder is excellent. Examples of night and day shooting:

Xiaomi 1S Starvis - DVR with WDR function

Do you know what this WDR function is? In simple words, the camera takes two pictures:

1. One for a well-lit shot
2. The second one is for a dark frame

Then he superimposes one image on top of another and gets the perfect picture. Without glare or, conversely, dark areas where nothing can be seen.

This function is really very necessary for all DVRs, because sometimes it is difficult to even see large details in the video, not to mention the numbers.

OPEN CHARACTERISTICS

• Processor: SigmaStar MSC8328P
• Image Sensor: Sony IMAX 307
• Resolution: 2MP 1920x1080 Full HD, 30 FPS
• Viewing Angle: 140 degrees
• Decoder: H.264
• Video recording format: .AVI
• Memory card: microSD up to 64 GB
• Interfaces: usb
• Battery: 470 mAh
• Display: 3 inch IPS screen
• Additionally: G-sensor, loop recording, motion sensor, microphone, WDR, voice control

The kit includes holders for the rear camera and the recorder itself; you don’t need to buy anything else.

Watch a video review and examples of filming at different times of the day:

Joofakt A1 - DVR with good night footage

Customers are very satisfied with this DVR, as it records perfectly both day and night. You can order several versions of the recorder from an aliexpress seller, for example, with or without a GPS navigator. With or without memory card included.

In general, the seller is very sociable and has a rating of 99%. You can take a photo of your rear view mirror bracket and the seller will tell you whether this model is suitable for installation on it. If not, then the kit includes reliable adhesive stickers for installation in any convenient place.

OPEN CHARACTERISTICS

• Processor: Novatek 96658
• Image Sensor: Sony IMAX 323
• Resolution: 2MP 1920x1080 Full HD, 30 FPS
• Viewing Angle: 155 degrees
• Decoder: H.264
• Video recording format: .MOV
• Memory card: microSD up to 64 GB
• Interfaces: usb
• Battery: 220 mAh
• Display: no
• Additionally: G-sensor, loop recording, microphone, Wi-Fi, mobile. application

When ordering versions A1 or A1G, installation gifts are included. See the product page at the link below for more details.

Video review of the device with an example of shooting and a review of the mobile application:

YI Smart Dash camera - assistant for the driver

This model, first of all, attracts with its technical data, and secondly, with the built-in ADAS function - a driver assistant.
Using the ADAS parameter, the registrar warns:

• About leaving the lane
• About the danger of collision when violating the distance

A wide viewing angle and recording in FullHD quality 60 frames per second allow you to produce an excellent picture, considering that this device is quite inexpensive.

OPEN CHARACTERISTICS

• Processor: MIPS 32 24Kec
• Image Sensor: YI A12
• Resolution: 2MP 1920x1080 Full HD, 60 FPS
• Viewing Angle: 165 degrees
• Decoder: H.264
• Video recording format: .AVC
• Memory card: microSD up to 64 GB
• Interfaces: usb
• Battery: 220 mAh
• Display: 2.7 inch LCD screen
• Additionally: G-sensor, loop recording, motion sensor, microphone, WDR, ADAS, Wi-Fi

A suction cup mount is included.

The video provides an overview of the gadget, as well as testing in different shooting modes and at different times of the day:

YI Mirror - mirror recorder with two cameras

Another good recorder from Xiaomi, but now in the rear view mirror version. The kit also comes with a camera for rear mounting.

OPEN CHARACTERISTICS

• Processor: Mstar MSC8328Q
• Image Sensor: Sony IMX323
• Resolution: 2MP 1920x1080 Full HD, 30 FPS
• Viewing Angle: 138 degrees
• Decoder: H.264
• Video recording format: .AVI
• Memory card: microSD up to 64 GB
• Interfaces: usb, rear camera
• Battery: 470 mAh
• Display: 4.3 inch IPS screen
• Temperature: -10 to +60
• Additionally: mob. app, microphone, WDR, Wi-Fi

The kit includes rubber bands for mounting the DVR in the car.

Watch a large video review of YI Mirror with setup and examples of video shooting:

Blueskysea B1W - discreet recorder with 360 degree rotation

As can be seen from the title of the product, this recorder has a number of features and differences from all previous models.

• The body of the device is movable 360 ​​degrees, in one second you can film what is happening in the cabin
• Black color and small size make the recorder completely invisible
• The ion battery allows the device to be independent of ambient temperatures

OPEN CHARACTERISTICS

• Processor: Novatek GM8135S
• Image Sensor: Sony IMX323
• Resolution: 2MP 1920x1080 Full HD, 30 FPS
• Viewing Angle: 150 degrees
• Decoder: H.264
• Video recording format: .AVC
• Memory card: microSD up to 64 GB
• Interfaces: usb
• Battery: supercapacitors 2 pcs.
• Display: no
• Temperature range: from -20 to +70
• Additionally: mob. app, Wi-Fi, parking mode, loop recording, G-sensor

The DVR is easy to set up, has a convenient mount (adhesive tape) and good shooting quality, both during the day and in the evening.

Video unboxing from aliexpress, as well as examples of filming: during the day, at dusk and in the dark.