10 Best Car DVRs and Radar Detectors

Rating of the best car dvrs for 2020. We tell you which registrar to choose. How much does a good gadget cost, what is the video resolution, do you need a battery? In addition, we will decide whether a radar detector is needed today.

Auto-recorder is a device that allows you to record the situation next to the car while it is parked and moving. Some models have an additional camera and are able to record what is happening inside the cabin. Often, video and audio recordings help car owners to prove their case in court or to a traffic police inspector. It is wrong to focus solely on the quality of shooting. There are a number of factors that every car owner should consider when choosing a device. Before buying a registrar, you must make sure of its reliability.

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Which DVR to buy?

When choosing a DVR, you need to pay attention to the availability of additional functions, Wi-Fi support, and the method of mounting the camera.

But the main criteria for choosing a quality device are:

• cost and manufacturer;
• resolution;
• viewing angle;
• Battery capacity.

Price and brand. Famous brands value their reputation. In a cheap Chinese-made device, when struck, some part inside the DVR can fall off. The device, developed by not competent engineers, may not inform its owner about the memory clogged with indelible records. And at the most crucial moment it may turn out that the shooting is not being carried out or the recorded video has not been preserved.

To avoid such troubles, it is important to choose models from trusted brands. Experts recommend studying reviews and information about the company, its current and past range.

As for the prices, the low cost does not always indicate the poor quality of the product. The prices for DVRs depend mainly on the presence or absence of additional functions and devices― GPS, magnetic bracket, Wi-Fi, as well as the manufacturer.

Video resolution. Modern auto recorders record video in the following resolutions:

• 640x480px (SD - Standard definition) - such indicators are found in outdated models with an image of average quality;
• 1280x720px (HD - High definition) - average picture quality. In models with this resolution, the recorded video can be output to a smartphone;
• 1920x1080px (Full HD - Full High Definition) - gives high-quality pictures that can be displayed on a laptop or PC.

It should be borne in mind: the better the picture quality, the more space the captured video takes. Therefore, when choosing a high-resolution DVR, you should also take care of purchasing a capacious memory card.

Lens

This part of the device consists of several lenses and an aperture.

Lens material.The material of this part of the lens is plastic or glass. You should stop the choice on the second option. DVRs with glass optics are more expensive, but they have a higher quality of shooting. Glass is a fairly durable material. Over time, the lenses will not appear cloudy streaks or cracks from temperature changes.

Number of lenses.Good optics involves the use of about 5-7 lenses in the design. Thanks to the larger number of lenses, the quality of shooting will not be greatly affected in poor visibility conditions.

Aperture or diaphragm.This parameter is indicated in the characteristics of the device as F = [XX]. Here, the lower the value, the better the video recorder will shoot in the dark. An acceptable figure should be in the range of 1.6 - 1.8.

Frame frequency.Most modern recording devices shoot video at 30 fps. This is enough for good high definition video recording.

Viewing angle. The optimum viewing angle is between 110 and 140 диапазон. If the field of view is 100 degrees or less, the camera will not be able to capture what is happening on the adjacent lanes of the road. In the event of any disputable situations or an accident, the process of restoring the picture of what happened will be difficult.

If the viewing angle exceeds 140˚, the level of detail of individual objects decreases.

Battery performance. Some devices operate only from a battery, while others can additionally be powered by a cigarette lighter. If there is no built-in battery, abrupt power cut may result in loss of recording. To save the file, it is desirable that the camera has at least a low-capacity battery.

The volume of the memory card. The best DVRs are far from the ones that support large SD cards.In order to fix the accident completely8 GB is enough, since the length of the video in this case rarely exceeds one minute.

If the car owner plans to carry out a parking survey, then in this case it is advisable to take a device that supports microSD more than 16 GB.

Additional features

Hybrid devices + radar.Devices of this type combine the functions of a video recorder and a radar detector. Besides video recording, they have a built-in GPS receiver and a camera database.

Built-in speedcam.A GPS informant or speedcam assumes the presence of a database of stationary police cameras that measure speed. Most of them do not emit radiation, so spending money on an expensive radar detector is useless. Enough of a high-quality DVR with an updated base and GPS system.

Wi-Fi.If the DVR supports a wireless Wi-Fi connection, then it can be controlled remotely using a gadget with a pre-installed application. This function may be needed to quickly download a video to a smartphone when registering an accident. Not all DVRs allow you to watch videos, so this feature can be useful.

A selection of the best DVRs

Each model has its own set of functions, differs in resolution, cost and other features. The following rating of the best DVRs will help each car owner choose the right model.

The Artway MD-160 Combo video recorder looks like a rear-view mirror. The screen size is 960/240 mm.

The camera is capable of operating on battery power for 15 minutes, and is charged from the cigarette lighter using a long cord. Supports microSD and microSDHC memory cards, has 512 MB of internal memory. The device can be connected to the monitor via HDMI, the GLONASS function allows you to see the route. The device has a built-in additional module that allows you to confidently detect the STRELKA complex. Some other recorders consider the pulses of the STRELKA complex as interference, thereby not noticing the radar.

The set also includes a waterproof rear view camera with parking assistant.

The model has a beautiful, modern design, provides a good overview of all lanes of the road. The DVR is turned on and off automatically.

Features:

• the viewing angle is 140˚;
• invisible to others, disguised as a mirror;
• resolution 1920 * 1080 pixels;
• a long cord that is convenient to hide under the skin;
• Comes with a rear view camera.

A miniature DVR without a screen is installed on the windshield using an electrostatic film. It is charged from the cigarette lighter and comes with a USB and MicroUSB cable. Supports 64GB microSD cards, Wi-Fi wireless connectivity.

The device gives a high-quality image even in poor lighting, foggy weather or snow.

Features:

• lack of a screen;
• miniature size (9 x 31.9 x 31.9 mm);
• viewing angle 140˚;
• resolution 1280 × 720, 1920 × 1080, 2560 × 1600 pixels;
• battery 500 mAh;

Thanks to the GLONASS and GPS functions, the owner of this device has the opportunity to use the base of radars and speed cameras. Modern WDR systems provide the most realistic images by eliminating blackouts and flares, as well as monitoring traffic along the road markings.

The device supports memory cards up to 128 GB (MicroSD), it is possible to connect to a PC using a USB cable. The DVR starts working when the ignition is turned on or the motion sensor is triggered.

Features:

• maximum resolution 2304 * 1296 pixels;
• viewing angle 140˚;
• lithium-ion battery 400 mAh;
• mounted on a suction cup.

A model with good recording quality in Full HD resolution. Allows you to distinguish license plates at a distance of 13 m in the daytime and 7 m at dusk. Thanks to the soft-touch coating, dust and other dirt does not stick to the body of the product.

Despite the budget of the model, power is supplied through a high-end bracket. The low cost of the device is due to the lack of GPS and other additional functions. The device supports memory cards up to 32 GB. Equipped with a 3 "TFT display and a 6-piece main lens.

The device has a Sony IMX 323 CMOS sensor, the advantage of which is improved night shooting. Despite the good viewing angle, the model has a smaller battery capacity compared to previous recorders.

Features:

• the ability to connect to a PC using a USB cable;
• HDMI and miniUSB connectors;
• compact size, stylish, attractive design;
• viewing angle 170˚;
• battery capacity 250 mAh.

The Sony Starvis high sensitivity sensor is capable of capturing high quality images even in dusk and low light conditions. The camera is compact and can be hidden behind the rearview mirror.

Captured videos can be immediately copied to a smartphone and shared over Wi-F via the MiVue ™ Pro app.

Thanks to the Smart Alert function, you will always be aware of the presence of speed cameras on the road. Reminder, proximity and lane control systems provide additional safety. While watching a video, you can track your route using Google maps.

Features:

• automatic start of recording when accelerating, braking, hitting or moving other objects near the car;
• viewing angle 145˚;
• 6-layer glass lens;
• video resolution 2828 * 1600 pixels;
• compact size (100 * 38.8 * 34 mm);
• Supports microSD memory cards up to 32GB.

A budget camera with a decent quality matrix and optics is lightweight and small in size. The device is equipped with a convenient bracket for quick adjustment of the desired position. Attaches to the windshield with a suction cup.

Lens with 4 glass lenses, fixed display diagonal is 2 inches. There are motion and shock sensors. The camera shoots well in the dark, supports 64 GB micro SD memory cards, but, unlike previous models, there is no Wi-Fi in this device. Equipped with microUSB and SD-Reader connectors.

Features:

• resolution 1920 * 1080 pixels;
• viewing angle 140 ˚;
• battery 180 mAh;
• device size 63 x 56 x 33 mm.

The budget recorder is mounted with a bracket and a suction cup on the windshield behind the rear-view mirror. Thanks to the hinged design, the camera can be turned towards the passenger compartment or towards the doors.

The set includes an additional USB port for connecting a smartphone or navigator. A mini USB cable allows you to connect your device to a PC.

The plastic case of the device has a rubber coating that prevents scratches. The camera with the Japanese sensor Sony IMX323 provides high-quality night shooting in Full HD resolution, equipped with 6 glass lenses. Screen diagonal 2.7 inches.

The model is also equipped with a function for applying the date and license plates of the car over the video. The battery provides autonomous operation of the device for 10 minutes.

Features:

• supports memory cards up to 32 GB (microSD);
• the presence of mini USB and HDMI ports;
• resolution 320 * 240 pixels;
• viewing angle 140˚;
• the presence of an accelerometer that allows you to automatically transfer emergency video to a protected area on a USB flash drive;
• powered by battery or cigarette lighter;
• device size 87 * 45 * 17 mm;
• battery capacity 130 mAh.

Rating of combo devices DVR + radar detector

The cost of recorders equipped with a radar detector is higher compared to conventional models, but such combo devices are capable of performing several functions at once. In addition to video recording near the car, they warn their owner about approaching the radar, which allows avoiding speeding tickets.

The advantage is the eMAP mapping technology. the device has a bright 3.5-inch touchscreen. The body is equipped with a quick fastening system. The battery lasts for 40 minutes of battery life. The device boots up very quickly after switching on and after 5-6 seconds it already records video. Excellent build quality, decent technical characteristics, thoughtful and intuitive interface will attract many potential buyers.

On the operation of the radar detector: Radar complex "MULTARADAR", complex "CORDON", "POLISCAN" - notifies about the approach 150 meters away, the built-in GPS base of radars signals 650 meters. These are almost the best indicators of a radar detector.

Features:

• IQ mode correctly sets the ROUTE / CITY modes;
• Radar patch antenna
• Quad HD video recording (2560x1440p);
• Bitrate up to 40 mbit / s
• EMap technology
• viewing angle 170 degrees

The model is used as a radar detector, video recorder and GPS informer, supports Super HD shooting. The combo DVR is attached using a vacuum suction cup, the set includes a magnetic suspension for fixing the device to the bracket. The size of the color display is 2.7 inches.

Intuitive voice prompts allow you to respond promptly to important notifications, and the high-resolution camera provides high-quality day and night shooting.

Features:

• support for memory cards up to 128 GB (microSD);
• viewing angle 150˚;
• the lens is equipped with an IR cut filter;
• video recording is carried out in Super HD, Full HD or Full HD Wide resolutions;
• radar detector with a detection range of 800 m;
• resolution 320 * 240 pixels.

The function of the Inspector Piranha combo video recorder is to record the traffic situation and timely warn the driver about approaching speed cameras.

The screen is slightly smaller than the previous ―2.4-inch model, with 5 modes of illumination to adjust the brightness. The large capacity of the memory card ensures the safety of all videos, even on a long trip.

The device is fixed to the windshield with a mount that rotates 360˚. In battery mode, the camera can shoot up to 10 minutes.

The radar detector is equipped with 4 modes - Intelligent (IQ), Highway, City 1 and City 2. It is possible to enter data over the video - car number, date, time.

Features:

• resolution 320 * 240 pixels;
• Supports 256 GB memory cards (microSD);
• battery capacity 370 mAh;
• viewing angle - 135˚;
• the presence of a voice assistant, GPS, shock sensor, GLOSNASS;
• device dimensions 85 * 65 * 30 mm;
• resolution 320 * 240 pixels;
• loop video recording - 1920 * 1080.

Video: How to choose the right DVR