DVR rating 2021 reviews 5 best models

24 Oct 2021 autofuct 66,236

This material contains the best DVRs of 2021 with positive reviews. Information is presented in the form of a rating of the 5 best models

Roadgid X7 Hybrid GT Reviews

— High quality picture in SuperHD resolution; — A huge number of positive reviews on the Internet; — A clear interface entirely in Russian; — Compact dimensions; — High build quality; — Built-in signature radar detector; — First place in our rating; — Long cord; — Tolerates temperature changes well; — Modern appearance; — Convenient fastening; — Anti-sleep function; — Notification about a sharp reduction in distance; — There are no false alarms of the radar detector. — There is an HDMI connector for connecting to a monitor; — WDR functions improve video quality against glare; — Built-in battery.

• And five more models, but a little outdated

The best DVRs according to certain criteria

Each person has his own preferences when choosing one model or another. There may be dozens of them, but to narrow the circle we have selected several of the most popular criteria.

3 in 1: Daocam Combo 2CH

This combo recorder model records video with a resolution of 1920*1080. Thanks to the Sony Stravis IMX 307 light-sensitive sensor used, night photography is as good as daytime photography. The built-in signature radar module effectively cuts off false signals, helping the driver to avoid violations. Using a Wi-Fi connection, it is convenient to control video recordings and the device from your mobile phone.

Power is provided using a supercapacitor. Due to its heat resistance, it does not swell in the sun and does not deteriorate in the cold, like a regular battery. The built-in WDR function removes glare from flashlights, sunlight when leaving a tunnel or oncoming car headlights in the video.

Daocam Combo 2CH

• Night photography.
• WDR.
• Wi-Fi.
• Supercapacitor.
• Second camera.
• Radar detector.
• GPS module.

• High price.

With radar detector: Roadgid X8 Hybrid GT

The undoubted leader in this device format. Made in a black matte case. Reliably protects the driver in various situations on the road. Combines the functions of a video recorder and a signature radar detector. With the help of the latest photosensitive sensor, Sony Stravis IMX 307 provides excellent night photography that is not inferior in quality to daytime.

Resolution – 1920*1080. A wide viewing angle of 170 degrees allows you to cover all important areas of the road and roadsides. There is a WDR function that counteracts glare. The GPS informer works with an extensive database of traffic police cameras in the Russian Federation, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Europe. Wi-Fi and a mobile application are provided to manage recordings and settings.

Roadgid X8 Hybrid GT

• GPS.
• WDR.
• Wi-Fi.
• Lens – 6 lenses.
• Quick release mount.
• Supports memory cards up to 64 GB.

• No photo mode.

Super HD: Slimtec Hybrid X Signature

This recorder model records video in Super HD format (2304×1296 pixels), which is a very high indicator. The device is multifunctional and combines the functions of a radar detector, video recorder and GPS informer. Thanks to this, you will not only record traffic events, but also promptly learn about cameras and other speed control equipment.

HDR, WDR and Dewarp functions remove flare, shadows and fisheye effects that are often found in other manufacturers. Supports memory cards up to 128 GB and has a compact body with Soft touch coating.

Slimtec Hybrid X Signature

• Shooting in Super HD format.
• Sees all cameras within 1000 meters.
• Availability of HDR, WDR, Dewarp, GPS.
• Good quality materials.
• Supports memory cards up to 128 GB.
• Low price for a combo device.

• Small screen (2.7 inches).

Combo device: Fujida Karma Duos WiFi

An excellent 3 in 1 recorder, additionally equipped with a GPS informer and radar detector. The camera database is constantly updated and, in addition to Russia, also includes countries in Europe and the CIS. Detects all currently known radars, warning the driver in advance about approaching them. Sensitivity is adjusted automatically thanks to the SMART mode.

The maximum shooting resolution is 1920x1080px, viewing angle is 170°, the quality is automatically optimized using the WDR function. The kit also includes an additional camera that is installed behind the car. In addition to video recording of what is happening, it can also be a parking assistant if you connect it to a reverse sensor.

Fujida Karma Duos WiFi

• Good shooting in any weather.
• Sensitive detector without false alarms.
• Power is supplied to the mount.
• 2 year warranty.

• Low quality video from 2 cameras.

In the rearview mirror: Artway MD-161 Combo 3 in 1

This is a multifunctional video recorder in the form of a rear-view mirror, additionally equipped with a radar detector.
The latter, if necessary, can be disabled. Thanks to the built-in antenna, the recorder receives radar signals. A wide range of operating frequencies K, X, Ka will promptly warn about stationary cameras. Highway/city modes help reduce false alerts. The 4.3-inch display provides comfortable viewing of recordings. Artway MD-161 Combo 3 in 1

• Fresh radar database.
• Pleasant voice accompaniment.
• Pleasant voice accompaniment.
• There are three devices in one case: a recorder, a radar with GPS.
• Notifies in time about a decrease in speed.

• Warning about cameras only 500 meters away.
• The radar detector settings can be challenging.

The most important part

The “heart” of a modern car recorder is a processor, or otherwise SoC - System on Chip, which translates as “ system on a chip ” and means “an electronic circuit that performs the functions of an entire device (computer) and is located on a single integrated circuit” (Wikipedia). From its performance directly depends on the functionality of any device: resolution, bitrate and video compression, support for GPS, WiFi, multiple recording channels, as well as modern WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) and HDR (High Dynamic Range) algorithms. The more powerful and faster it is, the better . However, it is necessary to take into account not only its capabilities, but also their relationship with cost. It often happens that excellent chipsets are not widely used due to their high cost.

Mio MiVue 688

Average price: 12,000 rubles.

Super HD mode, glass lenses and a wide viewing angle guarantee excellent recording quality. High-quality assembly, reliable fastening, convenient long cord. There is Wi-Fi, so you can immediately transfer the recording from the recorder to your smartphone or tablet. Intuitive menu, touch screen. Updating the database and software is easy using a memory card - you no longer need to disconnect the device and take it home.

Minus: small battery capacity (both GLONASS and GPS cannot be turned off). When an event is triggered and the parking mode is exited, there may be a short pause of 5-8 seconds, during which no recording is made.

Syntek Semiconductor

Syntek Semiconductor is a Taiwanese manufacturer, founded in 1983. The main direction is the development and production of SoCs for photography and video, as well as the development of wireless technologies.

• STK45xx (FullHD 30 fps, H.264 codec). The productive Syntek STK4580 is popular in inexpensive FullHD devices, for example, Karkam T1 and Karkam T3.
• STK3xxx (1280x720 30fps, H.264 codec). Often found in cheap car recorders and combo devices. The Syntek STK3268 chip is used to produce the Highscreen BlackBox ST.

Diagonal viewing angle

It would seem that everything is very simple - the characteristics of the DVR include a viewing angle in degrees, which we need to evaluate, but everything is a little more complicated. The fact is that in technical documentation, manufacturers, as a rule, indicate the viewing angle not horizontally, but diagonally, since in this case the figure is larger.

Diagonal viewing angle

Therefore, many buyers may be confused, for example, by the viewing angle of 170 degrees indicated in the characteristics of the DVR. They will think that they will get an image not only in front of the car, but also around its edges. In fact, a diagonal angle of 170 degrees corresponds to a horizontal angle of 130 degrees. To make it clearer, take a look at the image below, which illustrates diagonal viewing angles. In the future we will talk specifically about the diagonal angle.

Viewing angle of the DVR when the car is moving

5. KAKAM Q7

Average price: 8000 rubles.

The rating of DVRs for 2021 based on customer reviews opens with KARKAM Q7 - a device with an excellent price/quality ratio. This recorder has all the functions a car owner needs and is easy to use. Wide viewing angle (160°) allows you to fully monitor the situation on the road. Users note the quality of shooting in SuperHD 2304x1296 resolution, and the DEWARP function allows you to avoid blurring at the edges even in night mode.

Minus: difficulties with removing the card from the recorder and deleting files. When the engine is idling, the image shakes. The motion sensor, even with minimal sensitivity, when it hits a pothole, interrupts the current recording and begins writing an emergency file.

Which DVR should you choose?

These gadgets are actively used by motorists all over the world. In our country, almost every second driver equips his vehicle with a DVR. Against the background of constantly growing demand, the number of companies producing these devices has noticeably increased. Therefore, among such a variety of offers, it is difficult to choose a truly worthy model. Below are the 5 best devices that have proven their high quality and performance characteristics in practice.

Top 5 DVRs according to experts in 2018

Sho-Me Combo #1

Average price: 11,000 rubles.

A distinctive feature of Sho-Me Combo No. 1 is that this recorder has a built-in radar. Unfortunately, as often happens in such cases, both parts do not work as well as the “clean” models. If there are not many complaints about the operation of the radar (it sees, warns, and alerts are clearly visible on the big screen), then with the recorder things are somewhat worse. The viewing angle is inferior to “pure” models, the video quality is acceptable, but not excellent. Minus: if the glass is cold, it becomes difficult to attach the suction cup.

Select a registrar in five minutes

If you don’t want to deal with all the characteristics in detail, in this part we will give an easy algorithm: by answering four questions in sequence, you will quickly and correctly choose a DVR for your purposes.

Single-chamber or dual-chamber model?

For most drivers, a single-camera device will be enough, but you can choose a dash cam with an additional parking camera. For taxi drivers and public transport workers, you will need a two-camera model in a single body - the second camera will record what is happening in the cabin.

How much are you willing to spend on the device?

We recommend not to pay any attention to recorders cheaper than 3-4 thousand rubles: it will be money thrown away. And if such a “budget” model fails you when filming an accident, the consequences can be much more costly.

For single-chamber models, a fairly decent device can be purchased for around 5 thousand rubles, however, most likely, it will be a workhorse without any bells and whistles. The golden mean is DVRs in the range of 5–10 thousand rubles: in addition to decent quality of the captured image, pleasant bonuses are possible in the form of Wi-Fi and night mode.

Xiaomi 70mai A500 Dash Cam Pro Plus

Despite the “humane” price tag, the characteristics of the Xiaomi 70mai A500 are at the level of many more advanced models. Photo: miodessa.com

Budget recorder (5,850 rubles) Xiaomi 70mai A500 takes high-quality pictures both day and night, has a resolution of 2592 x 1944 pixels, as well as a universal viewing angle of 140 degrees. Read more about the meaning of these characteristics in the next section.

For 10-15 thousand you will find recorders with the highest video quality. There are also premium devices starting from 18 thousand rubles, with bells and whistles such as cloud storage.

A decent two-camera model with a basic (640 x 480) rear view camera costs around 5–8 thousand rubles. If you want it in Full HD, be prepared to shell out 10-15 thousand. Premium devices cost from 20 thousand and above.

We will tell you which DVR model is best to choose in different price categories in our recommendations at the end of the article.

Do you need a radar detector or speedcam?

A DVR with a radar detector (identifier of police radars) or a speedcam (built-in database with the location of stationary radars and cameras) is called a hybrid. Decent options in this segment cost around 10–15 thousand rubles. Cheaper devices often fail to identify types of “hazards” and rarely receive updates. More expensive devices (from 15 thousand) often have additional options such as Wi-Fi or very advanced radars.

Are additional features important?

They will be listed in detail below, here we only note that automatic switching on and off (they are present on almost all modern models) and Wi-Fi are truly useful. The rest are purely optional.

Alpha Imaging

Alpha Imaging Technology Corp. is an increasingly popular Taiwanese manufacturer that has been producing chipsets for phones, video recorders, action cameras, IP cameras and baby monitors since 2002. Popular products of this brand include:

• AIT8427 (500MHz, FullHD 30 fps, Wide Dynamic Range). This productive and reliable chip is used to make Neoline Wide S35, Trendvision TDR-200, as well as the popular hybrid Karkam Combo 2.
• AIT8428 (dual-core 600MHz, 1920× [email protected] or 2704×1524 @30fps, HDR/WDR, dual-channel recording, WiFi). Powerful and expensive, it is more relevant for action cameras.
• AIT8328 (600MHz, FullHD, Wide Dynamic Range, recording from two channels). This SoC is taken as the basis for the Mio Mivue 618 device.
• AIT8437 (500MHz, 1920×1080 30fps or 1280×720 60fps, WDR)