For the rating, I selected 5 models of DVRs in the form of overlays for a standard mirror, equipped with front and rear cameras. Devices of this type do not reduce the usable area of the windshield and do not attract too much attention, which explains their popularity among drivers. The recorders presented in the top differ in price (from 2.5 to 10 thousand), resolution and detail of the shooting, build quality and additional functions. Next, I will talk about the features of use, technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each model.
SilverStone F1 NTK-351 Duo
In fifth place in the ranking is a budget DVR of Chinese origin from the Russian brand SilverStone F1, made in the form of an overlay, which is put on a regular mirror using plastic hooks with elastic bands. The front-facing camera is located on the recorder itself, it supports Full HD-resolution 1920 × 1080 pixels, recording speed 30fps, viewing angle 140 °. The rear camera is installed on the back of the car body next to the license plate. To connect it to the recorder, a 5-meter cable with taps for synchronization with the reversing lights is attached - this is necessary to automatically switch the camera to parking mode. After turning on the power, a double rectangular display appears in the overhead mirror, most of which is occupied by the image from the front camera, the smaller one from the rear. The set of functions is traditional for budget models: photo mode, motion detector, recording cycle adjustment (2-3-5 minutes) and video recording settings.
Benefits:
- 2500 rubles - the cheapest position in the rating;
- the front camera rotates within 15 ° (compensates for the tilt of the mirror);
- moisture protection and infrared illumination of the rear camera.
Disadvantages:
- mediocre video quality, especially during night shooting;
- mirror without anti-reflective coating;
- too sensitive shock sensor;
- the buttons are almost the same visually and tactilely;
- a number of characteristics do not correspond to the declared ones: the actual volume of readable MicroSD is 32 GB (and not 64 GB declared by the manufacturer), the rear camera resolution is 640 x 480 pixels (not 720 x 480), the compression format is MJPEG Compressor (not H.264) ;
- date and time must be set manually.
The price is 2500 rubles. All the disadvantages of this model are associated with the manufacturer's desire to lower the price tag - it is rather difficult to see the license plates of the cars on the record due to the poor adaptation of the processor in changing the brightness, the design and assembly leave much to be desired. Nevertheless, the DVR copes with its main task - fixing what is happening on the road, and the parking mode is implemented quite well. Also, do not forget that this is the cheapest option in my rating, the closest competitor costs 1,500 rubles more.
Dunobil Spiegel Duo
The fourth place in the TOP is occupied by another budget model equipped with front Full HD and rear HD video cameras that record what is happening on the road during the trip, and also react to movements and shocks in standby mode. The recording interval is adjustable in three positions (1, 3 and 5 minutes).The settings provide for the automatic shutdown of the display so that it does not cover the mirror. A distinctive feature is the combination of the classic control of mechanical buttons and touch - using icons on the screen. It can work either directly from the cigarette lighter or from its own 300 mAh battery, which, if necessary, allows the driver to also remove the scene from the side. For safe driving, the mirror has an anti-reflective coating, with which you will not be afraid of the headlights of cars going behind. The size of the mirror of this DVR is larger than usual, so the view in it is wider.
Benefits:
- anti-reflective coating;
- high-quality static picture from the front camera;
- good microphone.
Disadvantages:
- 4000 rubles - almost twice as expensive as SilverStone F1 NTK-351 Duo;
- 120 ° front camera viewing angle - 20 ° less than SilverStone;
- insufficient angle of rotation of the front camera horizontally;
- no loop recording - you need to manually remove protection from the recorded files;
- mechanical buttons rattle while driving.
Price 4000 rubles. The design and technical characteristics of this DVR are similar to those of the SilverStone F1 N. The higher price tag is due to the anti-reflective coating of the mirror (significantly improves the view at night) and touch control. One of the strong sides is the low price and 2 cameras. The quality of the shooting and the angle of view are not premium, of course, but they will go for "debriefing". I will also note the large screen, ease of use, and the installation itself.
NAVITEL MR250NV
The third place in the rating is closed by the video recorder, the main feature of which is the night vision sensor (SC2363) and four glass lenses, which significantly increase the quality of video recording. The front camera writes in Full HD resolution with a viewing angle of 160 ° and a recording speed of 30fps. The rear camera is standard - 640 x 480 with a 90 ° viewing angle. The manufacturer has equipped the model with a 5-inch IPS-display with wide viewing angles and simple mechanical controls.
Benefits:
- reliable metal case;
- 5-inch display (versus 4.3 for the Dunobil Spiegel Duo);
- Supports MicroSD 64GB;
- one year free subscription to Navitel-Navigator;
- front camera resolution - 1920 x 1080.
Disadvantages:
- rear camera mirror image;
- the mirror gives a strong gamma distortion with a blue shift.
The price is 6000 rubles. Will delight the driver with high build quality and stable software operation, although the functionality of the device is limited to traditional settings. Daylight imaging is highly detailed and has peripheral coverage. When shooting at night, highlights appear that worsen detail, but the image is not blurred as much as on budget DVRs. You should not expect much from the rear camera - it is intended for parking mode (parking lines are available). NAVITEL MR250NV can be recommended to most users, except for owners of diesel cars with significant body vibration.
Xiaomi 70mai Mirror Dash Cam
The second place in the rating is taken by the Mirror Dash Cam model from the Xiaomi sub-brand of 70mai - this is a full-fledged Smart mirror for 7,500 rubles. The recorder can be operated both with the help of mechanical buttons, and through a mobile application for a smartphone, which allows you to adjust the quality of shooting, quickly process and transfer the recorded video. Among the smart functions, one can single out the automatic protection of the video recording made during the extreme shock recorded by the G-sensor. The main advantage of the Mirror Dash Cam is a 6-lens lens that supports a resolution of 2560 x 1600. Wide dynamic range (WDR) eliminates light fluctuations and eliminates flare when leaving the tunnel, and the De-Fog function improves picture quality in foggy weather. During daytime shooting, license plates can be discerned from 20-25 meters, at night - from 15-20 meters. When the rear camera is connected, the parking mode is automatically activated in the interface.
Benefits:
- high image quality 2560 x 1600;
- connection to a smartphone;
- rear camera viewing angle - 140 °;
- anti-reflective coating without distortion in shape and color;
- only 1.5 thousand more expensive than NAVITEL MR250NV.
Disadvantages:
- the rear camera needs to be purchased separately;
- the viewing angle of the front camera is less than that of the NAVITEL MR250NV (140 ° versus 160 °);
- non-standard aspect ratio in the video file (16:10);
- plastic case;
- the recorder's menu in English (although the smartphone application is Russified).
This DVR can be safely recommended to all drivers who are ready to spend more than 7,000 rubles (the purchase can be divided into two parts - first take a mirror, and later order a rear camera). The numbers are readable both day and night. The image quality from the rear camera is quite good. When reverse gear is engaged, parking lines appear. When driving, writes from both cameras. Unlike the closest competitor NAVITEL MR250NV, Xiaomi costs 1,500 rubles more, but at the same time offers a high-quality 2K image with high details at night, a flawless anti-glare mirror and convenient control.
Artway MD-165 Combo 5 in 1
The best multifunctional video recorder closes the rating. It is positioned by the manufacturer as a 5-in-1 device: a video recorder, a radar detector (with a configurable operating frequency), a rear view camera, a parking assistant and a GPS informer (reports an increase in speed on a given section of the road). The OSL function allows you to configure the permissible overspeeding of the speed limit for sound notification. Artway MD-165 writes the image simultaneously from the front and front cameras (in different files). When reverse gear is engaged, parking mode is automatically activated with positioning lines displayed. From the menu, you can select mirror or normal image mode from the rear camera. The main camera of the Artway MD-165 DVR is equipped with a 6-element glass wide-angle lens (170 ° diagonal), which captures the image of neighboring traffic lanes, curbs and sidewalks. The rear camera covers an angle of up to 140 ° Maximum video resolution Full HD, recording speed 30fps.
Benefits:
- RUB 9900 for a complete set;
- GPS informant;
- Russian-language voice and text support;
- large mirror without color distortion;
- 170 ° front camera viewing angle (diagonal).
Disadvantages:
- the maximum shooting resolution (1920 x 1080) is half that of the Xiaomi 70mai Mirror Dash Cam;
- there is no "air" connection to a smartphone;
- sensitive G-sensor (in parking mode, it is triggered when the doors are closed);
- poor viewing angles at the rear camera;
- no Wi-Fi connection with a smartphone.
The price is 8700 rubles. This is a multifunctional video recorder designed not only to record incidents on the road, but also to make the trip more comfortable and safe. In terms of the quality of shooting with the front camera, the model is not inferior to Xiaomi, and in terms of functionality, this recorder is better than any model in its class. The navigator does not blunt, Anti-radar also shows itself well. Artway MD-165 will be the perfect choice for conservative drivers who do not pursue smart technologies and do not upload video from a recorder to the Internet.
