How to choose a drive recorder Three recommended points
With the spread of drive recorders, the types and functions are becoming more and more complicated. The key to using a drive recorder is to record the state of the trouble more accurately and use it as an effective means of resolving the trouble.
The following three points are important when choosing a drive recorder.
- before and after shooting
In addition to the front, you can also record behind the blind spot - high resolution
You can leave more detailed and accurate images - Parking monitoring function
You can leave a video even if you are not driving
By choosing a drive recorder with these three points, you can obtain information with higher evidence.
1. Two-camera type that allows “front and back shooting” is popular
The most popular drive recorders today have cameras attached to the front and rear of the car.“2 camera type”is.
©poko42/stock.adobe.com
Since it is not possible to predict in which direction a car accident will occur, the dash cam with less blind spots is better.
current mainstream“Front and rear camera type”The so-called “two-camera type” drive recorder can accurately record not only the front, but also rear-end collisions and backlash driving.
Cheaper than 360° cameras
The “front camera type” that shoots only the front cannot capture the situation behind. In addition, the 360° camera, which can monitor the entire surroundings by simply installing it in one place, can capture the front, back, left, and right, but depending on the installation position, it may be difficult to accurately capture the situation.
Therefore, although the front and rear camera type drive recorder is not universal, it is safer than “front camera only” and cheaper than “360 ° camera”.Currently the most well-balanced typeIt can be said.
Choose one with a horizontal angle of view of 108° or more
For drive recorders other than “360° cameras”, choose a drive recorder that can shoot a wide angle of view to reduce side blind spots as much as possible.Products with a horizontal angle of view of 108° or moreIf so, it is generally in a good range.
Note that some drive recorders and cameras display a diagonal that combines the horizontal and vertical angles of view.If the diagonal was 108°, the horizontal angle of view would be less than that, and you could end up in a situation where you could only shoot a narrower area than you thought. Make sure that the horizontal angle of view is at least 108°.
again,The price of the main unit rises as the drive recorder that can shoot a wide rangetend to.
2. Basic image quality is “full HD, about 2 million pixels” or higher
The higher the number of pixels, the clearer the images that can be shot with a drive recorder. for that reason,Choose a drive recorder with 2 million pixels or more.
The number of pixels is the total number of vertical and horizontal dots. A camera with about 1 million pixels called “HD” has enough pixels to shoot the situation, but it is somewhat difficult to identify numbers and letters on license plates and road signs.Blurry images may not be considered sufficient evidence.
“Full HD”If the camera called is about 2 million pixels, it has the number of pixels that can clearly confirm the display of signs and license plates at a slightly distant position.
A 3-megapixel camera labeled “3M” or “3M” will give you peace of mind as you can take even more detailed and accurate shots. Even higher definition “Quad HD” is about 3.7 million pixels.The higher the number of pixels, the clearer the image, but the higher the price of the main unit.Therefore, choose one with at least 2 million pixels or more according to your budget.
Eliminate difficult scenes with image correction and night functions
drive recorderWith image correction function is recommendedis. This is because even a camera with a high number of pixels may not be able to shoot well depending on the amount of light.
In situations where the brightness changes momentarily, such as at the entrance/exit of a tunnel, behind a building, or at night, it is likely to cause either “bloated highlights” or extremely dark “bloated highlights”. The image will be blurry. If it has a correction function, it will synthesize blown-out highlights and blown-up shadows to make it easier to see.
“HDR”and“WDR”It is safe to assume that products with a correction function are equipped with. In addition, drive recorders with a correction function are also suitable for shooting at night,with night functionYou can think of it.
3. More peace of mind with “parking monitoring function”
If you want to be completely safe, you can also shoot troubles in scenes where the driver is away from the car.“Parking monitoring function”Choose a drive recorder with
The parking monitoring function works in conjunction with the motion detection function, which detects impacts on the car and objects moving in front of the camera.Type that automatically starts recordingWhen,Continuous shooting typeThere are two types of This function allows you to record hit-and-run and car break-in situations and use them as evidence.
However, when the key is turned off, the power of the drive recorder is cut off, so the monitoring function cannot be used. If it is a product with a built-in battery, the monitoring function can be activated by the drive recorder alone, but with the built-in power supply, the best you can do is monitor while shopping.
In order to operate the parking monitoring function for a long time, it is necessary to take power directly from the vehicle battery or constant power supply.Dedicated wiring is available as an option for many drive recorders.
What other popular features? 【Questionnaire results】
Functions required for drive recorders
[1st place]Having cameras on both front and back (55% response rate)
[2nd place]Supporting nighttime and dark places (response rate 47%)
[3rd place]360-degree camera / long-time recording (41% response rate)
The above is the result of the survey on the functions required for drive recorders in the “Survey on Dangerous Driving” (November 13 to November 26, 2017) conducted by GfK Japan.
The 1st place, “Front and rear cameras”, and the 2nd place, “Night and low-light support” = high image quality under any conditions. In addition, “360-degree camera” and “long-time recording” were the most popular functions.
especially,360-degree camera drive recorders are gaining popularity as countermeasures against tailgating, in preparation for cases such as side-to-side or violence in the car.It seems that.
3 popular products recommended for room mirror type drive recorders
The advantage of the rearview mirror type drive recorder is that there is no need to install a separate camera location. Also, if it has a rear camera, it can also be used as a rear camera or room mirror monitor.
Therefore, we will introduce three room mirror type drive recorders.
[KENWOOD]Mirror type drive recorder large screen 12 type
The mirror-type drive recorder sold by Kenwood can display the rear camera as a mirror image on the front monitor, which is the main body of the drive recorder.
A touch panel that can be operated visually is adopted, and a “voice command function” is also installed so that it can be operated even while driving. While driving, I concentrated on the operation and caused an accident. It is convenient to prevent such troubles.
[AKEEYO]Mirror type drive recorder 3 camera all around 360 degree recording
The mirror-type drive recorder sold by AKEEYO uses the industry’s first 3 cameras for drive recorders.
In addition to the semi-spherical camera that can shoot 360 degrees on the front, you can project any place with a camera dedicated to the rear and a camera dedicated to the side. It is convenient because it can be used not only for accidents, but also for safety confirmation when turning left.
[CELLSTAR]Mirror-type drive recorder 3-year warranty
The mirror type drive recorder sold by Cellstar can not only display the image of the rear camera as a mirror image, but also can be used as a rear camera.
If the back camera image is too high to see, you can switch to the lower display by simply pressing a button. In addition, the rear camera is also compatible with smoked glass, so it can record clear images even when installed indoors.
3 popular products recommended for drive recorders that do not require wiring (easy to install)
When installing the drive recorder yourself, it is easier to install it as easily as possible. Therefore, we will introduce three types that are cigar powered and have only a front camera.
[Yupiteru]Front 1 camera drive recorder WD320S
The drive recorder with one front camera sold by Jupiter has a large pixel size and can record bright images even when driving at night.
In addition, it is easy to install because it is only the front camera. The maximum viewing angle is 160 degrees, and while there are many products with a viewing angle of 140 degrees, this product achieves a wide viewing angle.
The wide viewing angle is one of the factors that gives you peace of mind in the event of an accident, as it allows you to accurately grasp the situation.
[KENWOOD]Standard type DRV-350-B (black)
The standard type drive recorder sold by Kenwood is available in three colors: blue, silver, and black.
The design is simple, and by pressing the “emergency push recording button” installed directly under the main unit, you can prevent rewriting of the recording in case of emergency.
It is safe because it is equipped with the necessary elements for a drive recorder, such as LED compatibility, terrestrial digital noise countermeasures, and G sensors.
[COMTEC (Comtec)]Drive recorder HDR360GS with 360-degree omnidirectional camera
The 360-degree camera-equipped drive recorder sold by Comtech can be easily installed and projects all four directions, front, back, right side, and left side.
Originally, cameras are attached to the front and back to record the rear image, but with this drive recorder, you can also display the rear by simply attaching it to the front.
Also, for those who are worried about using only the front camera, it is possible to have two cameras by purchasing the separately sold rear camera (rear camera set for HDR360GS).
3 popular products recommended for cheap (cost performance-oriented) drive recorders
Drive recorders from famous manufacturers cost tens of thousands of yen, so they are too expensive to buy. However, for those who want to install a drive recorder just in case, we will introduce three cheap drive recorders.
[AWESAFE]Small drive recorder full HD with 12 months warranty
The small drive recorder sold by AWESAFE comes with a 12-month warranty despite being cheap. In addition, it is very small, so it does not get in the way even if you stick it on the windshield.
Other functions such as G-sensor, parking monitoring, and night vision function are also substantial.
[KOSUPA]Drive recorder with Sony IMX307 sensor & infrared night vision light Japanese instruction manual
The drive recorder sold by KOSUPA is equipped with SONY’s IMX307 sensor.
Despite being cheap, it has two front and rear cameras, making it a perfect product for those who want to install a drive recorder for the time being. Since it has a maximum of 3 million pixels, it has sufficient specs even if it is considered as a video.
[JADO]Ultra-compact wiring easy installation drive recorder with SD card
The drive recorder sold by JADO is equipped with built-in Wifi, so you can check the video at any time with your smartphone.
Since there is no monitor part, the main body is small and weighs only 50g. Once the SD card is full, you can easily format it by pressing and holding the dedicated button for 5 seconds.
3 popular products recommended for drive recorders with parking monitoring functions
In the case of a popular car model, it may be stolen when parked at home, or mischievous if it is in a busy place. If you have a drive recorder with a parking monitoring function, you can rest assured that you can submit the video as evidence in the event of trouble.
Here are three drive recorders with parking monitoring functions.
[KENWOOD]Drive recorder DRV-CW560-K for 360-degree shooting with parking monitoring function
Drive recorders with parking monitoring sold by Kenwood can monitor for up to 10 hours. If you want to use it, please purchase the optional in-vehicle power cable (CU-BC100).
Parking monitoring is equipped with a motion detection function in addition to an impact detection function, which helps prevent tampering with the car. Since it is a spherical 360-degree drive recorder, you can rest assured that even mischiefs and impacts from the side will be recorded firmly.
[carrozzeria (Carrozzeria) / Pioneer]2.07 million pixel Full HD drive recorder with parking monitoring function
Carrozzeria’s dash cam with parking monitoring has a very compact shape so it doesn’t get in the way of driving.
Also, the special shape sticks almost horizontally against the angled windshield, so you can shoot from a higher position. The camera part can be moved up and down, so you can shoot in any position you like.
For the parking monitoring function,
- Vibration detection & motion detection
- vibration detection only
- motion detection only
You can choose from these 3 patterns.
In addition, the sensitivity adjustment is also set in three stages, which is convenient because you can adjust the detection method and sensitivity according to your preference.
[Yupiteru]Front and rear 2 camera 4K drive recorder Y-4K with parking monitoring function
The drive recorder with parking monitoring function sold by Jupiter can shoot in 4K, which is approximately 8.2 million pixels.
The image is clearer than full HD, and the camera is more than sufficient as insurance in the event of an accident. Parking monitoring can be used by purchasing an optional unit (OP-VMU01).
As a function of parking monitoring
- Time-plus mode: You can record for a long time by changing the number of recording frames.
- Moving body detection mode: Records by detecting moving bodies in the video
You can choose from these two.
3 popular products recommended for drive recorders with camera pixels (clear images)
In the case of a hit-and-run, if the image quality is bad and the number is unknown, it is extremely difficult to identify the culprit. In order to leave evidence firmly, it is safer to install a drive recorder with the best possible image quality.
So, I will introduce three drive recorders with beautiful images.
[VANTRUE]4K resolution 8 million pixel drive recorder
Drive recorders sold by VANTRUE can record 4K video. Also, the frame rate figures are as high as 60fps/120fps.
As a result, even if the relative speed is 200km/h, it is possible to project the other party’s number clearly enough to read it. In addition, the fact that the warranty period is 18 months is also one of the peace of mind.
[VIOFO]Full HD 1080P drive recorder Japanese manual
All cameras used in drive recorders sold by VIOFO are made by SONY.
Both the front and rear cameras use full HD, so you can capture clear footage even when accidents occur from behind.
As for night photography, the image quality has been successfully improved by installing a SONY terbis image sensor. It also has WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) correction to prevent overexposure even in scenes with intense contrast such as in tunnels.
[EUKI]Front 4K + rear 1080P mirror type drive recorder
The mirror-type drive recorder sold by EUKI has a front camera that supports 4K image quality. In addition, the rear camera also uses full HD, and can record detailed images of both front and rear accidents.
The image quality of the drive recorder is low, and some have 720P image quality, and there are many cases where the front camera is full HD but the rear camera image quality is low.
On the other hand, this drive recorder maintains full HD not only for the front camera but also for the rear camera. Therefore, even in the case of a pile-up accident from behind, in addition to the movement of the other vehicle, the license plate number is memorized firmly.
3 popular products recommended for Wi-FI compatible drive recorders
Many recent drive recorders are equipped with a Wi-Fi function, so you can immediately check the captured video on your smartphone. In addition, it is convenient to be able to change settings from a smartphone.
Here are three drive recorders that support Wifi.
[COOAU]Wifi-compatible, ultra-compact drive recorder that can be installed in any recording direction
The drive recorders sold by COOAU are Wi-Fi compatible, so you can check and share videos shot with the drive recorder on your smartphone. In addition, the angle of the camera can be adjusted up and down 360 degrees, so you can shoot at any angle you like.
One of the recommended points is that it is ultra-compact because it does not use a monitor. It is a convenient drive recorder that can be used not only for the front but also for the rear.
[Transcend]Wifi compatible drive recorder 3 million pixels
This product sold by Transcend is a Wi-Fi compatible drive recorder. If you connect to Wifi, you can change the settings and check the recorded video on your smartphone.
Also, since the LCD is attached, it will be larger than the product without the LCD, but it is convenient to check the image immediately.
In addition, since it uses an F2.0 lens, you can shoot brighter. Regarding the focus of the camera, there is a feature that it is difficult to get out of focus compared to those with a small number.
[JOMISE]Wifi compatible ultra-compact 360 degree rotating drive recorder
The drive recorder sold by JOMISE is an ultra-compact type. It is possible to check and download video as well as change settings with Wi-Fi connection.
In case of an accident, you can quickly submit the video downloaded to your smartphone.
It has a wide operating temperature range of -10°C to 80°C, and has a structure that can withstand the intense heat of recent years. It also comes with a 1-year warranty, so you don’t have to worry if something goes wrong.
4 popular products recommended for reliable Japanese drive recorders
By choosing a Japanese-made drive recorder, they will be able to respond properly to problems, and the quality of the product is high.
Therefore, I picked up popular ones one by one from the four major companies that sell drive recorders.
[KENWOOD]2 camera drive recorder DRV-MR450 for front and rear shooting
The DRV-MR450 is one of the most popular drive recorders sold by Kenwood.
It has all the necessary functions of a drive recorder, such as front and rear cameras, full high-definition shooting, HDR function (function that prevents overexposure even in bright and dark scenes), and parking monitoring function.
* When using the parking monitoring function, CA-DR350 (sold separately) is required.
The small design does not block your vision while driving, and the design is simple and unobtrusive. The price is not that high, so it is recommended for those who do not know what kind of drive recorder to buy.
[COMTEC (Comtech)]Front and rear 2 camera drive recorder ZDR035
ZDR035 is a recommended product among drive recorders sold by Comtech.
In addition to the two front and rear cameras, it also has a parking monitoring function, an HDR function, and a following vehicle approach notification function to prevent accidents.
It can also record clear images with 2 million pixels. In addition, as for the microSD that records the video, it is convenient because it does not need to be formatted on a regular basis and prevents troubles such as the capacity becoming full without knowing it and not being able to record.
[Yupiteru]Front and rear 2 camera drive recorder WDT510c
Jupiter’s popular WDT510c drive recorder has a horizontal 160-degree front viewing angle and a rear camera viewing angle of 150 degrees.
In addition, the rear camera has a cylindrical shape that can be said to be a feature of Jupiter, and you can move the camera part up and down to shoot at your preferred angle.
Active safety function
- start delay warning
- Lane Departure Warning
- forward collision warning
It is equipped with high-performance safety functions that are originally installed in the car.
If you have an older car and are concerned about safety performance, consider the WDT510c.
[CELLSTAR]Drive recorder CS-360FH that can shoot the front of the car and the interior
The CS-360FH is a popular model among drive recorders sold by Cellstar.
The front camera has two lenses attached to the front and back, so you can shoot forward, backward, and indoors with one attachment. With a total 360-degree viewing angle of 180 degrees forward and 180 degrees backward, there are no blind spots. In addition, the in-vehicle camera is equipped with an infrared LED, so you can shoot clear images even when it is dark inside the car.
One of the safety factors is that it warns you of dangerous zones such as police machines and areas where accidents occur frequently while driving.
How to choose a drive recorder recommended by MOBY editor-in-chief?
Various types of drive recorders have appeared. MOBY editor-in-chief will answer what points should be squeezed when choosing products based on his own experience!
Cases that are considering purchasing a drive recorder can be roughly divided into the following two types.
- Measures against tailgating
- In case of accident
What these two patterns have in common isDrive recorder with front and rear camerasI think you need When preparing for an accident,Cases of accidents from the front and rearYou need at least a front and rear camera in case
In the case of countermeasures against tailgating, there are cases in which a tailgating car overtakes your own car, and then the driver gets off, causing trouble.With a front camera, the situation can be remembered more clearly.is.
In addition, from the viewpoint of “deterrence”Rearview mirror integrated drive recorderis also recommended as an option.
As the name suggests, the rearview mirror type drive recorder projects images on the rearview mirror.Rear vehicles can see the image (especially at night)By doing so, it is possible to grasp the situation where the vehicle ahead is equipped with a drive recorder,Prevent tailgatingYou can expect a role.
In addition, the drive recorder is used just in case. in short,“Choose products that work properly in case of emergency”It can be said that choosing a product based on this idea is one answer.
“Save to hard disk” adopted by many drive recorders. What if the hard disk was already damaged before the accident? Also, what if it breaks due to the impact of an accident? Even if you are wearing a drive recorder, you cannot record the video at the time of the accident.
Under such circumstances, the AI-equipped communication type all-in-one in-vehicle device NP1 (NP1) sold by Pioneer Corporation, which MOBY ran a campaign the other day, is the most important before and after the accident.Cloud storage of recorded videoIt will protect you in some way.
There are various products for choosing a drive recorder, and I think that many people are wondering what to choose. Why don’t you think about it according to your purpose and budget?
The installation rate of drive recorders is likely to increase in the future
According to the results of a survey on the functions required for drive recorders in the “Survey on Dangerous Driving” (November 13 to November 26, 2017) conducted by GfK Japan, in the sales performance of drive recorders at that time, More than 90% of sales are camera-type products that record only the front. Less than 10% of models are capable of front/rear and 360-degree recording.
It is presumed that at that time, there were few types of drive recorders that recorded front and back and 360 degrees, and the price was still relatively expensive.
But nowThe number of types of drive recorders with front and rear cameras has increased, and cheap products are appearing one after another.Therefore, the number of users who choose the front and rear camera types seems to be increasing.
In order to continue to promote the spread of drive recorders in general passenger cars, it will be necessary to enhance the functions requested by users and reduce the price, or to increase the number of optional / standard equipment handled by automobile manufacturers. .