Comparison MiO MiVue 792 vs MiO MiVue 786

The sensor is a key element of any digital camera; it is from it and from signal processing technologies that the quality of the resulting image primarily depends. In this case, the type refers rather to the brand or brand of the matrix; it is usually indicated if the recorder is equipped with a high-quality sensor that is noticeably superior to most solutions on the market.

One of the most popular such options is Sony. The specific characteristics of the matrices ( IMX179, IMX222, IMX291, IMX307, IMX317, IMX322, IMX323, IMX326, IMX335, IMX415) may vary, but anyway, such a sensor is a sign of a high-end DVR.

In addition, there are models equipped with matrices from other manufacturers — Aptina, OmniVision, Samsung(GalaxyCore), Sandvik. Such solutions are generally considered to be simpler and more democratic than Sony — both in terms of price and functionality. Nevertheless, Samsung has a lot of developments...in the field of electronics, and even such relatively “simple” sensors are usually more advanced and of higher quality than “know-names”.

Another manufacturer that produces fairly high-quality matrices is Panasonic. Such sensors are not as widespread as those described above, but they are still found in video recorders, including pretty advanced.

Model of the processor used in the dashcam

The term "video chip" is used mainly for devices with classic capabilities, "processor" — for advanced models with an abundance of non-standard functions. However, anyway, we are talking about the same component — the main computing unit, the characteristics of which directly affect the capabilities of the recorder as a whole. Knowing the model of the processor, you can find detailed data on it and evaluate how satisfied you are with a device based on such electronics. Of the most advanced modern chips, one can name, in particular, Ambarella A7L, Ambarella A12, Novatek NTK96655, Novatek NTK96660 and HiSilicon Hi3516.

The maximum resolution and frame rate of video taken by the recorder in the Full HD (1080p) standard.

Many people associate the term Full HD with a resolution of 1920x1080 — and indeed, this resolution is very popular, including among DVRs. However, this standard also covers other options — in particular, 1440x1080 (4:3 aspect ratio) and 1920x540 (halved vertical size). In general, support for this resolution is a good indicator for a modern registrar, indicating that the device belongs to at least an average level.

As for the frame rate, the higher it is, the smoother and less blurry the video will be, the better the details on moving objects will be visible, and also the more space the footage will take up. It is worth noting here that in low-cost Full HD recorders, shooting can be carried out at very low speeds — 15 fps or even 10 fps. Such a shooting speed allows you to watch video more or less normally, but for a normal display of moving objects, a higher frame rate is still desirable — at least 25 frames / sec.

The viewing angle provided by the main camera of the DVR. As a rule, it is indicated along the diagonal of the frame, less often - horizontally, because of this, models with the same numbers in the characteristics may differ somewhat in the actual field of view. So if you have doubts about this, when choosing, it does not hurt to find and watch video samples from different models.

Other things being equal, a wider viewing angle allows you to cover more space, but individual details in the frame are smaller. In addition, wide-angle lenses give geometric distortions of the image (however, DEWARP can be provided to eliminate them, see "Functions"). As for specific figures, viewing angles up to 120° inclusive are considered relatively small for modern registrars, values of 121 - 140 ° can be called average, 141 - 160 ° are above average, and the most wide-angle models are able to cover a space of more than 160 °.

— Speed on video. The ability to display data on the current speed of the car on the video being shot - usually in the form of numbers in one of the corners of the frame. As a rule, the device receives speed information from the built-in GPS sensor (see below). This function can be especially useful when analyzing ambiguous situations - for example, as additional evidence that the driver did not violate the speed limit.

— GPS module. Built-in GPS satellite navigation module, which allows you to determine the current coordinates of the device. The specific ways in which this information can be used may vary depending on the other functionality of the registrar. Thus, it is data from GPS that is used to display speed on video (see above), as well as for the operation of the GPS informer and GPS navigator described below. There are other options, sometimes quite original - for example, if you have a 3G/4G modem, a beacon mode may be provided ( GPS tracker - see below).

— GPS informant. A function that provides the driver with various useful information related to the current location. As the name suggests, the location itself is determined using GPS. One of the most popular ways to use an informant is to warn of approaching traffic camera...s, stationary posts and speed control systems that are not detected by a traditional radar detector. In addition, other similar functions may be provided - for example, a message about an area with a high accident rate or a separate large hole on the road. To operate the GPS informer, a database of relevant objects is entered into the device’s memory; When purchasing, it doesn’t hurt to clarify what exactly this database contains, how fresh it is, and whether it allows for updating and manually adding points.

— GPS navigator. The device can operate as a full-fledged GPS navigator. For this, in addition to the GPS module itself, the design provides built-in maps, as well as a fairly large display to display them. This allows you to do without purchasing and using a separate navigator, but this function is not particularly popular in modern DVRs. Firstly, it significantly affects the cost of the device; secondly, a regular smartphone or tablet with GPS is often enough to navigate on public roads; thirdly, recorders most often have rather modest navigation capabilities and are often inferior even to smartphones/tablets, not to mention specialized devices.

— GPS tracker. Another function found in recorders with a GPS module (see above). A GPS tracker allows the device to operate in beacon mode, constantly transmitting data about the location of the car to one or another recipient - for example, taxi service dispatchers, the customer of cargo transportation, etc. Such beacons are also sold as separate devices, but it is easier (and sometimes cheaper) to buy and install a recorder with this function. In any case, it is worth considering that a 3G/4G modem is usually used to transfer data (see below) - so to use the tracker you will have to buy a SIM card and regularly pay for mobile communications.

— GLONASS. The device supports the GLONASS navigation system, the Russian analogue of the GPS described above. Most often, this function is provided in addition to the GPS module: simultaneous use of two systems improves the speed and accuracy of positioning, and also provides an additional guarantee in case of failures in one of them.

—Galileo. European satellite navigation system, created as an alternative to American GPS. Note that it is under the control of civilian departments, not the military. With a full fleet of 24 active satellites, the system provides an accuracy of up to 1 m in public mode and up to 20 cm with the GHA service. Working in conjunction with GPS, Galileo provides more accurate position measurements, especially in densely populated areas.

— LDWS (lane control). A system that monitors the car's position within the lane: it monitors the car's position on the road and, if it deviates from the current lane, gives a warning signal, attracting the driver's attention. This signal can literally save the lives of road users if the driver is distracted or falls asleep at the wheel. DVRs with LDWS will be especially useful for those who have to spend a lot of time driving without a break. However, if road markings are of poor quality or absent, this function becomes useless.

— FCWS(distance control). A system that monitors the distance to the car in front and gives a signal if this distance is critically reduced and a collision is possible. Typically, FCWS is activated at a certain speed (for example, 40 km/h and above), and its sensitivity can be adjusted to suit traffic density. A collision warning is usually displayed and accompanied by an audible signal.

— LLWS(headlights reminder). A sensor that monitors the level of ambient light; When the light level decreases, LLWS reminds the driver to turn on the headlights. Such a reminder may be useful not only in the dark, but also during the day - for example, in cloudy weather or when entering a tunnel.

— Sign recognition. Intelligent system for automatic recognition and analysis of road sign...s. Typically, this function aims to recognize speed limit signs and provide advance warning to the driver to adhere to the prescribed speed limits. However, many recorders with a similar function perfectly “see” other road signs, duplicating them to the driver on the screen of the head unit as a kind of safety net.

- Antison. A feature that reduces the risk of falling asleep while driving. When the Antisleep mode is turned on, the recorder, as a rule, periodically plays a special sound signal; in some models this sound stops itself, in others the driver must manually turn off the signal, confirming that he is not sleeping. However, it is worth keeping in mind that even the most advanced Antison system does not provide a complete guarantee against falling asleep while driving. Therefore, the most correct behavior when you are very tired is to stop and rest; This function should be used only in extreme cases.

Resolution of the display installed in the recorder.

The higher the resolution (with the same diagonal) — the clearer the image is, but the more expensive the screen itself. At the same time, high resolutions are not needed to set the camera in the desired position and to work with the basic settings of the device. So you should pay attention to this parameter only if you plan to use additional functions that require a high-quality “picture” — for example, a GPS navigator (see “Functions”) or a remote camera that plays the role of a reversing camera.

Touch screen similar to those used in smartphones and tablets. Control by touching the icons on such a display often turns out to be more convenient and intuitive than through the classic buttons, and sometimes it is simply irreplaceable — for example, it is very convenient to mark points on the map with a touch when using a GPS navigator (see "Functions"). On the other hand, such screens are more expensive than usual ones, and it makes sense to use them mainly in advanced registrars with an abundance of additional features.

Note that there are other specific types of control in registrars — voice control and gesture control. They are not as functional as touch ones, but they are noticeably safer when used while driving; see "Functions" for details.

The capacity of the device's own battery (see "Power source").

The general purpose of the battery depends primarily on this indicator. If the recorder uses a relatively modest battery, up to 500 mAh, this most often means that it plays the role of a backup power supply in case of disconnection from the cigarette lighter (for example, in an accident when the on-board mains fails). In such cases, you can not pay special attention to the capacity - it is usually guaranteed to last at least a few minutes of autonomous recording, and for continuous operation, the device will still have to be connected to the cigarette lighter. But for full (not "spare") power, much more capacious batteries are required - at least 800 mAh, and ideally 1000 mAh and higher. The exception is ultra-compact motorcycle models that do not have screens and do not consume much energy - for them, 200 mAh or even less is sometimes enough.

It should be noted that, theoretically, a more capacious battery allows the device to work longer without recharging. However, in practice, comparing different models by this indicator essentially makes no sense: after all, the autonomy of the recorder also depends on its energy consumption, and it is determined by a number of characteristics. Moreover, manufacturers sometimes select batteries of different capacities for different models precisely with the calculation to achieve more or less the same operating time on a charge.