Comparison StreetStorm STR-9970BT vs StreetStorm CVR-A7620S-G

— DVR. Classic DVRs are recording devices designed to capture traffic conditions, and sometimes also the interior of a car. The main function of the materials from the registrar is to provide an evidence base in the event of an accident or emergency. Note that most of these devices are designed for installation in a car, but there are also models for motorcyclists — with a mount on a helmet or steering wheel(see "Installation") and increased resistance to dust and moisture.

— Regular video recorder. DVRs (see above), originally designed for a specific car model or models. Note that the possibilities for installing such a device can be quite extensive — see "Regular registrar for". Anyway, the installation of such a device in a “native” car is extremely simple, in a “non-native” one it is extremely difficult, and often impossible at all.

— Combo device. Combined instruments that combine the functions of a dashcam and a radar detector capable of detecting police speed gauges. For more information about the radar detector, see "Functions", here we note that one combined device is usually smaller, easier to install, and often cheaper than two separate specialized devices.

Glass mount provided in the model with the corresponding type of installation (see above).

Note that in many models, not the recorder itself is attached to the glass, but the bracket, on which, in turn, the device is installed. To learn how to fix the recorder on the bracket, see "Mounting the recorder". And the options for attaching to glass can be as follows:

— Sucker. The traditional suction cup, which works due to the reduced pressure between the mount and the glass — as a result, the force of the pressure of the outside air and holds the structure in place. One of the main advantages of this option is “reusability”: the suction cup can be repeatedly stuck and detached at the request of the user, and after removal it leaves practically no traces. However this type of fastening is considered somewhat less reliable than stickers; however, the suction cups used in video recorders are usually of a special design that provides sufficient reliability for practical use. Therefore, this type of mount is extremely popular in modern registrars.

— Sticker. A plate with a layer of special glue, due to which the entire structure is held on the glass. Such mounts are considered more reliable than suction cups, they are less prone to wear and do not lose effectiveness even with minor damage such as cracks and chips. On the other hand, the sticker is usually installed "once and for all..." and does not provide the ability to quickly remove the bracket. And although dismantling by itself is possible, however, it will not work to reuse the sticker, and the glass will most likely have to be cleaned from traces of glue. So installing a recorder with such a mount requires special care and attention.

Note that some models of DVRs are supplied immediately with both types of mounts described above in the kit. This allows the user to choose the option of their choice — including changing the suction cup to a sticker, if the need arises.

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 r...elatively “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 maximum resolution and frame rate of video taken by the recorder in the Super HD standard.

Super HD is a rather specific standard that exceeds Full HD in resolution, but falls short of Quad HD. The traditional frame size for this format is 2304x1296, but there are models with a lower horizontal resolution — 1728x1296. Anyway, Super HD is quite popular among DVRs: it provides good detail and does not require particularly powerful hardware.

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. However, in Super HD models this figure usually ranges from 25 to 30 fps, and this difference is hardly fundamental.

Among the photo and video functions used in the dashcam, we can distinguish G-sensor, rotating lens, live, HDR< /a>, WDR, polarizing filter, DEWARP and Time Lapse. More about them:

— G-sensor (video saving). A sensor that monitors shocks and vibrations acting on the DVR. The main function of this sensor is to ensure the safety of video materials in the event of an accident: in the event of a strong impact, characteristic of a collision or fall, the recorder with a G-sensor automatically saves the previously recorded video to a non-volatile memory protected from overwriting. Thus, materials about an emergency are not only guaranteed to be saved, but with a high probability remain intact even if the recorder itself is damaged. In addition, the G-sensor is used in parking mode — see "Functions" for details.

— Swivel lens. The ability to rotate the lens of the registrar horizontally or vertically, and in some cases — on both planes. This feature allows you to adjust the camera's field of view.

— Sound recording. Ability to record sound with a video recorder. First of all, we are talking about recording conversations in the cabin, which can become an add...itional argument in disputable situations — for example, they will allow you to determine whether the driver was talking on a mobile phone at the time of an accident, whether he noticed the situation on the road, how he assessed it, etc.

— Live broadcast. Allows you to remotely connect to the DVR and monitor what is happening from the camera in real time. It is very important if there is an additional camera in the cabin, when you can track the situation, for example, in taxi services, courier delivery, etc. This function will also become important and useful when a car is stolen, when you can not only see the hijacker from the video from the camera, but also track the route of his movement.

— HDR (high dynamic range). A function that increases the dynamic range of the recorder. Dynamic range is the maximum difference between the brightest and darkest area achievable within a single frame. Initially, this range for digital matrices is small, so an image with large brightness differences (for example, a road against a sunset sky) turns out to be either strongly overexposed in bright areas or very dim in dark areas. HDR addresses this shortcoming and also improves the overall colour quality. This is implemented as follows: the camera takes several frames with different settings and from them forms the finished image. At the same time, this technology is simpler and cheaper to implement than WDR, which is similar in purpose (see below). The main disadvantage of HDR is that this type of shooting increases the blurring of fast moving objects in the frame somewhat.

— WDR (Wide Dynamic Range). A function similar in purpose to HDR described above: it is used to improve the quality of a “picture” that has strong differences in brightness. The key difference between these technologies is that WDR works at the hardware level — due to high-end matrices. This allows you to achieve the required dynamic range within a single frame and do without gluing several frames — as a result, WDR, unlike HDR, does not give a blurring effect and does not worsen the detail of moving objects in the frame. The downside of this quality is the high price.

— Polarizing filter. The presence of a polarizing filter in the main camera of the DVR. Such a filter reduces the brightness of glare arising from strong light on glass, water and other similar surfaces. This greatly improves image quality, especially when shooting in sunny weather.

— DEWARP. A technology used to correct the "picture" obtained using a wide-angle lens. Such lenses are often used in DVRs; one of their drawbacks is their propensity for the fish-eye effect, the characteristic distortion when straight lines in the frame turn into rounded ones. The DEWARP function eliminates this shortcoming — it "bends back" curved lines, correcting the geometry of objects in the frame. Note that such a correction does not always work 100% accurately, however, the picture processed by DEWARP is anyway more reliable than without this technology.

— Time Lapse. A special mode of operation in which video recording is carried out at a slow frequency, which in practice is mainly used for shooting slow processes. Thus, for example, a long journey or a long sunset can fit into a 3-minute video.

— 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 cameras, stationary post...s 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.

— Radar detector. A sensor that reacts to the emission of a police radar and warns the driver that the speed may be recorded by the device. Dash cams with this function are classified into a separate category — combo devices (see "Type"). Let's recall that radar detectors are also available as separate devices, however, a combo device takes up less space when installed. On the other hand, the "anti-radar" functionality in combined dash cams is generally somewhat less extensive than in standalone radar detectors. And combo devices are quite expensive (although often cheaper than a pair of a separate dash cam and a radar detector with similar capabilities). It should be emphasized that having this function does not relieve the obligation to adhere to the speed limits prescribed by traffic rules.

— Signature detection. A function of the radar detector described above that improves recognition accuracy and reduces the likelihood of false alarms. To achieve this, samples (signatures) of the emissions of the most popular radar models are stored in the device's memory, and when a signal is detected, the device compares it with the data in memory. In this way, you can quite accurately determine whether the received signal is radar emission (and which one) or merely an outside interference. The drawbacks of detectors with signature recognition include relatively high cost, slightly increased triggering time,...and inability to "recognize" radars not stored in memory (however, some models allow signature database updates).

— Parking mode. A special mode that allows recording extraordinary events on video while the vehicle is parked; it uses a G-sensor for operation (see "Shooting functions"). In parking mode, the dash cam is in "sleep" mode, and if the G-sensor detects an impact, full recording is activated. Videos from the buffer are "attached" to the start of the recording, allowing not only the moment of the incident to be recorded but also a few seconds before it.

— Motion sensor. A dash cam function based on detecting movement in the camera lens. Thus, if the dash cam "understands" that there is movement in the frame, automatic recording takes place. This allows the dash cam to be set to automatically turn on when movement starts, as well as to record possible incidents, thefts, car hijackings in parking areas that come into the device's field of view.

— Voice control. The ability to control the dash cam through voice commands. The specific list of such commands (and supported languages) can vary depending on the model. However, in any case, this function contributes to driving safety: it allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and not get distracted from the road while controlling the dash cam.

— Gesture control. The ability to control the device using gestures. Note that the capabilities of such control in dash cams are significantly limited: typically, a sensor is used that responds to hand movement in front of the device and is capable of performing only one specific action. Nevertheless, even this possibility provides additional convenience and safety (compared to pressing buttons and especially navigating menus): a hand movement takes fractions of a second, and the driver is hardly distracted from the road. As for specific functions implemented through gesture control, they may include protecting the recorded clip from being overwritten, saving a snapshot, turning off the radar detector sound (see above), etc. In some models, such a function is rigidly set in the settings and cannot be reconfigured, while in others, you can choose from several options.

— Wi-Fi module. The Wi-Fi technology is mainly known as a method of wireless Internet access, but it can also be used for direct connection with another device. The ways of using this technology in dash cams can vary, depending on the functionality. For instance, some models can update map markers for a GPS navigator and GPS informer database through such a connection (see above); others allow uploading recorded videos directly to the Internet (for example, to YouTube); and the most advanced devices with this feature have touch screens and can even be used as full-fledged tablets when removed from the mount, with the ability to browse web pages and install various applications. There are also quite specific features — for example, streaming recorded or captured video to a smartphone or tablet, sharing mobile Internet with other devices (if a 3G/4G module is available), and so on. It is worth noting that the number of public Wi-Fi access points is constantly increasing, they are available at most major gas stations, and are often provided in certain areas of large cities (parks, historical and business districts, etc.). Therefore, accessing the World Wide Web from a dash cam without removing it from the car can be much easier than it seems at first glance.

— 3G/4G modem. A 3G or 4G mobile communication module. Primarily intended for data transmission — in simpler terms, for mobile Internet use; voice calls for dash cams are considered redundant and, as a rule, are not supported. The speed of connection in modern mobile networks is often comparable to that through Wi-Fi; thus, the applications of 3G/4G connectivity can be quite diverse, depending on the specific model. However, three functions are most frequently encountered: downloading information about traffic jams and other relevant data (updates for GPS informers, weather forecasts, etc.); functioning as a GPS tracker (if this feature is available — see above); and as a Wi-Fi hotspot, sharing mobile Internet with other devices (with a built-in Wi-Fi module, of course). Comparing 3G/4G and Wi-Fi, mobile communication is available almost everywhere; however, it comes with costs.

— Bluetooth. Having a built-in Bluetooth module in the dash cam. This technology is used for direct wireless connections with other devices; its application can vary, depending on the functionality of a particular dash cam. One of the most popular applications is streaming audio to a Bluetooth-compatible car stereo or the driver's headset: this can include various notifications from the navigator, radar detector, etc., signals from the "Anti-Sleep" system (see above), and in some models — even music from the built-in player. Another popular use form is file exchange with a smartphone, laptop, or other similar device (primarily for copying recorded materials). Besides this, other more specific usage modes for Bluetooth might be envisioned. It is worth noting that most dash cams with this function operate on Android (see the corresponding point), so the range of options is quite extensive — essentially limited by the range of compatible apps.

— Speaker. A built-in speaker installed in the dash cam housing. This speaker can be used to play, for example, audio during recorded video playback, voice prompts from the GPS navigator/informer, radar detector signals (see above), etc. However, keep in mind that the speaker’s volume might be relatively low, and listening via the speaker in a noisy environment might be challenging.