To increase travel comfort, many drivers additionally equip their cars with modern gadgets and devices. The installation of a mirror recorder, which combines many useful functions, has become quite common. After all, the device is successfully placed on the body or mounted in its regular place, maintaining good visibility while simultaneously recording the traffic situation without attracting outside attention.
Purpose
A video recorder is a device for audio-video recording, storing and displaying information about the situation in the immediate vicinity of the car, as well as in the cabin while driving or parking.
Designed to collect evidence in the event of a traffic accident during the investigation of an administrative offense or in other controversial situations. The registrar's testimony is included in the case on the basis of the judge's decision.
Design features
The uniqueness of the gadget lies in the placement of the DVR in the rearview mirror housing. This combines the functions of the two devices.
Compound:
- frame;
- video cameras (front, rear, parking);
- mirror;
- display;
- DVR;
- memory card;
- rechargeable battery (AB).
Structurally, the front panel of the case is a regular mirror with a small display. Inside there is an electronic filling with a built-in video camera.
The video image from the parking device, located outside or on the rear window, is transmitted to the display after turning on the reverse gear. The built-in battery ensures autonomous operation. The memory card is easily installed in a special slot.
Operating principle and main functions
One small package combines several useful gadgets that increase safety and comfort for the driver. The functionality of a modern automotive device is determined by its electronic content. At the same time, in appearance it does not differ from a regular mirror, but the functions are varied:
- DVR – recording, storing and demonstrating audio-video information about the situation around the car when driving and while parked. In case of insufficient memory, new information may be superimposed on the old;
- radar detector – detection of police video recording systems on the road and warning the driver;
- GPS navigator – route planning with display of the required information on the monitor;
- rear view video camera – safe and convenient parking;
- FM receiver and television tuner – a comfortable pastime for the driver;
- telephone with built-in speaker and microphone - constant communication and replacement of the hands free headset;
- mirror – monitoring the situation behind the car while driving for safety.
Advantages
The main advantages are:
- versatility – can be installed on any make of car;
- compactness - the electronic filling with wires is hidden in the case and does not create interference;
- normal appearance - does not attract the attention of intruders and matches the interior of the car;
- ease of installation;
- easy to use;
- multifunctionality and rich hardware;
- high image quality with good detail;
- wide view over 110⁰ with the ability to control large areas of space
- anti-reflective coating and protection of the driver from being blinded by headlights from behind a moving car;
- the ability to view the desired fragments directly on the display;
- autonomy with built-in rechargeable battery;
- reliable storage of information on removable microSD media;
- night recording mode with infrared illumination.
Flaws:
- when choosing a gadget, it is mandatory to take into account the mounting features of the standard mirror;
- the possibility of disconnecting the device when traveling on Russian roads due to poor-quality fastenings;
- failure of one module causes failure of other elements;
- weak fastening may not withstand additional load;
- some models made in countries with warm climates have poor frost resistance;
- driver distraction when broadcasting multimedia.
Top 8 rear view mirrors
There is a sea of rear-view mirrors on the market. Now I will tell you about the most successful mirrors with a built-in video recorder, with a monitor, multifunctional and panoramic models.
The best rear view mirrors with dash cam
Navitel MR250
This smart mirror can do more than the first model. Navitel MR250 records video in MP4 format and compresses it in H.264 format. This allows you to save space on your memory card and play back good quality recordings in real time. Supports microSD cards up to 64 GB - memory problems are unlikely.
Both cameras have a metal body. The main one has a good viewing angle of 160 degrees, video resolution is 1920 by 1080. The remote one sees only 85 degrees, records video 656 by 492, but it can be rotated 180 degrees and not hidden from moisture. Both cameras take photos.
The motion detector turns on the recorder when the driver is not present, and the G-sensor helps protect video taken during a collision, sudden braking or acceleration. A sensitive microphone will ensure good sound transmission.
The five-inch screen is located in the center of the mirror, which may not be entirely convenient.
Price: ₽ 5,450
DVR Artway AV-601
A budget model from Artway with two cameras for 3,000 rubles is a reliable device with the necessary minimum of functions. It is attached to the standard interior mirror with rubber fasteners, becoming as inconspicuous as possible. You don't have to remove it when leaving your car in the parking lot. Able to look after the car while the driver is away. If there is a risk of an accident, the device automatically turns on and records video indicating the time and date. The battery provides 10 minutes of battery life.
The main camera is built-in with the ability to adjust the tilt angle. Matrix resolution for video is 1.3 megapixels, for photos 5 megapixels. Video is shot in AVI format with a maximum resolution of 1440 by 1080. The camera does not have zoom, but it has a very decent viewing angle of 120 degrees.
The remote camera shoots video in AVI format with a resolution of 720 by 480 and has a viewing angle of 90 degrees. There is also no zoom or photo mode, but it is possible to use it as a parking lot. The body of the remote chamber is not afraid of water.
The loop video recording mode is 1, 2 or 5 minutes, but it can be disabled. The 3.5-inch recorder display is located in the left corner of the mirror. In addition to pictures, the DVR is capable of recording sound, but it does not have a speaker. SD card capacity – 32 GB.
Price: ₽ 2,990
The best rear view mirrors with monitor
Vehicle Blackbox DVR Full HD
A combined device that combines an ordinary interior mirror, a video recorder and a rear view camera in one housing. Attaches directly to the stock mirror. On the right side there is a 4.3-inch display, to which the image from the camera is transmitted.
There is a parking mode, a recording mode (in which the display does not work, and the device turns into an ordinary mirror) and a function that automatically starts recording after an impact. Video recording occurs in a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels, the camera coverage angle is 170 degrees.
A convenient, inexpensive and versatile device will cost you only 2,500 rubles.
Price: ₽ 1,990
FLIXCAR DVR T605 HD
Universal video recorder combined with a rear view mirror. Like most devices of this type, it is placed directly on top of the interior mirror: there is no need to dismantle anything, installation takes literally a few seconds. The DVR camera films in front of you at an angle of 170 degrees in resolution up to 1920 by 1080 pixels at 30 frames per second. The rear view camera is connected to the recorder via a cable and greatly facilitates parking in difficult conditions.
An indispensable assistant for a motorist costs only 3,000 rubles - a small price to pay for your own convenience, safety and comfort.
Price: RUB 2,999
The best multifunctional rear view mirrors
Artway MD-161
The multifunctional model from Artway is a video recorder, GPS informer and radar detector. A navigator with proprietary software will orient you to the area and record up to 100 geopoints of your choice.
The radar detector recognizes most police equipment, including low-noise devices. You can adjust its sensitivity so as not to hear false alarms within the city. On the highways, sensitivity, on the contrary, will be beneficial. It is possible to set the device to an acceptable speed mode. If you get tired of notifications, you can turn them off. With such possibilities, the price of 8,000 rubles looks tempting.
The Artway MD-161 has only one camera, but with a viewing angle of 140 degrees. The picture is of high quality - FHD 1920×1080. Video is recorded in AVI format with H.264 archiving.
You can choose photo resolution: 8, 5, 2 or 1 megapixel. The memory card capacity is small - only 32 GB.
Additional functions include a G-sensor, motion and light sensors, an electronic compass, a clock, and detection protection.
Price: ₽ 8,490
Intego VX-435MR
Inexpensive DVR with two cameras. The main one provides a Full HD 1920x1080 image, the external one provides VGA 640x480. At a price of 3,000 rubles, the main camera has a viewing angle of 140 degrees, and has a G-Sensor to protect video in case of an accident. Intego VX-435MR records video in AVI format, which can be stored on a 32 GB flash drive. Can automatically turn on recording when driving near a car.
Price: RUB 3,188
The best panoramic rear view mirrors
Neoline G-Tech X27 Dual
Dash cam, parking camera and GPS alert for police cameras are all in the rear view mirror. The main camera with a viewing angle of 150 degrees records Full HD video. The remote camera provides HD video with a 120-degree field of view. The device is capable of indicating the date, time, speed, geolocation and even license plate number of the car on video recordings. Such a video will be a powerful argument when searching for the culprits of an accident. The G-sensor will help you save extreme recordings. Neoline G-Tech X27 records video in MOV format and archives it in H.264.
The GPS module contains a database of police radars in the Russian Federation, Europe and 5 neighboring countries. This information can be updated on the manufacturer's website every 14 days. A special feature of the G-Tech X27 is the ability to intelligently process cameras for calculating average speed and warning about speeding. For such a gadget, the price of 8,000 rubles does not seem too high.
The image from the cameras is displayed on a 4.3-inch display in the center of the screen, which is not convenient for everyone. But when the navigator is turned off, the screen on the mirror is not visible.
Price: RUB 7,990
CARCAM Z6
One of the most popular rearview mirror dash cams on the market. This is due to the combination of a successful design, simple and convenient controls, affordable price and wide functionality. Like other devices of this type, CARCAM Z6 is installed on top of a standard interior mirror and is capable of both recording the image in front of you in DVR mode and working as a parking assistant using a rear view camera. The presence of a G-sensor and motion detector allows you to configure the automatic start of recording upon impact and at the moment when someone appears in the frame. The device is powered by a car cigarette lighter and can operate for up to 10 minutes from the built-in battery.
The asking price is 3000 rubles.
Price: RUB 3,750
Criterias of choice
Experts advise what to pay attention to so as not to make mistakes when choosing:
- Video parameters - resolution affects image quality. Inexpensive models are equipped with systems with values of 720x480, premium ones - 1920x1080.
- Viewing angle – it is recommended to consider models with a value over 120⁰, but there are models on sale with an angle of 90⁰.
- The recorder recording format must match systems that work with AVI or MP4 files.
- The diagonal of a modern monitor is between 2.7″ – 5.0″.
- The smoothness of the video image is achieved at a frequency of 25 frames per second.
- The impact sensor will record any impact on the car body.
- Markings when launching the parking device will simplify the parking process.
- The battery will provide long-term autonomy.
- With night video function.
- A well-known manufacturer guarantees the quality of the device and compliance with the declared characteristics, which will ensure repairability and long service life.
- Availability of additional functions for safety and comfort (navigator, parking sensors, radar detector), as well as built-in models to expand functionality.
- Possibility of supporting an artificial intelligence system.
Before purchasing, be sure to make sure that the gadget is adapted to Russian conditions and that the menu is available in Russian.
Where can I buy
Popular models of rear-view mirror dash cams are purchased at electronic and digital equipment stores. The best manufacturers present any models - inexpensive budget new items or premium class devices. The consultants will clearly give recommendations and advice - what kind of DVRs there are, their types, how to choose, which company is better, how much it costs and which one is better to buy.
In addition, a suitable DVR can be ordered online on the pages of the online store of numerous dealers and sellers of electronics, as well as aggregators Yandex.Market or E-Catalog. In this case, it is possible to read the description in advance, compare characteristics, study photos and customer reviews.
The best inexpensive models of mirror DVRs (up to 3000 rubles)
The main quality of a good inexpensive DVR, made in the form of a rear-view mirror, is its trouble-free operation even without your participation. Therefore, options such as motion and shock sensors, as well as wide camera viewing angles, are welcome. Support for memory cards and display of the current time and date will be additional incentives to buy such a model. The best budget DVRs - top quality and inexpensive models up to 2000-5000 rubles, according to reviews from users and specialists.
Dunobil Spiegel Solo
pros
- Screen 4.3″
- Shock sensor (G sensor)
- Good microphone
- Motion Sensor
- Battery
- Viewing angle 120º
Minuses
- Weak software
From 2474 ₽
A classic-shaped mirror with a large display in the right corner. The shooting resolution is 1920×1080 Full HD, at which the details of the shooting are clearly visible. Sound recording can be turned off at will: this reduces the weight of filming. The video is recorded when the sensors are triggered, and cyclic recording is available.
Artway AV-601
pros
- 2 cameras
- Memory card
- HD 1080 video, photography
- Microphone
- Battery 180 mAh.
- Screen 4.3″
Minuses
- fragile glass
- Loud buttons
From 2360 ₽
Despite the declared HD video quality, the camera optics do not allow it to be realized. Review of the second camera 900, the first - 1200. Videos are written when an event occurs in a separate file, but there is no indication of the absence of a flash drive if you forgot to insert it.
SilverStone F1 NTK-351 Duo
pros
- 2 cameras
- Card up to 64 GB.
- Motion detector, G-sensor
- Microphone, speaker
Minuses
- Video is not HD
- No battery
From 2640 ₽
In this mirror, the 3″ screen is on the left, and the video from 2 cameras is recorded as a picture in picture. When the G-sensor is triggered, the recording is protected from erasure. The video quality can be better: the front camera is 1280x720, the rear camera is 720x480.
