What should be a DVR in 2018

Perfect ergonomics

DVRs are now available on the market in various form factors, from modular devices with several units to those that can be installed instead of a salon mirror. Despite this, classic DVRs with a camera and a screen in one body, physical buttons and free access to connectors, such as the Prology VX-400, are still popular.

With a compact size, it is equipped with a 2.45-inch display, large buttons for configuration and operation, and indicators of operation. All ports are located on the edges of the device, so you can remove the memory card or connect the cable to synchronize with the computer, even without removing the DVR from the glass.

Reliable fastening

Almost all DVRs are installed using a swivel joint, which is attached to the windshield by means of a suction cup or double-sided tape. The first option is good because it allows you to easily remove the recorder and move it to another place. The second is more reliable, and due to the minimum number of hinges, the device will be less prone to shaking.

It is convenient when both mounting options are included in the kit: you can find and test the optimal installation site using a suction cup, and then fix the device for a long time with tape. Almost all Prology DVRs are equipped with two types of mounting.

Full HD resolution

There are recorders on the market that shoot in 2K and even 4K resolution. They need powerful processors and large memory cards - they are expensive and not very convenient to work with. Full HD resolution is still optimal. To save money, you can choose models that shoot at 720p, but for a good picture, it is better to choose recorders with full-fledged Full HD cameras.

The Prology VX-400 records at 1,920 x 1,080 pixels at 30 frames per second. This is enough to get a clear picture of the traffic situation. The detail of the video makes it easy to distinguish between license plates, road markings and small inscriptions.

Quality matrix

The size and quality of the matrix will affect the behavior of the device's camera in various lighting conditions. In good DVRs, the manufacturer and model of the installed matrix must be indicated. Sensors from Sony and Canon are considered to be of high quality.

The Prology VX-400 uses a Sony IMX323 sensor - one of the best on the market. It is capable of producing an excellent picture with a minimum amount of noise, even at night.

Good viewing angle

The angle of view of the lens affects the capture width: the larger it is, the more stripes will fit into the frame. However, everything is not so simple here.

With an increase in the angle, not only the width of the frame grows, but also the level of distortion. In addition, shooting from a wide angle of view increases the distance to subjects in the center of the frame. If the angle of the recorder is more than 160-170 degrees, the picture is rounded at the edges, and the center of the frame moves away, due to which the number of the car in front is read worse.

A small field of view is also bad, as it only captures one lane of traffic and does not allow you to see what is happening on the side of the road and in the adjacent lanes. The most optimal viewing angle is considered to be in the range of 110-120 degrees. In this case, the picture is obtained without distortion, allows you to read the license plates well and includes two adjacent stripes and a part of the roadside.

Built-in rechargeable battery

All DVRs work from the vehicle's on-board network, but not every one has its own battery. If an uninterruptible power supply is available while the engine is running, it may seem unnecessary. But the recorder is usually needed precisely in emergency situations, when there may be problems with power supply. So the possibility of autonomous work will not be superfluous.

The Prology VX-400 has a built-in 200 mAh battery that will last ten minutes of operation when the main power is turned off. Other manufacturers practice similar solutions. Sometimes DVRs are equipped with an even more impressive battery and quick-detachable mount, which allows them to be used as an action camera.

Acceleration sensor

The most demanded sensor, which is built into even ultra-budget models. It tracks movements in three axes and is designed to enable video protection against cyclic overwriting. The sensor is automatically triggered during sudden acceleration or braking, as well as when the car is rotating and during collisions.

As a rule, the user can adjust the sensitivity of the sensor to exclude false alarms, as well as set the recording time. With its help, you can specify how many seconds before and after the sensor is triggered to be included in the protected video.

Parking mode

A good video recorder should ensure the safety of your car not only on the move, but also in the parking lot. This function is used to record incidents with the car in your absence and will help you find the culprit for a scratch on the bumper or a dent on the fender.

Parking mode works even when the dash cam is turned off. When the car hits or shakes, it will automatically turn on and start shooting a video that will be protected from erasure. The Prology VX-400 stops recording 30 seconds after the vehicle has been impacted.

Motion Sensor

Another important function for parking safety. It works by analogy with the previous one, but does not react to shocks and shocks, but to movement.

As soon as a person or another machine appears in the frame, the recorder starts recording and fixes what is happening on video. Basically, the motion sensor complements the parking mode. The only caveat to keep in mind is battery consumption. When parked for a long time, it can be discharged from frequent switching on of the DVR.

Prology has a wide range of car accessories. By promo code PROLOGYLIFEHACKER you will get a 15% discount when you buy the Prology VX-400 dashcam on the official website.