At present, it is quite difficult to imagine a car owner who does not have a DVR. This product allows you to feel more confident while driving, to prove your case in case of an accident. DVR has long gone from being a luxury to being a necessity. Today you can find a large selection of similar devices that differ from each other in recording quality, memory capacity, functional side and many other points.
Motorists are increasingly giving preference to models equipped with a radar detector, or rather a radar detector. This module determines the presence of cameras for photo and video recording of violations, which are installed by traffic inspectors to reduce accidents. However, not all people know how to properly approach the purchase of this device. It is for them that we decided to rank the best DVRs with radar detector. Here we will analyze the characteristics of specific models, as well as consider the factors that you should pay attention to when purchasing this gadget.
How to choose a DVR with a radar detector?
First of all, of course, look at the overall dimensions of the device. It is best to give preference to small designs that will cover a small space on the windshield. Image resolution allows you to carefully consider the details of a traffic accident, car numbers, and so on, so you should also pay attention to this parameter. It is worth noting that it practically does not affect the price of equipment — you can purchase an inexpensive recorder with Full HD or Super HD resolution.
However, a number of other points will greatly affect the clarity of the image — the viewing angle of the camera’s eye, the number of frames per second, the bit rate, the recording format and file compression, the presence of a stabilizer. The latter should be checked most carefully, since under the conditions of Russian roads a constantly twitching picture will be obtained if the stabilizer is of poor quality or is completely absent.
It is far from always possible to move around during daylight hours, so you should definitely check how well the device works at dusk or at night. It is unlikely that you will be able to get an ideal picture, but it is desirable that the numbers of cars can be read from a distance of 7-10 meters. In addition, there are models that, in conditions of lack of natural light, switch to recording in infrared mode. The picture will turn out black and white, but very clear, all objects on it can be seen with ease.
Today, traffic police officers have begun to install new types of cameras that are not detected by all detectors, so it is best to give preference to the latest generation devices. They will be able to detect even the most modern camera and inform the motorist in a timely manner. The sensitivity of the detector module is also very important, as it affects the distance from which the device will detect the camera signal — the most powerful products are able to calculate the location of the latch from 600 meters, which is very convenient, especially in highway conditions.
When choosing models to include in our rating of DVRs with radar detector, we took into account all the points that we indicated a little earlier. However, both the value for money and user reviews were taken into account. We tried to include not the most expensive models in the review, so that users can choose products within their means. Now it’s time to turn to the characteristics of specific gadgets.
Top 10 DVRs with Radar Detector
10. SilverStone F1 Hybrid EVO S
This is the most famous model developed by this manufacturer. The design has several types of detectors at once, allowing timely detection of any type of fixation camera. It contains the GPS database, which lists all stationary cameras, and this database is regularly updated. Video files are recorded on a microSD memory card, models up to 64 GB are supported. There is a 2.31-inch LCD display with four control buttons below it. They are quite rigid, characterized by a heavy stroke. The device has no LED backlight. The mount is reliable, but not quick-detachable — it is a standard suction cup to the windshield, a hinged part is provided, so the user can set any angle of inclination.
The registrar works from the vehicle’s on-board electrical network, to which it is connected via the cigarette lighter. The length of the power cable is 3 meters — enough for a small car, but for an SUV it will probably not be enough. The functionality here is significant: the device can adjust the shooting resolution, frame rate, and choose the exposure. If desired, you can turn off the microphone and display. The detector has several modes of operation — city, city2, smart, highway, depending on this, sensitivity and speed mode are automatically selected. The database of cameras is updated approximately once a week. Setting up the device is quite simple: the interface is quite clear and fully translated into Russian. During operation, the equipment does not heat up, it turns on very quickly — in just a couple of seconds.
Advantages:
- Excellent video recording quality;
- It also shoots pretty well at night;
- The detector is almost free from false positives;
- Excellent sensitivity of the radar part.
Disadvantages:
- Buttons do not have LED backlighting.
- Not a very comfortable fit.
SilverStone F1 Hybrid EVO S
9 Stonelock Phoenix
It does not take up too much free space on the windshield, which makes it quite common among motorists. The main working element here is the Ambarella A7LA50 video processor, which has been able to establish itself for a long time with excellent image quality. In particular, using this device, you can provide a recording resolution of 2304×1296 pixels with a frame rate of up to 30 per second. If we consider the anti-radar side of this device, then it uses two technologies to warn the driver about the presence of cameras at once. The device detects the radiation of stationary and portable radar systems located near the road in all ranges known today. In addition, the registrar contains a database of all Russian roads with stationary cameras for recording violations installed on them.
The gadget is equipped with a display with a diagonal of 2.7 inches and a format of 16:9. The device has a miniHDMI connector that allows you to connect it to a laptop or an ordinary external screen, a miniUSB jack is provided, the device needs to be connected to a computer from time to time so that it updates its databases. Compressing video files is quite effective without any loss in quality. In particular, up to 12 thousand hours of video can be recorded on a 32 GB microSD memory card.
Advantages:
- Pretty comfortable design, easy to operate;
- High quality picture and clear sound;
- Notifies in advance of approaching fixation complexes;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- The screen is clear, all the information is visible on it very well;
- The menu is Russified.
Disadvantages:
- Can read memory cards up to 32 GB.
Stonelock Phoenix
8 Roadgid X7 Hybrid GT
The device belongs to the premium class. There are several notification modes here. In particular, the driver himself can choose whether he needs data on the approach to the camera, or whether he can limit himself to prompts while driving. Information is reproduced by a male or female voice. The control buttons are physical, pressed with some effort. The lens is anti-reflective, works on the basis of the OmniVision OV4689 matrix with a resolution of 5 megapixels, it has an anti-reflective coating and wide viewing angles — 140 degrees diagonally and 170 degrees vertically. The recorder records clips with Super Full HD resolution at up to 30 frames per second. The user can also choose a clearer picture — 2560×1080 or 2304×1296 pixels.
The Ambarella A7 processor is responsible for image processing here. All videos are recorded on a memory card up to 256 GB. The display diagonal is 2.7 inches. It has natural color reproduction and a resolution of 320×240 pixels. The equipment has a G-sensor, which is responsible for parking, it also has a system of sensors that control traffic in its lane, monitor the observance of the distance, and so on.
Advantages:
- Very wide functionality of the device;
- Convenient fastening;
- Reliability of work;
- High build quality;
- Long service life;
- Ability to record videos in very high resolution.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive;
- Not all users like the menu interface.
Roadgid X7 Hybrid GT
7. Playme P550 Tetra
The main distinguishing point associated with this device is the ability to control it with gestures, shooting is carried out in Super HD resolution. In addition, there are high-speed filters, the base of the location of the cameras is regularly updated. The detector will closely monitor the lane in which the vehicle is traveling. If necessary, the radar detector function can be disabled. Overall dimensions are compact, the case is plastic. This gadget has the latest type of antenna, which occupies the minimum amount of free space in the device. In the production of the device, modern Motion Control technology was used, which provides gesture control. With a wave of your hand in the immediate vicinity of this recorder, you can turn off or turn on voice notifications.
All data is displayed on a 2.4-inch full-color LCD display. It features excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angles. All alerts are broadcast in a pleasant female voice. The device has a lot of settings, they affect both the system itself, and the recorder, and the detector. The latter is characterized by accuracy, there are very few false positives. His system works in absolutely all ranges of cameras that are used on domestic roads. The main element here is the Ambarella A12 processor. The resolution of the camera is Super HD, it provides recording at a frequency of 30 frames per second. The numbers of oncoming and passing cars are well read from a considerable distance.
Advantages:
- Attractive appearance;
- Excellent build quality;
- Wide viewing angles at the display;
- Databases are constantly updated;
- The minimum number of false positives;
- Perfectly detects all cameras.
Disadvantages:
- Windshield mount is weak.
Playme P550 Tetra
6 Stealth MFU 680
The products were released in the middle of last year and immediately gained popularity among motorists. In terms of overall dimensions, the product does not differ too much from analogues — a compact body that can be easily hidden behind a rear-view mirror. All notifications are displayed not only on the device screen, but are also duplicated by voice alerts. The GPS antenna is located in the suction cup. The length of the power cable is enough to hide it under the interior trim. There is a full color display with a diagonal of 2.7 inches. There are several information display modes — the user can choose the most suitable one for himself, there is a function of automatic shutdown after a certain time. The design is able to work with microSD physical drives, the capacity of which can reach 128 GB. The lens has a chrome edging, giving the device even more style and attractiveness.
In terms of the quality of signal reception from stationary and portable fixation cameras, the gadget is in no way inferior to massive structures equipped with a horn antenna. The detection range is about 500 meters. No false positives were found during testing on the track, but in urban conditions a small number are still present.
Advantages:
- Excellent build quality;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Acceptable cost;
- High definition picture;
- Supports memory cards up to 128 GB;
- High sensitivity radar detector;
- Pretty clear interface.
Disadvantages:
- Heats up during operation
- Voice alerts are not very loud.
Stealth MFU 680
5. Dunobil Stern
Another model that has been on sale since the middle of last year. The design is equipped with a horn antenna, the case has a soft-touch coating, so that dust will not accumulate on it. The display diagonal is 2.7 inches, it is liquid crystal, full-color, color rendering is as close as possible to natural. Above the screen there is a small side that reliably protects against glare when using the gadget in sunny weather. Voice alerts are clear, not annoying. On the right side there is a slot for a microSD memory card with a maximum capacity of 128 GB, there is also a socket for a power cable, USB and an HDMI connector. The lens has a 150-degree field of view and an infrared filter to keep it sharp at dusk or in the dark. The settings menu is completely Russified.
There are several sensitivity modes of the radar detector, a noise filtering system is provided. The detection range of the fixing post is about 800 meters, even not very powerful video surveillance systems can calculate. In addition to information about the presence of a camera, data is displayed regarding the permitted speed limit on this section of the road and the speed of the car itself. Video can be recorded in several resolutions — Super HD, Full HD Wide and Full HD. The products are based on the flagship processor Ambarella A7LA50.
Advantages:
- Decent lens field of view;
- Reliable fastening to glass;
- The volume of notifications can be adjusted if necessary;
- Numbers are readable regardless of the degree of illumination.
Disadvantages:
- Cameras shooting in the back are not always determined.
Dunobil Stern
4. Cenmax Signature Alfa
The viewing angle of the camera of this registrar is 130 degrees — not a bad indicator. Display resolution 320×240 pixels. You can adjust the screen brightness and also choose when the device turns off. The volume is also variable. To control the functions of the device, there are five physical buttons that are tightly fixed in the case: they do not start to rattle while driving on rough roads. The device supports memory cards up to 256 GB. The overall dimensions of the product are small, so it takes up a minimum of space on the windshield and does not affect the view at all. The interface is Russified, in the settings you can select the shooting bitrate, resolution and some other points: the duration of one video, the recording stamp. The radar detector has four modes of operation — the track, two urban and intelligent.
The registrar supports signature technologies, which helped to get rid of false positives even in urban environments, various interferences are carefully filtered out. Ambarella A12A is used as a processor in combination with an OmniVision OV4689 matrix, which provides support for the HDR format. The picture is very clear, regardless of the weather conditions. Even night recordings are distinguished by excellent detail, the excess light from the headlights of cars traveling towards them is compensated.
Advantages:
- Excellent build quality;
- Clear menu;
- High definition of the received image;
- Convenient attachment to the windshield;
- Setting up the device takes a minimum of time.
Disadvantages:
- Short power cord.
Cenmax Signature Alfa
3. Inspector SCAT Se
One of the very first models of DVRs with a radar detector that supports signature technology. Despite the fact that the products have been on the market for a relatively long time, they still continue to be popular with motorists. The products have proven themselves to be of excellent shooting quality and camera location accuracy. During operation, interference is not observed. Instead of a horn, a phased array antenna is installed here, which looks like an ordinary camera flash. Korean-made model, which already speaks of the excellent quality of production. The gadget can support drives with a capacity of 256 GB, it has a 3.5-inch LCD color display. It is well protected from scratches and other damage.
While moving, the screen displays the driving speed, all voice prompts in Russian are pronounced in a clear and pleasant voice, they are not at all annoying. The product is attached either with the help of a classic suction cup, or with a special adhesive tape that will not come off during severe frosts. An additional cable is supplied with the recorder, so it will be quite easy to make a hidden installation. The signals of surveillance systems and radars are determined from a considerable distance, no false positives were detected, and they are determined by absolutely everything, from the very old to the most modern. The display will also show information about the allowed speed. The camera’s viewing angle is quite large — 170 degrees, the videos are recorded with the MP4 extension, there are no noises or other interference, the picture is distinguished by excellent detail and accurate color reproduction.
Advantages:
- Large display;
- No false positives are observed;
- Many interface settings;
- Good quality fastening.
Disadvantages:
- Pretty high cost.
Inspector SCAT Se
2. Neoline X-COP 9100s
One of the most advanced models that can only be found on sale today. The device is manufactured using many modern original technologies that are not found in other models. It is able to detect signals from absolutely all radars, even those that have a complex signal structure. The product can cover up to 6 traffic lanes. A Z-signature filter has been added here, due to which the number of false positives is minimized. The gadget has an Ambarella A7 processor — it allows you to provide the highest quality shooting with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, it can record up to 30 frames per second. The videos are saved in MP4 format. The display diagonal is 2 inches, so its resolution of 240×320 pixels will be enough.
The recorder menu is quite clear, even the initial setup will not take much time. Installation in the car takes only a couple of minutes. In general, the products are not too intrusive, they warn about cameras concisely and clearly, they do not distract from the road at all. If necessary, the display can be switched to the so-called «dark» mode so that it does not distract the driver from the road. Regardless of the time of day, the picture is clear and of high quality.
Advantages:
- The most modern technologies are involved in the manufacture;
- Very convenient menu;
- Stylish and attractive appearance;
- There is a parking mode;
- Significant viewing angles;
- Quickly communicates with the satellite.
Disadvantages:
- Gets hot during operation.
Neoline X-COP 9100s
1.MiVue i88
Finally, we got to the leader of our review — the products are equipped with a GPS module and a modern detector capable of determining the location of any camera for fixing traffic violations. The model is equipped with a display with a diagonal of 2.7 inches, viewing angles are wide — at any angle the colors and the picture will not be distorted. The strength and type of signal from the radar are displayed, all this is accompanied by a clear voice alert. Four physical control buttons are located on the right side, on the other there is a socket for the power cable. The wire itself is long — it can be easily hidden under the interior trim. The menu is fully Russified, it allows you to change almost all available functions: set up video recording, activate the parking assistant mode, select an alert for both stationary and mobile complexes.
In the manufacture of the device, the latest signature technologies were used, which effectively filter out extraneous signals, thereby minimizing the number of false positives, making it much more convenient to use the gadget. The GPS module contains all the actual locations of the fixation cameras, the database is updated regularly. The device is capable of recording Full HD video at a recording speed of 30 frames per second. Sony Exmor IMX323 matrix is installed here. The videos are saved in MP4 format. The numbers of cars can be seen on the recording from a considerable distance. Along with video recording, the device records the route, speed, and all data is stored directly on the video.
Advantages:
- Quite compact overall dimensions;
- Convenient attachment to the windshield;
- High level of reliability;
- Attractive appearance;
- Good work efficiency;
- The camera is equipped with an original anti-reflective lens;
- The bracket can be rotated 180 degrees.
Disadvantages:
- Pretty high cost.
MiVue i88
In conclusion, a useful video
The review of the best DVRs with radar detector has come to an end. We hope you find it very useful. For each model, we tried to collect as much information as possible so that you can decide for sure whether this model is right for you or it is better to look at other products. If you have any questions, then ask us in the comments to this article. We will promptly respond to each of them and give timely answers of interest.