5 car Recorders put to test! Check the performances

[Kenney]

Hi Adrian

 

Thanks for effort to share the findings.

 

Looking forward to have more comparisons using videos.

 

Regards

 

 

 

[Adrianli]

any test video to share?

 

Not yet. Only have video from last night drive home. Will spend this weekend making the first batch of comparison videos. Look out for it this weekend. Comparison video between MT-DR920S with BV DR400 and DOD GSE580 both in day n nite, normal road n expressway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS : I previewed the night video from MT-DR920S last nite as I was loading it into my PC.............................look at this expression..................

[Adrianli]

Hi Adrian

 

Thanks for effort to share the findings.

 

Looking forward to have more comparisons using videos.

 

Regards

 

 

No problem. Just posting the truth. I have already posted the physical size/form factor and review of the features/functions of the camera. Next up will be the comparison videos + camera sizes. Then conclusion and you can have the camera back.

 

Next up is :

 

1) MT-DR920S vs Blackvue DR400G-HD and DOD-tec GSE580

2) MT-DR920S vs Milo can size and Blackview

3) MT-DR920S vs DOD-tec F500HD and F900LHD

 

 

[Adrianli]

Cant be sure of BV as it is position slightly away from the light.......from the 2....Between Vigi n Dod...1:0....

 

Just did a schematic drawing for you to show the location of the car cameras placed in my car.

 

[Alvinhoo]

Here is the same picture taken by two other different car cams :

 

Taken by ViGi MT-DR920S :

 

 

 

 

 

Taken by Blackvue DR400G-HD :

 

 

 

 

 

Taken by DOD-tec GSE580 :

 

 

 

 

 

 

So which camera is good??? Screenshot taken as per playback at full screen on my 17" monitor. Thatz all for now. Today is afterall the first day of testing. Will post various comparisons in the following few days. Look out for it.

 

Actually all are not that great leh... ??? Or is it all in car camera is of such quality only ???

[Mustank]

sensor size is the main factor in quality. i have a sony HD camcorder which I am not using most of the time. i am considering to use it as in car camera. if you need one, you can consider a low priced one:

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031RGKZ...m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

to mount on the windscreen, you need something strong:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-241FB-Pump...0448&sr=1-1

 

Edited December 29, 2011 by Mustank

[Adrianli]

Actually all are not that great leh... ??? Or is it all in car camera is of such quality only ???

 

In low light condition, w/o illumination(flash) most cameras will be like that too. Most probably with DSLR or prosumer cameras where u can adjust the ISO, it will take better pics. But u willing to use a DSLR or prosumer camera(Nex 5N, Pen EP3, X1, J1, V1) as a car camera and place it in ur windscreen 24/7???

 

This car cam sample good enough for u?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxQtNtUXqeU

 

 

 

 

We have to be reallistic with our needs n budget.

[Adrianli]

sensor size is the main factor in quality. i have a sony HD camcorder which I am not using most of the time. i am considering to use it as in car camera. if you need one, you can consider a low priced one:

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031RGKZ...m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

to mount on the windscreen, you need something strong:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-241FB-Pump...0448&sr=1-1

 

 

This one the handy camera is placed outside the car, on the roof. Not practical for use as daily car camera. But for making a driving video, it is good. Check out GoPro cameras, better than ur video. It is used in professional sports like drifting.

[Adrianli]

A little prelude to video comparison.............lets see the daytime screenshot comparison of a video taken this afternoon.

 

Taken by ViGi MT-DR920S :

 

 

 

 

Taken by Blackvue DR400G-HD :

 

 

 

 

Taken by DOD-tec GSE580 :

 

 

 

 

 

Try to make out the numberplate of the mini bus 2-3 car lengths in front. So which camera is good??? Screenshot taken as per playback at full screen on my 23" LED monitor. Thatz all for now. Will post the video comparisons this weekend. Look out for it.

[Picanto]

from your 3 photos, i honestly say the vigi fare the worst.

[Vega]

400 has the best resolution. Vigi can't even figure out the number plate.

can't wait to see the videos.

[Xfiles]

A little prelude to video comparison.............lets see the daytime screenshot comparison of a video taken this afternoon.

 

Taken by ViGi MT-DR920S :

 

 

 

 

 

Taken by Blackvue DR400G-HD :

 

 

 

 

 

Taken by DOD-tec GSE580 :

 

 

 

 

 

 

Try to make out the numberplate of the mini bus 2-3 car lengths in front. So which camera is good??? Screenshot taken as per playback at full screen on my 23" LED monitor. Thatz all for now. Will post the video comparisons this weekend. Look out for it.

The last 2 pics , could it be due to the position of the car cam? cos from last few post the the 580 is more on the left and 400 is more on th centre right?

[Kenney]

Hi Adrian!

 

Do you mind HALF or QUARTER the size of the screen shot and post it up again?

 

Screen shot in this size does not show the real and actual video clarity in lower resolution.

 

Meaning, in this presentation size, VGA (with less pixels] will definitely go blur/pixelated compared to HD videos.

 

Hope you agree with my point.

 

 

[Kenney]

My humble suggestion:-

 

We should compare video clarity here and Not Size [no.of pixels].To me, optimum size of video is:-

- Big enough for you to take note of number plate details at close range (near accident distance)

- And, not excessively big. Becoz, size eats up your storage memory fast - shortens recording time before over-write. meaning, you need to buy a much bigger card for the same recording hours....

 

 

 

[Kenney]

Screen shot taken -Similar distance from front car

 

 

Wondering what's the variation - i think must be the glare from sunlight?

[Kenney]

Another example - Low lighting condition + slight reflection from number plate

 

 

Hope the additional info is useful

[JustArrived]

I think the first camera (vigi) is pointing too far up, correct setting should be able to see some part of your car bonnet from the image, the auto iris of the camera can be affected by the bright sky and cause the captured image become underexposed. The setting of the other two cameras is OK.

Edited December 29, 2011 by JustArrived

[Neutralsg]

A little prelude to video comparison.............lets see the daytime screenshot comparison of a video taken this afternoon.

 

Taken by ViGi MT-DR920S :

 

 

 

 

 

Taken by Blackvue DR400G-HD :

 

 

 

 

 

Taken by DOD-tec GSE580 :

 

 

 

 

 

 

Try to make out the numberplate of the mini bus 2-3 car lengths in front. So which camera is good??? Screenshot taken as per playback at full screen on my 23" LED monitor. Thatz all for now. Will post the video comparisons this weekend. Look out for it.

I take my hat off to you for your willingness to review such products for the benefit of MCF readers.

Thank you! as such contributions certainly makes MCF a worthy forum for readers interested in motoring matters!