The presence of a DVR can greatly help the driver of the vehicle in various difficult situations: for example, when proving innocence in an accident or when filing a complaint about unlawful actions of a traffic police officer. An important role is played by the quality of the shooting that the recorder can offer. Suppose, if the video does not allow you to consider the number of the car that caused the accident, then there is simply no point in buying such a DVR. Fortunately, the hero of our review is not one of them. So, get acquainted: the recorder Autoexpert DVR 817. At a low cost, the device has remarkable capabilities. What is this gadget? Read below for a detailed review.
Unpacking and packaging
The recorder is delivered to the end user in a small rectangular cardboard box made in green colors. On the lid of the package there is an image of the Autoexpert DVR 817, as well as its full name. In addition, there is information about the maximum resolution of the video being shot and the type of processor used to process it.
The scope of supply includes the following components:
- the device itself;
- USB cable
- set for mounting on a windshield using 3M tape;
- detailed user manual for the user;
- power adapter and cigarette lighter.
The manufacturer put everything necessary in the box, the kit can be called complete.
Appearance and design of the device
The Autoexpert DVR 817 recorder is a small brick with rounded corners in shape, which gives it some ellipsoid. The body of the device is made of solid matte black plastic.
On the front panel is the camera lens of the device. To the left of it is an inscription informing about the maximum shooting resolution, to the right in the upper corner is the peephole of the backlight. On the edges of the front panel there are decorative inserts of green (in some instances - red) color.
Almost the entire area of the rear panel of the Autoexpert DVR 817 is occupied by a display. There are four control buttons to the right and left of it; they have a pleasant soft green backlight. Also on the left side are three LED indicators that inform about the operating modes of the gadget.
At the top end of the device there are four more function buttons and a bracket for mounting on the windshield. At the bottom there is a sticker with the name of the device and the serial number. There is a microSD card slot on the right of the sticker, on the left is the Reset button recessed into the case.
On the right side are a USB port for connecting to a computer and an HDMI connector for displaying images on a TV screen. Everything is neatly covered by a rubber stopper.
Installation in the passenger compartment
It is better to place the Autoexpert DVR 817 closer to the driver so that he can work with the DVR without being distracted from driving. To fix the recorder on the windshield, a special square panel with grooves in which the device bracket is latched is used. The panel itself is mounted on glass using 3M double-sided tape. Before using adhesive tape, it is necessary to degrease and heat the surface of the glass at the place of gluing with a hairdryer.
The manufacturer equipped the Autoexpert DVR 817 with a four-meter power cable. This length will allow you to easily hide the wire under the panels of the passenger compartment and stretch it to the mounting location of the recorder. It should also be noted that the power connector is output to the device bracket, which makes connecting the power more convenient.
Specifications
So, the main technical parameters are as follows:
- Processor Ambarella A7L50D.
- Aptina AR0330 sensor with a resolution of 3.2 megapixels.
- Viewing angle of 140 degrees.
- Video resolution - up to 2304 x 1296 pixels.
- 2.7-inch display
- Support for microSD memory cards up to 32 Gb.
- The presence of a G-sensor.
The main settings of the registrar
Enter the device settings menu by pressing the button located at the upper left of the display. Navigation through the menu items is done by pressing the buttons to the right of the screen. Also on the left is a button for selecting a video mode.
Here is a list of the main features of the menu of the Autoexpert DVR 817 dashcam:
- selection of resolution of the recorded video;
- WDR - image enhancement system for uneven lighting;
- cyclicity - the choice of recording time for a single clip (2, 5 or 10 minutes);
- accelerometer - a system that activates the protection of recorded video files from deletion in an accident;
- camera mode;
- adjustment of the level of sharpness and contrast;
- white balance - adjust image color reproduction;
- automatic inclusion of the registrar when power is applied;
- reset to factory settings;
- a set of commands for servicing a memory card.
Why everything was started: the quality of video shooting in various modes
The camera is equipped with an Aptina AR330 sensor, which has a resolution of 3.2 megapixels. For processing video footage meets the modern processor Ambarella A7L.
So we come to the main question: so how does the device cope with the main task - video shooting?
Shooting can be done in three resolution options: 2304 x 1296, 1920 x 1080 and 1280 x 720 pixels. Even with minimal resolution, the picture quality is decent, car numbers are perfectly fixed. The choice of such a resolution may be necessary in the case when the memory card is small in volume, and you need to remove more in time.
First of all, I want to note the excellent quality of the resulting video. It is characterized by excellent sharpness and correct color rendering. In daylight, there are no questions about the image.
Cloudy weather does not worsen the situation much: the registrar honestly discards every penny invested in it.
Even when used in the dark, under the light of street lamps, the Autoexpert DVR 817 “pulls” the picture to a quality level sufficient to clearly recognize the registration marks of other cars.
Separately, it is necessary to mention the WDR function, which automatically improves the image in uneven lighting or with a sharp change in the intensity of illumination (for example, when entering a tunnel).
Reviews: Pros and Cons
The hero of the Autoexpert DVR 817 review can be recommended for purchase as a high-quality video recorder with outstanding technical characteristics. The excellent quality of shooting in various lighting conditions makes this device a truly universal device. Unfortunately, the device also has disadvantages.
According to the reviews of drivers, the advantages of the device are as follows:
- modern processor;
- good matrix;
- shooting video in SuperHD resolution;
- long power cable (4 m);
- detailed user manual Autoexpert DVR 817;
- convenient mount with the ability to quickly remove the device;
- the bracket is equipped with a mechanism that allows you to deploy the registrar's lens to the driver's door window.
Cons of the device:
- lack of an HDMI cable;
- freezing at minus temperature of the Autoexpert DVR 817 dashcam, according to reviews of some users;
- unstable operation of gadget firmware.