How the Russians brought to mind the American processor, or the review of the AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II dvr (GPS + GLONASS)
Last year , here I talked about the advanced processor for the automaker Ambarella A12. More precisely, that the Chinese manufacturers of DVRs without a hint of embarrassment deceive domestic motorists and under the sauce of steep technological flagships with the most current specs, they offer glyuchnye DVRs with low quality of shooting. Nothing new - the very “hardware” gives no advantages without a stable, well-developed firmware and straight-line engineers. Chinese fraud began at the end of 2015 and still lasts. The Russian brand AdvoCam has worked closely with Ambarella all this time and diligently clenched its teeth from resentment for the big deal that the Chinese have done, “finished” their own product. In May 2018, after about four years of development,AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS) .
This is the first DVR in the world to unlock the full potential of the Ambarella A12A55 processor. The model costs 10,000 rubles, and removes at the level of competitors for 20,000 rubles, that is, twice as expensive. Also, the AdvoCam model is notable for supporting Wi-Fi, memory cards with capacities of up to 256 GB and advanced speedcam (speed cameras and other important objects) with a unique division into the “Route” and “City” modes.
I didn’t find something radically new with AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS). Here, all the same AdvoCam miniUSB cable, cable hooks, power adapter, CD-ROM with video player (not a floppy disk - and thanks for that), instructions and a brochure of the president of the motorists protection board, well-known TV and radio host Viktor Travin. Brochure recommend not to throw on the mezzanine, and keep in the car. In it, Travin explains in a very accessible way what to do with a recording from a registrar in the event of an accident. What for? When you are on nerves after an incident, briefly and in the case, the advice given in simple and understandable language will be most welcome.
AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS) is mounted on the windshield using a bracket with a vacuum suction cup. The entire installation process will take no more than a minute: to degrease the surfaces of the glass and the suction cup (ideally, although let's face it - usually nobody does this) - press the bracket with a suction cup to the glass - turn the lock until it clicks - connect the recorder to the bracket. A hinge mount allows you to rotate the camera not only to the side, but also to send to the car. You never know there will have to be removed - for example, the behavior of an inadequate passenger, if you are a taxi driver.
The GLONASS / GPS receiver is built into the bracket, not into the recorder body. The competent solution, which allowed us to isolate the sensitive radio receiver from the noise generated by the “insides” of the recorder. Otherwise, it would be necessary to screen the electronics in the case, which would undoubtedly add a “pretty penny” to the registrar price tag.
Another indisputable advantage of the device is that the power is fed to the recorder not directly, but through the mount. This greatly simplifies the process of installing and removing the camera, because there is no need to connect / remove the cable every time. By the way, the miniUSB jack in this case will last much longer, because it will not be loosened by frequent mechanical impacts.
The power supply to the AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS) comes over a three-meter cable (enough for laying in the cab of a truck or bus), which is equipped with an adapter from the cigarette lighter. The latter, with a light hand of the manufacturer, is equipped with a USB connector for charging a smartphone or tablet. Quick charging of any iPad from 1 A should not be expected, but at least slightly add percents of the smartphone battery and the adapter is able to.
AdvoCam didn’t experiment with the design - it’s still the same branded, elongated body with rounded edges, traditional for all models of the FD8 line. By the way, the golden front panel - the distinguishing mark of the Gold series recorders - is also present. Let me remind you that in the FD8 series there are also models AdvoCam-FD8 Black-GPS (black insert around the lens) and AdvoCam-FD8 Red-II (GPS + GLONASS) (red insert). There was also AdvoCam-FD8 Profi-GPS Blue (blue inset), but it was quickly removed from production due to poor sales. The reason is trivial - domestic registrar buyers (and this is mostly men) negatively perceived the device with a color reference to homosexuals.
The design of the case with gold inserts is also by no means pleasant to everyone - some users perceive the golden insert as a blatant gypsy and see the model only in the patterns of Louis Vuitton. Seriously, I have already seen such a picture in the reviews.
But, contrary to popular belief, the color pad is not at all an element of decor or love for everything brilliant and golden. It is assumed that such a bright “silent witness” will be noticed by the inspector and other participants of the movement who wish to enter into a dialogue with you, which, perhaps, will somewhat restrain their enthusiasm. It is clear that it is better not to leave the “shiny” apparatus in the car during its absence, so as not to arouse the desire of irresponsible citizens to abduct the apparatus.
On the back of the device is a large 2.7-inch display. As an alternative, Wi-Fi does not hurt, especially since it does not take up extra space. Due to the 16: 9 aspect ratio, the display (and with it the case) is elongated and quite small in height. To the left and right of the screen are dual control keys. The buttons on the left allow you to enable and disable the screen and microphone, as well as navigate through the menu items. The buttons on the right side - “OK”, start / stop recording, as well as manual emergency marking of the file (for protection against overwriting and deletion). In general, typical for AdvoCam devices control, and indeed for recorders with a similar key arrangement.
At the top there are buttons responsible for power on / off, backlight and instant photo, as well as AV-out, miniUSB-port and contact pad.
To the right of the lens is a slot for microSD. Cards are supported with capacity up to 256 GB, which is quite rare in the market of recorders (maximum - 64 GB). This amount of memory, 256 GB, is enough for a day of continuous recording at a maximum resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels.
On the left side is located HDMI-connector for viewing records on a computer screen or TV. By the way, I would like to know from readers - have you or your friends ever used this connector in the recorder? Honestly, in my opinion, the real benefits of HDMI are about the level of LED backlighting. That is, no.
The battery capacity is 250 mAh, which is enough minutes for 15 battery life. A beginner, like his predecessors AdvoCam-FD Black-II GPS + GLONASS and AdvoCam-FD8 RED-II, got one very interesting feature. When the temperature is below zero, the battery is automatically locked, thus avoiding the detrimental effect of the temperature difference on the battery. In particular, in winter, when motorists leave the camera in the cabin for the night, and after a frosty night, the receptionist is given a “warm reception” with charging in the heated cabin. It is here that we become witnesses of the main source of the number one reason for the addresses of owners of auto regs to services - the "death" of batteries.
Swollen due to temperature differences battery expensive Taiwanese DVR Mio
Another function of the DVR, which, however, today is no surprise to anyone - speed. Only in the new AdvoCam it received a serious development. The device still warns about the approach to stationary traffic police radars, pedestrian crossings, cameras to the red light, dangerous intersections, and so on, all supported by 12 types of objects. But to all this, the division into two modes was added: “City” and “Route”.
That's what it is for in the speed-interpretation. The speed of the car when driving on city roads and on a long-distance highway varies greatly. Obviously, it will take more time outside the city in order to gradually reduce the speed to that allowed in a particular area. In the settings, you can set the alert distance for the "City" - it is 300, 500 or 700 meters, and for the "Route" - 1000, 1200, 1500 meters. This separation has long been mandatory for any hybrid or radar detector. In general, for the same purpose - to provide different warning distances. But for the first time I saw this “solo” registrar, in the new AdvoCam.
The hero of this review is the first AdvoCam model, which supports Wi-Fi (except for the discontinued hybrid recorder and action camera AdvoCam-FD Sport). To use wireless communication, you first need to download the WiFi-CarDV mobile application (available on Google Play and the App Store, there are even QR codes in the paper instructions to the registrar). Then select the ADVOCAM-XXXX item from the list of networks in the smartphone, enter the password “123456789” and connect. In the device, the Wi-Fi function is not enabled by default and requires manual activation. By the way, premium Korean registrars Thinkware with a price tag of 15,000 rubles also work according to this scheme. Apparently, the developers rightly decided that there was no need to constantly maintain the connection. And if the user urgently needs remote access to the records,
Working with the application should not cause any difficulties - it is as simple as possible. Broadcast from the camera goes directly to the main screen, in the lower part there are three red buttons - “Videolist” (view photo and video), “Screenshot” and “Start / stop shooting”.
The button of the list of settings of the recorder is located in the upper right corner of the screen. But with its help, it will be possible to adjust only the basic parameters like the video resolution or the length of video clips (1, 3 or 5 minutes). But I was pleased with the remote viewing of the video, it starts almost instantly, switching between the rollers is also quite fast.
The developers went to the trick - the recorder, in fact, works in two video streams. The first is with the original resolution set in the settings. The second stream - 720p, such videos are guaranteed to be launched without Wi-Fi via Wi-Fi on any modern smartphone. And they will not slow down either, because the bitrate is very light, only 2500 Kbps. Ten times lower than heavy 1440p rollers.
However, the transfer of video (not just viewing, namely the transfer) to the memory of a smartphone will take time - to copy one minute of video at 1440p will take up to 60 seconds (which, however, is typical for almost any recorder with Wi-Fi support). Not to say that streaming video directly from the recorder card is a unique feature of the new product, but it is really very rare in Wi-Fi recorders, even among premium Koreans.
Of course, the G-sensor (shock sensor) is also present in the new product. And the developers have provided the new AdvoCam and LDWS function. Thanks to this system, the recorder can save a driver who has accidentally fallen asleep at the wheel, having given a loud beep about the car’s exit from the current lane. Just do not forget that for the normal operation of this function requires a clean, smooth, well-lit roadbed with a clear marking. Without snow, water and mud. So, as practice shows, LDWS works adequately mainly in the summer season and during daylight hours.
The video part of the new representative of the AdvoCam line is represented by a six-element lens with glass lenses made of coated glass, the flagship CMOS-sensor OmniVision OV4689 (USA) and the already-mentioned top American processor Ambarella A12A55. I repeat, domestic engineers of AdvoCam at AdvoCam's own production in the city of Aleksandrov, Vladimir region, have pretty well “conjured” over the “contents” of the registrar. And, as a result, the maximum possibilities of the advanced Ambarella A12 chipset were revealed. The viewing angle is 135 degrees diagonally, four bands are seen in the frame, there are no distortions around the perimeter of the picture.
The manufacturer offers the following options for video resolution:
2560 x 1440, 30k / s;
2560 x 1440, 30k / s (HDR);
2304 x 1296, 30k / s;
1920 x 1080, 30k / s;
1920 x 1080, 60k / s;
1920 x 1080, 30k / s (HDR);
1280 x 720, 60k / s.
Thanks to the new processor, there is no need to choose between super fine shooting 1296p and 1080p with HDR (as is the case with Ambarella A7 recorders) - the highest resolution Quad Full HD 2560 x 1440 pixels also supports HDR shooting. And this is a significant plus when recording video in difficult conditions, such as poor lighting or bright sun. HDR combines two frames with different exposures into one, after which the best detail is achieved even in the dark and with the oncoming sun. With today's drops of lighting and the lighting of car numbers, our today's reviewed auto gadget also handles it perfectly.
The most important thing is the new AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS). In terms of the quality of shooting, AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS), in my fairly experienced opinion, bypasses any competitors in the price range up to 20,000 rubles. At the price of the device itself, let me remind you, at 10,000 rubles. To compete on equal terms or to circumvent the new Russian product can only premium Koreans.
During the day the picture is beyond praise - clear, bright, with rich colors and a minimum of glare, with uniform contrast across the entire field. With the readability of state numbers is also a complete order, if not more - in daytime shooting the license plates of cars are distinguishable from 16-17 meters, at night - from 10-12 meters. Over 10,000 rubles, usually registrars of other brands offer indicators that are at least 3-5 meters lower.
In the night shooting AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS) also showed itself more than worthy. As I have already indicated, the visibility of state numbers is up to 12 meters in a straight line. The picture is clear, clear, with a minimum of illuminated state numbers.
Of course, I could not do without a comparative test. Last time, I clearly showed that even the top AdvoCam based on the processor of the previous generation Ambarella A7LA70 shoots better than the Chinese Dome DAB202 made on the “knee” (one of the first recorders on the Ambarella A12). This time, the opponent will again be the product of our eastern neighbors -Deschman's RayBerry E2, which, in addition to the Ambarella A12A55, also attracts a high-aperture (F / 1.8) seven-lens lens in the specification.
By the way, such characteristics of the Chinese should be treated with skepticism - they really like to lie. In fact, who, and how, will check the veracity of the characteristics? Looking ahead, I will say - I was distracted by this remark only because, in the end, I did not see the picture being in conformity with the formal characteristics of the lens. Another thing is also true: in the absence of engineers working on the firmware and setting up the entire video processor “processor-matrix-lens”, there will hardly be a noticeable difference even between the high-quality aperture and some cheap analogue with plastic lenses.
I made all the comparisons in 1440p resolution with HDR. Look at the results.
In daytime scenes, AdvoCam shows a higher distance margin with clear state numbers. RayBerry E2 immediately begins to pour the same "sores" that I have already seen in thecheap Dome DAB202 . The white balance is unnaturally yellow, but the most important is the battered exposure. This is especially evident in the sky, which instead of saturated blue (natural color) becomes light blue.
But a visual stress test for the registrar. For some reason, I haven’t met any observers who assess the ability of the camera to withstand the passing bright sun. After all, our "light" illuminates the license plates no worse than the headlights of oncoming cars at night. What we see is that while AdvoCam has no problems, RayBerry demonstrates a subtle car number ahead.
Here a lower margin of clarity plus illumination came together. The license plate of the car on the right is clearly illuminated, and in a straight line it is simply barely visible.
On the left - AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS), on the right - RayBerry E2
Exit from under the bridge. If an accident happens ahead, RayBerry is unlikely to allow it to be viewed from the angle of the car in which the recorder is installed.
Night examples in the light of the freeze frames we have already studied look expected. Low clarity and full illumination of state numbers are indispensable satellites of RayBerry. On the contrary, the AdvoCam model shows no problems with clarity and clarity of the picture if experienced Russian engineers are behind the device, and notKrivoruk Chinese.
AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS) is probably, by a combination of factors, the best single-camera DVR mid-2018. The novelty with an adequate price tag of 10 thousand rubles removes 2560 x 1440 pixels in ultra-high resolution Quad Full HD (which is almost twice as detailed as compared to “simple” Full HD). And at the level of devices twice the price - with the price of 20 thousand rubles. Yes, and offers a number of useful features, such as copying and viewing records on a smartphone via Wi-Fi, an improved dual-mode system for speeds, support for cards up to 256 GB and convenient pass-through power through the bracket. And this, not to mention the high quality of assembly and adaptation to Russian operating conditions (resistance to “minuses” up to -35 ° C and shaking on the roads), which is traditional for all AdvoCam models.
Among the shortcomings of the model, I note, perhaps, a limited list of settings available to the user when remotely connected (via Wi-Fi) and the absence of a complete microSD card. But these are trifles compared to the fact that our Russian engineers were the first in the world tofinally be able to “squeeze” the maximum out of the top American video processor Ambarella A12. Unlike Koreans with Thinkware F800PRO, where they went the easier way and limited to shooting in Full HD with a price tag of 22,000 rubles.
Anyway, hardly AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS)will become a hit of sales. AdvoCam will continue to support its rank of brand number one in registrar sales in Russia with models up to 7,000 rubles. This is an objective reality - in Russia, starting with a price tag of 8-9 thousand rubles, mass demand is focused on hybrids. On the other hand, AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS) will definitely find a buyer. About 70% of those who turned to me for e-mail for advice on choosing a registrar were initially prepared to spend 7-10 thousand on a “solo” registrar, without the functionality of a radar detector.
PS I remind the readers about the choice of registrars or other issues related to car registrars, do not hesitate to contact me at my personal email at schub.alexandr@yandex.ru . I answer everyone who writes to me!
This is the first DVR in the world to unlock the full potential of the Ambarella A12A55 processor. The model costs 10,000 rubles, and removes at the level of competitors for 20,000 rubles, that is, twice as expensive. Also, the AdvoCam model is notable for supporting Wi-Fi, memory cards with capacities of up to 256 GB and advanced speedcam (speed cameras and other important objects) with a unique division into the “Route” and “City” modes.
Equipment
I didn’t find something radically new with AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS). Here, all the same AdvoCam miniUSB cable, cable hooks, power adapter, CD-ROM with video player (not a floppy disk - and thanks for that), instructions and a brochure of the president of the motorists protection board, well-known TV and radio host Viktor Travin. Brochure recommend not to throw on the mezzanine, and keep in the car. In it, Travin explains in a very accessible way what to do with a recording from a registrar in the event of an accident. What for? When you are on nerves after an incident, briefly and in the case, the advice given in simple and understandable language will be most welcome.
Mounting and installation
AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS) is mounted on the windshield using a bracket with a vacuum suction cup. The entire installation process will take no more than a minute: to degrease the surfaces of the glass and the suction cup (ideally, although let's face it - usually nobody does this) - press the bracket with a suction cup to the glass - turn the lock until it clicks - connect the recorder to the bracket. A hinge mount allows you to rotate the camera not only to the side, but also to send to the car. You never know there will have to be removed - for example, the behavior of an inadequate passenger, if you are a taxi driver.
The GLONASS / GPS receiver is built into the bracket, not into the recorder body. The competent solution, which allowed us to isolate the sensitive radio receiver from the noise generated by the “insides” of the recorder. Otherwise, it would be necessary to screen the electronics in the case, which would undoubtedly add a “pretty penny” to the registrar price tag.
Another indisputable advantage of the device is that the power is fed to the recorder not directly, but through the mount. This greatly simplifies the process of installing and removing the camera, because there is no need to connect / remove the cable every time. By the way, the miniUSB jack in this case will last much longer, because it will not be loosened by frequent mechanical impacts.
The power supply to the AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS) comes over a three-meter cable (enough for laying in the cab of a truck or bus), which is equipped with an adapter from the cigarette lighter. The latter, with a light hand of the manufacturer, is equipped with a USB connector for charging a smartphone or tablet. Quick charging of any iPad from 1 A should not be expected, but at least slightly add percents of the smartphone battery and the adapter is able to.
Appearance
AdvoCam didn’t experiment with the design - it’s still the same branded, elongated body with rounded edges, traditional for all models of the FD8 line. By the way, the golden front panel - the distinguishing mark of the Gold series recorders - is also present. Let me remind you that in the FD8 series there are also models AdvoCam-FD8 Black-GPS (black insert around the lens) and AdvoCam-FD8 Red-II (GPS + GLONASS) (red insert). There was also AdvoCam-FD8 Profi-GPS Blue (blue inset), but it was quickly removed from production due to poor sales. The reason is trivial - domestic registrar buyers (and this is mostly men) negatively perceived the device with a color reference to homosexuals.
The design of the case with gold inserts is also by no means pleasant to everyone - some users perceive the golden insert as a blatant gypsy and see the model only in the patterns of Louis Vuitton. Seriously, I have already seen such a picture in the reviews.
But, contrary to popular belief, the color pad is not at all an element of decor or love for everything brilliant and golden. It is assumed that such a bright “silent witness” will be noticed by the inspector and other participants of the movement who wish to enter into a dialogue with you, which, perhaps, will somewhat restrain their enthusiasm. It is clear that it is better not to leave the “shiny” apparatus in the car during its absence, so as not to arouse the desire of irresponsible citizens to abduct the apparatus.
On the back of the device is a large 2.7-inch display. As an alternative, Wi-Fi does not hurt, especially since it does not take up extra space. Due to the 16: 9 aspect ratio, the display (and with it the case) is elongated and quite small in height. To the left and right of the screen are dual control keys. The buttons on the left allow you to enable and disable the screen and microphone, as well as navigate through the menu items. The buttons on the right side - “OK”, start / stop recording, as well as manual emergency marking of the file (for protection against overwriting and deletion). In general, typical for AdvoCam devices control, and indeed for recorders with a similar key arrangement.
At the top there are buttons responsible for power on / off, backlight and instant photo, as well as AV-out, miniUSB-port and contact pad.
To the right of the lens is a slot for microSD. Cards are supported with capacity up to 256 GB, which is quite rare in the market of recorders (maximum - 64 GB). This amount of memory, 256 GB, is enough for a day of continuous recording at a maximum resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels.
On the left side is located HDMI-connector for viewing records on a computer screen or TV. By the way, I would like to know from readers - have you or your friends ever used this connector in the recorder? Honestly, in my opinion, the real benefits of HDMI are about the level of LED backlighting. That is, no.
Settings and advanced features
The battery capacity is 250 mAh, which is enough minutes for 15 battery life. A beginner, like his predecessors AdvoCam-FD Black-II GPS + GLONASS and AdvoCam-FD8 RED-II, got one very interesting feature. When the temperature is below zero, the battery is automatically locked, thus avoiding the detrimental effect of the temperature difference on the battery. In particular, in winter, when motorists leave the camera in the cabin for the night, and after a frosty night, the receptionist is given a “warm reception” with charging in the heated cabin. It is here that we become witnesses of the main source of the number one reason for the addresses of owners of auto regs to services - the "death" of batteries.
Swollen due to temperature differences battery expensive Taiwanese DVR Mio
Another function of the DVR, which, however, today is no surprise to anyone - speed. Only in the new AdvoCam it received a serious development. The device still warns about the approach to stationary traffic police radars, pedestrian crossings, cameras to the red light, dangerous intersections, and so on, all supported by 12 types of objects. But to all this, the division into two modes was added: “City” and “Route”.
That's what it is for in the speed-interpretation. The speed of the car when driving on city roads and on a long-distance highway varies greatly. Obviously, it will take more time outside the city in order to gradually reduce the speed to that allowed in a particular area. In the settings, you can set the alert distance for the "City" - it is 300, 500 or 700 meters, and for the "Route" - 1000, 1200, 1500 meters. This separation has long been mandatory for any hybrid or radar detector. In general, for the same purpose - to provide different warning distances. But for the first time I saw this “solo” registrar, in the new AdvoCam.
The hero of this review is the first AdvoCam model, which supports Wi-Fi (except for the discontinued hybrid recorder and action camera AdvoCam-FD Sport). To use wireless communication, you first need to download the WiFi-CarDV mobile application (available on Google Play and the App Store, there are even QR codes in the paper instructions to the registrar). Then select the ADVOCAM-XXXX item from the list of networks in the smartphone, enter the password “123456789” and connect. In the device, the Wi-Fi function is not enabled by default and requires manual activation. By the way, premium Korean registrars Thinkware with a price tag of 15,000 rubles also work according to this scheme. Apparently, the developers rightly decided that there was no need to constantly maintain the connection. And if the user urgently needs remote access to the records,
Working with the application should not cause any difficulties - it is as simple as possible. Broadcast from the camera goes directly to the main screen, in the lower part there are three red buttons - “Videolist” (view photo and video), “Screenshot” and “Start / stop shooting”.
The button of the list of settings of the recorder is located in the upper right corner of the screen. But with its help, it will be possible to adjust only the basic parameters like the video resolution or the length of video clips (1, 3 or 5 minutes). But I was pleased with the remote viewing of the video, it starts almost instantly, switching between the rollers is also quite fast.
The developers went to the trick - the recorder, in fact, works in two video streams. The first is with the original resolution set in the settings. The second stream - 720p, such videos are guaranteed to be launched without Wi-Fi via Wi-Fi on any modern smartphone. And they will not slow down either, because the bitrate is very light, only 2500 Kbps. Ten times lower than heavy 1440p rollers.
However, the transfer of video (not just viewing, namely the transfer) to the memory of a smartphone will take time - to copy one minute of video at 1440p will take up to 60 seconds (which, however, is typical for almost any recorder with Wi-Fi support). Not to say that streaming video directly from the recorder card is a unique feature of the new product, but it is really very rare in Wi-Fi recorders, even among premium Koreans.
Of course, the G-sensor (shock sensor) is also present in the new product. And the developers have provided the new AdvoCam and LDWS function. Thanks to this system, the recorder can save a driver who has accidentally fallen asleep at the wheel, having given a loud beep about the car’s exit from the current lane. Just do not forget that for the normal operation of this function requires a clean, smooth, well-lit roadbed with a clear marking. Without snow, water and mud. So, as practice shows, LDWS works adequately mainly in the summer season and during daylight hours.
"Iron" and shooting video
The video part of the new representative of the AdvoCam line is represented by a six-element lens with glass lenses made of coated glass, the flagship CMOS-sensor OmniVision OV4689 (USA) and the already-mentioned top American processor Ambarella A12A55. I repeat, domestic engineers of AdvoCam at AdvoCam's own production in the city of Aleksandrov, Vladimir region, have pretty well “conjured” over the “contents” of the registrar. And, as a result, the maximum possibilities of the advanced Ambarella A12 chipset were revealed. The viewing angle is 135 degrees diagonally, four bands are seen in the frame, there are no distortions around the perimeter of the picture.
The manufacturer offers the following options for video resolution:
2560 x 1440, 30k / s;
2560 x 1440, 30k / s (HDR);
2304 x 1296, 30k / s;
1920 x 1080, 30k / s;
1920 x 1080, 60k / s;
1920 x 1080, 30k / s (HDR);
1280 x 720, 60k / s.
Thanks to the new processor, there is no need to choose between super fine shooting 1296p and 1080p with HDR (as is the case with Ambarella A7 recorders) - the highest resolution Quad Full HD 2560 x 1440 pixels also supports HDR shooting. And this is a significant plus when recording video in difficult conditions, such as poor lighting or bright sun. HDR combines two frames with different exposures into one, after which the best detail is achieved even in the dark and with the oncoming sun. With today's drops of lighting and the lighting of car numbers, our today's reviewed auto gadget also handles it perfectly.
The most important thing is the new AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS). In terms of the quality of shooting, AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS), in my fairly experienced opinion, bypasses any competitors in the price range up to 20,000 rubles. At the price of the device itself, let me remind you, at 10,000 rubles. To compete on equal terms or to circumvent the new Russian product can only premium Koreans.
During the day the picture is beyond praise - clear, bright, with rich colors and a minimum of glare, with uniform contrast across the entire field. With the readability of state numbers is also a complete order, if not more - in daytime shooting the license plates of cars are distinguishable from 16-17 meters, at night - from 10-12 meters. Over 10,000 rubles, usually registrars of other brands offer indicators that are at least 3-5 meters lower.
In the night shooting AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS) also showed itself more than worthy. As I have already indicated, the visibility of state numbers is up to 12 meters in a straight line. The picture is clear, clear, with a minimum of illuminated state numbers.
Of course, I could not do without a comparative test. Last time, I clearly showed that even the top AdvoCam based on the processor of the previous generation Ambarella A7LA70 shoots better than the Chinese Dome DAB202 made on the “knee” (one of the first recorders on the Ambarella A12). This time, the opponent will again be the product of our eastern neighbors -
By the way, such characteristics of the Chinese should be treated with skepticism - they really like to lie. In fact, who, and how, will check the veracity of the characteristics? Looking ahead, I will say - I was distracted by this remark only because, in the end, I did not see the picture being in conformity with the formal characteristics of the lens. Another thing is also true: in the absence of engineers working on the firmware and setting up the entire video processor “processor-matrix-lens”, there will hardly be a noticeable difference even between the high-quality aperture and some cheap analogue with plastic lenses.
I made all the comparisons in 1440p resolution with HDR. Look at the results.
In daytime scenes, AdvoCam shows a higher distance margin with clear state numbers. RayBerry E2 immediately begins to pour the same "sores" that I have already seen in the
But a visual stress test for the registrar. For some reason, I haven’t met any observers who assess the ability of the camera to withstand the passing bright sun. After all, our "light" illuminates the license plates no worse than the headlights of oncoming cars at night. What we see is that while AdvoCam has no problems, RayBerry demonstrates a subtle car number ahead.
Here a lower margin of clarity plus illumination came together. The license plate of the car on the right is clearly illuminated, and in a straight line it is simply barely visible.
On the left - AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS), on the right - RayBerry E2
Exit from under the bridge. If an accident happens ahead, RayBerry is unlikely to allow it to be viewed from the angle of the car in which the recorder is installed.
Night examples in the light of the freeze frames we have already studied look expected. Low clarity and full illumination of state numbers are indispensable satellites of RayBerry. On the contrary, the AdvoCam model shows no problems with clarity and clarity of the picture if experienced Russian engineers are behind the device, and not
Conclusion
AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS) is probably, by a combination of factors, the best single-camera DVR mid-2018. The novelty with an adequate price tag of 10 thousand rubles removes 2560 x 1440 pixels in ultra-high resolution Quad Full HD (which is almost twice as detailed as compared to “simple” Full HD). And at the level of devices twice the price - with the price of 20 thousand rubles. Yes, and offers a number of useful features, such as copying and viewing records on a smartphone via Wi-Fi, an improved dual-mode system for speeds, support for cards up to 256 GB and convenient pass-through power through the bracket. And this, not to mention the high quality of assembly and adaptation to Russian operating conditions (resistance to “minuses” up to -35 ° C and shaking on the roads), which is traditional for all AdvoCam models.
Among the shortcomings of the model, I note, perhaps, a limited list of settings available to the user when remotely connected (via Wi-Fi) and the absence of a complete microSD card. But these are trifles compared to the fact that our Russian engineers were the first in the world to
Anyway, hardly AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS)will become a hit of sales. AdvoCam will continue to support its rank of brand number one in registrar sales in Russia with models up to 7,000 rubles. This is an objective reality - in Russia, starting with a price tag of 8-9 thousand rubles, mass demand is focused on hybrids. On the other hand, AdvoCam-FD8 Gold-II (GPS + GLONASS) will definitely find a buyer. About 70% of those who turned to me for e-mail for advice on choosing a registrar were initially prepared to spend 7-10 thousand on a “solo” registrar, without the functionality of a radar detector.
PS I remind the readers about the choice of registrars or other issues related to car registrars, do not hesitate to contact me at my personal email at schub.alexandr@yandex.ru . I answer everyone who writes to me!