Cameras in vehicles have started to catch on in parts of the world
as a way of documenting traffic accidents. While this particular camera
is designed for just that purpose, I could see it being used to stitch
together some other interesting video content as well.
Instead of just a single camera that captures traffic in front of
you, this portable device has a pair of swiveling digital cameras which
can capture images in front and behind you. Or to your left and to your
right, or just about any other combination of angles. Each camera can
rotate a full 180 degrees.
If you do chose to use it in your car, it has a handy “SOS” button,
which automatically makes sure that video from 10 seconds before and
after an accident will be saved to memory. A G-force sensor also does
the same in the event that it detects a crash.
Video resolution is 720p (1280×720), and it captures H.264 video from
each camera lens at up to 30fps. In adddition, it can grab 1600×1200
stills (appx. 2 megapixels). Also built into the camera is a 2.7-inch
widescreen LCD, which lets you view one, two or both cameras at the same
time.
One other nifty feature is a set of four infrared LEDs around each
lens, so you can use it to capture in the dark too. It’s even got a
mini-HDMI output so you can view content on a big screen too. At least
they’re nice enough to include the mini-HDMI to HDMI adapter in the box.
Content is stored onto an SDHC card (not included), and can also be
output to your computer via the USB port. The Dual Camera DVR also comes
with a suction cup mount for use on your windshield or other smooth
surface. While it’s designed to run using you car’s 12V cigarette
charger, it has a built-in rechargeable battery. It also comes with a
remote control, so you can activate recording remotely.
If it wasn’t obvious enough from the watermarks on the images, the Dual Camera DVR is available from Brando, where it sells for $116 (USD).
