The DVR has long been a familiar companion of the driver. There are many options on the market with different possibilities. Today we will consider a model from the CANSONIC brand with a pair of PTZ cameras with different viewing angles. Model Z3 ZOOM GPS, as the name suggests, is equipped with a GPS module. Let’s consider the model in more detail.
Specifications
- Device Type: Dual Camera Car DVR
- Mounting type: quick release magnetic bracket
- Sensor: Sony Exmor IMX 323 2 MP
- Video Processor: N/A
- Lens: 6 lenses, 140° (F 1.8) and 25° (F 2.0)
- Recording resolution: Full HD 1920×1080 30 fps in two channels
- Display: 2.7″
- Memory card: Micro SD up to 256 GB
- Power supply: supercapacitor
- Dimensions: 14.5×5.1×1.5 cm
- Weight: 139 g.
Packing and kit
The device comes to the user in a cardboard box decorated in bright colors. There is nothing premium in the package. Specifications are given in English, and there is a sticker with Russian text. Inside soft protective insert.
The DVR is made in Taiwan. Warranty 1 year.
Let’s see what’s included in the Z3 ZOOM GPS package.
- Dual camera video recorder
- Power supply in the cigarette lighter socket
- Bracket with suction cup
- Bracket with 3M tape (+ spare strip)
- Clips for cable
- Film for mounting
- PC connection cable (mini-usb connector)
- User Manual (Russian)
- Warranty card
The user only needs to insert a memory card to get started.
The manufacturer offers a choice of two types of installation of the registrar on the windshield: suction cup or adhesive tape. But in any mounting, the swing arm contains a GPS satellite module and is powered through.
When using adhesive tape, it is better to pre-apply the complete adhesive film to facilitate dismantling.
The model’s power supply provides 5 V 2 A to power the recorder. It is quite compact and equipped with an operation indicator. The cable length (3.5 m) is enough for concealed wiring in the car.
Cable with angled connector. All complete cables have ferrite anti-interference filters.
Appearance and interfaces
The body of the Z3 model is quite large, since the monoblock contains two rotary cameras (by 180 °) and a large display (its size is 60×34 mm). Build quality.
Front panel in painted aluminium. I have it in black, although the box is turquoise.
The cameras of the model are designed for different tasks: wide-angle – for capturing the traffic situation in general, with a narrow viewing angle – works like binoculars, for small details far from the car. The cameras do not hang out and are fixed at the desired angle.
The control buttons are grouped around the display and clearly marked.
On the top and bottom:
There is:
- AV output 2.5 mm for connecting the recorder to a TV
- Mini USB connector for connecting to a computer
- Reset button
- Memory card slot on the bottom of the case
The connector is of course outdated, but the cables are included. Inside the Z3 recorder is not a lithium battery, but an ionister (supercapacitor) – this is a more heat-resistant and durable solution.
The magnetic bracket securely holds the device, and you can remove the recorder in a couple of seconds.
Device weight without bracket:
Recorder menu
The menu is divided into two sections: recording settings and device settings. You can also view photos and videos.
Video Options:
Here the parking recording mode (with external power) is turned on and the shock sensor is configured. The duration of the video is 1 or 3 minutes.
Recorder settings:
When connected to a PC, it is available: the operation of the recorder or access to a memory card with files.
Exploitation
CANSONIC Z3 is not equipped with a WiFi module, all settings have to be done on the device, and video viewing on the screen of the recorder / PC / TV.
Time from ignition on to recording start: 8 seconds.
Current consumption of the device during recording:
Installation in the car does not take much time. Since the model is quite large, it is better to place it near the rear-view mirror, so the registrar will not interfere with the view and attract attention from outside the car.
For shooting inside the cabin, a wide-angle camera is better suited, if necessary, it quickly turns into the cabin or to the car door.
The display is quite bright and has good viewing angles. You can customize how the display will show the image from the two cameras (or turn off the screen altogether).
A cold start of the GPS module (needed to set the time and speed stamp) takes from 2 to 6 minutes. Depends on the type of windshield, weather, foreign objects in front of the bracket, etc.
In work
First, let’s look at the possibilities of the photo mode (in original resolution). The photo is taken only with a wide-angle camera.
Next, let’s look at the capabilities of cameras on video.
Wide Angle Camera:
Night mode is activated automatically.
Camera – binoculars:
Its telephoto lens allows you to confidently see the numbers of cars for 50 m in clear weather.
Video file parameters from each binocular/wide-angle camera are recorded on the card separately (files are marked with the letter R or F):
With the help of a player on a PC (IQ Player), you can watch the satellite track of the trip. The sound is recorded by the recorder’s microphone muffled.
Examples of video from the registrar without quality loss with different lighting conditions in the original link to Yandex disk.
Conclusion
The CANSONIC Z3 DVR is a specific two-camera model, both cameras are used to record the traffic situation (general view and distant details). Also, the camera can be useful in parking mode (you need a Hardwire Kit external power module) for detailed recording of the situation around the car. The recording quality is high, the sensor from Sony does its job. The model is not quite budgetary, so you need to carefully approach the choice.
At the end of the review, we summarize this model.
Pros:
- Good recording quality in any light
- Practical control
- Two types of fastening
- Parking mode with shock sensor
Minuses:
- Large size
- Legacy Connectors
- No WiFi and no mobile app
DVR CANSONIC Z3 ZOOM GPS for sale on the official website.
Thank you for your attention. Good luck on the roads!
Source: Trash Box
I am Joyce Corbett and I have been working in the news industry for over 10 years. My current role is as an author at World Stock Market, where I focus primarily on the tech section. My specialty is creating engaging content that helps to explain and demystify complex financial topics.
