SHENZHEN: In-car video recorders have come a long way in terms of their technical advancement. They have since become an indispensable motoring aid to support insurance claims in the event of an accident - and provide fodder for TikTok videos.
Chinese dashcam maker Vantrue recently announced the release of its 4-channel dash cam Nexus 5 (N5), which it says is the first on the market to feature a rear cabin camera.
It's an upgrade over its 3-channel N4 dashcam.
Why the need for 4 cameras, you may ask?
Vantrue said more cameras are better, with the fourth one able to capture scenes in rear seats. When a passenger accidentally leaves something behind (as in an e-hailing vehicle), the driver can help locate the lost item more quickly with the rear cabin camera.
Another advantage is that a baby in the back seat can also be monitored with the extra camera.
More importantly, by having four cameras with a 360°coverage, the N5 can piece together from all angles the chain of events leading to an accident.
Vantrue said the N5 is equipped with Sony's latest generation STARVIS 2 sensor, providing better image, reproduction and night vision. It said the dashcam supports WiFi and voice control, providing a better WiFi connection experience.
When it's time to save a clip, the dashcam can do so via a specific voice command.
It has a 10-second pre-recording function, and is able to capture an entire incident to ensure no details are missed, said Vantrue.
It has low-light night vision, with front and rear hidden infrared light design, enabling the vehicle to be monitored even in complete darkness, it added.
It is available for online pre-order from Vantrue at RM1,638. The product will ship from June 1.
