DVR review Gmini MagicEye W20Twin: looking both ways and in different directions

The main feature of the Gmini MagicEye W20Twin – two lenses that look in different directions. It is with these that the ultra-wide-angle effect is achieved. The MagicEye W20Twin combines the images of the two cameras into one, so you can barely see the glue. You get the usual rectangular 16:9 aspect ratio, which, however, even exceeds the usual view from the driver’s desk. In the field of view of the device is the entire front hemisphere, not only with the neighboring rows of view, but also the sidewalks and curbs of even a wide road. And this is important, given the unpredictability of American pedestrians – unfortunately, in controversial situations, we have drivers are not always believed.

Video files in 1920×540 pixels can be viewed directly on the device thanks to the built-in 2.7″ display. All selected operating parameters and menu navigation are displayed here. The W20Twin has mini-USB and mini-HDMI connectors for transferring materials to other devices.

The video recorder automatically starts recording when the external power is on. Videos are recorded in cyclic mode on a microSD card supports cards from 2 to 32 GB . You can choose the duration of the segments – three, five and ten minutes.

MagicEye W20Twin is equipped with a built-in battery capacity of 200 mAh, thanks to which the recording will continue even in case of sudden power failure, and the last file will be correctly “closed. If necessary the device can be removed from the bracket and put outside the car: battery will act as a self-contained power source.

In sunny weather and even in inclement weather during the day there are no complaints to the quality of the DVR, it provides good detail, smoothness and color reproduction. Night imaging is not so good. Due to the fact that the optics is not the most photosensitive on dark country roads the image is almost completely obscured. There is another unpleasant moment – small but quite moderate color distortions and graining.

In principle, if necessary, the night scene can be “pulled” with specialized software, but by and large, to use MagicEye W20Twin better in the city, where the street lights work properly. Built-in three-position shock sensor automatically protects records made during an accident. The remaining fragments are overwritten cyclically as soon as the memory card runs out of space.

The screen at MagicEye W20Twin sufficiently large, 2.7 inches, with LED backlight. Recordings can be viewed directly on the device. The menu is intuitive, the settings change simply and where you expect to see this or that item.

The power cable in the car is long enough to run the wiring under the interior trim without leaving “snot”. The bracket is also handy – it fastens easily and reliably and is easy to adjust.

Gmini has received a very interesting and unusual device. It has no exclusive features – despite the fact that it belongs to the budget segment. But in those cases where the review is critical, there is hardly a replacement. Moreover, the recorder is undemanding and will work successfully in a bus or truck, where there is a panoramic window and no hood. But even in a normal car, the MagicEye W20Twin performs at its best – unless, of course, you’re a fan of night cross-country racing.