Having a dash camera installed in your vehicle is an excellent way to protect yourself from the challenges that driving presents. A video recording of dangerous driving, fraudulent behavior or accidents provides indisputable evidence when something goes wrong. A while back, we took a look at the innovative M4 dash camera system from Momento. This spotlight looks at the M4’s big brother – the Momento M5.
Video Resolution and Quality
The M5 features a high-quality Sony Exmor-R CMOS image sensor. The Exmor-R image sensor offers twice the light sensitivity of conventional sensors with half the image noise. Videos recorded with the Exmor-R have improved clarity and are brighter in low-light conditions. The M5 records video at full HD resolution, or 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. The frame rate is 30 fps, so that information will be clear and sharp. The M5 includes a microphone to store audio files and is covered by a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
The M5 includes a compact rear camera that records at 1,280 x 720 resolution. This second camera can be mounted in the rear window to provide 270 degrees of total coverage. Alternatively, mounting the camera inside the vehicle will capture the movement and behavior of the driver and passengers – a great solution for drivers using a dash cam for ride-sharing applications like Uber or Lyft.
Touch Screen User Interface
The M5 dash camera features a 3.5-inch LCD touch panel. Ensuring the camera is aligned properly without a display is very time-consuming. Unlike some cameras that use a configuration file stored on the memory card to make system settings, the onscreen user interface makes fine-tuning the operation of the camera quick and easy. One of the biggest benefits of an integrated display is the ability to review video files right on the camera without the need for a computer.
Video Storage and Event Triggers
The M5 starts recording as soon as you start your vehicle and stores video files on its included 32 GB micro-SD card. Once the card is full, it writes over the oldest information. The 32 GB card provides more than enough time to download valuable information to a computer if something happens.
The adjustable on-board accelerometer can trigger a “storage event.” When this happens, the subsequent video file is saved in a separate folder and will not be over-written once the main folder is full. You can initiate an event manually by tapping the power button. Event video files contain 10 to 15 seconds of video from before the trigger and 45 to 50 seconds after.
On-board GPS Receiver
The M5 camera system includes an integrated GPS receiver and an external antenna. As you drive, the M5 stores your location and vehicle speed information in the video file. The M5 Viewing Software for Windows includes an option to show a map with the vehicle position overlaid on top. The software also displays vehicle speed, accelerometer information and GPS coordinates during file playback.
Intelligent Image-processing Features
The M5 includes two unique features that make use of the camera system’s powerful CPU. The first feature is called Front-Vehicle Move Alert. After you have come to a complete stop, the camera system will monitor the image for changes. When it detects that the car in front of you has started to move, it will display a green GO message on the screen. You have the option of turning this function off.
The second feature is Parking Mode, which monitors the system for physical motion. Once your car has been stationary for a preset period, the system stops storing video but continues to monitor the camera image. When it detects a change in the image from someone or something walking or driving by, it will save the associated recording in a dedicated Parking folder. If you are worried about vandalism, theft or the unruly behavior of a local cat, Parking Mode is a great solution. The system can be configured to shut down automatically to ensure that the camera system does not kill your car battery if you are away for an extended period.
Drive Safely and Securely with the Momento M5
Dash cameras not only capture information but will affect the behavior of the driver. In a commercial vehicle with a camera system, drivers are safer and more efficient.
If you are looking for a high-quality dash camera solution for your personal or commercial vehicle, visit your local authorized Momento or Compustar dealer and check out the M5. They will be happy to provide a demonstration, answer any questions and arrange for installation.
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