Guide
Choice guide
A dashcam, short for dashboard camera, is a small video camera mounted on a vehicle's dashboard or windshield. These cameras are designed to continuously record video footage while you're driving. Dashcams come in various resolutions, sizes, and features, with some offering additional capabilities like GPS tracking, dual-camera setups (front and rear), and collision detection. They are a useful tool for enhancing safety and accountability on the road.
Various purposes of dash cam
Dash cams can record the events leading up to and following a car accident, providing valuable evidence for insurance claims or legal purposes.
Accident Documentation
Some people use dashcams as a security measure to deter theft or vandalism when their vehicle is parked.
Security
Dashcams are also used by enthusiasts to capture scenic drives or memorable road trips.
Recording Scenic Drives
Some companies use dashcams to monitor the driving behavior of their employees or fleet vehicles.
Monitoring Driving Behavior
Dashcam footage can be used to prove innocence or guilt in cases of road rage, hit-and-runs, or other road incidents.
Evidence in Road Incidents
Dashcams can protect drivers against fraudulent insurance claims or staged accidents.
Protection Against Fraud
Customers install dash cams for these reasons
Consider the video quality you need. Most dashcams offer resolutions ranging from 720p (HD) to 1080p (Full HD) and even 4K (Ultra HD). Higher resolution provides clearer footage, which is crucial for capturing important details.
Dashcams record video continuously, but the length of time they can record before overwriting old footage depends on the storage capacity and recording settings. Look for one that suits your daily driving habits.
Dashcams typically use microSD cards for storage. Ensure the dashcam supports cards with sufficient capacity for your needs. A larger card can store more footage.
Most dashcams use loop recording, which means they overwrite the oldest footage when the storage is full. Ensure this feature is present and customizable.
The FOV determines how much of the road is captured. A wider FOV is beneficial for capturing more details. Look for a dashcam with a wide-angle lens.
Consider a dashcam with good low-light or night vision capabilities. This is crucial for capturing clear footage in low-light conditions or at night.
Some dashcams have built-in GPS to record your vehicle's location and speed. This data can be useful in case of accidents or legal disputes.
Parking mode allows the dashcam to monitor your vehicle even when it's parked. It can capture footage in the event of vandalism, theft, or accidents when your car is unattended.
Dashcams with Wi-Fi connectivity allow you to easily transfer and view footage on your smartphone through a dedicated app. This can be convenient for sharing videos or adjusting settings.
If you want coverage for both the front and rear of your vehicle, consider a dashcam with dual-channel recording. These systems often have a second camera for the rear window.
Ensure the dashcam is well-built and can withstand temperature extremes, especially if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions.
Research different dashcam brands and read reviews from other users to gauge the reliability and performance of the dashcam you're considering.
Determine your budget and find a dashcam that offers the features you need within your price range. Remember that a higher-quality dashcam can provide more reliable and clear footage.
Consider how easy it is to install the dashcam. Some models have simpler installation processes than others.
