Undoubtedly, a car dash camera is essential for every driver. These tiny lights were previously only used to capture rare road trip moments, but now they are more common in every car as they ensure additional security and can be used as proof in case of an accident.
Sadly, the issue with most people is that every camera is not meant for everyone. If you are a parent worried about safety or a car lover seeking highly technical features, then one-dimensional or general cameras will not work for you.
This wiki will help you understand the significant functions you look for in another camera and how to find the one that suits your needs.
Benefits of using a camera in your car
Safety, security, and Peace of Mind
A car dash cam acts as your shadow and records every meter you drive. So, for all the drivers out there, just the fact that they are recorded also relieves the driver and passengers. For example, it can help monitor reckless driving and vandalism- both the car and its driver.
Legal Protection in an Accident
Imagine this scenario: you are driving, and while driving, you have a minor accident; the problem is there is no clear idiom blaming anyone and transferring the entire situation into he said- she said saga.
Using a car dash cam provides the opportunity to settle disputes without ambiguity since using visual evidence can save someone from incurring the costs of hiring a lawyer with an insurance company. As the police can also provide this video, it can help file claims.
Key Features to Consider
When looking for a car dash cam, the following features should be a top priority on your list.
1. Video Quality and Resolution
In surveillance cameras, video quality has a significant impact on image clarity. It is recommended to settle for nothing lower than 1080p Full HD, but 1440p or 4K is a better option to capture images for finer details, such as license plates and signboards.
2. Night Vision Capabilities
You’d want your camera to operate better than the naked eye in the dark. A camera with night vision functionality ensures that you can obtain footage seamlessly regardless of the time of the day, which is great when you’re going on a late-night drive or parked in a dimly lit area.
3. Field of View (FOV)
The wider the view range, the better the view angle will be. You should get a wide-angle lens between 120 and 150 degrees, as this will give you ample coverage without too much distortion. However, use caution because the more the angle, the more distortion occurs.
4. Storage Capacity and Loop Recording
Car Dash Cams do not record everything forever; they have a built-in loop. Most Car Dash Cam’s SD cards will automatically fill up and overwrite the oldest footage. Always ensure that the car dash cam you’re buying has built-in compatibility with high-capacity SD cards and other storage options to optimize storage.
5. GPS and G-Sensor
Modern-day cameras come equipped with geographic tracking and speed detection capabilities with relays. A G-sensor is a motion sensor that responds to abrupt impacts.
Incorporating that context into footage is essential, especially in insurance cases or when specific events need to be tracked.
Types of Car Dash Cams
Which of the car dash cams would fit your needs is an important question.
Single-Lens Car Dash Cams
Cams that only house a single lens would suffice for those who need it at the front of the vehicle and would keep recording without further instruction. This is for either people seeking functionality at a low price or those who would want limitlessly uncomplicated features.
Dual-Lens Car Dash Cams
While seeking more car dash cams in a single deal, dual lens car dash cams appeared, which could install lenses in both the front and rear of the vehicle. As Uber drivers can agree, the ability to view behind the seat and even prevent rear-ending collisions from false accusations is miraculous.
Car Dash Cams with Extra Features
The more expensive a model gets, the more features one can expect, with some offering options such as parking mode, cloud storage, and wifi functionality. While parking mode allows for easy protection on the vehicle even when it is off using wifi, the content can be stored straight into phones for convenience.
Buying Guide
Following these pro tips will ensure that you aren’t making any mistakes while putting yourself in bad positions while purchasing a car dash cam.
1. Budget Considerations and Value for Money
There are several different kinds of car dash cams in the market now, ranging from sub-100 bucks going all the way to over a hundred. Consider a price and stick to it while determining the functionalities that matter most to you.
If you hardly drive around at night, it saves you money to forego unnecessary advanced night vision.
2. Feedback and Reviews
Looking for honest user feedback in forums instead of solely relying on the manufacturer’s words is a good practice. This is usually accompanied by performance or product durability and possibly other relevant information about the model.
3. Installation and Usage Parameters
The installation process varies from one dash cam to another. Adhesive mounts are used on some models, and suction cups are used on others. Think about whether you would be the one doing the installation or if you would rather have someone do it for you. Also, do not forget to get the proper angles while ensuring the camera is not blocking your vision.
Popular Brands Of Car Dash Cam For Your Vehicle
When shopping for a Car Dash Cam, comparing the most popular brands can help you make an informed decision. Here are some top-rated options to consider:
Top Budget Dash Cams
- Nextbase 622GW
- Price: $499 AUD
- Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5 based on 3,000+ reviews)
- Key Features: 4K recording, built-in Alexa, what3words integration, and image stabilization.
- Buying Link: Nextbase 622GW on Amazon
- Garmin Dash Cam 67W
- Price: $399 AUD
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 based on 1,200+ reviews)
- Key Features: Compact design, voice control, 1440p HD footage, and a super-wide 180-degree lens.
- Buying Link: Garmin Dash Cam 67W on Garmin AU
- VIOFO A129 Pro Duo
- Price: $369 AUD
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5 based on 700+ reviews)
- Key Features: 4K front camera, dual-channel recording, and parking mode with motion detection.
- Buying Link: VIOFO A129 Pro Duo on eBay
- Thinkware U1000
- Price: $699 AUD
- Rating: ★★★★★ (4.7/5 based on 500+ reviews)
- Key Features: Ultra HD 4K resolution, advanced driver assistance, and an optional rear camera.
- Buying Link: Thinkware U1000 on Thinkware
- BlackVue DR900X-2CH
- Price: $835 AUD
- Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5 based on 2,000+ reviews)
- Key Features: Cloud connectivity, dual-channel recording, 4K video, and built-in Wi-Fi.
- Buying Link: BlackVue DR900X-2CH on BlackVue
Medium Budget Dash Cams
1. Viofo A129 Pro Duo
- Price: $389 AUD
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 based on 1,200+ reviews)
- Key Features: Dual-channel 4K recording, Sony STARVIS sensors, GPS functionality, and parking mode.
- Buying Link: Viofo A129 Pro Duo on Viofo
2. Thinkware U1000
- Price: $499 AUD
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5 based on 1,500+ reviews)
- Key Features: 4K UHD recording, advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), built-in Wi-Fi, and cloud compatibility.
- Buying Link: Thinkware U1000 on Thinkware
3. Nextbase 522GW
- Price: $329 AUD
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5 based on 1,000+ reviews)
- Key Features: 1440p Quad HD recording, intelligent parking mode, built-in Alexa, and exceptional night vision.
- Buying Link: Nextbase 522GW on Nextbase
4. Garmin Dash Cam 57
- Price: $299 AUD
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5 based on 950+ reviews)
- Key Features: 1440p video quality, voice control, GPS, incident detection, and live view monitoring via the Garmin Drive app.
- Buying Link: Garmin Dash Cam 57 on Garmin
Low Budget Dash Cam
1. VIOFO A119 V3
- Price: $170 AUD
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5 based on 1,000+ reviews)
- Key Features: 2K Quad HD resolution, parking mode, GPS logger, and advanced night vision.
- Buying Link: VIOFO A119 V3 on VIOFO
2. 70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S
- Price: $80 AUD
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5 based on 500+ reviews)
- Key Features: 1080p Full HD resolution, voice control, and emergency recording capability.
- Buying Link: 70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S on 70mai
3. Navman MiVue830
- Price: $230 AUD
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 based on 300+ reviews)
- Key Features: 2.7K resolution, advanced driver assistance, and wide-angle lens.
- Buying Link: Navman MiVue830 on Navman
When looking for a car dash cam, consider comparing global brands, as it can help you with purchasing. Unexpected brands that have rated highly include the following:
Considering these options according to your finances and needs would enable you to pick the ideal dash cam for your car. Each manufacturer has distinctive offerings tailored to all types of drivers!
Car Dash Cam Installation Tips
Fitting a dash cam may give you pause for thought, but it’s a task that can be achieved easily with a few tips! To make sure your dash cam is affixed correctly and is working properly, follow these tips:
1. Proper Placement
Put your dash camera towards the middle of your windshield, either above or below the rearview mirror. This gives an obscure view of the camera whilst ensuring that the view of the road is still visible.
2. Proper Mounting
Employ the suction cup mounts or adhesive pads with your dash camera to ensure a firm and stable grip. Clean the windshield surface with glass cleaner before mounting so the windscreen has no dust or other residues.
3. Extending the Power Cord
To keep the installation orderly and clean, use a trim tool or a plastic spatula to place the power cord on the windshield’s edges and the dashboard. Alternatively, adhesive clips can be used to fix the cable. Plug the cable into an ordinary 12V car socket or, for the most straightforward option, wire it to the car fuse box directly.
4. Cam lens angle alteration
Using the built−in screen/app, adjust the dash cam of your vehicle such that it has a correct view of the front road – not too much sky and not too little of the critical areas.
5. Assess the Configuration
Before driving out, please turn on your dash cam and check whether it has begun recording. In addition, look at the recorded video to see if it is clear and whether the camera’s field of view can encompass the vehicle in question.
Following these straightforward guidelines will simplify your dash cam installation and guarantee effective performance for several years!
Dash Cam as a Legal Shield
A dash cam, or a car camera, can be a helpful gadget for drivers because it provides certain key legal benefits. As a key driver for its subpoena, one of the most essential benefits is it can provide you with a concrete form of evidence in case of an accident. The video proof that a dash camera offers can help you establish blame and keep you from false accusations, guaranteeing justice. It also serves as an excellent prevention against ‘crash for cash’ scams, where people cause accidents by cashing in on insurance policies. Even many drivers who indulge in habitual traffic violations like road insults and misuse – for example, speeding are regular users of dash cams because having video proof helps them if they need to report dangerous activity. Installing a car dash cam creates a feeling of security and becomes a means of legal protection on the road.
More Buying Guides
So here is a summary of all the essential points we discussed earlier:
- Video resolution, night vision, and storage are the centerpiece features that you should focus on.
- Single-lens dash cams are best for those who like easy usage, while double-lens shorts are ideal for people who want full coverage.
- Make sure to consider your budget, check reviews, and know your installation preferences.
The investment is only in a dash cam that records video of car activity. However, it is more than that; whenever one gets in the car, it protects, enhancing legal purposes and peace of mind.
Conclusion
If you are Mark Zuckerberg, a gizmos type of person searching for a hi-tech model, or a novice looking for something user-friendly, there is always a dash cam at your disposal. Please ensure to do enough research prior and ensure to invest based on your requirements.
Currently, do you own a dash cam or intend to buy it? Kindly provide your comments and share tips, experiences, and queries.
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