A dash cam is a small camera that mounts on your car’s dashboard or windshield. It continuously records video while you drive. Dash cams have become very popular in recent years. Here’s everything you need to know about these handy devices!
Introduction
A dash cam is a video camera that records the view through your car’s windshield. It captures video continuously while you drive.
Dash cams are also called dashboard cameras, car cameras, vehicle cameras, or driving recorders. They’ve become more and more common in cars over the last decade.
Dash cams provide continuous video recording in case you’re in an accident. The footage provides evidence if the other driver was at fault. They also protect against insurance fraud. And they can simply capture funny or crazy things you see on the road!
Benefits of Having a Dash Cam
There are many great reasons to get a dash cam:
- Evidence in case of an accident – The video can clearly show who was at fault. This protects you from false claims and saves time dealing with insurance companies.
- Protection against insurance fraud – Some drivers deliberately stage accidents to profit from fraudulent insurance claims. Dash cam footage will show if the accident was staged.
- Capture crazy or funny things – You can record meteors, extreme weather, car crashes, or just funny things you see on the road. It’s fun to look back at the highlights of your drives.
Features to Look for in a Dash Cam
When shopping for a dash cam, keep in mind these key features:
- Video quality – Higher resolution and frame rate means sharper, smoother video. Look for at least 1080p resolution.
- Night vision – Low-light and infrared night vision lets you see clearly even in the dark.
- Loop recording – Older footage is automatically overwritten so you don’t run out of storage space.
- G-sensor – Automatically detects accidents and protects important footage from being overwritten.
- GPS – Records your driving route, location, and speed along with the video.
Installation Tips
Installing a dash cam is relatively simple:
- Place it centered on your windshield, just behind the rearview mirror to minimize obstruction.
- Hardwire it to your car battery so it can run in parking mode when the engine is off. This allows it to record hit and runs.
- Neatly tuck away the wires along the edges of your car’s interior. Secure with wire clips.
Recommendations for Dash Cams
Here are my top picks in various categories:
- Budget – Viofo A129, Aukey DR02
- Loaded with features – Nextbase 622GW, Garmin Dash Cam 66W
- Front and rear cameras – Vantrue N4, Thinkware F200Pro
I recommend getting a model with high video quality, night vision, GPS logging, and parking mode hardwire capability. Pay more for added features if you want or need them.
Addressing Privacy Concerns
Some people worry dash cams invade their privacy. Keep in mind:
- You can disable audio recording if desired. Video only captures what can already be seen through your windshield publicly.
- Use and share footage appropriately. Most states allow you to record video through your windshield, but have limitations around audio recording consent.
How To Choose The Best Dash Cam?
Here are some tips on how to choose the best dash cam for your needs:
Video Quality
Look for a dash cam that records high-resolution video (at least 1080p) with a wide field of view, at least 120°. Higher resolution and frame rates (60fps) produce sharper, smoother footage.
Night Vision
Get a dash cam with night vision capabilities like low-light sensitivity and infrared. This allows you to capture clear footage even in very low light conditions.
Size
Choose a compact dash cam that won’t obstruct your view and can be installed discreetly behind the rearview mirror.
Storage
Get one with a large storage capacity or supports high capacity SD cards. Loop recording overwrites old footage automatically.
Impact Sensor
Look for G-sensors that detect collisions and protect footage from being overwritten after an accident.
GPS
Dash cams with built-in GPS can record your driving routes, location, and speed along with the video.
Parking Mode
Hardwiring kit needed. Records incidents when your car is parked and turned off.
Ease of Use
Find a dash cam with an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Automatic start/stop when you turn the ignition makes it effortless.
Build Quality
Select a dash cam made of durable material that can withstand high temperatures inside a parked car. Look for waterproofing if using outside.
Prioritize your key needs like video quality, night vision, and parking mode. Narrow down your options, read reviews and make sure it fits your budget. Investing in the right dash cam provides peace of mind!
Best Dash Cams 2023
- Top 10 Dash Cam for Car safety and security
- Top-Quality And Advanced Dash Cams: Top Picks of 2023
- Best 4K Dash Cams in 2023
Conclusion
A dash cam is a smart investment that provides security and peace of mind when driving. The video footage can protect you from legal hassles and fraud after an accident. And dash cams can capture those fun, only-in-a-dash-cam moments!
Just be sure to choose one with essential features like night vision, loop recording, and discrete front and rear cameras if you want both views covered. Install it neatly behind the rearview mirror and hardwire it for parking surveillance. Then enjoy the benefits of having an always-on driving recorder!