In recent years, dash cameras have become an essential accessory for car owners. These compact and affordable devices are designed to capture and record footage of your driving experience, providing you with evidence in case of an accident or traffic violation. With so many options available in the market, finding the best car dash camera can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll review the top picks and provide you with a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Benefits of using a Car Dash Camera
Car dash cameras have several benefits that make them a worthwhile investment for any car owner. Firstly, they can provide valuable evidence in case of an accident or traffic violation. This footage can be used to prove your innocence or protect you from fraudulent claims.
Secondly, a car dash camera can also deter thieves and vandals, especially if it has a visible LED light that indicates it is recording.
Finally, a car dash camera can also capture unexpected events that occur on the road, such as meteor sightings or natural disasters.
Types of Car Dash Cameras
There are two main types of car dash cameras – single-lens and dual-lens.
Single-Lens Dash Cameras
Single-lens dash cameras are the most common type and are designed to record footage of the road ahead. They usually have a wide-angle lens that captures a 120-degree field of view.
Dual-Lens Dash Cameras
Dual-lens dash cameras, also known as front and rear dash cameras, are designed to record footage of the road ahead and behind. They consist of two cameras – one that is mounted on the front windshield and one that is mounted on the rear windshield. Dual-lens dash cameras provide a more comprehensive view of the road and are ideal for taxi and rideshare drivers.
Features to Consider When Buying a Car Dash Camera
When choosing a car dash camera, there are several features that you should consider to ensure that you get the best device for your needs.
Video Quality
Video quality is one of the most important features to consider when buying a car dash camera. Look for a device that records at least 1080p Full HD video, as this will provide clear and detailed footage.
Field of View
The field of view is another important feature to consider. A wider field of view will capture more of the road and give you a better idea of what’s happening around you. Look for a camera with a field of view of at least 120 degrees.
Night Vision
Night vision is essential for drivers who frequently drive in low-light conditions. Look for a camera that has a high-quality sensor and infrared LEDs, as this will provide clear footage even in complete darkness.
GPS
GPS is a useful feature that allows you to track your location and speed. Some car dash cameras also have GPS functionality, which can be useful in case of an accident or traffic violation, as it can provide location data that can be used as evidence.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Wi-Fi connectivity is a useful feature that allows you to connect your camera to your smartphone or tablet. This allows you to view footage in real-time, transfer footage to your device, and adjust camera settings.
Parking Mode
Parking mode is a feature that allows your camera to continue recording even when your car is parked and turned off. This is useful for capturing footage of accidents or vandalism that may occur while you’re away from your car.
Size and Design
The size and design of your dash camera can also be important, especially if you have limited space on your dashboard or want a device that is discreet. Look for a camera that is small and lightweight, and that can be easily mounted on your windshield.
Price
Price is another important factor to consider when buying a car dash camera. Dash cameras can range in price from $50 to $500, depending on the features and quality of the device. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you when making your decision.
Top 5 Picks for Car Dash Cameras
After researching and testing several car dash cameras, we’ve selected the following devices as our top picks:
1. Vantrue N2 Pro
The Vantrue N2 Pro is a dual-lens dash camera that records in 1080p Full HD video. It has a 170-degree front-facing camera and a 140-degree interior-facing camera, making it ideal for rideshare drivers. It also has a built-in GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity.
2. Rexing V1P
The Rexing V1P is a dual-lens dash camera that records in 1080p Full HD video. It has a 170-degree front-facing camera and a 140-degree rear-facing camera, making it ideal for capturing footage of the road ahead and behind. It also has a built-in G-sensor and Wi-Fi connectivity.
3. Thinkware F800 Pro
The Thinkware F800 Pro is a single-lens dash camera that records in 1080p Full HD video. It has a 140-degree field of view and has built-in GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity. It also has advanced driver assistance features, such as lane departure warnings and collision alerts.
4. Blackvue DR900S-2CH
The Blackvue DR900S-2CH is a dual-lens dash camera that records in 4K Ultra HD video. It has a 162-degree front-facing camera and a 139-degree rear-facing camera, making it ideal for capturing high-quality footage of the road ahead and behind. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity.
5. Garmin Dash Cam 66W
The Garmin Dash Cam 66W is a single-lens dash camera that records in 1440p Quad HD video. It has a 180-degree field of view and has built-in GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity. It also has advanced driver assistance features, such as collision warnings and lane departure alerts.
How to Install a Car Dash Camera
Installing a car dash camera is a relatively simple process. First, determine where you want to mount the camera on your windshield. Next, clean the area with a microfiber cloth to ensure that the suction cup adheres properly. Attach the suction cup to the camera and press it firmly against the windshield. Finally, plug the power cord into the camera and into your car’s cigarette lighter.
>> Read More: How to Install a Car Dash Camera
Conclusion
A car dash camera is an essential accessory for any car owner. It provides valuable evidence in case of an accident or traffic violation, deters thieves and vandals, and can capture unexpected events that occur on the road.
When buying a car dash camera, consider the features that are most important to you, such as video quality, field of view, night vision, GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity, parking mode, size and design, and price.
Our top picks for car dash cameras include the Vantrue N2 Pro, Rexing V1P, Thinkware F800 Pro, Blackvue DR900S-2CH, and Garmin Dash Cam 66W.
Installing a car dash camera is a simple process, and can provide you with peace of mind while on the road.
FAQs
[wpsm_accordion][wpsm_accordion_section title=”Do car dash cameras record sound?”]Some car dash cameras do record sound, while others do not. Check the specifications of your device to determine if it has a built-in microphone.[/wpsm_accordion_section][wpsm_accordion_section title=”Can a car dash camera be used as evidence in court?”]Yes, car dash camera footage can be used as evidence in court, as long as it meets certain requirements, such as being time-stamped and showing a clear view of the incident.[/wpsm_accordion_section][wpsm_accordion_section title=”How long do car dash cameras record for?”]The recording time of a car dash camera depends on the size of the memory card and the video quality. Most dash cameras can record for several hours on a 32GB memory card.[/wpsm_accordion_section][wpsm_accordion_section title=”Can car dash cameras be viewed on a smartphone or tablet?”]Yes, many car dash cameras have Wi-Fi connectivity and can be viewed on a smartphone or tablet through a dedicated app.[/wpsm_accordion_section][wpsm_accordion_section title=”Can a car dash camera be used in any type of vehicle?”]Yes, car dash cameras can be used in any type of vehicle, as long as there is enough space on the dashboard to mount the device.[/wpsm_accordion_section][/wpsm_accordion]
