5 Car Dash Camera Features, Tips and Buyer Guide

Car Dash Camera for Safety. We listed 5 Best Products and Its important features and comparison. So, Check and Install on Dashboard. To know full information, Read this article.

Car Dash Camera

Car dash cameras, commonly known as dash cams, act as a second pair of eyes for you as a driver, recording both the road ahead and the interior of your car. These devices enhance your safety and vigilance, capturing high-resolution video with timestamps and GPS coordinates. Moreover, this guide provides essential information on dash cams, including types, benefits, features, and our top 5 picks. Read on to make an informed choice.

Why Install Dash Cam on Car?

Dash cams serve as protectors for drivers and car owners, providing recorded proof in cases of theft, vandalism, and insurance claims. While the choice to install a dash cam is personal, we recommend it for added security.

Types of Dashboard Cameras

  1. Basic Dash Cameras: These affordable, easy-to-install cameras record the road ahead with a single lens. So, they don’t capture events occurring at the rear or sides of the vehicle.
  2. Dual-Sided Dash Cameras: These cameras record both the front and rear of the vehicle, often with two units. While more expensive and complex to install, they offer comprehensive coverage.
  3. Hybrid or GPS-Enabled Dash Cameras: Combining GPS and recording capabilities, these space-saving cameras are typically more costly but eliminate the need for separate devices.

Dash Camera Work Principle?

A dash camera starts recording when the vehicle is turned on, capturing video in a loop and overwriting the oldest footage when storage is full. Most dash cams use microSD cards and are powered through the car’s power supply.

How to Store Footage?

You can store footage on a microSD card. Choose a dash cam with ample storage or consider an external microSD card for more capacity. Some dash cams prevent overwriting critical footage, especially those with a G-Sensor that locks recordings during sudden motions. Additionally, the storage you need depends on video resolution and recording length. Most dash cams support microSD cards from 32GB to 256GB, with higher capacities storing more footage.

Benefits of Car Dash Cam

  • Evidence in Accidents: Dash cams provide valuable footage to prove fault in road mishaps.
  • Protection Against Fraudulent Claims: They help defend against false insurance claims.
  • Theft Deterrence: Visible dash cams can discourage theft and help locate your car.
  • Recording Happy Trips: Capture memorable road trips with friends and family.

Dash Cam vs. 360-Degree Viewing Camera

Dash cams focus on recording incidents for legal protection, while 360-degree cameras enhance driving safety and maneuverability by minimizing blind spots.

Top 5 Dash Cameras Available on Amazon

1. Vantrue N4 3 Channel

Vantrue N4 3 Channel 4K Dash Cam

This option is the most high-tech on the list, providing you with 4K resolution and three channels for capturing footage from the front, interior, and rear of your car. With night vision and a wide viewing angle, it ensures comprehensive coverage. However, it’s also the priciest choice and may require some complexity during setup.

  1. Resolution: Front 4K, Cabin 1080p, Rear 1080p
  2. Storage: Supports up to 256GB microSD card
  3. Features: Night vision, GPS, G-sensor, parking mode

2. 70mai Pro Plus+ A500S Dual Channel

70mai Pro Plus+ A500S Dual Channel Car Dash Cam

You’ll love this great value option featuring 2K resolution and a front-facing camera equipped with a Sony IMX335 sensor for excellent image quality. It also compacts design and convenient mobile app make viewing and sharing footage a breeze. However, the night video quality is just average.

  1. Resolution: Front 2.7K, Rear 1080p
  2. Storage: Supports up to 128GB microSD card
  3. Features: ADAS, GPS, G-sensor, parking surveillance

3. REDTIGER Dash Cam 2.5K WiFi

REDTIGER Dash Cam 2.5K WiFi Car Camera

When you are seeking a budget-friendly option, this dash cam boasts 2.5K resolution and a front-facing camera. While delivering good video quality, it may lack parking mode and some additional features.

  1. Resolution: 2.5K front camera
  2. Storage: Supports up to 256GB microSD card
  3. Features: WiFi connectivity, G-sensor, parking mode

4.Qubo Car Dash Camera Pro

Qubo Car Dash Camera Pro

You’ll love this discreet dash cam with a 1080P front-facing camera. With its loop recording feature, it ensures you never miss a moment by overwriting old footage when the memory card is full. Though it boasts a lower resolution compared to other options, it still offers reliable performance without WiFi connectivity.

  1. Resolution: 1080p front camera
  2. Storage: Supports up to 128GB microSD card
  3. Features: Night vision, GPS, G-sensor, WiFi connectivity

5. DDPAI Mini Pro Dash Camera

DDPAI Mini Pro Dash Camera

You can now get your hands on a compact and easy-to-install dash cam featuring a high-definition 1080P front-facing camera. With WiFi connectivity, you can easily access footage on the go. While it may lack some advanced features like parking mode, its basic design ensures straightforward operation.

  1. Resolution: 1080p front camera
  2. Storage: Supports up to 128GB microSD card
  3. Features: Night vision, WiFi connectivity, G-sensor

Comparison of the dash cams

Dash CamResolutionNumber of ChannelsWiFiParking ModeProsCons
Vantrue N4 3 Channel4K3YesYesHigh resolution, wide viewing angle, night visionExpensive, complex setup
70mai Pro Plus+ A500S2K2YesYesGood value, compact design, mobile appAverage video quality at night
REDTIGER Dash Cam 2.5K2.5K1YesNoBudget-friendly, good video qualityNo parking mode, limited features
Qubo Car Dash Camera Pro1080P1NoNoDiscreet design, loop recordingLower resolution, no WiFi
DDPAI Mini Pro1080P1YesNoCompact, easy to installLimited features, basic design

Factors to Consider When Buying a Dash Camera

  1. Video Quality: Aim for 1080p resolution and high frame rates for clear footage.
  2. Field of View: Balance wide coverage with potential distortion.
  3. Night Vision: Necessary for clear low-light recording.
  4. Storage and Loop Recording: Ensure enough storage and loop recording capability.
  5. Build Quality: Prioritize durability against extreme temperatures.
  6. Mounting and Size: Choose a compact, inconspicuous design.
  7. Power Supply: Check battery life and power options. GPS and Speed Logging: Consider for location and speed tracking.
  8. Additional Features: G-Sensor, WiFi, dual cameras, and audio recording enhance functionality.
  9. Ease of Use: Seek a user-friendly interface and easy setup.
  10. Price and Warranty: Consider features against budget and warranty terms.

Guide to Dash Cam Handling

Installation

For optimal performance, you should place the dash cam behind the rearview mirror, ensuring a clear and unobstructed view. When powering the dash cam, you can use the car charger provided or explore hardwiring it to the car’s fuse box for a seamless setup. Also, make sure to use a high-endurance microSD card to guarantee enough storage capacity for your recording needs. Lastly, don’t forget to adjust the dash cam settings according to your preferences for resolution, loop recording, and other features that suit your needs.

Daily Use

The dash cam automatically initiates recording as soon as your car turns on. If needed, there’s also a manual recording option at your disposal. Once you’ve captured footage, you can conveniently view it either through your computer or via a mobile app.

Additional Tips to maintain optimal performance

You should regularly format your SD card. Additionally, keep wires discreet to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Be sure to check legal considerations, especially regarding audio recording laws in your state, and consider disabling audio or informing passengers accordingly. Lastly, prevent potential damage to your dash cam by avoiding extended exposure to extreme heat when parking your car.

FAQs on Car Dashboard Camera

Are Dash Cams Legal in USA?

In the USA, dash cams are federally legal as long as they don’t obstruct driving views. Additionally, States vary in audio recording laws; some require all parties’ consent (e.g., California), while others need only one party’s approval (e.g., Texas).

Are Dash Cams Legal in India?

Yes, dash cams are legal in India with some restrictions in private properties.

Do Dash Cams Work When the Car Is Off?

Some advanced models offer continuous surveillance even when the car is parked.

Do Dash Cams Drain a Car’s Battery?

Most dash cams consume minimal power and won’t significantly drain your car’s battery.

How Do I Install a Dash Camera?

Mount it on the windshield and connect it to the car’s power outlet. Additionally, Refer to the user manual for specific instructions.