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How do you choose the best dash video camera in 2024? What features and functions must have the ideal dash camera to suit your needs? Read our guide and make an informed choice.
Car video dash cameras are welcome in any vehicle for a bunch of reasons.
Video recordings can help in the event of an accident providing clear evidence of the incident, especially against those who do not declare the truth or want to sue insurance companies.
In addition, impact and motion sensors can even record when you are not in the car.
Besides all this, you can use the car dash camera and record the trip in a picturesque area.
Why Invest in a Dash Camera?
Before we delve into the features to look for, let’s shed light on why a dash camera is a worthy investment for your vehicle. Here are the main reasons:
- Legal Evidence: It can serve as unbiased evidence in case of a car accident.
- Insurance Claims: Some insurers in the UK offer discounts for drivers with dash cams, and the footage can also help expedite claims.
- Security: Some dash cams offer a parking mode that records footage even when your vehicle is parked, potentially capturing vandalism or theft.
Top 3 Recommended Best On-Dash Mounted Cameras
The Best Dash Camera: What to Look for
There are many important things to keep in mind when choosing the best dash camera. Each model is a bit different from another, and some of them have some features that you do not find in competing models.
Dash video cameras vary in price and usually the price reflects the number and quality of the present functions.
Cheap models have few features and offer lower resolution, while more expensive models usually offer advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS antenna, wider shooting angle, and a better image sensor.
Video Quality
Video quality is perhaps the most critical factor when choosing a dash camera.
After all, the main purpose of having a dash cam is to record clear and detailed footage of your journey, which can be essential in the event of an accident or dispute.
Resolution: The resolution of a dash camera determines the clarity of its recordings. Standard resolution starts from 720p (HD), while a more advanced option is 1080p (Full HD). However, in recent years, dash cams offering 2K (QHD) and 4K (Ultra HD) resolution have emerged, offering crisper, more detailed footage.
A higher resolution dash cam can capture finer details like number plates or faces, even at a distance. However, these high-quality recordings also consume more storage space, so consider a dash cam with a larger storage capacity or efficient compression technology like H.264 or H.265.
Frame Rate: Besides resolution, the frame rate also impacts video quality. Measured in frames per second (fps), a higher frame rate provides smoother video playback. Most dash cams record at 30 fps, but some high-end models offer 60 fps, capturing more frames per second for smoother footage and better clarity when paused.
Bit Rate: This is the amount of data the dash cam records per second, and it has a direct impact on video quality. Higher bit rate equals better image quality, but also larger file sizes.
Night Vision
Night vision is an essential feature for a dash camera, considering a significant number of accidents occur during nighttime, dawn, or dusk when visibility is limited.
Infrared (IR) Sensors: Some dash cameras are equipped with IR sensors that use infrared light to illuminate dark surroundings, useful for interior cabin recording in particular.
Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR): Both technologies help improve the camera’s ability to handle dark shadows and bright highlights simultaneously, offering clearer footage under high contrast or low light situations. WDR and HDR work by taking multiple exposures of the same scene and combining them into one optimally exposed image.
Automatic Light Adjustment: Some dash cams come with an automatic light detection feature, adjusting the recording settings based on the ambient light. This is particularly useful when driving through areas with changing light conditions, like tunnels.
Lens Aperture: A camera lens’s aperture determines the amount of light that enters the sensor. A wider aperture (expressed by a lower ‘f’ number, such as f/1.8) allows more light to reach the sensor, thereby improving the camera’s performance in low-light conditions.
Field of View
The field of view in a dash camera indicates how much of the scene in front of the vehicle it can capture. It’s measured in degrees and can significantly influence what your camera will be able to record. Let’s break down why the field of view is essential in a dash cam:
Wide Angle: Dash cams typically have a wide-angle lens to capture as much of the road ahead and the periphery as possible. A broader field of view can record more details, like adjacent lanes and side roads, which can be crucial in certain situations. Models with a field of view around 140° to 160° strike a good balance, offering a wide scene without overly distorting the image.
Distortion: It’s essential to note that a very wide field of view may come with its challenges. As the field of view gets wider, the footage can start to show a ‘fish-eye’ effect. This effect can distort the video, making objects seem further away than they are, which can potentially make details like number plates harder to read.
Dual Cameras: Some dash cams come with dual cameras, one for the front and one for the rear. This gives you coverage at both ends of your vehicle, providing a comprehensive field of view.
Parking Mode
Parking mode is a valuable feature that ensures your vehicle is still monitored, even when parked and turned off. Here’s what you need to know:
Motion and Impact Detection: In parking mode, the dash cam uses sensors to detect motion or impacts near your vehicle. When it senses movement or an impact, the camera will power up and start recording, capturing potential incidents like a hit-and-run or vandalism.
Buffered Parking Mode: Some high-end dash cams offer a ‘buffered’ parking mode. This means the camera is continuously recording but only saves the footage when motion or impact is detected. Importantly, it saves several seconds before the trigger event, ensuring you don’t miss what led up to the incident.
Energy Source: To operate in parking mode, the camera needs a power source, even when the vehicle is turned off. This can be the car’s battery, but be cautious, as prolonged use can drain the battery. Many dash cams have built-in voltage meters to prevent battery drain. Alternatively, some dash cams have their own separate battery or can be hardwired to the car’s fuse box.
Legal Considerations: Before using parking mode, be sure to check the local laws, as some jurisdictions have rules about recording in public spaces. In the UK, it’s generally legal to use a dash cam’s parking mode.
Loop Recording and G-Sensor in Dash Cameras
Loop Recording
Loop recording is an essential feature found in most dash cameras that enables the device to manage storage efficiently. Without this feature, once the storage space on your dash cam was filled, you would have to manually delete old files to continue recording.
Efficient Storage Management: Loop recording automatically overwrites the oldest non-protected files on the memory card, ensuring the camera never runs out of space to record new footage. This means you can always have the most recent recordings at your disposal, without the need for constant manual maintenance.
Duration of Loops: The duration of each ‘loop’ or ‘segment’ can often be set in the camera’s settings. Common options include intervals of 1, 3, or 5 minutes. This means that your footage is saved in bite-sized chunks, which can be easier to view and manage.
Important Note: It’s worth remembering that loop recording can potentially overwrite essential footage if not appropriately managed. This is where features like the G-Sensor and manual file locking come in.
G-Sensor
The G-Sensor, also known as the accelerometer, is another significant feature in dash cams. It detects sudden changes in motion or force, whether it’s rapid acceleration, sudden braking, or impacts.
Collision Detection: In the context of a dash camera, the primary function of a G-sensor is to detect collisions. In the event of an accident, the G-sensor triggers, and the camera automatically ‘locks’ the current segment of footage, preventing the loop recording feature from overwriting it.
Sensitivity Settings: Most dash cameras allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the G-Sensor. Higher sensitivity means the sensor will react to smaller forces, while lower sensitivity requires a more significant force to trigger. Finding the right balance is crucial, as too high sensitivity may cause the sensor to trigger and lock files even during a bumpy ride or slamming of the car door.
Parking Mode Activation: The G-Sensor also plays a crucial role in parking mode. If your car is hit while parked, the G-Sensor will detect the impact, wake the camera, and start recording, ensuring you capture vital footage of the incident.
In conclusion, loop recording and the G-Sensor are key functionalities in a dash cam that work together to manage your video footage efficiently and protect crucial evidence. When choosing a dash cam, ensure these features are available and customisable to suit your needs. And remember, a high-quality memory card is also important as it works hand in hand with these features for optimal performance.
Popular Dash Camera Brands in the UK
There are many reputable dash camera brands available in the UK market. Here are a few worth considering:
- Nextbase: Known for their high-quality products, Nextbase offers a range of dash cams that provide excellent video quality and user-friendly features.
- Garmin: Renowned for their GPS technology, Garmin also produces top-tier dash cams that offer superior performance and reliability.
- Thinkware: Offering innovative features like cloud connectivity and advanced parking modes, Thinkware dash cams are top contenders in the market.
- Transcend: Transcend is a reliable brand that offers a range of high-quality, affordable dash cams.
In conclusion, the best dash camera for your car largely depends on your specific needs and budget. Whether you require an advanced model with superior resolution, cloud connectivity and comprehensive parking mode, or you’re looking for a basic yet reliable dash cam, your chosen device should offer clear footage, easy usability and offer features that align with your requirements.
How to Install a Dash Camera
Installing a dash cam can be a straightforward process, though it may vary slightly based on the model and car design:
- Mount the Dash Camera: This is typically done on the windscreen, behind the rearview mirror for an optimal field of view. Most dash cams come with a suction cup or adhesive mount for this purpose.
- Route the Power Cable: Run the power cable from the dash cam to your car’s 12V socket. Most people route the cable along the top of the windscreen, down the A-pillar, and under the dashboard, using cable clips for a neat installation.
- Connect the Power: Plug the other end of the power cable into your car’s 12V socket.
Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions during the installation process to ensure the best results. In some cases, professional installation may be advised, especially for more complex models or hardwiring setups.
Conclusion
Investing in a dash camera can provide a myriad of benefits, from improving your road safety to assisting with insurance claims.
With the market offering a vast array of models, knowing the features to look for – such as resolution, field of view, night vision, and loop recording – can make the selection process more manageable.
From the high-end, feature-packed dash cameras by brands like Garmin and Thinkware to the more affordable yet reliable models from Transcend, the UK market provides options for every need and budget. And with proper installation, your dash camera can offer a seamless operation that ensures you’re covered, whether you’re cruising down the motorway or parked at the supermarket.
Stay safe, and happy driving!
Recommended Dash Video Cameras
Taking into account the criteria outlined above, but also the opinions of the users, we present you some models of dash cameras that offer excellent quality / price ratio.
- 【Ultra HD 4K+1080P Dash Cam】DYNACAM Dash Cam Front And Rear built-in 6 glass lenses, F1.8 large aperture 30FPS, records ultra 4K+1080P videos with front 170°/140° is able to cover 6 lanes wide angle dual cameras, capture vehicle license plates and traffic signs, providing clearer and high quality recording of accident evidence, dashcam ensuring you never miss a detail.
- 【Dashcam Built-in Wi-Fi & APP Control】Easily connect car camera dash cam to your smartphone via the built-in WiFi functionality. Use FREE "Viidure" app, available for both iOS and Android, download videos, adjust settings, edit, and share your footage effortlessly. With a simple tap, you can share snippets of any journey with all your friends on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, or other social media platforms. Perfect dashcam for cars, truck, SUV, easier to provide evidence when insurance claim.
- 【Night Vision Dash Cam & Environment Friendly】Dashcam With an aperture of F1.8 and a 4-layer lens and equipped with superior WDR technology, the professional dashcams with WDR technology can suppress overexposure at the same time in low-light environments at night without. The compact dashboard camera is designed to withstand extreme temperatures from -22°F to 158°F Reduces ground pollution caused by the absence of batteries and protects the environment.
- 【4K+1080P Dash Cams with 170°/140°Wide-Angle】The 4K+1080P resolution dash cam has excellent picture quality and detail performance ability. This UHD dashcams can capture more details, including vehicle license plates, road signs and changes in road conditions from a distance, providing a clearer, higher-quality record of accident evidence. The dash cam front and rear with 170°/140°ultra-wide angle can cover 6 lanes and effectively cover the visual blind spots, providing drivers with all-around driving monitoring and safety.
- 【Super Night Vision Car Dash Cam】 The dashcam With F1.8 aperture and 4-layer lens and equipped with superior WDR technology, dashcam front and rear camera is able to automatically adjust exposure, contrast and color balance to optimize night-time video recording and ensure clear and visible images. Whether it's day or night, car camera dash cam captures detailed license plate numbers and road signs, which are essential for safe driving and accident recording, making it an essential member of your driving team.
- 【Smart WiFi APP Control & User-Friendly Experience】This WiFi dashcam provides real-time preview and data transfer functions, you can share your travel scenery and moments with friends, family and share the footage from the dash cam front and rear wireless to the social media platforms with just one click. It’s easily to get the dash cam’s latest firmware version updates through the Viidure app. It is convenient for users to save and share meaningful driving moments and enhance the overall user experience of the car dash cam.
- 🚗【Super Night Vision Dashcam & WDR Tech Dash Cams】- This dash cam with 64GB card equipped with Advanced Image Sensor, F1.8 wide aperture and WDR technology enhances the clarity of car camera dash cam images. The dash cam front makes night shots brighter and prevents overexposure under strong light, obtains crystal-clear recording.The safety of driving at night will be improved a lot. You will be satisfied with the car dash cam
- 🚙【Dash Cam Front Full HD 1080P Resolution & 3" IPS Screen Car Dash Cams】- This dash camera with 64GB card comes with the real Full HD 1920X1080P at 30 fps video with enable you to clearly see every road conditions and license plates details. 3" Super large IPS Display dashcams that can supports real-time image and replay on dash camera without complicated 64GB card Install and Uninstall
- 🚕【Dash Cams for Cars Easy to Install and Set Up】- This car security cameras coming with a suction cup,a car charger. Stick the dash-cam onto windshield by suction up mount; Connect dash camera for cars with cigarette lighter by the car charger, generally the dashboard cameras will power on and record when the engine stars, save and power off when the engine stops automatically. If you want download/share files, you can use the smart card reader [Package Included] to do
- 🏆【Ultra HD 4K Front and Rear Dash Cam】- This dual dash cam simultaneously captures the road in detail with a front resolution of 4K 2160P and rear resolution of 1080P. With a 170° wide-angle lens, large F1.8 aperture, and WDR night vision, clear footage can be captured even in low-light situations to ensure every angle is covered and nothing is missed.
- 📱【Built-in 5 GHz Wi-Fi and GPS】- With a faster 5 GHz WiFi connection to your smartphone (4 times higher transmission speed than normal 2.4 GHz), you will experience a better preview, download and video sharing experience. Thanks to the GPS, the car camera can log the current speed and GPS position and automatically correct the time by synchronising with the satellite. View real-time GPS logs on the app or play them back on your PC.
- ✨【1.47” Display Screen, Compact & Easy Installation】- The 1.47-inch screen provides a clear view of the dashcam's status. The front dashcam has a sleek design with a Type-C interface, measuring 3.5x1.8x1.4 inches, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct your view. It features a detachable design and a 120° adjustable function for easy installation and removal. The rear camera is fully adjustable up to 360 degrees, allowing flexible placement anywhere in the car.
- 【Dash Cam Front and Rear】: Both front and rear camera with super crystal full HD resolution and 170° wide angle lens simultaneously captures all details on the whole road in super clear definition, give you complete peace of mind while driving your vehicle.
- 【Car Camera with Super Night Vision】Both dual dash camera is loaded with super high quality Sony Sensor which has better night vision than any other sensors, combine with F1.8 Aperture 6 Elements Glass Lens,provide super clearer view than most other dash camera in low-light conditions.
- 【High Performance Chip and Reliable Car dash cam】The car camera S900 features the high performance CPU and high end image sensor, which makes the front camera recording in super HD 1920x1080P / 30FPS. High resolution plus the powerful processor, the dashcam can absolutely capture all details clearly and bring you clearer videos, definitely reliable for restoring powerful evidence of any moment.
- 【1080P FHD Dash Cam Front】Diamond Lark dash camera features a 3-inch LCD display that allows you to view images in real-time. The 1920*1080P FHD video recording can clearly shoot scenes during driving. With a 170-degree wide-angle lens, the car dash cam can minimize blind spots and make the shooting content more comprehensive. Everyone should have a dash cam, it is a good way to defend yourself in case of an accident
- 【Loop Recording】The car camera has a built-in loop recording function. When you enable this function, the old videos in the car camera dash cam will be constantly overwritten with new videos to ensure uninterrupted video recording. Besides, the car dashcam can be set three kinds of video cycle shooting duration: 1 minute, 3 minutes and 5 minutes, which you can set it according to your needs
- 【Collision Lock】The front dash cam built-in G-sensor function. It can detect sudden crashes and automatically lock the video being shot to ensure that the video will not be overwritten. You can manually release the locking function later
- 🏆【3 Inch IPS 1080P Full HD Dual Dash Cam for Car】The high-performance chipset of dash cams can record video with a resolution of up to 1920x1080P, and clearly capture license plates and road signs. Dashcam upgraded to 3" large IPS Display, shows clear real-time image or playing back, brings better visual experience than other 2" Display. Recording from two separate perspectives by connecting the included front and rear car camera, provide you with all-round protection.
- 🏆【Dashcam with Enhanced Night Vision and WDR Tech】Yansoo dash cam front and rear for car uses Sony Starvis IMX335 sensor, which improves the low-light sensitivity and allows clear imaging in low-light environments. This dash-cam combines F1.8 large aperture and 6-glass lens, professional WDR, HDR technology helps to retain details in high contrast light, which means even in low light conditions can deliver artful images.
- 🏆【170° Wide Angle Front & Waterproof Rear Camera】The 170° wide-angle 1080P front view easily covers 4 lanes, while the 150° rear camera monitors the road behind the vehicle to ensure no blind spots. The 720P rear camera has a waterproof function, which can maintain clear shooting even when driving in rainy days, without missing any road condition information. Dashboard camera, with seamless loop recording, automatically overwrites the oldest file to save the current one, except for locked files. G-Sensor can emergency lock the video in the event of an accident to prevent important files from being overwritten and keep you away from driving disputes.
- Front and Rear Dual Recording Dash Cam: Full HD 1920X1080P at 30 fps video front camera with VGA waterproof rear cam. Simultaneously show front and back driving states, provide a safer daily driving environment.
- Superior Night Vision Dash Cam: 6 unique infrared LED fill lights allows the dash cam to perform optimally in low light situations. WDR technology allows for the best night video.
- 170° Wide Angle Dash Cam & 6G Lens : Combined with Sony sensor and 6 glass lens and 170 Degree wide angle lens allows COMS get more clear images. High-performance chipset which enables you to take up to 1080P 30fps full HD videos and 12MP pictures.
Last update on 2024-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API