Dash Cam

A dash cam is a small camera that is mounted on the dashboard of your car to record video footage of your driving. It is a useful device for providing evidence in case of an accident, as well as for capturing interesting moments on the road. However, with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. In this buying guide, we’ll take a look at the different types of dash cams, key considerations to keep in mind, important features to look for, prices, tips, and FAQs.

1. Basic Dash Cams: These are the most common type of dash cams and are designed to record video footage of your driving. They typically have a single lens and offer basic features such as loop recording and G-sensor.

2. Dual Dash Cams: These dash cams have two lenses, one for the front and one for the back of the car. This allows for a more comprehensive view of your driving and can provide evidence in case of a rear-end collision.

3. Mirror Dash Cams: These dash cams are designed to replace your rearview mirror and offer a larger screen for viewing footage. They typically have a front-facing camera and can also include a rear-facing camera.

4. GPS Dash Cams: These dash cams have built-in GPS technology that allows for tracking of your location and speed. This can be useful for providing evidence in case of a speeding ticket or other traffic violation.

1. Video Quality: Look for a dash cam that offers high-quality video footage, ideally at least 1080p resolution.

2. Field of View: Consider the field of view of the camera, which will determine how much of the road is captured in the footage. A wider field of view is generally better.

3. Night Vision: Look for a dash cam that offers good night vision capabilities, as accidents are more likely to occur in low-light conditions.

4. Storage Capacity: Consider the storage capacity of the dash cam, as this will determine how much footage can be recorded before it needs to be overwritten.

1. Loop Recording: This feature ensures that the dash cam is always recording, and will overwrite old footage when the storage capacity is full.

2. G-Sensor: This feature detects sudden changes in speed or direction and automatically saves the footage leading up to the event.

3. Parking Mode: This feature allows the dash cam to continue recording even when the car is parked, which can be useful for capturing footage of hit-and-run accidents.

4. Wi-Fi Connectivity: This feature allows you to connect the dash cam to your smartphone or other device for easy viewing and sharing of footage.

Dash cams can range in price from around $30 to $300 or more, depending on the features and quality of the device. Basic dash cams typically cost between $30 and $100, while more advanced models can cost upwards of $200.

1. Look for a dash cam with a wide field of view and good night vision capabilities.

2. Consider the storage capacity of the dash cam, and look for one that offers loop recording and a G-sensor.

3. Look for a dash cam with Wi-Fi connectivity for easy viewing and sharing of footage.

Q: Are dash cams legal?

A: Yes, dash cams are legal in most states, but there are some restrictions on where they can be mounted and how they can be used.

Q: Do dash cams record audio?

A: Some dash cams do record audio, but it is important to check local laws to ensure that recording audio is legal in your state.

Q: How long do dash cam batteries last?

A: Most dash cams are powered by the car’s battery and do not have a built-in battery. However, some models may have a small battery for emergency backup power.

Q: Can dash cam footage be used as evidence in court?

A: Yes, dash cam footage can be used as evidence in court, but it is important to ensure that the footage is clear and unobstructed.